Strange Highways Music & Publishing

Tag: Words

  • Starr Love Audiobook Round 2: The Patel Motel

    Starr Love Audiobook Round 2: The Patel Motel

    Stack 15

    In this episode, Jeff writes live from a cheap, slightly sketchy roadside stop on I-20 in Texas where he holed up for three days to record the audiobook version of Starr Love. He talks about why the dogs made the first attempt impossible, why he chose a fifty-dollar motel over a proper studio, the MacGyver-level problem solving required just to get the gear running, and why John Waters is the reason he decided to narrate this one himself.

    Click here for the full article on Substack

    Jeff Elder Isn’t Real is a Substack by writer and musician Jeff Elder, a place where the curtain is half open. Part memoir, part creative process, part cultural observation. Warm, honest, and a little strange. Just like life.

    Subscribe to Jeff Elder Isn’t Real on Substack for free, new posts every week, including audio versions of most every essay. Jeff Elder Isn’t Real also broadcasts as a podcast available on most major providers.

  • Welcome to the 90s (Apparently, I Have a Podcast Now)

    Welcome to the 90s (Apparently, I Have a Podcast Now)

    Welcome to the 90s (Yes, I Have a Podcast Now)

    I’ve started a podcast.
    Well… let me back that up.

    A month or so ago, I started recording audio versions of my Substack articles — Jeff Elder Isn’t Real. It was simple: I wrote a thing, posted the thing, then I read the thing into a microphone. Easy.

    But now?
    Now I’ve expanded distribution so it hits most of the major podcast platforms.
    (Except Apple Music. More on that later. Let’s just say: headache – not worth the effort.)

    So yes. I guess I have a podcast. Welcome to the 90s. Or the 2000s. Or whenever podcasts became a thing. Time isn’t real.

    Why I’m Doing This (Even Though I Write Books)

    The reason is embarrassingly simple:
    I prefer listening over reading.

    What?
    Yeah, I know — I write books. I write essays. I write all the time.

    But I also stare at text on a screen for most of my waking hours. So, when I want to actually enjoy a story, I prefer listening to it. Because while my eyes are tired, my brain may not be. Follow me?

    So if you’re like me — someone who loves stories but occasionally wants to give your eyeballs a break — this podcast is for you.

    What the Podcast Actually Is

    The podcast is called Jeff Elder Isn’t Real, and it mirrors the Substack of the same name. Most weeks, I post a new essay on Substack, and now you can listen to me read it wherever you prefer to listen to things.

    It’s still free.
    It’s still me.
    It’s just… portable.

    You can now listen on Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts, and all the smaller apps those platforms feed into. And of course, you can still listen on Substack or through the Substack app if you like to keep everything in one place.

    Apple Music will happen eventually. Probably. Maybe. We’ll see.

    Where We Are Now

    I started recording audio at Episode 9. We’re on Episode 13 now. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be backfilling Episodes 1–8 so the whole archive is available in audio form.

    Each episode is around 10 minutes or less.
    Short enough to listen while making coffee, walking to your car, hiding from your responsibilities, or pretending to fold laundry.

    Or, if you’re a binger, you can listen once a month and play them back‑to‑back. That’s the beauty of podcasts — you can digest them however you want.

    What This Thing Is

    Jeff Elder Isn’t Real is a Substack podcast written and read by me — a writer of sorts, musician, and general DIY creative hermit. It’s a place where the curtain is half open. Part memoir, part creative process, part cultural observation.

    Warm, honest, and a little strange.
    Just like life.

    Where to Follow

    Follow wherever you listen, or subscribe on Substack to get everything in one place.

    As the ambulance chaser on TV says, call me right now! Well, here are the podcast links – Don’t get caught in an accident – CLICK ME RIGHT NOW!!! – You, too, could be missing out on thousands owed to you – FOLLOW ME RIGHT NOW!!!!

    Amazon Music

    Spotify

    YouTube Podcasts

    Pocket Casts

    Substack (podcast)

    Substack (main article page)

    New episode arrives tomorrow.

    Thanks for being here!

    Jeff

  • Starr Love Is Officially Here

    Starr Love Is Officially Here

    Today marks a milestone I’ve been working toward for a very long time. My new book, Starr Love, is officially out in the wild — available now in both Kindle and print — and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. Alongside the book, I’m also releasing a companion single, “I’m A Star” by Stu Starr, which ties directly into the story’s universe. Both projects go live today, and it feels surreal to see them come together at last.

    A Story Decades in the Making

    This book has a long history. I first came up with the idea in the 90s, when my friend Joe Christ had shifted from making music to making indie films. I originally built the concept as something to pitch to him, my band would do the soundtrack, blah blah blah. Life, of course, had other plans. Joe passed away before I ever finished it, and the project sat unfinished for years.

    In many ways, Starr Love became my way of finally completing that idea. If you’re familiar with Joe’s work, imagine something he might have co‑produced with John Waters: a strange, funny, slightly chaotic look at the quest for fame, filtered through the lens of someone who has spent a lifetime around music, performance, and the people who chase the spotlight.

    Building Stu Starr’s World

    One of the most enjoyable parts of writing this book was creating the world around Stu Starr — a fictional pop star with big dreams, questionable decisions, and a universe full of real‑life echoes. I had a blast weaving in little nods to places and moments from my own past.

    Readers familiar with my hometown, Tulsa, will spot a few recognizable locations: record stores, restaurants, The Max, and other pieces of the city’s musical DNA. And for my fellow Duran Duran fans, you may notice a wink or two in the form of Sterling Vaughn and his band, Tiger Baby. Then, there’s Julian Rainwater and ol’ Rowdy… I’ll leave those two to your own imagination.

    To bring Stu’s world to life even further, I recorded a companion single, “I’m A Star,” which releases today as well. It’s a fun extension of the book’s tone — part satire, part homage, part glitter‑covered chaos.

    What’s Coming Next

    The release of Starr Love is just the beginning. Over the next few months, I’ll be expanding Stu Starr’s universe even further.

    Audiobook (Coming Soon)

    An audiobook edition is currently in production and will be released in the next few months (date TBA). I’ll be narrating it myself, which, I’m sure, will be its own wild and rewarding experience.

    Extended Dance Remix EP

    To keep the legend alive, I’ll also be releasing an extended dance remix EP of “I’m A Star” to coincide with the audiobook launch. Think club‑ready, glitter‑covered chaos — very Stu Starr. Stay tuned!

    Wider Ebook Availability

    Right now, the ebook is exclusive to Amazon for the initial 90‑day launch period. After that window closes, Starr Love will also be available on additional platforms including Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and more.

    Where to Read and Listen

    Starr Love is available now on Amazon. I kept the Kindle price low, and it’s also included in Kindle Unlimited if that’s your preferred way to read.

    Book Link:
    Kindle & Print Version from Amazon

    Companion Single – “I’m A Star” by Stu Starr – Available from all major streaming services, including:
    Spotify
    Amazon Music

    A Small Favor, If You Enjoy It

    If you do pick up the book and enjoy it, an honest Amazon review would help more than you know. Early reviews are a huge part of how Amazon’s system recommends books to new readers, and every single one makes a difference. Same with the song.

    Thank you for taking the time to check out this project. It’s been a long road getting here, and I’m excited to finally share Stu Starr’s world with you — and even more excited for what’s still to come.

    Jeff

  • Starr Search – Week 3 – Steve Starr

    Starr Search – Week 3 – Steve Starr

    ⭐ THIS WEEK’S CHARACTER: Steve Starr

    Stu Starr’s father. A handsome, quietly charismatic man whose charm once filled every room he walked into, Steve carries the weight of choices he never fully owned. He’s the kind of dad who means well but leaves emotional debris in his wake — a man stitched together from good intentions, half-truths, and the kind of silence that shapes a family for decades. In Starr Love, Steve represents the legacy Stu can’t outrun: a father who loved deeply, failed quietly, and left shadows long enough for his son to grow up inside them.

    [ays_poll id=”4″]

    Cast your vote above — and check back Thursday for the reveal.
    If you want updates first, follow my page on my Facebook page.

    Pre‑Release Prize

    Everyone who votes in any of the four pre‑release weeks is entered into a drawing for one autographed paperback of Starr Love.
    (The more weeks you vote, the more entries you get – enter your email address if you want to be entered.)

  • Announcing the Release of Starr Love – Available for Pre‑Order Now

    Announcing the Release of Starr Love – Available for Pre‑Order Now

    Announcing the Release of Starr Love — Available for Pre‑Order Now

    I’m excited to share some news: my new book, Starr Love, officially arrives on February 14th, 2026 in both Kindle and paperback editions (audiobook to follow this Summer). After years of shaping this story — its humor, its heart, its glitter‑coated delusions — it’s finally ready to meet readers.

    Pre‑order is now available!

    👉 Pre‑Order from Amazon: Starr Love

    About the Book

    Starr Love is a darkly comic psychological tale about fame, fantasy, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. At its center is Stu Starr, a lifelong dreamer who has always believed he was destined for something bigger. The world never quite agreed — but that’s never stopped him from rewriting every moment of his life into a story where he eventually shines.

    With rhinestones polished and cape in place, Stu is convinced the spotlight is finally his. But as the line between fantasy and reality begins to warp, what emerges is a story that’s unsettling, funny, and painfully familiar in a culture obsessed with being seen.

    Set partly against the backdrop of Tulsa’s music scene in the 1980s, the story taps into the raw ambition that fuels performers everywhere — from garage bands to bar‑band veterans. Readers who love offbeat, boundary‑pushing fiction, dark humor, or camp‑infused storytelling will feel right at home.

    A Satire Wrapped in Sequins

    Described as “a portrait of delusion in sequins,” Starr Love offers a sharp, satirical look at:

    • celebrity worship
    • political spectacle
    • the cultural hunger for attention
    • the fragile psychology behind wanting to matter

    It’s a book for anyone who’s ever chased a dream, questioned their own narrative, or watched the spotlight burn a little too bright.

    The tagline says it best:
    “Fame is a fantasy. Delusion is forever.”

    Pre‑Order Today

    If you’d like to support the book — or just want to be among the first to read it — you can pre‑order below:

    👉 Pre‑Order from Amazon: Starr Love

    Your early support means the world and helps the book reach more readers when it launches.

    Stay Connected

    For updates, behind‑the‑scenes notes, and future releases, keep an eye on strangehighways.com and thanks, as always, for being part of this journey – Stu Starr is almost ready for his close‑up – I have some fun ideas that we’ll be playing with as a part of that.

    Happy Friday,

    Jeff

  • “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    “Fame, Fear, and Funhouse Mirrors” — A Short Interview with Jeff Elder, Author of Starr Love

    Interview by Mic Copiloti (MC)

    MC: Jeff, Starr Love is a novel that feels both intimate and unsettling in the best way. For readers who haven’t encountered it yet, how would you describe what the story is about at its core?

    Jeff: Starr Love is the story of a wanna‑be rock star gone wrong. It takes us through his life, how he rose to fame, and beyond.

    MC: The book unfolds across Tulsa and Las Vegas — two places with wildly different energies. What drew you to set the story there?

    Jeff: I wanted to be able to describe subtle details of the city Stu lived in. I grew up in Tulsa, and since it’s such a rich playground for subject matter and scenery, it seemed perfect for the Starr family. As for Las Vegas — that’s where stars go to fade away into history, right?

    MC: Stu is a complicated figure: delusional, earnest, hungry, and heartbreakingly human. What should readers understand about his psychology?

    Jeff: Unfortunately, Stu is a bit like what the U.S. has become. He’s obsessed with fame, fortune, himself and not much else. It’s a sad commentary, but if you look at any device, that’s what you see. Stu is just an exaggerated version of that.

    MC: That cultural reflection is part of what makes the book so timely. Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you an outliner, a discovery writer, or something in between?

    Jeff: First off, I don’t consider myself a writer — not like a Stephen King or whatnot. I’m a story creative. I develop mostly full stories in my mind, then take them into a word processor and lay them out as completely as I can. From there, I’m not afraid to use the tools out there: editing software, critiquing software like AutoCrit, and bouncing ideas with AI. But I don’t use AI for coming up with ideas — I bring the ideas, and I might just ask how to word something or ask if something says what I am trying to express. At heart, I’m a dumb musician with a knack for crazy ideas, and I’m okay with that.

    MC: You’ve been open about using modern tools in your creative process. What’s your take on technology’s role in creativity?

    Jeff: AI isn’t for coming up with ideas — it’s for exploring them. I don’t think it’s a threat to the writing world. Have you ever read a book totally conceived by AI? I have. They’re all over Amazon. Add in virtual voice and it’s a double‑whammy slap to the creative community. But as a collaborator? As a tool? Absolutely. I’m a bit of a hermit, so sometimes I need a sounding board. Technology lets me sanity‑check ideas, take notes, voice‑type, and assemble thoughts into usable chunks. I’m all for technology in the arts when it’s used responsibly.

    MC: You’ve said before that Starr Love carries an underlying message. What do you hope readers take away?

    Jeff: The underlying message is to — gasp — stop worshipping fame so much. Fandom is fun, but when it crosses into worship? That’s kind of like being in a cult, isn’t it? While my story is fiction, it could happen. It’s not far‑fetched in today’s world. That alone makes it a pretty scary story, huh?

    MC: One last question. Why was now the right time to tell this story?

    Jeff: I can do it in one sentence: Have you seen the news?

    MC:
    That might be the most concise — and accurate — justification I’ve heard for a novel in years. Sometimes the world hands you a moment so absurd, so loud, so fame‑drunk that the only reasonable response is to write a story that holds a mirror up to it.

    ⭐ Book Availability

    Starr Love will be available February 14th, 2026 in both digital and print formats. Readers will be able to purchase it through Amazon and other major retailers. A full announcement with links will be posted prior to its release.

  • Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    Looking Back at 2025 — and Ahead to 2026

    So, here we are again – New Years Eve. As usual, I have been reflecting and thinking ahead.

    2025 was a strange one — a year that didn’t always go the way I expected, but still managed to deliver some real highlights, a few surprises, and more than a little personal growth (forced or otherwise). As the year winds down, I wanted to take a moment to look back at what happened, what I created, what I survived, and what’s coming next.

    Creative Highlights of 2025

    In April, Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon A Time finally made its way into the world. By December, it climbed to #20 on the Amazon Children’s Books chart, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. That little story book found its audience, and seeing it resonate with readers has been one of the brightest parts of my year.

    Early in the year, I released a couple of experimental electronic tracks — not under a band name, not behind a persona, just Jeff Elder. They’re like me – odd, atmospheric, and definitely “an acquired taste,” but they made me happy. Sales weren’t wild, but that was never the point. It felt good to create something purely because I wanted to and I look forward to doing more in the future.

    On the non‑creative side, I started SOHO Admin Force, a business I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes most of the year. I know that’s not what most people come to this site for, but if you are curious, I’ve included a link where you can learn more about what we do above.

    On a Personal Note

    2025 was… physically challenging. Early in the year, I learned that my foot had actually been broken — not recently, but two years earlier. I’d spent all that time assuming it was a stubborn sprain. Turns out, no. It was very broken.

    I had the bone repaired, and the recovery took far longer than expected. I ended up off my feet for more than half the year. And just when I finally started walking again, I managed to injure the other knee. Physical therapy has been my new friend ever since.

    It wasn’t the year of movement I wanted, but I’m grateful to say I’m doing much better now — not quite 100%, but close. Healing is slow, but it’s happening, and I’m ready to step (carefully) into 2026.

    Looking Ahead to 2026

    So, what’s coming next? Quite a bit — the kind of work that’s been simmering quietly while I’ve been healing and regrouping.

    I’ve spent much of this winter finishing and editing my next release, Starr Love. Despite the title, no — it’s not a romance novel. It’s the story of a delusional wannabe rock star who maybe takes things a bit too far. It’s strange, darkly funny, and very much its own thing. You’ll see it on shelves this Spring.

    I’ve got two (maybe three) other manuscripts in various stages of development. Once Starr Love is officially off my plate, I’ll decide which one gets my attention next.

    I’m doing a couple of remixes for the latest Red Red Groove album, Resonance. Since I’ve stepped back from playing live and have mostly retired from the music scene, I only appear on the new album on one track (Activate) — a guitar part I recorded back during the Return sessions. Think of these remixes as my small way of supporting Mike Castle and the groove as he keeps it moving forward.

    I really enoyed making music with no rules, no expectations, and no persona — just me and a pile of synths. Will another track appear in 2026? Maybe. Probably. We’ll see where inspiration leads.

    And Finally…

    I hope everyone has been having — and continues to have — a wonderful holiday season. This time of year always feels like a reset button, a chance to breathe, reflect, and look ahead with a little more optimism than we had in the middle of the year.

    I’m looking forward to making 2026 a great one, creatively and personally, and I hope you’re able to carve out something meaningful for yourself in the months ahead too. Here’s to new projects, better health, and whatever strange, unexpected joys find us along the way.

    Cheers,
    Jeff

  • Greetings from Fall in Texas!

    Greetings from Fall in Texas!

    Autumn finally arrived yesterday, and I couldn’t be happier. I love this time of year. As Mike (from my old band Red Red Groove) used to say, it’s officially “Leather Weather Season.”

    It’s been a minute, and now that the weather’s finally decent, I figured it was time to post an update on what’s been going on.

    Summer Recap
    This summer was a whirlwind. While I haven’t posted much, I’ve been working non-stop on several projects. As I mentioned earlier this year, I’ve been building a new business called SOHO Admin Force. We officially opened our virtual “doors” this month. So now I guess I’m supposed to lean back and collect the cash, right? Just kidding—it’s been a labor of love, and I’m proud of what’s taking shape.

    Beyond that, I’ve continued work on two books: Starr Love and EternaLife. I expect Starr Love will be the first to debut, likely sometime next year. In the original draft, I included several “real” characters by name, thinking it would be funnier if readers recognized them as celebrities. After several months of trying, I wasn’t able to secure permission to use those names, so I went back to the drawing board. All good, though. I’ve learned that with writing, deadlines are overrated. You write until it’s right.

    Studio Shifts
    Ah yes, studio stuff. In today’s digital age, unless you’re a full band needing rehearsal space, there’s not much need for a dedicated studio anymore. I’ve been selling off gear and consolidating everything into a new office setup this Summer, rather than keeping it in a separate building like before.

    Aside from music projects, I’m planning to narrate some of the books myself. I’ve always admired how John Waters does his own readings. There’s something more sincere about hearing a story straight from the horse’s mouth.

    Holiday Promotions
    Next month kicks off the promotional push for Once Upon a Time – a great stocking stuffer for the grandkids (hint hint). We’ll also be rolling out the annual Christmastime on the Beach campaign. That book and CD combo makes a great gift too. Just sayin’.

    Looking Ahead
    Now that SOHO is live, I’ll try to post more often while we wait on the next creative wave. There’s plenty going on behind the scenes, even if I haven’t been gabbing about it like I probably should.

    Until Then…
    Wishing you all a safe and fun Halloween. Here’s a track Mike and I released a few years back to help set the spooky mood.

    Happy Halloween,

    Jeff

  • Summer Summer

    Summer Summer

    It’s been a busy Summer here, figured I should probably drop in a quick update… at the moment, I’ve got three works in progress. Ok, maybe four. Maybe five.

    At the top of the list, creative-wise, I’m about half-way through finishing a book called Starr Love. I’m not going to get deep into what it’s about right now. But, rest assured, it is very different from anything I’ve put out in the past and will be a full-length book (rather than a short like in the past). With any luck, you’ll see Starr Love surface this Fall.

    Also on the writing pad is one called EternaLife. I’ve been working on this for close to a year now and it just keeps evolving. So, rather than rushing it, I’ve decided to let it evolve naturally and, hopefully, we’ll see it in 2026.

    Musically, a remix I did for the band Asylum is being released this month. I don’t have a lot of details on where to stream, etc. But, I know they’ve pressed some CD’s and I hear streaming is coming. Will post a link once I receive it.

    I will also being another abstract “elder” piece this Fall. More on that later.

    What else? Oh, on the non-creative side, I’ve been working on launching a new business called SOHO Admin Force. It’s been taking up a lot of time but, in the end, should provide for some retirement income when the time comes. That’s a good thing. But, very time consuming and has taken away from the writing lately. I’ll be glad once things get up and running and I have more time to devote to writing.

    So… that’s where we are on this Summer of 2025.

    Hope you all have a fun Summer!

    Jeff

  • Once Upon A… Coloring Book!

    Once Upon A… Coloring Book!

    I thought, since I did the children’s book, a coloring book would be fun to go with it. So… here it is!

    I wanted to keep the cost low, so I’m making about 15 cents off each of these babies lol. The rest is the manufacturing cost. Gotta love it, right?

    Have fun!

    – Jeff

  • Once Upon a Release Day

    Once Upon a Release Day

    I’m thrilled to officially announce that my new book, Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon a Time, is now available! This project has been a labor of love, and I couldn’t be happier to finally share it with you all. If you grab a copy and enjoy it, I would be incredibly grateful if you could leave a rating or review on Amazon or Goodreads. Those reviews make a big difference in helping the book reach new readers. And if you’d like to help spread the word, sharing this post or telling your friends about the book would mean the world to me.

    Thank you all for your support!

    – Jeff

    Spoiler alert:

    While I’m a big fan of Duran Duran, I’ve never been thrilled about their habit of releasing multiple versions of the same album without much warning. I always end up buying them all—a true sucker for their music! With that in mind, I wanted to share all the coming formats upfront so there are no surprises down the line. While I’d love for you to pick up every version, I completely understand how frustrating that can be. So… pick your favorite poison!

    Paperback – Now available

    Kindle – Now available for purchase OR free to read with Kindle + for next 90 days (I get paid for “page turns” on those – so simply reading and reviewing it for free still helps)

    Audible audiobook – Due in about a week or so

    Hardcover w/ color pictures – Early Summer

    Coloring Book – May 2025

    Other merch (t-shirts, music project, etc.) – Now through Fall

  • Next stop: 2025

    Next stop: 2025

    I hope everyone had a nice holiday season. For me, I usually consider the official end of the holidays to be on my birthday (mid-January). No sense is going back to dieting and all that crap for just a couple weeks, right? Right 🙂

    Anyway, finalizing many projects for this coming year and figured I would give a little info about what I will be working on.

    First up, The Outsider. I say first up – you can’t really be 100% sure of the order of these things, but it’s a good tentative guess. Now, back to the The Outsider…

    For years, I have dabbled in assorted types of instrumental music under one name or another. I’ve always wanted to go kind of “freestyle” though. Just sit down for a few days, lose my mind and see what comes out on tape.

    The first week of January, I did just that. I completed two of four tracks. I expect to wrap up recording on the rest by end of this month and, since it’s going to be outside of the label system, I’m just going to put it out once it’s done. No promo build up, no hoopla. It’s just an piece I’ve always wanted to make.

    Working title is The Outsider and I will be releasing it under my name (first time ever). I’ll post make a few posts about it once it’s ready. But, it is high on the list and should be out first quarter of 2025, for sure.

    More music… another old re-issue will be out on Valentine’s Day. This time it’s Project: PornTrack from RFH. This was from the same time period as Strange Highways was, same software. I thought it would be funny to do a DIY porno soundtrack. So, I did. I built a bunch of instrumental tracks for you, you and your partner or you and your group of friends to use as background music lol. Anyway, it’s my warped sense of humor and it will be re-released under the RFH handle on all the digital platforms.

    On the writing side, I’m hoping to publish two works this year. The first is called my first “full length” (aka not a short story) called EternaLife. It’s a little about mind control and other things that I don’t want to give away too much about right now. There will be decent promo on this one, so you’ll know when it’s coming, for sure.

    The other I’m in progress on and plan on releasing next Fall is tentatively called Uncle Jeff’s Once Upon a Time: A collection of Thoughtful Bedtime Stories for Children and their Grown-Ups. It’s basically done. Just has mega-editing to do. The idea is “moral of the story” tales. When I started on it early in 2024, the ideas just kept flowing. So, trying to weed out the weaker ingredients and make a smoother read. More on that later.

    What else? Oh, my Mixed Bags is still very much an active project. For those who don’t know, last year I started working on converting some family favorite recipes into recipes made from dry ingredients that could be sold in bags – you know the drill – dump it in, add water or whatever and enjoy.

    My first “bag” was for something my mom used to make. We called them sweet hot pickles. They are very hard to describe and have a truly unique taste. Anyway, I got the recipe down, did some taste testing and I think it’s fair to say that first recipe is ready to go. Everyone to tested it was happy with the results.

    The next step is to work on packaging and a sugar-free version. Once both of those are together, I will be able to start selling here in Texas. If you’re interested in it, it’s called Elder’s Mixed Bags (facebook page, etc).

    Speaking of social media, I am now on Blue Sky. If you’d like to follow me there, my handle is @jeffelder.bsky.social

    Ok ok ok… I’d say we’re caught up. Thanks, again, for joining me on this ride. It’s been fun and I intend to do my best to keep things interesting as we move forward.

    Jeff

  • Christmastime on the Beach: A Holiday Romance

    Christmastime on the Beach: A Holiday Romance

    Happy Black Friday Release Day!

    This has been a fun project to put together. As I mentioned in the introduction, the story is kind of a “What if I didn’t have to keep to the confines of a 3-minute pop song?” idea. It’s a simple Christmas story with a little Hallmark-style romance thrown in for good measure. Don’t worry, I promise I’m not going to become a romance writer. This was just a little fun for the sake of fun.

    Anyway, I hope you like it and can have as much fun with the song (and now the story) as I have over the years. It is everywhere today. I will post links to the major places below.

    Thanks for reading and have fun!

    Jeff

    Amazon Kindle and Print versions are available by clicking here. Print versions can also be found in many of your larger retail chains. If they don’t have it, just ask for it and they can get it through their distributor. Kindle note: If you have Kindle Unlimited, the title is available to read free for the next month! Just add it to your reading list and you’re good to go.

    Audible audiobook version is available by clicking here.

    The re-issue of the original Roy Holliday song (and more) is available today on Amazon by clicking here or at Apple Music by clicking here.

  • Goodreads Giveaway for Christmastime on the Beach

    Goodreads Giveaway for Christmastime on the Beach

    Happy to announce the Christmastime on the Beach Kindle giveaway is officially open at Goodreads. We’re giving away 100 copies (randomly) on Black Friday. Click the link below to enter now – Good luck!

    Goodreads Book Giveaway

    Christmastime on the Beach by Jeff Elder

    Christmastime on the Beach

    by Jeff Elder

    Giveaway ends November 29, 2024.

    See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

    Enter Giveaway
  • Up next: Christmastime On The Beach!

    Up next: Christmastime On The Beach!

    I’m happy to announce my book release will be Christmastime On The Beach: A Holiday Romance!

    Christmastime on the Beach follows the heartfelt journey of Sage, a young woman who secretly yearns for romance amidst the hustle and bustle of her everyday life. To escape her unfulfilled desires and the winter blues, she takes a holiday vacation to a sun-kissed coastal town. Surrounded by the beach’s warmth and Christmas’s festive spirit, Sage finds herself immersed in unexpected adventures and charming encounters. As she navigates through new friendships and hidden passions, she discovers that the season’s magic might just bring her the love she’s been longing for. Will Sage’s holiday getaway turn into a romantic fairy tale, or will it remain a beautiful escape? Dive into this enchanting tale of love, self-discovery, and the wonders of Christmas by the sea.

    This one was a lot of fun to put together. It was inspired by the Roy Holliday song I wrote years ago. Kind of a “what if the story went farther than 3 minutes” idea.

    Anyway, COTB will be release on November 29th (aka Black Friday), 2024 on Kindle, Print and Audible formats. Pre-order Kindle format is available in the US now by clicking here.

    To coincide with the release, a remastered version of the song by Roy Holliday will be released on an expanded EP the same day.

    Now, go enjoy Halloween and make a note on your calendars about the book when you’re ready to get Christmas-y.

    Happy Saturday!
    – Jeff

  • Strange Highways Audiobook

    Strange Highways Audiobook

    I’m happy to announce that the audiobook for Strange Highways: Volume One is officially avaiable on Audible!

    This was a fun learning experience for me. Until you hear your words read out loud by someone else, I don’t think you fully understand how good (or bad) you’ve done in your writing. When working with Audible, the narrator is only allowed to read what has already been published. You can’t go back and say, “Why don’t you say this instead?” I picked up a few tips for the next book, for sure.

    Speaking of narrators, I had the pleasure of working with Shawn Rigby on this.

    When I began this process, I wasn’t aware that I could just post an audition call behind the scenes at Audible. Did I tell you this was my first dabbling in audiobooks? Anyway, I searched male voice talent through their platform for a good week until I found Shawn. His voice agreed with me and felt comfortable. He didn’t sound like most of the others. I liked it, so I made an offer, and he accepted.

    Once Shawn was in the picture, it was great. He took the lead and, within a week or so, we had an audiobook. Great guy to work with and I hope to do so again in the future.

    Shawn is also a musician. Maybe that’s why I liked him. Birds of a feather, right? Next time you’re scrolling away on the Faceplace, I highly recommend you check out his page and music at Shawn Rigby Music.

    Happy Saturday!

    Jeff

    Oh, and Click Here to grab your copy of Strange Highways: Volume One on Audible!

  • Strange Highways: Volume One

    Strange Highways: Volume One

    Well, Happy Release Day!

    My first release (as an author) happened early this morning. Actually, as I was going to bed last night, I saw it go live on Amazon. I was in a bit of shock, and pleasantly amused, to see it was at #2 in the One-Hour Travel Short Reads category. Who would have thought that would happen?

    This morning, I log in to make sure everything is live and running smoothly and see that, for the moment, it is the #1 New Release in One-Hour Travel Short Reads!

    I suspect that’s as high as this little book will go in the charts. But hey, I’ll take it. Thanks to all of those who pre-ordered. That’s how it entered at the high level on their charts. I can’t tell you all how much I appreciate that.

    So, anyway, it’s out! If you would like to check it out, click here to access the Kindle and Print versions.

    I finished up work with a narrator, Shawn Rigby, for the audiobook version a couple of weeks ago. Audiobooks have a whole different process. If you an audiobook fan, like I am, you’ll be glad to know it’s coming. I expect it to be live on Audible in about another week. I will post an update once that happens.

    For now, go grab you a copy of the Kindle or Print version. As I understand it, Kindle will be running random promotions on it or the next 90 days. Not that it’s expensive in the first place. But, it’s always nice to save a buck, right?

    Ok ok… It is Sunday of Labor Day weekend here in the US. Grab a beer, grill some burgers and have a wonderful rest of your weekend.

    Jeff