Happy New Year, everyone.
Normally, I’d kick off the first newsletter of the year with something light—maybe a joke about failed resolutions or an anecdote about how I used to spend every January convincing myself I’d take up yoga. But this year’s start doesn’t feel like one for jokes.
Los Angeles on Fire
The wildfires raging across Los Angeles are a grim reminder of how quickly life can change. I lived in LA for 24 years before moving in 2022, and like many of you, I’ve spent late nights glued to the news, scrolling through updates, hoping for some sign that the worst is over. Friends and family of mine are affected—some in Sherman Oaks, some in Pasadena, and of course, those in the Pacific Palisades, where the situation is particularly dangerous.
It’s hard to watch from afar, knowing what people are going through—the evacuations, the uncertainty, the helplessness of waiting to see if your home is still standing when the smoke clears. If you have friends or family in LA, check in on them. If you can, consider donating to organizations that are helping those impacted. Below are a couple of reputable charities providing relief.
SoCal Fire Fund: https://www.eifoundation.org/fiscally-sponsored-funds/socal-fire-fund/
America Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services.html?srsltid=AfmBOopvgWYj5mYzSzKi8kTGgpUvyN36ATiB8e2ZLqk-Si3uOgXtahk0
Every little bit helps.
For a bit of inspiration and appreciation here is video of the “Super Scooper” planes picking up water from the ocean to dump on the fires. You gotta tip your hats to these pilots. That’s some incredible flying and much needed help for the firefighters fighting these blazes.
You can also follow live updates here on YouTube.
Finding Strength in Hardship
When disaster strikes, whether it’s a wildfire or something more personal, there are two choices: let it break you or find a way to push forward.
Bruce Lee once said:
“Do not pray for an easy life; pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”
That’s what resilience is—not avoiding hardship, but developing the mindset to face it head-on and come out stronger. It’s something I try to live by, and it feels especially relevant now, as so many people are dealing with loss and uncertainty.
New on YouTube – Audiobooks & Weekly Noir Stories
Now for some good news. This year, I’m launching a regular YouTube series featuring my audiobooks—starting with The Strange Crimes of Beatrice Clover and The Double, the first book in my Eddie Ankin series. These will be available on my YouTube channel, Elice Island Entertainment, along with several of my short stories. So, if you prefer listening to your thrillers instead of reading them, you’ll soon have that option.
But that’s just the beginning. I’ll also be releasing weekly horror short stories, each one part of a larger, ongoing saga. Think of it like a serialized pulp fiction revival—hardboiled, suspenseful, and a little bit dangerous. I’ll share more details soon, but for now, just know that this is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I can’t wait to bring these stories to life.
As for the eBook versions? They’ll be available only when the stories are large enough to make it worthwhile—because no one wants to buy a five-page Kindle book.
What’s Next?
That’s the update for now. Next week I’l have more on my book release schedule for the year, as well as updates on my tv projects.
If you’re in LA, stay safe. If you’re not, keep the people there in your thoughts. And if you’re a fan of crime thrillers, suspense, and horror, get ready—because 2025 is going to be a hell of a year.
More soon.
—Jeremy
(P.S. If you aren’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, here’s the link: Elice Island Entertainment. I’ll have more content rolling out soon, and you won’t want to miss it.)
And if you like this newsletter, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe!