2020 as we all know, has been a crazy and scary year for the entire globe. It’s been full of fear, uncertainty and doubt, but has had many silver linings and great times as well. Looking back over the last 11 months I have had much to be grateful for and feel very blessed indeed.

My first book, ‘Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure‘ was just a year old this past summer, right about the time my second book, ‘The Mysterious Life and Faked Death of Jesse James‘, co-authored with my sister, Teresa F. Duke, hit the shelves. We had planned our first book signing at Watkins Books in London but had to cancel that due to Covid. Que sera, sera. What will be, will be.

In October, I was more than thrilled to have a ‘Meet the Author‘ interview with editor, author and researcher, Philippa Faulks Lee, as well as an Article concerning my first book, published with October issue of ‘The Square Magazine’ in the UK.

Several months after the second book hit the shelves, I handed in the manuscript for my third book, to my wonderful publisher Inner Traditions – Bear & Co., which will be announced in 2021. The day after handing in my manuscript I flew to Hollywood, CA and while it was a work trip, I managed to take a little time to play and headed to Hollywood Boulevard. I had a great time and the work was every bit as fun as the play time I had earlier. The weather was amazing! When the time is right, I will provide you with more details about my trip to Hollywood!

As soon as I returned home, I headed to the historic town of Jefferson, Texas for their ‘History, Haunts & Legends‘ conference and book signing. I got to dine at McGarity’s Saloon and join the paranormal crowds hunting ghosts around the town. That is an experience I hope to repeat very soon. It’s an amazing little town, full of history and incredible people. FYI, the ‘History, Haunt’s & Legends’ event will be held in April of 2021 as well, so if you missed the recent event, not to worry, you have ample time to plan for the next one.

Afterwards we traveled the Stagecoach Road near Marshall, Texas (just south of Jefferson) and hunted for ghosts and treasures along the way. In a quick internet research of the road I found out about an early day road that used to exist in the area known as Tramell’s Trace, also known as ‘Smuggler’s Road’ and ‘Robber’s Road’. I can’t wait to explore those areas a little more as well. The road got spookier and spookier as the sun went down haha.

In December I plan to attend an invitation only, private screening of a feature film. I’ve never experienced that before, and am really looking forward to it. I’ll let you know more about that when I can do so.

2020 has definitely had it’s downs, but the upside has been very good for me. I feel blessed and very grateful for those upsides and am eternally grateful to the people involved in making that happen! I hope the rest of 2020 is just as amazing for all of you. Focus on the positives in life and ignore (as best you can) the negatives.