I remember when I had websites built in the 90s. As the “web” was still new from a consumer and commercial point of view, finding the talent to build these new platforms was a task all by itself. Fortunately, as I was publishing magazines at the time, I had on my staff talented graphic designers who were also coders and familiar with this new technology.

But the issue was this—building these websites was time-consuming, costly, and could only be done by those with specialized training. While I was proud of the websites we had at the time and the revenue (subscription) they produced, the process was far from user-friendly—even for those with the skill set.

Fast forward to the 21st century when drag-and-drop website builders like Wix emerged. While the site you are reading this blog on is powered by WordPress, it was companies like Wix and others that democratized the process. From my personal website to Justice Is Mind and First Signal, all are built on the Wix platform.

The new website I’m building exclusively for The Ashton Times is coming along nicely. While I will continue this blog on WordPress it will also have a home on The Ashton Times. For some time now, I have wanted a “headquarters” on the web for all my projects. Although I do feature my work on this blog, WordPress is exactly that a blog. There was also a certain design element I was going for that wasn’t available on WordPress. If all goes as planned, I’m hoping to launch the new website by January 1 and to announce what feature film I’m putting into production by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Regarding editors for SOS United States, I’m close to making a decision of who I’m going to work with to edit the manuscript. It’s a task as it not only needs to be someone with the necessary talent, but someone who is at least supportive of the story and project. I know this is part of the process where I must let go a bit for someone to objectively comment and edit the story. But in the end, it will be a completed book ready for market.

Yesterday I attended a Swedish Christmas event at the American Heritage Museum. For those that follow this blog and my social media posts, you know that this museum has events that largely follow some sort of military theme. This, of course, is no surprise given that it’s a military history museum. But two weeks ago I saw that they were having a Swedish Christmas at the Museum that was sponsored by SWEA of Boston. Owing to my Swedish heritage and as this is one of my favorite museums, I just had to attend.

The moment I arrived you knew a successful event was underway. First, I haven’t heard that much Swedish being spoken since I was in Stockholm! The vendors that lined the upper walkway offered a variety of Swedish delights, from Scandinavian candy, to jewelry, artwork, gnomes, tumty kubas and a host of other items. At the end of the walkway was another room that served a variety of Swedish-themed food and drinks. The event was a clear win-win for both the museum and the sponsor as it introduced both organizations to new audiences.

God jul och ett gott nytt år!

(Translation: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)