Muddy: Two Simple Rules, Nick & a Few Notes

Illustration from book.

Well, I finally did it.

Two Simple Rules: Finding Your Voice and Sharing It is officially out in the world.

The Kindle version is up, the paperback is now for sale too, and people have started downloading it. I even got my first couple reviews—so apparently a few readers made it all the way through.

5 out of 5 stars

An ode to music

Love your book! Its personal and simple. And I love the art work. It applies to just about anything we choose to try new in our lives. I remember clearly, you belting out Frank Sinatra, day after day through the muffled sound of your RV. Always improving. Keep on keeping on! Its the only thing that keeps us young at heart. Excited to see your next endevor🌌

4.0 out of 5 stars Honest, fun to read, and wise.

I gave this book four stars only because the unfortunate formatting at the beginning (introduction) detracted from what turned out to be a really good book. It read like the author talks. To me, it was almost like reading a song--quick, snappy sentences packed with wisdom and experience. I think the lessons in this book apply not only to singing but to life itself. It’s a really good book and an amazing first book according to the author. Also, love the artwork!

The book started out being about singing, but somewhere along the way it became about more than that. It’s really about finding your own voice, trusting it, and having the nerve to share it.

If you read it, an honest review on Amazon would be greatly appreciated. Or send your thoughts directly to me and I may share them on my website.

I’ve started putting more of my little stories, observations, old photographs, cartoons, and whatever else wanders through my head over on Substack Notes.

This week included the story of a car with enough subwoofers to literally rattle the panels on my little Nissan van while I sat at a series of red lights trying very hard to think happy thoughts.

Apparently, the universe has subwoofers—and it’s not afraid to use them.

Not responsible for AI misinformation on pic.

There was also the story of an old cowboy and saddle maker I met at a bluegrass festival. Later that evening, I found him on a little side stage singing old German folk songs a cappella.

You just never know who you’re going to meet.

There’ll be more stories, photographs, cartoons and assorted nonsense going up there as I find them.

You can follow along here:

https://alexmuddysmith.substack.com/notes

Next up is Nick Saves Christmas. I’m getting it ready for the Christmas season, with plans for a hardcover, paperback and Kindle edition, along with the original music that goes with the story.

After that, I’d like to create an audiobook—maybe even versions with and without the music.

And if all my dreams come true someday?

A full-length Nick Saves Christmas cartoon.

Hey, you gotta dream big.

Until next time,

Alex “Muddy” Smith

Live in the song.

Newsletter #25