Outside My Comfort Zone: A Mystery Writer Tackles Romantic Suspense
I’m a huge admirer of writers who take risks and try new things in their work, so I’m especially delighted to welcome guest author Kassandra Lamb as she discusses her foray into romantic suspense. Below is Kassandra’s essay, followed by a description of her trilogy written under the name of Jessica Dale, buy links, her…
Read MoreMore Confessions by An Anxious Writer
I can’t decide which makes me feel more anxious—receiving accolades for my work, or heavy doses of rejection and harsh criticism. I was reminded of my ability to make myself miserable either way this past week. In the accolades department, I learned that my novel, DEADLY SETUP, received the NYC Book Big Award in the…
Read MoreGrowing Up Female
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about gender issues. My Smith College alumnae discussion group has decided to discuss what our perceptions of our roles as women were when we were undergraduates all those decades ago, and how things have changed (or not) in our lives and the lives of succeeding generations of women. Of…
Read MoreTyping “The End” of a First Draft
Late Thursday afternoon, I typed “The End” on my first draft of my work-in-progress, tentatively called Missing Mom. To tell you a little about what has preoccupied me all these months, the novel centers around Noelle, a rising high school senior and aspiring ballet dancer whose mom suddenly vanishes. While the circumstantial evidence points to…
Read MoreWriting With My Students Inspires Me
During the years I taught English composition at a local university, I frequently gave my students writing prompts. The prompts were never about grades or finished products. They were all about getting creative juices going and developing the habit of writing. Wanting to model the value of writing practice, I always worked on the prompts…
Read MoreEmbracing the World of Indie Publishing: A Guest Essay by Debut Thriller Author Nannette Potter
Contemporary authors have a variety of publishing options, and I’m delighted to welcome Nannette Potter to my blog today as she celebrates the release of her debut thriller, PIERCE THE DARKNESS, and discusses her decision to pursue publishing as an Indie author. Below is Nannette’s guest essay, her bio, a description of PIERCE THE DARKNESS,…
Read MoreTalking with LC Hayden About Her Award-Winning Career in Multiple Genres
As a writer who rarely ventures far from mysteries, I’m always so impressed with authors who successfully write in multiple genres. LC Hayden definitely qualifies! Below are her responses to my interview questions, followed by her bio and contact/buy links: You have had such an incredible award-winning writing career spanning so many genres—everything from crime…
Read MoreMary Seifert Pens Cozy Mysteries (With Thrills Included)
I’m so delighted to welcome Mary Seifert to my blog today who has a new release out in her Kate & Maverick Cozy Mystery Series. I loved her description of her cozy mysteries as “throzies” since they include some thrilling elements! Below are her responses to my interview questions, followed by her bio and buy/contact…
Read MoreCelebrating a New Release! And a Special Culinary Gift for Mystery Fans
I’m so excited to share that my first mystery for adults, MISSED CUE, comes out today, August 8th, from Melange Books. I’d love for you to check it out! Here’s a brief description: When ballerina Lydia Miseau dies onstage in the final dress rehearsal of Romeo and Juliet, homicide detective Caitlin O’Connor is faced with…
Read MoreValerie Jarrett Was Right
Valerie Jarrett, a close confidante and senior advisor to President Obama, once said in a commencement address, “You can have it all, but not all at once.” Recently, those words resonated with me when the director of the public speaking program at a local university where I’d taught part-time reached out to me. Would I…
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