Sharing Our Work
This morning in the mail, I received a lovely “Phoenix Rising” Notebook from the Florida West Coast Writers to celebrate my placing first in the Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category of their contest for unpublished work. I’d submitted the first 4500 words of my novel for adults, Missed Cue, and was thrilled the judges liked it. Sharing our…
Read MoreMoving to a New Mystery Series by Guest Author Susan Van Kirk
What a pleasure it is to welcome cozy mystery writer Susan Van Kirk as she shares what it’s like to begin a new mystery series and create a whole new world of characters. Susan is also president of the online Guppy chapter of Sisters in Crime, a wonderful writing community that brings pre-published and multi-published…
Read MoreThinking about DEADLY SETUP
On July 5, I send another novel, Deadly Setup, into the universe. I’m getting ready for the two questions writers get asked most frequently: What’s your story about? And what inspired it? In answer to the first question, Deadly Setup is about seventeen-year-old Samantha (Sam) Hunter, the daughter of a New England heiress, who goes…
Read MoreTemporarily M-I-A
As some of you know, I had some pretty major spinal surgery in late February. The surgeon had warned me that I might have some trouble walking initially because of his entering through the psoas muscle. Well, yes! My right leg and foot are totally non-functional, and I am doped up on pain meds. This…
Read MoreThe Ups and Downs of the Writing Life
I’d submitted the first ten pages of my middle grade novel for a paid critique at an upcoming Mid-South SCBWI Writers Conference. I had high hopes for these pages and felt I’d really nailed the voice of my protagonist. Cue the violin music, because this does not have a happy ending! The critiquer shredded my…
Read MorePatient in Room 244
As some of you know, I recently had major spinal surgery and spent four days in the hospital. The nurses and other staff members were friendly and competent. Theoretically, I could choose to leave “against medical advice” at any time. And yet, it strikes me that hospital and prison stays have a lot in common.…
Read MoreChallenging the Stigma of Mental Illness: Meet Mystery Novelist Martha Crites
I’m so delighted to welcome Martha Crites as a guest author. Her extensive background in community and inpatient mental health has enabled her to write fully developed characters dealing with a variety of mental health issues. Her richly layered novels offer a much needed corrective to popular stereotypes of mental illness. Below are Martha’s responses…
Read MoreA Near Death Experience Brings New Perspective and Sensitivity to Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author Stephanie Hansen
I’m so delighted to feature Stephanie Hansen on my blog today. Not only do we share the same publisher, Fire and Ice/Melange Books, but we also have a fascination with the creation of intentional family as part of the journey to adulthood. Below are Stephanie’s responses to my questions, followed by her bio and contact/buy…
Read MoreIf He Makes You Laugh…
My oldest sister once gave me her honest opinion of my personal blogs: “No one wants to read about how much you love your husband.” If so, STOP READING! NOW! This blog is about one of the things I love most about my husband. He’s hilarious. Even on my worst days, he can make me…
Read MoreIt’s Never Too Late: Meet M.E. Roche
I’m delighted to welcome ME Roche to my blog today, who began writing later in life after a distinguished career as a registered nurse. This month, she’s celebrating the release of BIGAMY, her fifth novel. Below are her responses to my interview questions followed by her bio and contact/buy links. First off, congratulations on the…
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