Happy September!
How’s everyone doing? I’m very excited this month because it’s release month for THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO. Whoa-hoo!!! Launching the fifth book in the series out into the world is a combination of excitement (which you already I’m feeling) and worry. There’s so much to worry about when a book is published I’m not going to bore you with the long list of concerns. In other words, let me do all the worrying while you do all the reading. 😊 Hint. Hint. Yeah, I know, not too subtle.
Look, this author has to hustle.
Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over, there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release. And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started.
Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over,
there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release.
And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time
doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share
with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started.
Giveaway number 1:
Pre-order THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO between nowand Sept 27th
and with your receipt, you will be entered into a giveaway for a Food Blogger
apron and a $10 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Two winners
(shipping to US addresses only & one winner per household) will be randomly
selected.
Email your receipt to:
Preorderthecorpseinthegazebo@gmail.com
Giveaway number 2:
I am giving away a prize perfect for cozy reading. The prize
includes:
A Vera Bradley fleece throw, perfect for chasing the chill
on a brisk autumn night or for travel. The 45”x60” throw also folds into a
pillow.
Signed print copies of the first four Food Blogger
Mysteries.
A bookish themed mug with spoon.
A 100% canvas tote perfect for groceries, book hauls and
outings. The tote measures 14.5”x20”x7”
The value of this prize package is over $100.00. Would you
like a chance at receiving it?
Just add THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO to your 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 and let me know in the comments. And if you feel like it,
please share.
FYI, this contest isn’t affiliated or endorsed by Goodreads and the winner will be randomly selected. Contest ends Sept.14, 2021
Winner will be notified by Sept. 21, 2021.
*shipment to US addresses only.
Ready for an excerpt? Here it is. In this snippet Hope has arrived at Emily’s House for the
class she’s teaching and runs into her neighbor, who is the director of the non-profit.
The next morning, Hope’s day started early with barn
chores and a quick baking session before she left for Emily’s House to teach her
workshop. All the while, her belly buzzed with anticipation of her sit-down
with Birdie after the class. She arrived at Emily’s House and climbed the
sweeping veranda’s steps, carrying a container of her favorite new
indulgence—brownie chips. They were thinner and crunchier than traditional
brownies. In her blog post, she called them little chocolatey bites of heaven.
Hope adjusted the strap of her hefty leather tote bag on her shoulder. Inside
was her laptop, the handouts for her workshop, and all of life’s necessities.
Always the Girl Scout, Hope was prepared for anything from smudged mascara to
small wound care to stain removal.
She crossed the expansive porch to the primary entrance, passing
containers overflowing with colorful flowers. Pops of pink and yellow zinnias
brought a smile to her face. At the same time, the peek of blue calibrachoas
reminded her of the flats back at her farmhouse waiting to be planted. Once
again, she was juggling too much and stretching herself thin. A spring breeze
flitted through, jostling a musical wind chime.
The front door opened, and out came Ted Donovan, the
director of the non-profit. And Birdie’s significant other.
Short in stature, he made up for it in intensity and
focus that made Hope feel like he was towering over her. He ran the
twenty-year-old organization like a well-oiled machine, pinching pennies
expertly and fundraising like a boss to keep the doors open to help clients
carve out new lives. How someone as kind and compassionate could be married to someone
like Birdie, astonished Hope.
“Good morning.” He stopped short of bumping into her. His
gaze had been fixed on his cell phone. “I’m hearing rave reviews on your
workshop.”
Hope’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. Though, she
wondered if he’d heard about what happened between her and Birdie. She also wondered
if Birdie told him about her petition.
“The gals are great and are so excited about starting
their own businesses.”
“With your guidance, they’ll be successful. And you know
how I feel about Emily’s House alumni.” His thin lips slipped into an amiable
smile. “They’re good for the bottom line. Always willing to give back and
support our mission.”
Hope raised a brow at the comment. She had heard it a few
times before from Erin, an alumnus of the center. While all the services at
Emily’s House were free to those who needed them, Ted had an expectation of
reciprocation from each person who benefited from those services. There were
ample opportunities, such as selling raffle tickets, donating door prizes, and
volunteering to mentor. Erin had assured Hope she never felt pressured and
wanted to contribute as much as possible.
And Hope believed her because she knew Ted personally. He’d
been nothing but respectful and considerate of his neighbors, unlike his wife.
“Well, I’m off.” Ted sidestepped Hope as he slipped his
phone into his blazer’s breast pocket.
“Oh, sorry to keep you. Off to an important meeting?”
Hope shifted closer to the front door.
“Ah…well. Yes, you could say that. Have a good class.”
Ted jogged down the steps and disappeared around the side of the beautiful Victorian
house the non-profit had taken over fifteen years ago.
Debra Sennefelder is the
author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series.
She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking,
exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie. You can keep in touch
with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.
Inspiration Close to Home
/in Uncategorized/by Donnell Ann BellI believe authors–well, most people for that matter, seek inspiration. Perhaps that’s why they will stop perusing social media, or a newspaper article, and hone in on a pull quote or a funny or powerful meme. I’m certainly no different. But as a storyteller, I’m fortunate because I find inspiration each an every morning right inside my home. My husband doesn’t deliberately try to be funny–he just is. He’s a chemical engineer, extremely absentminded, extremely bright, and has a dry wit that people remember.
His funny “Les” stories have often made it onto Facebook where people tell me they belong in a book. I mentioned he’s absentminded. Here’s one that made it into a post.
Bank Teller from the Drive-thru window: Good morning, Mr. Bell, regarding this transaction, what would you like me to do with it, sir?
Les: Cash it.
Bank Teller: Er, I can’t do that. You’ve sent me your lottery ticket.
Oops. I used to worry when he told me things like this. But it’s been that way since the day I met him. One thing that makes up for his absentmindedness is he is extremely motivated and hard working. He put so much into his career that he often travelled Monday through Friday on road trips, Road trips take a toll on the body, and when he was 50, he was diagnosed with prediabetes. His mother had it, so to say we were concerned, is putting it lightly.
His doctor wanted to put him on medication. But Les insisted he wanted to try something else first. He’s always been athletic, but there was that weight gain thing, and, along with diet, it would take a while for him to get back into shape. He didn’t wait long. Suddenly, he’d be out the door and running around the block. “Where’d you go?” I’d ask. “For a quick run.”
I lived a lot of years in my former neighborhood and everyone knew us. All at once, that scenario of running around the block turned into running around the neighborhood, and then into 2 and 5Ks. He joined a running club in Colorado Springs, something that wasn’t always the healthiest format, because after the run, there was a whole lot of celebrating–with beer.
Fast forward a a few months, he announced he was ready to do a half marathon of 13 miles. He was so proud of himself after he’d completed it, and he walked around the house calling himself a “Marathon Man.” “Not really,” I replied. “Technically, you’re half a marathon man.” He took my teasing well, but as he always does, he kept on trekking.
One day he breezed into the house and announced he’d signed up for the marathon of his dreams. He’d run quite a few by then, so I said, “Where to?” “Antarctica,” he replied. My mouth dropped open. “Les, you hate water. You can’t swim.” “There’s that,” he replied, “but the marathon only takes a few people per year due to environmental concerns, and you have to sign up. There’s a four-year waiting list.” I relaxed. He wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Four years passed and he got the call. “You’re in, Les. You made the cut.” Despite his fear of water, I drove this non-swimmer to Denver International Airport, kissed him goodbye for his 17-day adventure and left the airport. A few minutes later he called and said, “Don, (he calls me Don), could you come back? I forgot my passport in the car.” (Some things never change.)
He experienced seasickness, and rough water, and even the ocean splashing into his bunk at night. This wasn’t a cruise line he was on. It was a charter boat captained by a no-nonsense, serious-minded Russian captain who didn’t speak much English. The phone calls were nonexistent and the e-mails were intermittent. But, darned, if he didn’t finish that marathon–seasickness and all.
I’m grateful for the laughter I experience in my house. More importantly I’m grateful for the inspiration. How about you? Do you find laughter and inspiration close to home?
About the Author: Donnell Ann Bell began her writing nonfiction career at the Colorado Springs Business Journal and Pikes Peak Parent Newsmagazine before turning to fiction. An award-winning author, her most recent success is the 2020 Colorado Book Award for Black Pearl, A Cold Case Suspense. Currently she’s doing edits for book two in the Cold Case series. To learn more you can find her at www.donnellannbell.com Facebook, Twitter @donnellannbell or Instagram.
Interview with The Stiletto Gang’s Newest Blogger – Meri Allen
/in Uncategorized/by DebraInterview with The
Stiletto Gang’s Newest Blogger – Meri Allen by Debra H. Goldstein
I’m delighted to introduce
you to The Stiletto Gang’s Newest Blogger, Meri Allen, through this “Three
Things” interview.
Meri Allen is the
author of the new Ice Cream Shop mystery series. Her debut, The Rocky
Road to Ruin, stars Riley Rhodes, a former librarian for the CIA who takes
on management of a friend’s ice cream shop in the charming New England
village of Penniman, Connecticut. When a body is discovered in the barn
behind the shop, Riley discovers that she has a talent for sleuthing.
Three Things with
author Meri Allen:
Three favorite foods: Tacos,
strawberry shortcake, cherry vanilla ice cream from Buttonwood Farms
Three places I’ve
lived:
Connecticut, Virginia, Massachusetts
Three jobs I’ve had: waitress, library
page, writer
Three things I can’t
do without:
Family, books, cardigan sweaters
Three favorite places: the beach,
Disney World, Venice
Three favorite hobbies: Traveling,
Antiquing, Going out to eat (I’m not a cook!)
Three favorite books
(non-mystery): Jane Eyre, Harriet the Spy, The Reapers Are The
Angels
Three things I’m
looking forward to: Gathering with family at the holidays (I’m a Christmas nut),
Going back to the theater, The release of my second Ice Cream Shop
mystery, Mint Chocolate Murder
One Thing That Might
Surprise You:
Meri Allen is the pen name of Stiletto Gang blogger Shari Randall, author of
the Lobster Shack Mystery series.
Follow Meri on social media:
Instagram @meriallenbooks
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Meri-Allen-110203361174899
Sign up for The Scoop, Meri’s newsletter chock
full of New England cozy goodness and book fun. https://meriallenbooks.com
Buy the book: https://us.macmillan.com/author/meriallen/
Are there three more things you’d like to know about Meri or Shari?
Interview with Debra Sennefelder
/in Interview, Uncategorized/by Bethany Mainesby Bethany Maines
Part of being a collective blog group is that we have many fantastic members that I’ve never met in person and aside from the sparkling repartee on group email threads (trust me we’re brilliant), we often don’t get a chance to interact with each other. So this month, I’m taking the opportunity to get to know one of my Stiletto Gang members – Debra Sennefelder. Debra has nicely agreed to sit down and answer a few questions to let us into her writing bubble. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.
Q: What do you write?
I write cozy mysteries. I have two series, The Food Blogger
Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series both published by
Kensington Publishers.
Q: Plotter or Pantser?
I’m a plotter. I like to have a detailed outline completed
when I sit down to write the first draft. My working outline (it’s not as
pretty as the one I send to my editor) can include snippets of dialogue, a
little description, links for research. While it may be long (sometimes thirty
plus pages), it’s not carved in stone, so changes can happen while I’m writing
the manuscript. Sometimes I find that a scene falls flat and doesn’t move the
story forward, sometimes inspiration sparks and I add or rework scenes,
sometimes I add a new character.
Q: What is your go-to relaxation
read?
My go-to relaxation read is a fashion magazine. Always has
been.
Q: Favorite authors or your most
favorite recent read?
I have way too many favorite authors to list. So, let me tell
you what I just finished reading. It was Three Single Wives by Gina LaManna.
Q: And of course, I would be remiss
if I didn’t ask… what are your favorite shoes?
I bought a pair of Sam Edelman black leather pumps a couple
of years ago and I love them. They’re a classic that pairs perfectly with jeans
or a dress.
Connect with Debra!
Connect with Bethany!
BETHANY NEWS UPDATE:
The Deveraux Legacy Series will be on sale Sept. 10 – 17. Grab Books 1 & 2 and preorder Book 3, The Hardest Hit, for .99 cents! The Hardest Hit will return to full price 24 hours after release day.
The Deveraux Legacy Series: The Deveraux Family is wealthy, powerful and in a lot of trouble. Senator Eleanor Deveraux lost her children in a plane crash, but she has a second chance to get her family right with her four grandchildren – Evan, Jackson, Aiden and Dominique. But second chances are hard to seize when politics, mercenaries, and the dark legacy of the Deveraux family keep getting in the way.
https://books2read.com/The-Second-Shot – all stores
https://books2read.com/Cinderella-Secret – all stores
https://books2read.com/Hardest-Hit – all stores
Amazon Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GK7CK8M?ref_=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_tkin&binding=kindle_edition
Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, San Juan Islands Mysteries, Shark Santoyo Crime Series, and numerous
short stories. When she’s not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some
serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing her
daughter or glued to the computer working on her next novel. You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.
Deadlines
/in Uncategorized/by Kathryn LaneBy Kathryn Lane
I love
deadlines! They revitalize me. Twists and turns in my mystery novels become
more exciting once I’m approaching the deadline with my editor.
Not all
deadlines are equal. Some are important; others can be juggled. Then there are
deadlines I gleefully ignore.
At times, I
fantasize what would happen if I missed such and such important deadline. That activity
takes the form of various possible outcomes, as if I lived in a quantum world
where there’s an infinite number of possibilities.
And it
reminds me of a wonderful European film from 1998 titled, Run, Lola, Run.
An experimental film at the time, the lead character, Lola, needs to acquire
$100,000 deutschmarks in TWENTY minutes or her boyfriend will die. The film
gives three versions of what happens. Each version is predicated on the lapse
of a few seconds where random, unexpected events happen that impact Lola’s
ability to obtain the money. These random events change each one of the three
endings.
In the past
month, I’ve had the opportunity to think about random, unexpected things that
happen. Some are good, some not so good.
On the
return trip from the Killer Nashville International Mystery Writers’ Conference (which was wonderful) in late August, we experienced an unexpected event.
Driving through
Georgia, a speeding motorist hit us a few miles south of Atlanta. Fortunately,
everyone, including the motorist who hit us, walked away with only minor
bruises. A different story for the vehicles – both were totaled.
Random events,
good or bad, set off unexpected consequences, which ripple through already
planned events, like getting a manuscript finished for your editor.
As in the
three outcomes in Run, Lola, Run, my mind considered various
scenarios: If only we had not stopped for gas when we did, if only we had
started our journey a few minutes earlier (or later) that day, if only we had
been in a different lane. But we don’t live in a quantum world. Nor do we live
in a world where we can restart the day and get a different outcome.
Small, unplanned events can add spice to life.
Large ones, like car accidents, can create havoc on deadlines. C’est la vie.
Deadlines
are important to my characters too. It’s like they’re telling me “If you write it
this way, it will be better”. Or they will kick my butt, saying “Go this other
direction and get our story told”.
Maybe that’s
a little like the different outcomes in Run, Lola, Run. In novels, only the
author knows the various endings that could have taken place.
How do you
handle deadlines?
***
Kathryn’s mysteries – The Nikki
Garcia Mystery series:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B08C7V2675/ref=dp_st_1942428944
Kathryn’s short story collection – Backyard
Volcano and Other Mysteries of the Heart
https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Volcano-Other-Mysteries-Heart/dp/1943306044
All available on Amazon
artist. To earn a living, she became a certified public accountant and embarked
on a career in international finance with a major multinational corporation.
After two decades, she left the corporate world to plunge into writing mystery
and suspense thrillers. In her stories, Kathryn draws deeply from her Mexican background as well as her travels
in over ninety countries.
https://www.kathryn-lane.com
Release month for THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO
/in Uncategorized/by Debra SennefelderHappy September!
How’s everyone doing? I’m very excited this month because it’s release month for THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO. Whoa-hoo!!! Launching the fifth book in the series out into the world is a combination of excitement (which you already I’m feeling) and worry. There’s so much to worry about when a book is published I’m not going to bore you with the long list of concerns. In other words, let me do all the worrying while you do all the reading. 😊 Hint. Hint. Yeah, I know, not too subtle.
Look, this author has to hustle.
Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over, there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release. And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started.
Along with the long list of concerns for me to obsess over,
there’s some fun things happening. Like the two giveaways going on pre-release.
And the blog tour I’m going to be going. Over the summer I spent a lot of time
doing all the prep work for the giveaways and the tour. So, I’m going to share
with you those things plus an excerpt and all the info on the book. Let’s get started.
Giveaway number 1:
Pre-order THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO between nowand Sept 27th
and with your receipt, you will be entered into a giveaway for a Food Blogger
apron and a $10 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Two winners
(shipping to US addresses only & one winner per household) will be randomly
selected.
Email your receipt to:
Preorderthecorpseinthegazebo@gmail.com
Giveaway number 2:
I am giving away a prize perfect for cozy reading. The prize
includes:
A Vera Bradley fleece throw, perfect for chasing the chill
on a brisk autumn night or for travel. The 45”x60” throw also folds into a
pillow.
Signed print copies of the first four Food Blogger
Mysteries.
A bookish themed mug with spoon.
A 100% canvas tote perfect for groceries, book hauls and
outings. The tote measures 14.5”x20”x7”
The value of this prize package is over $100.00. Would you
like a chance at receiving it?
Just add THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO to your 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 and let me know in the comments. And if you feel like it,
please share.
FYI, this contest isn’t affiliated or endorsed by Goodreads and the winner will be randomly selected. Contest ends Sept.14, 2021
Winner will be notified by Sept. 21, 2021.
*shipment to US addresses only.
Ready for an excerpt? Here it is. In this snippet Hope has arrived at Emily’s House for the
class she’s teaching and runs into her neighbor, who is the director of the non-profit.
The next morning, Hope’s day started early with barn
chores and a quick baking session before she left for Emily’s House to teach her
workshop. All the while, her belly buzzed with anticipation of her sit-down
with Birdie after the class. She arrived at Emily’s House and climbed the
sweeping veranda’s steps, carrying a container of her favorite new
indulgence—brownie chips. They were thinner and crunchier than traditional
brownies. In her blog post, she called them little chocolatey bites of heaven.
Hope adjusted the strap of her hefty leather tote bag on her shoulder. Inside
was her laptop, the handouts for her workshop, and all of life’s necessities.
Always the Girl Scout, Hope was prepared for anything from smudged mascara to
small wound care to stain removal.
She crossed the expansive porch to the primary entrance, passing
containers overflowing with colorful flowers. Pops of pink and yellow zinnias
brought a smile to her face. At the same time, the peek of blue calibrachoas
reminded her of the flats back at her farmhouse waiting to be planted. Once
again, she was juggling too much and stretching herself thin. A spring breeze
flitted through, jostling a musical wind chime.
The front door opened, and out came Ted Donovan, the
director of the non-profit. And Birdie’s significant other.
Short in stature, he made up for it in intensity and
focus that made Hope feel like he was towering over her. He ran the
twenty-year-old organization like a well-oiled machine, pinching pennies
expertly and fundraising like a boss to keep the doors open to help clients
carve out new lives. How someone] as kind and compassionate could be married to someone
like Birdie, astonished Hope.
“Good morning.” He stopped short of bumping into her. His
gaze had been fixed on his cell phone. “I’m hearing rave reviews on your
workshop.”
Hope’s cheeks warmed at the compliment. Though, she
wondered if he’d heard about what happened between her and Birdie. She also wondered
if Birdie told him about her petition.
“The gals are great and are so excited about starting
their own businesses.”
“With your guidance, they’ll be successful. And you know
how I feel about Emily’s House alumni.” His thin lips slipped into an amiable
smile. “They’re good for the bottom line. Always willing to give back and
support our mission.”
Hope raised a brow at the comment. She had heard it a few
times before from Erin, an alumnus of the center. While all the services at
Emily’s House were free to those who needed them, Ted had an expectation of
reciprocation from each person who benefited from those services. There were
ample opportunities, such as selling raffle tickets, donating door prizes, and
volunteering to mentor. Erin had assured Hope she never felt pressured and
wanted to contribute as much as possible.
And Hope believed her because she knew Ted personally. He’d
been nothing but respectful and considerate of his neighbors, unlike his wife.
“Well, I’m off.” Ted sidestepped Hope as he slipped his
phone into his blazer’s breast pocket.
“Oh, sorry to keep you. Off to an important meeting?”
Hope shifted closer to the front door.
“Ah…well. Yes, you could say that. Have a good class.”
Ted jogged down the steps and disappeared around the side of the beautiful Victorian
house the non-profit had taken over fifteen years ago.
Blurb:
Food blogging is turning Hope Early into a household name. But the dead body down the block makes her a #1 suspect…
It
seems everyone loves Hope’s blog these days, and she’s busier than ever
volunteering to help other women create their own paths to success. So
she’s shocked when a neighbor petitions to run Hope right out of her
small Connecticut town! Set in her ways, apparently Birdie Donovan
doesn’t like the chaos Hope’s sleuthing creates, the police activity and
crime scenes, and it’s happening way too often lately. Eager to make
amends, Hope bakes Birdie a batch of her best muffins. The delicious
treats might have smoothed things over—until Hope discovers Birdie dead
in her gazebo the very next day…
Now instead of worrying about
holding on to her beloved home, Hope is trying to stay out of jail.
Because suddenly she’s the lead suspect in the case. Not even her
boyfriend, Police Chief Ethan Cahill, is promising he can clear her
name, much less discuss the investigation with her. It’s up to Hope to
get to bake new ground on the case before the lifestyle brand she’s
created—and her whole life—crumbles…
Amazon|Barnes&Noble
Aside from looking forward to the release of my novel, I’m looking forward to the change of season. I’m a fall gal at heart. I love all things pumpkin spice and cozy. What are you looking forward to in the coming weeks? Thanks for visiting with me today!
Debra Sennefelder is the
author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series.
She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking,
exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie. You can keep in touch
with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.
The Art of Letter Writing
/in Uncategorized/by Kathleen KaskaKathleen Kaska
When was the last time you wrote a letter or received one?
With texting, tweeting, emailing, and Facebook messaging available as
popular (and expedient) forms of communication, people rarely write letters
nowadays. Why bother, you might ask? I just order the book, Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship: The
Correspondence of E. B. White and Edmund Ware Smith. When I saw E. B. White
on the cover, I ordered it immediately. I love his writing. I didn’t pay
attention to the subtitle, so I was surprised to see that it was a collection
of letters between two friends. I haven’t read the book yet; I’m savoring it
for a vacation when I don’t have to focus on a bazillion other things. But it
got me thinking.
I’m fortunate to have a friend who still prefers to communicate this
old-fashioned way. We met several years ago when I interviewed her for a book I
was writing about her father. Although she uses email, she does so mainly for
business. She and I chat on the phone, but we also write letters to one
another. I have kept every letter she has written me, as well as copies of those
I’ve written to her.
Beyond my correspondence with my letter-writing friend, I write a Christmas
letter to my family, though not every year. I write letters to my young great-niece
and nephews, since they live in Texas and I’m in Washington State. I don’t want
them to forget about me.
I think the reason letter writing is rare is that it takes time and effort.
Getting started is especially hard. I could begin with a comment on the
weather, how I’m feeling, or what I’ve been up to, but those topics seem humdrum.
What helps me get past “Dear Stephanie,” is a reminder to start with a quirky
thought that’s been brewing in my brain—something like why
I choose to have two
olives with my martini on one night and three on another. After that first
paragraph is written, I’m off and running with three or four pages pounded out
in a few minutes.
Electronic communication fosters little forethought as to what to say, or
how to say it. “I have a question; here it is.” Or, “I have some information
you need; read this quickly.” I also find that if I send an email with too many
questions, most of them go unanswered. Sadly no one seems to read lengthy
emails. I even had a publisher who consistently ignored most of what I asked. I
soon learned to ask just one question per email.
Letter writing, on the other hand, takes thought, creativity, and
consideration for the recipients of the letters. You don’t want to bore them to
death with mundane information. You want to make them laugh and understand
what’s really going on in your head and your life.
I look back on the first letters I wrote to my friend; most contained
questions about her father’s activities. But after my book was published The Man Who Saved the Whooping Crane: The Robert Porter Allen Story University Press of Florida, 2012) we began
communicating on a more personal level, and a true friendship developed. I
enjoy reading her letters, being able to hold them, stick them in my purse, and
reread them. I know she’s put time and effort into her letters to me—and that
makes me feel special. I hope she feels the same way when she receives one of
mine.
I’m not sure what I will eventually do with all our correspondence, but I’m
glad to have it. My friend lives across the country, so I rarely see her. Our
letters keep us close.
Do you know of other similar books that are collections of letters?
Kathleen Kaska is the author of The
Sherlock Holmes Quiz Book (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing
Group). She is the founder of The Dogs in the Nighttime: Holmes Society of Anacortes,
Washington, a scion of The Baker Street Irregulars. Kathleen writes the
awarding-winning Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series and the Kate Caraway Mystery
Series. Her passion for birds led to the publication The
Man Who Saved the Whooping Crane: The Robert Porter Allen Story.
Kathleen’s collection of blog posts, Do You Have a Catharsis Handy?
Five-Minute Writing Tips won the Chanticleer International
Book Award in the non-fiction Instruction and Insights category.
Go to her website and sign up for her newsletter. Look for
her bi-monthly blog: “Growing Up Catholic in a Small Texas Town” because
sometimes you just have to laugh.
http://www.kathleenkaska.com
http://www.blackopalbooks.com
https://twitter.com/KKaskaAuthor
http://www.facebook.com/kathleenkaska
Recipes to Die For
/in Uncategorized/by The Stiletto GangBy Mary Lee Ashford
Mary Lee Ashford is a lifelong bibliophile, and avid reader, and supporter of public libraries.
In addition to writing the Sugar and Spice series for
Kensington Books, she also writes as half of the writing team of Sparkle Abbey, author of the national bestselling Pampered Pets mystery series from Bell Bridge Books.
Prior to publishing Mary Lee won first place in the Daphne du Maurier contest, sponsored by the Kiss of Death chapter of RWA, and was a finalist in Murder in the Grove’s mystery contest, as well as Killer Nashville’s Claymore Dagger contest.
She is the founding president of Sisters in Crime – Iowa and a past board member of the Mystery Writers of America Midwest chapter, as well as a member of Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death the RWA Mystery Suspense chapter, Sisters in Crime, and the SinC internet group Guppies. She loves encouraging other writers and is a frequent presenter for writers’ groups.
Mary Lee has a passionate interest in creativity and teaches a university level course in Creative Management to MPA candidates, as well as presenting workshops and blogging about creativity.
She currently resides in the midwest with her husband, Tim and cat, Zoey. Her delights are reading and enjoying time her two sons and their lovely wives as well as her crazy awesome grandchildren.
Clicking Our Heels – Summer Vacation Preferences
/in Clicking Our Heels/by Stiletto GangCLICKING OUR
HEELS – SUMMER VACATION PREFERENCES
Can you
believe summer is almost over? Three more days and no more white shoes or white
pants! Before summer ends, the Stiletto Gang members thought we’d share our favorite
summer vacations – indoors/outdoors, beach/mountains, or staycation.
Debra H.
Goldstein: The Beach! Something
about the white capped swirling water and glistening sand is my nirvana.
Anita Carter:
Definitely outdoors. One of my favorite vacations was when my husband and I
traveled to Hawaii for 10 days. We island hopped. We had the best time at the
beach and hiking through the mountains and around the volcanos. I’d love to go
again.
T.K. Thorne:
I have to see the ocean regularly or something inside doesn’t get fed. Also, I
live on a mountain, so I get my tree and fresh air fix every day.
Debra
Sennefelder: Staycation. I really don’t like summer weather. I much prefer
air conditioning.
Kathryn Lane:
My husband and I spend the summers in the mountains of northern New Mexico near
Taos, where we enjoy outdoor adventures as well as watching wildlife drift by
from our cabin deck.
Dru Ann Love:
I like sightseeing various locations, so outdoors. Staycations are good as well.
Kathleen
Kaska: It’s the beach for me –
anytime.
Robin
Hillyer-Miles: Beach or staycation!
Lois Winston:
I much prefer a warm getaway in the winter, but I’m not a beach person. I love
exploring museums, ancient sites, and foreign cities.
Linda
Rodriguez: Anymore, I’m a stay-at-home person most of the time, thanks to
health issues. In summer, you’ll find me inside in the air conditioning or
sitting on my spacious porch, spinning or knitting and chatting with my
neighbors.
Shari
Randall: I’m a culture vulture, so I’d love to somewhere with great museums
and theater. I live near a beach, so I’ll admit it, I’m spoiled.
Mary Lee
Ashford: My summer vacation preference would be outdoors with a beach and a
book! Staycations are fun but since I’ve been working from home since March
2020, I am more than ready to see some walls that aren’t my own.
Gay Yellen:
Mountains. Hiking in a cool mountain forest is the best break from summer in
the city.
Lynn McPherson: I love the beach and the mountains. I’m home most of the
time so when vacation time rolls around I’m ready to go explore new places.
Cathy Perkins: What is a vacation these days? When I can travel again, definitely the beach!
The Colorado Sisters, L.A. and Eva Mondragon, Chicana Private Investigators by Juliana Aragon Fatula
/in Author Life/by Juliana Aragon FatulaMe with amigo and fellow Latin Loco Motion Perform, Manuel Roybal, Sr. and our tour guide in Sicily near Mt. Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe. I loved touring and performing on the military bases in 1995 between the Gulf War and the war that followed. The best days of my youth were spent flying in cargo planes like the ones transporting the asylum seekers from Afghanistan today. Have a little charity.
Dear Reader,
This summer spun me on my heels, ripped my hair out of my head, threw me on my ass, and kicked me in the gut then punched me in the mouth. I’m not being hyperbolic; I’m describing how I felt when I faced my son and asked him why he refused to get vaccinated against Covid 19. He said, we’re in a civil war in this country. Vaxed and the unvaxed. He shouted his theories. I remained calm and quietly wept. I gave up and accepted his choice. I’m writing this because I need your prayers or whatever voodoo you do do because I’m desperate for a miracle. If my prayers are answered, I’m worrying for no reason; but reality, science, facts, statistics and the fact that we live in a county notorious for not wearing masks or getting vaccinated has validated my fears.
So today, I’m going to stand tall and ask all the ancestors to send their healing power and energy to my son and protect him. I’m going to smudge sage and sweetgrass and burn copal and chant and drum in the spirits to surround him with a safety net since he won’t do it himself. I’m going to think positive and remain calm and peaceful because there’s not a fricking thing I can do. He’s an adult. It’s his body.
As for my healing over this heartache, I write. I’m writing a book review for a writer I greatly admire. I’m working on a speech for an event in September called Latina Voices. They invited me to speak at the ten year anniversary and asked if I’d write a poem about Latina Voices to celebrate the event. So I’m writing a poem and trying something I don’t do and rhyming so it’s easier to memorize. Ha. I’m also scouring my closets and jewelry drawer for my regalia as a Corn Mother 2022 photo shoot and working on what shoes to wear and how to style my hair. Yikes.
I have several writing projects in the works, always. I have completed two manuscripts, a memoir of poems called Gathering Momentum. I’ve also completed my first mystery love story, The Colorado Sisters and the Atlanta Butcher and will be submitting it for possible publication with a Chicano/Latino Press. There are only a few, but it’s important to me to be represented by mi gente.
The mystery is complete but in my head are two more mysteries involving the Colorado Sisters, L.A. and Eva. They have been described as fascinating characters and the men in their love lives have that certain je ne sais quoi that makes women swoon. Ooh la la. The love scenes steamed up my glasses one night and I had to take a cold shower. The characters are unique, funny, mysterious, and professional. I admit I’ve fallen in love with the characters I’ve created and their little world and the Love Shack, the 35 foot Airstream that serves as home base for the P.I. biz.
I’m proud of the work and the creativity that went into this manuscript and I’m anxious to write the next one and the next one. If nothing else, my writing and researching, and reading, and submitting keeps my head focused and my eyes on the future instead of the past and the chaos that is the 2020 Global Pandemic and the Civil War that rips families apart.
Hitting Double Digits
/in Uncategorized/by Lois WinstonBy Lois Winston
My agent called me one day back in 2004. She’d had a conversation with an editor looking for a cozy mystery series with a crafting theme and told the editor she had the perfect author to write such a series. Of course, she meant me with my background as a designer of craft projects for manufacturers, craft book publishers, and magazines.
However, at the time I’d only written romance, romantic suspense, and chick lit. I had never even heard of cozy mysteries that featured crafters. My idea of a cozy mystery was Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher. However, always up for any challenge, I agreed. Then I rushed over to the library and filled my arms with every crafting cozy they had on the shelves. Who knew there were so many?
Thus, was born my Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery Series. Unfortunately, the sale to that editor never went through. In the middle of contract negotiations, the publishing house was sold, and the new publisher immediately canceled the cozy mystery line. However, shortly after that setback, my agent sold my chick lit book and a romantic suspense. I really couldn’t complain, except that I’d fallen in love with writing that crafting cozy. I’d found my true author voice and really didn’t want to continue writing romance and romantic suspense.
Publishing is all about the right book landing on the right editor’s desk on the right day. It took nearly five years from the time I’d finished Assault with a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the series, for the series to sell to another publisher. Now, seventeen years after first carrying all those crafting cozies to the library check-out desk, Stitch, Bake, Die!, the tenth book in the series is up for pre-order.
Stitch, Bake, Die!
An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, Book 10
With massive debt, a communist mother-in-law, a Shakespeare-quoting parrot, and a photojournalist boyfriend who may or may not be a spy, crafts editor Anastasia Pollack already juggles too much in her life. So she’s not thrilled when her magazine volunteers her to present workshops and judge a needlework contest at the inaugural conference of the NJ chapter of the Stitch and Bake Society, a national organization of retired professional women. At least her best friend and cooking editor Cloris McWerther has also been roped into similar duties for the culinary side of the 3-day event taking place on the grounds of the exclusive Beckwith Chateau Country Club.
Marlene Beckwith, wife of the multi-millionaire pharmaceutical magnate and country club owner, is both the chapter president and conference chairperson. The only thing greater than her ego is her sense of entitlement. She hates to lose at anything and fully expects to win both the needlework and baking competitions.
When Anastasia and Cloris arrive at the conference, they discover cash bribes in their registration packets. The Society members, few of whom are fans of Marlene, stick up for the accused and instead suggest that Marlene orchestrated the bribes to eliminate her stiffest competition.
The next morning when Marlene is found dead, Anastasia questions whether she really died peacefully in her sleep. After Marlene’s husband immediately has her cremated, Anastasia once again finds herself back in reluctant amateur sleuth mode.
With the help of Cloris, Marlene’s personal assistant Rhetta, and a laptop someone will stop at nothing to find, Anastasia soon unravels evidence of insurance scams, medical fraud, an opioid ring, long-buried family secrets, and too many possible suspects. And that’s before she stumbles over the body of yet another member of the Stitch and Bake Society.
Can Anastasia piece together the various clues before she becomes the killer’s next target?
Crafting tips included.
Pre-order (available 10/4)
Kindle
Kobo
Nook
Apple Books
~*~
USA Today and Amazon bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.
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