Happy New Year 2022

Goodbye 2021 and Hello 2022! A year ago we started with some optimism regarding COVID-19 and despite the current surge of cases, we are decidedly better off than a year ago. Just not where we hoped to be.  Still as I look back over the year, I can identify some goals reached and events of note.  On the family side, the most notable event wass the birth of my first great niece! (I only had nephews and great nephews before).  

Looking back, my goals haven't changed very much:

• Be kind. Do something nice for someone, pay it forward, make someone else smile.
• Think positive. Find the silver lining no matter how hard it is to find one.
• Stay in touch with people I care about even if it is easier not to make the effort. It is too easy to become isolated.
• Finish the "hanger-on tasks" from work and truly retire!
• Be productive with my writing, starting with the new series to debut later this month! You can get a free copy of the prequel to the Izzie Di Sante mysteries, Reawakening the Itch, HERE. It will release on January 23rd. The first full book, An Itch for Justice, is scheduled to release on January 26th. 
• Do better at completing reviews and posting on my blog, keeping in communication with my readers and other authors.
• Audiobooks was a new (unplanned) endeavor this past year. Hopefully, all of my backlist will be available in audiobook format by the end of 2022.
• Continue to work on weight, fitness, better eating habits, and all that I can do to stay healthy
• Work on the "Travel Bucket List." A lot of travel was postponed, though we did take a short trip to Lexington, KY. Why Lexington, KY of all places? My husband wanted to check out the bourbon trail and I wanted to visit the general location where a favorite series of mine (Bluegrass series by Kathleen Brooks) is set. It sure sounded beautiful and it was. We'll be taking some time this month for travel, or at least that is the plan...

For all of you, my husband and I wish you all the best for the coming year.  As you plan your reading for the next year, here are some ideas for you (keep scrolling for the rafflecopter!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FAREWELL 2020 AND WELCOME 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The year 2020 will go down in history for many reasons. I, for one, am optimistic that 2021 will bring an end to the pandemic, at least relieving one of the factors that has contributed to a rough last 9 months.  Aside from the pandemic and the economic and political aftermath, we've dealt with fires, extreme weather conditions, and violence. Also, in August 2020, I retired from my full-time job (though with lots to catch up on and working remotely to do that, it doesn't seem that way. Yet). For all these reasons, I've decided to look ahead, instead of back. 

My goals (not resolutions) for 2021:

• Be kind. Do something nice for someone, pay it forward, make someone else smile.
• Be productive. Keep writing and reading and remembering to leave reviews for books I read. No set words/day. Keep moving forward. 
• Think positive. I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
• Stay in touch with people I care about. It is too easy, with everything remote these days, to become isolated. Safe, not satisfying. 
• Work on the travel bucket list (once safe to travel again) - this was a big part of the retirement plan, and has now been postponed until probably June or July, with Bouchercon in August in New Orleans. It's important to have something to look forward to.
• Strive to be healthy. COVID-19 has made it too easy to eat and sleep. Need to engage in a more healthy lifestyle.
• Continue to engage with readers and other writers in a variety of ways - maybe even figure out instagram on a mac?

Most of all, as we move into a new year, wishing all peace, good health, and good will toward others, despite differences.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's that time of the year once again - a time to reflect on the good and the not-so-good. Overall, 2019 was a good year on all work levels - the day job and the writing. Lots of accomplishments for sure and hopefully more to come in 2020.   

On the plus side, publications in 2019 included: 

Dogs and More Dogs, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley Mystery #2)

Old Friends and New, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley Mystery #3)

Deception, Denial & Murder (Stacie Maroni Mystery #3)

Plans for 2020 include the next in each of those series... I suspect that will keep me busy (and out of trouble)!  Planned at least is the next in the Hannah & Tamar Series for tweens, teens, & YA, as well as a holiday - themed book for each of the other series...  

I also now have a website!  Check it out!

At a more global level, the frequency of hate, violence, and terrorism hasn't improved. It is sad to see the world and at home so filled with negativity. I am reminded of my high school years and the chant "Give Peace a Chance" often. At the very least, I suggest "Give Kindness a Chance" and pay it forward. As with a year ago, with all the turmoil here at home and abroad, I will strive to:

Be more positive and thoughtful of others

Be an advocate and help out others as best I can

Remember to engage in random acts of kindness

Be respectful of others and their opinions, even when I disagree 

On a personal level, I can't avoid the tried and true: Eat better, exercise more, lose weight... I'll add in there, take some time to relax. And since I'm behind, catching up on the books I've read, but not yet reviewed. The promise for 2020 is huge, as I step out of full-time employment and into semi-retirement (translation = more time to read and write). I'm excited for what is ahead.

What about you? What will you be working on in 2020?

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!

It's that time of the year once again - a time to reflect on the good and the not-so-good.  Overall, 2018 was a good year on all work levels - the day job and the writing. Lots of accomplishments for sure and hopefully more to come in 2019. 

On the plus side, publications in 2018 included: 

• Malicious Mischief (A Hannah and Tamar Mystery #4)
• A New Place, Another Murder (Sheridan Hendley Mystery Series #1)
• Foundations, Funny Business & Murder (Stacie Maroni Mystery Series #2)

Plans for 2019 include the next in each of those series... I suspect that will keep me busy (and out of trouble)!

At a more global level, the frequency of hate, violence and terrorism hasn't improved. As a year ago, with all the turmoil here at home and abroad, I will strive to:

• Be more positive and thoughtful of others
• Be an advocate and help out others as best I can
• Remember to engage in random acts of kindness
• Be respectful of others and their opinions, even when I disagree 

On a personal level, I can't avoid the tried and true:  Eat better, exercise more, lose weight... I'll add in there, take some time to relax.  And since I'm behind, catching up on the books I've read, but not yet reviewed. 

What about you? What will you be working on in 2019?

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's that time of the year once again - a time to reflect on the good and the not-so-good.  Overall, 2017 was a good year on all work levels - the day job and the writing. Lots of accomplishments for sure and hopefully more to come in 2018. 

I commented last New Years on the world situation. The frequency of hate, violence and terrorism hasn't improved. As a year ago, with all the turmoil here at home and abroad, I will strive to:

• Be more positive and thoughtful of others
• Be an advocate and help out others as best I can
• Remember to engage in random acts of kindness
• Be respectful of others and their opinions, even when I disagree 

As always, I can't avoid the tried and true - eat better, exercise more, lose weight... I'll add in there, take some time to relax.  And since I'm behind, catching up the books I've read, but not yet reviewed.  

What about you? What will you be working on in 2018?

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017

This time of the year is for looking back and looking ahead...  and 2016 had its ups and downs for sure.  

On the upside - the writing side - the fourth in the Cold Creek Series - MURDER IN THE THEATER was finished and released!  The fifth is in process slowly but surely... planned release is late summer or early fall 2017! 

Just as exciting, i joined forces with Cassidy Salem and we launched the Hannah and Tamar Mystery Series with THE MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE. More novella length and reminiscent of early Nancy Drew and Dana Girls, these are fun to write and Cassidy's a great co-author. The plan is to get at least two more of these by late summer or early fall - works in process so far.

2016 also brought increased interaction with many virtual friends and supporters through Facebook groups, Goodreads, and twitter.  Everyone is always helpful, gives suggestions, and answers questions as the complexities of indie publishing increase. One of these days I may get the chance to meet some of these folks in person! 

I officially stopped making New Year's Resolutions many years ago, but it's hard not to think about the future.  With all the turmoil in the world, increasing numbers of people I know dealing with medical issues, for 2017, I hope I can:

• Be more positive and considerate
• Be more tolerant of those who have different ideas
• Be supportive and advocate for those in need
• Be thankful for what I have and can accomplish
• Be thoughtful and remember to engage in random acts of kindness 

And, yes, I'll throw in there the ever present eat better, exercise more and lose weight!  What about you?

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2017!

REVIEW OF 2014 - PLANS FOR 2015

November and December are curious months to be sure.  Both months prompt us to look back (and ahead) to what we're thankful for and what we've done. 

For me, 2014 has been a good year:

MURDER AT COLD CREEK COLLEGE (released in October 2013) has done well with average reviews at 4.3 of 5 stars - not bad for a first novel! Great Escapes arranged a great blog tour that helped get the word out.

MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM was released in September 2014 and thus far is at 4.8 of 5 stars with hopefully more reviews coming in! 

The whole marketing aspect of being a self-published author is getting a little easier, and I've gotten some good advice from fellow writers and through the various FB groups.  I finally gave in and have a Twitter account, though I can't possibly read all the tweets and honestly can't fathom how anyone can.

I started Book 3 - as yet untitled - in a feeble attempt to do NANOWRIMO.  I managed 20,000 words so it is off and running.

Family-wise, things have been a bit rocky in the extended family with one passing and another in extended care.  2014 also saw the passing of two friends.  

Healthwise, all is well for my husband and me - at least that's what I'm told. We both started working out, drinking more water, and eating better - well except for all the cookies of late. Some days we both agree that getting old is NOT for sissies.

Not quite resolutions for 2015:

First off, the plan is to continue to work out, hydrate, and eat better.  Ideally, a few pounds and inches will fall off along the way.

Great Escapes has scheduled a blog tour for MURDER IN THE ARBORETUM - the schedule will be posted in the next day or so.

Finish Book 3 - hopefully by early spring. It is, after all, one-third or so written already.

A few Kindle Countdown Deals are planned and possibly a boxed set deal for a short time in the late spring.  I haven't quite figured that out yet.

Participate in the Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge - I already have A, B, and P and 2 T's lined up for January reading.

Last, but not least, take time to relax and enjoy my husband's company and that of my friends.

What about you? How was your 2014? Your hopes (not quite resolutions) for 2015?

Catching up! and Looking back!

Whew!  Sorry to have been absent for most of the last few weeks but with the holidays, what can I say other than Buon Natale! and Buon Anno!  As I look back over the past year, I am pretty amazed (and, yes, proud) that I was able to get the editing, beta reviews, and release done for Murder at Cold Creek College. Sales are fairly steady and I'm pleased with the responses and reviews after only 2 months.  I have to admit I really enjoyed creating Sheridan, Kim, Brett and all, though as the story unfolded, they seemed to take over.  My sense is that the same will happen with Murder at Cold Creek Arboretum.  With the first few chapters and about 25,000 words, drafted, Sheridan continues as the reluctant sleuth.  Now that Kim isn't a suspect, she is a more than willing 'side kick', still full of energy.  

On the reading side, I am still very much enjoying my kindle and reading a range of cozy mystery and romance.  It has been fun to interact, at least 'virtually' with other writers and readers.  I have to admit I am not quite sure what "New Age" or "Contemporary Romance" actually are, but maybe I will figure out as I read some of them.  My "to be read" list is pretty steep on the kindle and I have a stack of the "real" books besides.  Unfortunately, I also have a number of them yet to write reviews on. 

So other than the usual eat better, exercise more, and lose weight, what are my New Year's resolutions or goals?

• Increase marketing for Murder at Cold Creek College
• Finish Murder at Cold Creek Arboretum so it can be released in 2014
• Make a dent in the "to be read" pile and the "to be reviewed" pile
• Continue to participate in blog tours, maybe even schedule one

Speaking of Blog Tours, be sure to stop by for these already scheduled stops:

• 1/12/14        Playing with Fire by J.J. Cook
• 1/14/14        Passage of Crime (The Ernie Bisquets Mystery Series) including Guest Post by R. Michael Phillips
• 2/6/14          Spider Catchers by Marilynn Larew

And do have a happy and healthy New Year 2014!!!