Did you know we are over halfway through the year! Where did the first six months go??? I just finished the first round of edits for the first Natchez book, Standoff and they have been accepted. Now they will go to the editor I call the Plausibility Police. She is so good. She makes sure everything in my story is …
Called 9-1-1 Lately?
This blog post comes to you from the beautiful wooded hills near Nashville at Montgomery Bell State Park. As you read this I’ll be relaxing preparing for my keynote for the KenTen Writers Retreat. And a little later I’ll do a workshop on brainstorming. If you’re a writer and are ever looking for a writers retreat that leaves you refreshed …
Can You Insure It?
I am halfway through my edits. Hope to be done by the time you are reading this!! And yes, there’s a LOT of red on the page. 🙂 Some authors prefer writing the first draft and really get excited about it. I get excited, but it’s the HARDEST work I’ve ever done! The whole time I’m drafting I keep telling …
Scratching My Head
I had a great time last week visiting my family and I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day! Yesterday I posted a photo of our National Cemetery where boy scouts had placed over a thousand flags on graves. I love how Dr. Richard Mabry puts it: “Take a moment and remember the men and women who’ve made the ultimate …
When Crime Goes Awry
I’ve finished the short story for Sumer of Suspense except for reading it for typos. I’ve titled it Code Pink ~ Stolen Baby Here’s the tagline: It’s been five years since someone stole Holly Jordan’s baby boy. Armed with new software that can predict how he would look today, she enlists the help of cold case Detective Jake Prescott to …
From the Blotter
This week I signed books at Barnes and Noble near Memphis and had a ball. It was great connecting with readers, most who had never heard of me. 🙂 Great way to stay humble! But I almost sold out of books and that’s a good thing. And Norma, in the photo, bought two books! Now on to last week’s Mystery …
Can People Really Be This Dumb?
Saturday, May 4, I had fun signing books at my nearest Barnes & Noble in Tupelo, Mississippi. Sad to say, it took me a while before I understood why everyone went around saying, “May the 4th be with you…” I was blessed to sell over half the books they ordered. Ann Cooper in the photo was my best customer! Now …
Can Criminals Be Nuts or What?
This past week I got to spend time with my nephew, Brad, who has been quite ill these past few years. He was much better and we were able to go to one of his favorite restaurants in his hometown– A Little Pizza of Heaven. He’s a great writer and I’ve been trying for years to get him to write …
More Questions from Natchez
Last week’s Mystery Question had to do with this mirror, and everyone had great answers. Here’s the story behind the mirror: The City of Natchez owns the Auburn Mansion, and one day the mayor of Natchez was in Vicksburg where he saw this mirror. Immediately, he said, “I have to have that for Auburn Mansion.” So he bought it. There …
Photos from Natchez & a Mystery
Last week I spent parts of three days researching for my next book set in Natchez. I toured antebellum homes where I learned their history. Sad to say the homes and many of the furnishing were built with slave labor. Look at the craftsmanship of this building and the furniture they made! It is A-Ma-Zing! This is a desk that …