Fun, Writing

Character Interview

This month I’ll be posting character interviews from the world of the Melanie Hogan cozy mystery series, which thus far includes Shear Madness, Shear Deception, Shear Malice, and coming in 2018, Shear Murder. This week’s interview is with Melanie Hogan, the protagonist in the series. I hope you enjoy getting to know Melanie.  Can… Continue reading Character Interview

Fun, Writing

Development of the Melanie Hogan Cozy Mysteries

I’m often asked by my readers, “How do you come up with your ideas?” To which I chuckle and joke, “My mind is a scary place.” Okay, so maybe I’m not joking. Not completely, anyway. But since I write cozy mysteries and suspense, both that contain “clean” romance, I think I’ll pass my mother’s inspection.… Continue reading Development of the Melanie Hogan Cozy Mysteries

Faith and Spirituality, Gratitude, Life Lessons, Nature, Quotes, Writing

Beauty in Brokenness

I spent a lot of time in nature this past weekend and marveled, as usual, in all of its splendor. The perfect creations as well as the stunning beauty in the broken. And I started thinking...wouldn't it be wonderful if we appreciated people as we do nature, in all of their brokenness and all of… Continue reading Beauty in Brokenness

Fun, Life Lessons, Quotes, Writing

And in the Beginning…

For those who have read my bio, you know my writing years began at the tender age of four. I took my fat little crayons in my fat little fingers and decided to experiment with words on the knotty pine walls of the living room. My parents were not impressed! But even back then, I… Continue reading And in the Beginning…

Fun, Writing

Book Launch Partytime

This past Saturday was my book launch for not one, but two books. Finding Abby was released in November. Life got in the way and I didn't advertise, promote, nothing. With my recent release, Shear Malice, book three in the Melanie Hogan cozy mystery series, I decided to have a double release. And better yet,… Continue reading Book Launch Partytime

Fun, Life Lessons, Quotes, Writing

Mining for Ideas

I’m confident that everyone who writes has been asked on more than one occasion, “Where do you get your ideas?” Even when I expect it, that question always makes me freeze. When I finally thaw, I hem and haw, shift from one foot to the other, scrunch my face, followed by a long exhale…you would… Continue reading Mining for Ideas

Fun, Quotes, Writing

Traditional Publishing vs. Indie Publishing

Indie publishing used to hold a certain stigma, but that’s no longer so. It’s become more widely recognized as a legitimate publishing option, and rightly so, as there’s a lot of work that goes into it. An indie author doesn’t just throw words on the page and hit “publish.” Well, they shouldn’t anyway. Not if… Continue reading Traditional Publishing vs. Indie Publishing

Fun, Writing

Detour Home

A while back I mentioned my new online home, where I've also transferred my blog. That being said, I neglected to include a sign up/follow button on my new site. It took me a while to get around to doing that, but it's now done. I would absolutely love to have you visit me over… Continue reading Detour Home

Alcoholism, Faith and Spirituality, Family, Gratitude, Writing

The Season for Gratitude

During this holiday season, cultivating an attitude of gratitude is at the top of my to-do list. Family is top of the top, hands down. After family, my top 10 for 2016 is: 10.)  Election season being over! Nationally as well as locally. My day job is in a political office, which makes election season ultra stressful.… Continue reading The Season for Gratitude