Fun, Writing

A Cozy Teatime

This past weekend I was one of six local authors to host a book event, A Cozy Teatime, (named for our love of cozy mysteries) at the local bookstore, Welcome to the Bookstore. As a child, bookstores were the portal into so many worlds to which I wished to travel, the pages of each book… Continue reading A Cozy Teatime

Family, Life Lessons, Writing

Like What You Do; Choose What You Love

What may appear to be a small difference between two things can lead to a significant difference in the ultimate enjoyment of something. Examples that immediately come to mind include: While a cup of coffee from Starbucks and a cup of Folgers are both coffee, there is a distinct difference between the two. Nikon and… Continue reading Like What You Do; Choose What You Love

Family, Fun, Writing

Character Interview with Rose Donnelly

This is the last of the character interviews from the Melanie Hogan cozy mystery series. I hope you enjoyed getting to know them. Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself? I’m Melanie’s grandmother, but I’ve raised her since my daughter, Violet, left her with me when Melanie was just four years old.… Continue reading Character Interview with Rose Donnelly

Family, Fun, Writing

CI – Claire Davis

  CI = Character Interview, not Confidential Informant. 🙂 Welcome to the world of Claire Davis, side-kick of Melanie Hogan in the Melanie Hogan Cozy Mysteries, and co-owner of Melanie's hair salon, A Cut Above. Can you provide a physical description of yourself? Hmmm…that’s kind of awkward. Let’s see…I’m taller than Melanie, but that doesn’t… Continue reading CI – Claire Davis

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

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, 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

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

Fun, Writing

Cover Reveal

[et_pb_section bb_built="1" admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="3.0.51" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" border_style="solid"] I'm back up and running! I want to share two pieces of exciting news: 1.)  My website has had a complete overhaul and is now primarily an author website - a landing page for my electronic home - Please take a moment and browse. And...… Continue reading Cover Reveal