The post for today is thanks to some research I had to do for my new mystery book. I've used this book before for information about police procedures and detective information, but when I went back through it the other day, I was amazed at all the information I had forgotten or overlooked. It's amazing how you can read a book more than once and still learn something from it. I guess that comes from the fact that your brain can only absorb so much information at a time. Anyway, it was very helpful and sorted a lot of my questions out for my book.  The part that I really find helpful is when it illustrates how the TV writers get it wrong and how it actually happens. Not that I'm looking to write a true crime story, but I would like to put a "real feel" into my books as much as possible. I've about got my story outlined and now I need to find some time to actually start writing it. Tell Me Everything is done, so I just have to get through the editing and finalizing all the details. The audiobook of Killer Deception is taking longer than I thought, but when you've never done something before it's hard to know how much time and energy it will take...but I'll get there eventually. Anyway, some projects are progression and others are getting there. 
​Until next time....

I have finally posted the reader review for Into the Storm on my website. I am so happy because of how great the review was. I have been waiting for the review sheet to be returned, and since it is hard to get readers to leave reviews, I try not to push too hard. I will say that reviews are so helpful to me, as an author, and they give me a boost of encouragement. Hearing what readers think of my books, fiction or non-fiction, is really important to me. The review was more thorough than I had anticipated, which turned out to be a nice surprise. So, if you're looking for a new devotional or if you're in the middle of a storm and you don't know how to handle it, then check out my book, Into the Storm as we walk through several examples.  Click here to check it out. 
​Until next time...

Just a quick update for today, I have finally finished typing my draft for Tell Me Everything. It feels like a weight is finally lifted off my shoulders. I didn't think I was ever going to get to the end. Now, that I've finished that, now begins the proofreading and editing phase. Not my favorite part, but necessary I know. So, the plan is to finish the Killer Deception Audiobook while this project is in the editing phase. I also want to get No Good Deed into large print this fall, which just takes a little formatting. My next mystery is also in the works. This one will be number six and I'm working on some book cover ideas right now.  So, plenty of projects to manage and get finished. A lot of people ask me how I manage all this writing stuff, and really it just comes down to time management. You really have to keep your finger on it, or it will pile up and get away from you. Honestly, it really doesn't feel like work though - yes, there's a lot of "work" to complete one of these writing projects, but I enjoy it so much, it just feels amazing when I finally get a project completed. Anyway, just a few writing things I'm working on...so I guess I'll get back to it.
​Until next time...

I've been reading several articles, posts, and columns about the different aspects of being a self-published author. Most of them say the same thing, that a self-published author should be on social media, have a mailing list, turn out new material as often as possible, and somehow keep reading. I have to say that thinking about doing all these things is overwhelming and the one part of that list that is the hardest to do is the keep reading part, and that wasn't always the case. Reading use to be one of the easiest things for me to do, but when combined when all the writing requirements it tends to take a back seat. I feel like the writing part takes precedent, as it should, but I wish it didn't take so much effort. Anyway, I guess I'll take a break from what everyone else says about being an author and focus on my own list. Every writing journey is different, and there really is no 'one way' to do this. Writing still makes me happy and is what, I believe, I am supposed to do. I hope that I am able to write amazing stories for a long time, that would be my happily ever after.
Until next time...

Just wanted to write a little bit about some of my favorite reads. I guess what brought this up is my inability to find anything to read lately. I don't know if it's me or the books, but anyway here are two of my absolute favorite reads. The first legal thriller that really grabbed me and made me a fan of the genre, is "The King of Torts" by John Grisham. I remember reading this book in one sitting and just on the edge of every page. When I finished it, I remember feeling so satisfied and I wanted to write a book like that. Something that would make people just keep reading until they got to the last page. The other book is "Weep No More, My Lady" by Mary Higgins Clark.  This book really got me emotionally involved in the story and I remember reading it on my bed, just completely absorbed in the story.  When I finally reached the last page, I actually cried because the ending was just wonderful. To me, this is what books are supposed to do: keep you involved until the very last page and make you emotionally involved so that the character's ups and downs are yours as well. I have always felt a wonderful connection to books, and I hope that everyone has that one book that really stays with them.  I know my books have always stayed with me and I know that I am better for it.
​Until next time...

Just one question for today, what draws you to a book? Is it the characters, the story, the genre, or is it the author's name? Do you care what the story is as long as it is written by your favorite author? For me, I have very few authors I read, however if the story is slow-moving or is poorly written, then I prefer to just close the book then force myself to finish it.  I find that a lot of books I try to read have unnecessary words in them or they describe a thing to death instead of moving the story forward. For me, I would much prefer the pace of the story to continue then to stop and describe something that has no connection to the plot. Maybe that's why some books are 600 and 700 pages? The author was too busy to achieve some word quota instead of crafting a story the reader could enjoy. Anyway, I stopped in at my local bookshop and saw an illustrated copy of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, so naturally I had to snap it off the shelf. When all else fails, always retreat to a classic and it will never disappoint.  
Until next time...

Not much to write about today...just a quick writing update. Still in the process of typing up my draft of Tell Me Everything. After I get that done, I can move on the proofreading and editing - which is not my favorite part. I've also got the cover for my Killer Deception Audiobook done and I think it looks pretty good. I had to do some research on how to create one, but thankfully it wasn't too difficult. That audiobook project will have to be on hold until I can figure out the financial part of it. I've also decided on my next Kathy Hamilton mystery...the next book will be called Bad Gamble. Looking forward to getting back to that story. The plot will be picking up from now until the end....which I am hoping that no one will see coming. So, lots of writing projects floating around and chipping away a little bit at a time at them. I guess that's all for now.
​Until next time...

Well, another book giveaway has come and gone. I was so pleased with how well it went. I had several people enter from the Facebook post and from my newsletter subscribers. So, the winner of this year's book giveaway is Cheryl Teachey.  Congratulations to this year's winner! Thank you to everyone who participated and sent in your answers. If you missed out this time, I'll have another giveaway next January. Newsletter subscribers always get first notice, so sign up today so you won't miss out. Click here to sign up to my On-the-Scene Newsletter. 
​Until next time...

Not much to post this time...I think all this cold weather has put a damper on everything. There's something about cold weather that just makes me want to curl up in a blanket and not do anything else. And trust me, there's plenty of things that I should be doing...writing, editing, book promotion, and more. On top of this I realized that my post for last time didn't post correctly, so that's a little disappointing. I'm in the process of (still) typing my first draft of my novel.  It's just slow going for some reason...I blame the weather.  On a better note, I've had good participation for my book giveaway, so that's exciting. I've also made some progress on turning Killer Deception into an audiobook.  Anyway, nothing big going on right now...just all the book grunt work before the big stuff starts to happen. Well, I guess that's it for now.
Until next time..