I read an article by Heather Murphy in the New York Times recently about a lost manuscript of John Steinbeck’s. I’m never surprised to find out that famous authors have written other works, but this one piqued my interest because I think of Steinbeck as a very literary writer who explores deep themes in his work. Yet this newly discovered manuscript was a “lighthearted detective … Continue reading Steinbeck’s Fictional Swamp Monster
Sheesh, how many times you gotta check facts?? I got an email recently from Rebecca, my production editor. She was alerting me that I might have a mistake in the manuscript for FATAL SOLUTIONS, the third Crossword Mystery that comes out in November. She was getting it ready to go to typesetting, but something caught her eye. In one scene Quinn Carr, my main character, … Continue reading Re-Re-Re-Research
In August 2006 my daughter Jessica and I took a road trip from Colorado to Oregon where I was going to deposit her at Pacific University, a small private school in the cute little town of Forest Grove. My credit card and I would be there for a few days, making sure she had what she needed, then I’d turn around and drive home. I … Continue reading My Periwinkle Fleece
My husband and I have very similar tastes in almost everything. We play this game I made up called “Which is Becky’s Favorite?” We’ll be standing in the middle of an art gallery, or kitschy store, or display of lamps at Home Depot and I’ll ask him, “Which is my fave?” More often than not he’ll get it exactly right, because whatever it is will … Continue reading Calling All Murderinos
Remember that old show? It was a novel, then a movie, then a TV series in the 70s about law school students, but I’m talking more literally. As I write a manuscript, I print out the day’s writing and place it in a 3-ring binder. I also email the draft to both my accounts when I stop for lunch and when I’m done for the … Continue reading The Paper Chase
When my dad died in the spring of 2019, I was tasked with dealing with the contents of his four-drawer filing cabinet—the drawers jam-packed with his short stories and speeches dating back to 1947 when he was still in high school. They were also packed with menus he’d stolen from various restaurants over the years. I know what you’re thinking. “But, Becky, restaurants want you … Continue reading Becky’s Passion Project
Did you hear that? That was me releasing the huge book release breath I’ve been holding. The hoopla about Puzzling Ink is mostly over, and I’m pleased with the results. I spread the word like a good little marketer, garnered some new fans, pleased my current fans, and the reviews are excellent. I still have some virtual appearances coming up and some book clubs to … Continue reading The Next Best Thing?
Puzzling Ink, the first in my new Crossword Mysteries launches on November 3rd and I’m wiggly with excitement. Wiggly, I tell you! All the launch deets and how you can get your hands on a print copy (and win even MORE prizes) are here. I hope everyone has joined the Facebook groups Becky’s Book Buddies and Cozy Mystery Crew because that is where all the … Continue reading Crossword Conundrums
Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m so OCD” when they do something perfectly reasonable like fold their towels a particular way (in my case, so they fit on the shelf), or park in the same aisle of the grocery store lot (in my case, so I can one, find my car, and two, not have to wait for pedestrians), or drink the same cocktail … Continue reading “I’m So OCD”
Writers, especially snooty ones, often thump their chest and testify to all who will listen their all-consuming passion for the written word. Specifically, their written words. But I never quite believe them because, in case you haven’t heard me whine about it before, writing is HARD. However, if given the choice between writing and a root canal, I will always choose writing. I will also … Continue reading Crime of Passion
I saw some funny warning labels recently that made me laugh. They also made me wonder about the lawsuits that surely must have prompted them. on a personal watercraft: “Never use a lit match or open flame to check fuel level.” on an iron-on T-shirt transfer: “Do not iron while wearing shirt.” on a baby stroller featuring a small pouch for storage: “Do not put … Continue reading Viva La Frivolous Lawsuit
It’s official … I wrote a book about writing a book. Very meta, eh? I’ve already been hearing some very encouraging things about it, and even got screenshots of these bad boys …. Orange is my new favorite color, btw. And wouldn’t it be funny if Amazon put those exclamation marks on there for me? I know it won’t last, but it’ll sure be fun … Continue reading Becky’s Book Birthday!
