The virtual version of Bouchercon, which was originally set to be held in Sacramento, California, happens online the middle of October. I’m truly glad they’re going ahead with a virtual event, in light of the Covid-19 crisis. But, seeing the posts this week about the upcoming convention has got me feeling a bit blue about missing the in-person connections of conferences, and has me reminiscing … Continue reading Our Missing Links
Remember Macaulay Culkin, that cute little kid from the Christmas film, “Home Alone”? He just turned forty. Yep, you heard that right. Forty. If it makes you feel old, join the club. Actually, reading last week that Macaulay Culkin is forty was just the icing on my feeling-really-old pity party cake. August brought a couple of other startling milestones in my family. My youngest nephew, … Continue reading Startling milestones — I’m feeling old
Did any designers last year predict that protective face masks would become the fashion accessory of the season? Probably not. While the reason that the trend was necessitated isn’t in any way fun, I have respect for those who are able to make lemonade out of lemons. I know some folks have mad skills and are sewing their own masks, including making masks that … Continue reading A socially-distanced fashion parade
Yesterday, Father’s Day, was an emotional day for many. For some, happy and celebratory. Giving Dad a call, gifting him with (yet another) necktie and a card. For some, a day of tears, perhaps the first Father’s Day since Dad passed. For many, a mixed bag of emotions Continue reading Best Daddy in the world
On social media, people have been sharing how they are coping the changes in our daily lives brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of us have been playing board games with the spouse and kids. Some of us have been cooking – and eating – more comfort food. And many of us who generally escape into books have been binge-watching favorite TV shows. … Continue reading X marks the binge-worthy
So my husband has been working from home because of the COVID 19 shelter in place measures. Since I already work from home, it hasn’t been a huge change for me, for the most part. But, I was struck by how much technology has changed our lives. The other day, I was in the office/guest room on a video conference call at the exact same … Continue reading The tech that dreams are made of
Tomorrow, MY FAIR LATTE, the first book in my Café Cinema Mysteries, will finally be out in the world! If you’ve heard me mention the book (non-stop) the past few months, you already know a little about it: Broke, unemployed barista Halley Greer unexpectedly inherits a timeworn movie theater and reopens it with a coffee bar showing classic films. Opening night’s premiere of “My Fair … Continue reading Coffee, Films — and Family
Authors often get asked how much research we have to do for each book. So, I thought I’d share a peek into a bit of the research for MY FAIR LATTE, which comes out March 3 – one month from today. (Think *pre-orders*!) Halley Greer, my unemployed barista protagonist, unexpectedly inherits a timeworn movie theater, which after some renovations, she reopens with a coffee/wine bar … Continue reading Research, or suffering for my art
The Halloween candy isn’t even stale yet and I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving. Because: I have much for which to be grateful. I love watching Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Miracle on 34th Street. And (who are we kidding), the annual feast! My list of Thanksgiving dinner must-haves: Turkey. I’ll admit here, somewhat red-faced, that I’ve never cooked a whole turkey by myself. My … Continue reading Another Thanksgiving, with all the fixins
Mystery writers often get asked, “Where do your ideas (for books, murders, characters) come from?” This is a question I field at pretty much every presentation and every interview I do. Since doing the cover reveal last week on social media for the new series I have coming out early next year, some people have asked, “Where did you get the idea for this series?” … Continue reading Just a Cupful of Inspiration
Every picture tells a story, even the outtakes — or sometimes, especially the outtakes. I was recently sorting through some of my “author” photos. You know, mug shots, pictures of me at events, signings, and other promotional type stuff. It occurred to me that “the Cloud” enables me to hang on to crummy photos almost indefinitely. I’m not terribly vain, so I decided to share … Continue reading Behind the scenes: Author “glamour” shots
If you’re on social media much, then you’ve likely seen posts listing wacky, made-up holidays. You know, like Today is National Popcorn Day (Jan. 19). These holidays are fun to think about and provide easy content on days when you’re stumped about what to post on Facebook (or your blog). Some of the made-up holidays provide suggestions that are just generally a good idea. … Continue reading I Missed Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day
Chicks on the Case 