Teresa Michael

Oct 31, 2025 by Teresa Michael, in Newsletters

                     

The publication date (often fondly referred to as the “book birthday”) marks the culmination of more than a year of work, which includes, of course, writing the book but also working with my two critique groups throughout the process. If you’re a writer, I strongly urge you to find a critique group. Their input throughout the creative process is priceless.

Once the first draft is complete, I celebrate with a treat—a glass of wine, a happy hour with friends, a favorite dessert, or maybe a facial—after all THE END are my two favorite words.

      
 

Then I set it aside for maybe a week. Now, the revision process begins and may involve multiple passes through the work to make the manuscript as good as possible. Are there places where I can add more depth to the characters, making them more three-dimensional and realistic, or can I better describe a scene so the reader can see it more vividly?

Once that pass is complete, I recruit a few beta readers to provide comments and answer specific questions I may have about the story, or to confirm whether I have resolved all the loose ends and unanswered questions.

When this stage is complete, I closely review the beta reader’s comments and do another pass through the manuscript.  At this point, I usually print the entire manuscript and have the computer read the manuscript to me. This is a great way to identify clunky sentences, missed words, and typographical errors.

After I’ve completed this pass and made any final changes, it’s off to the editor. When the manuscript comes back from the editor, I review her suggestions, and we may meet in person to review them. Once I do the final pass, it’s off to my publisher. It’s kind of like sending my kid off to the first day of kindergarten—I’ve done all I can, and they’re ready (child and book) to go off into the world.

Pre-orders are open now at your favorite booksellers. If you read this or any of my books and you like them, please leave a ranking and review on Amazon and Goodreads. Reviews are a great way for an author’s work to be discovered.

Blurb for The Wedding Planner’s Secret:

Murder wasn’t on the guest list.

In The Wedding Planner’s Secret, Molly Harrington, co-owner of Harrington House Bed-and-Breakfast, becomes entangled in a murder mystery after discovering the wedding planner's lifeless body in the rose garden during a country club event. As romance sparks with the handsome detective, Molly uncovers hidden connections and rising tensions that lead to dangerous encounters. With the help of her great-aunt Elnora's spirit, Molly must navigate a web of secrets and suspects while seeking the truth before becoming the next victim. As romance blossoms and secrets unravel, Molly must decide how much she’s willing to risk—for the truth, and for a second chance at love. This engaging tale blends mystery, romance, and the paranormal, promising a cozy whodunit that keeps you guessing until the end.

Other News:

Murder with a Terrace View won the gold medal for the Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award. It was thrilling to get dressed up in a cocktail dress and to hear my name called at the FWA Banquet on October 18^th.

     
 

Upcoming Events:

Local Author Book Fair - November 8, 2025, from 9 AM – 1 PM at the breezeway at Bookstore1 at 117. S. Pineapple Ave. in Sarasota. Murder with a Terrace View will be the featured book. Pre-order from Bookstore1 to ensure they have enough copies.

   

Old Florida Christmas - December 13, 2025, from 10 AM – 3 PM at the Manatee Historical Village, 1404 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL. 34208. The Harrington House Mysteries and the Mariposa Cafe Mysteries will be available for sale and signing. Books make excellent holiday gifts.

What I’m Reading and Watching

I’m currently reading None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell. It’s our book club selection for November. I’m listening to Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben’s collaboration on Gone Before Goodbye. I just started it and primarily listen to audiobooks in the car. I recently finished the audiobook for The Murderer’s Daughter by Jonathan Kellerman. This psychological thriller was a good listen as I finished it on my drive home from the FWA WriterCon. On Kindle, I read two of Melinda Leigh’s books, Midnight Exposure and Midnight Sacrifice, the first two in the Midnight series, both good reads. I received an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) at Bouchercon of Michael Connelly’s The Proving Ground, the latest in the Lincoln Lawyer series, and it also features Jack McEvoy from The Poet. I also finished All’s Fair in Love and Treachery, Celeste Connally’s second installment in the Lady Petra Regency Series – think Bridgerton with a murder. You can see what and who I’m reading on Instagram and Facebook at #patioreading.

On television, have you seen the latest season of The Diplomat? Wow! I also just watched House of Dynamite on Netflix – also a big WOW! If you’ve watched this, tell me what you think of the ending. And I loved season 2 of Nobody Wants This. What are you reading and watching this month?

Have a Happy Halloween

If you have a moment and liked my books, please leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Authors depend on reviews to get the word out about their books. It doesn’t have to be long—just a sentence or two, which is greatly appreciated.

You can always reach me at teresamichaelauthor@gmail.com or through my website at https://teresamichaelwrites.pubsitepro.com or my Facebook Author page here
Please follow me on Goodreads. Teresa Michael (Author of Murder in Mariposa Beach) | Goodreads
 
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Until next time – take care. Thank you for reading my books

 

 

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