Jul 03, 2023 by Teresa Michael, in Newsletters

I’m the Committee Chairperson for our Sisters in Crime chapter’s first Anthology. We’ve been working on this project for over a year, and our hard work is finally coming to fruition. The manuscript is now with the publisher, Murder and Horror, LLC, a local small press. We had a blind judging process, meaning the judges had no idea whose story they were reading. By the way, we had four awesome judges – Alan Orloff, an Anthony, Agatha, and Derringer award winner; Susan Thibadeau, a Black Orchid Novella winner; Colette Bancroft, the book editor at the Tampa Bay Times, and USA Bestselling author, Lisa Black who also wrote the Introduction. The publication date will be sometime this summer. So, stay tuned for the announcement. Guess what! I have a story in the Anthology – “Big Feet,” – it’s about a skunk ape.

Christmas in July Fete & Mistletoe & Missing Persons is FREE!

Celebrate Christmas in July all month long at N.N. Light’s Book Heaven seventh annual Christmas in July Fete. 45 Christmas-themed books, 36 authors, and a $75 Amazon gift card up for grabs, plus discover what these authors love most about the holidays.
I am thrilled that my Mariposa Holiday Novella, Mistletoe and Missing Persons, will be the featured holiday book on July 12^th.  As an added bonus, the Mistletoe and Missing Persons Kindle edition will be FREE on Amazon July 12-14.
Check out all the great authors and books during the Christmas in July Fete.
www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
 

WIP (Work in Progress)
Murder in the Terrace Room --- It's finished!

I’m very excited that I’ve finally finished the edits on Murder in the Terrace Room - a Harrington House Mystery and have sent the manuscript to an agent. Keep your fingers crossed that it will get picked up by a traditional publisher. My Mariposa books are independently published through Let Love Glow Author Services which created my lovely book covers and did the editing, formatting, and uploading. I met an agent last year, and she requested to read my manuscript. This would be a new and exciting experience for me. So, again fingers crossed and send out positive vibes!

What's Next? - I think I'm going to work on the second B&B book. I have an idea. More on that next time.

My sister-in-law, Erin Michael from New Orleans – and an awesome cook – donated her recipe for French toast to be included in the book. Here it is for you to try:

Harrington House French Toast

Thick French Country Bread cut in 1-1-1/2 inches thick
6 eggs, whisked
¾ cup cream
1 Tablespoon Amaretto
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
 
Combine all ingredients in a large dish, such as a 9x12 pan. Mix well.
Soak bread in egg mixture.
Fry in butter
Serve with Powdered sugar and/or warm syrup.
 
Erin Michael, Arabi, LA

What Else Have I Been Up To?

My husband recently had back surgery and I’ve been taking care of him. The good news is that he’s on the mend and doing much better.
Prior to his surgery, we traveled to Ohio, where his granddaughter, Gwyn Michael, received her Eagle Scout and graduated from high school! We're so proud of her. Achieving her Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment. We also saw lots of relatives, friends, and two great-grandbabies.

There was a FurryCon convention at our hotel. A very unique experience walking into the hotel lobby and seeing people in furry animal costumes. Don’t be surprised if they turn up in a book along the way.

I also attended the Sunrise Preserve book club, where we talked about Murder in Mariposa Beach. It was great fun, and I enjoyed meeting all the ladies. I enjoy meeting people and talking about books. We met in the community's beautiful clubhouse. My friend, Patricia Mathews, recommended the book and me. Thanks, Pat.
PS - I'm not very good with selfies!



Coming up next week, I’m going over to Deerfield Beach to Sleuthfest, an annual mystery convention. I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow authors, attending workshops and panel discussions. I’m moderating a panel called “Writing Cozy: Success and Evolution” with Cheryl Hollon, Alyssa Maxwell, J.C. Kenney, and Tara Lush. I think we’ll have an interesting discussion. As a moderator, I read at least one book from each of the authors. All excellent cozy authors. If you’re looking for a new author – check them out. You’ll enjoy their books. Sleuthfest | Conference for mystery writers and fans
 

What have you been reading and watching?

So far this year, I’ve read 24 books, including Dark Angel, John Sandford’s latest Letty Davenport novel, Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand, Murder in Admonishment, the latest Acton and Doyle mystery by Anne Cleland, Death at Greenway by Lori Rader Day, Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush and A Literal Mess by J.C. Kenney. I listened to John Sanford’s Heat Lightning, a Virgil Flowers story, and I’m currently listening to Red Flags by Lisa Black. I’m currently reading Deep Shadow by Randy Wayne White.

Along with the rest of the world, I anxiously awaited the return of Outlander, and I’m happy it’s back, and so far, I’ve liked the first three episodes - Season 7 is based on Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. I thoroughly enjoyed Keri Russell in The Diplomat.  I’m also watching And Just Like That. I’m so glad Carrie and the girls from Sex and the City are back. I was a big fan of the original. I also started watching the last season of Jack Ryan on Prime.

What have you been reading and watching?

Until next time – take care and have a safe and fun July 4^th weekend.
This is a shot of the Clearwater Beach fireworks from a few years ago.


You can always reach me at teresamichaelauthor@gmail.com or through my website at teresamichaelwrites.pubsitepro.com or my Facebook Author page here
Please follow me on Goodreads. Teresa Michael (Author of Murder in Mariposa Beach) | Goodreads
 
And 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.
 
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