An important and enjoyable part of my writing process is research. I’ve just hit 40,000 words into Book #4 of the Mariposa Café Mystery Series, which continues the Devereaux Gallery’s ghost story. In Mistletoe and Missing Persons, our heroine, Libby, and a newcomer in town, Steve Devereaux, uncover a skeleton while renovating the art gallery. As a result, the Mariposa Beach Tourist Commission, in partnership with a local tour company, wants to bring a ghost tour to town. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Shirley Goldberg - Guest Blogger

Shirley and I met about 3 years ago when I joined the Inkylinks Writers Critique Group.  Shirley's first novel, Middle Ageish, was well received and now she has the cover reveal for her latest book, Eat Your Heart Out, the second book in her Starting Over series.  Can't wait until the book comes out to see what happens. I've only read excerpts!  And if you haven't read Middle Ageish, pick up a copy so you're all caught up before the new one comes out. 

With The Mariposa Café Mysteries Origin Stories’ publication, I’ve received several questions from readers as to exactly what is an origin story.

Like many of you, I’ve engaged in lots of activities to pass the time during the last ten months. I’ve baked donuts, cakes, and cookies— lost and gained the same ten pounds associated with said baking. I’ve watched movies and series on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime. I've taken dozens of webinars on writing craft and subject matter.  I’ve read 90 books—a record for me! I also published my fourth book, built a new website, and I’m currently writing my fifth book. I’ve also expanded my creative juices by learning about Soul Collage. www.soulcollage.com

Today, I received a very nice e-mail from Judy, a reader, who just finished Deception in Mariposa Beach. This is what she wrote!

Welcome to the first edition of my newsletter.  It’s Fall, my favorite time of year. Living in Florida, I miss the season change and fall colors. This year, I got my fix. We recently returned from a short trip to the Smoky Mountains. We spent a whole day driving through the park and we even saw a bear. I guess I’m good for a while. What about you?

Shirley Goldberg and I met when I was accepted into the Inkylinks Writers Group three years ago. We workshop each other's novels, essays, short stories, and memoirs, so I've read a good part of Shirley's debut novel, Middle Ageish - and it's good! It's a romantic-comedy romp through dating in our...ummm.. middle-age years.

Congratulations on your first novel and Happy Book Birthday, Shirley!

Her first novel, Middle Ageish, is available today.

All the links are at the bottom of this post. Pick up your copy today!

Today is National Ice Cream Day. Ice Cream and the Michael’s Ice Cream famous Bubble sundae are at the foundation of the Michael Family

Daybreak

On July 4th, we went fishing in Ft. Myers, Florida. It was daybreak as we passed the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. It reminded me of a poem I wrote a few years ago for a poetry class at Eckerd College.

Secretariat Reborn is like Orphan Black for horses.

I was sorting through old writing projects. A few years ago, I attended the Sanibel Island Writer’s Conference, a great conference. In a session I attended, the instructor gave the class a writing exercise.  There were three lists and we had to choose 3 random numbers between 1 and 25.  The first list was your occupation, the second list was something you did, and the other was some secret.  Mine were: architect, covers mirrors, and leads a secret life.  Here’s my story: