T.A. Seitz's Blog, page 2

My Family Knows Me Well

I have recently passed another spin around the sun. Normally, this event goes by with a bevy of birthday wishes on social media and a turkey dinner (a.k.a. Thanksgiving). My baby brudder (who refers to me as My Sister…the Devil) usually does a birthday roast on FB. The Mimi dodges the accusation of favoritism by wishing her favorite girl child a Happy Birthday and mediates the arguments stirred up by the birthday roasting. Myrtle the Elder checks in, as does other family members. All is well with my world.

This year’s birthday has been a little different. Yes, I received many greetings from friends far and wide (heartfelt thanks for all!). Yes, I received my turkey dinner (complete with pumpkin cheesecake!–next time, KB, go for the gingersnap crust). The baby brudder forewent this year’s roast since I helped him and his bum leg move stuff out of his storage unit. Instead of a roast, he offered me a piece of Pi (the mathematical kind, not the tasty, sugary kind–what can I say, he’s weird.) And my friends at my critique group made me a lovely card (with images representing a scene from my novel) and a lemon cake soaked in an orange glaze. Yum!

Nothing terribly out of the ordinary–right?

One might ask, what–if anything–did mi esposo and Myrtle the Younger do for my birthday? Well…apparently they’ve been plotting and planning for months (That never bodes well.). Myrtle the Younger took a day of work to get my birthday dinner fixed up with all of my favorites.

A charcuterie board of cheeses, meats, veggies, figs, strawberries, and an olive mix from my favorite pizza place, all arranged on a coffin shaped serving board (see below). She got a sweet red wine and poured it into an apothecary bottle. She got gingerbread cookies and dark chocolate and made a spice cake with homemade cream cheese icing. So. Freaking. Good. Best. Birthday. Meal. EVER!

But mi esposo and Myrtle the Younger didn’t stop there. Nope. There were GIFTS! A warm and toasty blanket that is very pretty–and it’s got BOOKS on it! See!

A Zen garden. I’ve always been fascinated by Zen gardens–especially the ones shaped like a coffin and comes with a skull and a shovel. Sweet! Myrtle the Younger also located a coffin-shaped agate, a flourite gravestone, and another agate shaped like a gravestone.

I had fun playing in the red sand! Ain’t they cute!

What it this? one might ask. (Well, I did have to ask.) Mi esposo was meandering around doing some online shopping one day and comes across several of these little gems. A mid-19th century bloodletting instrument! You know–the kind that killed George Washington. The two blades are used to poke a vein, then tucked back into the little brass housing until next time. I’m a little disappointed though–mi esposo won’t let me try it out on him (grumble, grumble). The coffin shape is a small slab of wood that I can prop up on my dollhouse. The ghostie is the paper used to wrap the bloodletting instrument. Fun!

Last, but not least, Myrtle the Younger found a guy who makes Renaissance eating utensils. The leather case can be attached to your belt. I can go to the next Ren Faire in style and function!

I know you’re jealous. If you’re nice to me, I’ll let you hold me Zen shovel–just for a moment.

T

Gratitudes

I’ve always envied those who could count their blessings–and list them out daily. At least one per day in November. I tend to be a little too preoccupied to make that happen, but that doesn’t mean it I’m not aware of my blessings. This November has already been a busy month.

I have a new grandson. He’s the sweetest thing! I never had boys, so this is a new experience for me. Unfortunately, they live a thousand miles away, so I have to plan a trip to meet him. In the meantime–video chats!

My short fiction, Healing Seeds, will appear in Texas Gardeners Magazine–a weekly newsletter–sometime in January. I’ll know more about when in December. A hint: it uses some of my occupational therapy brain. I’ve mentioned before that, while I came from a family of gardeners, I didn’t get that gene. I can keep a plant alive–kinda–but it may not be the healthiest you’ve ever seen. But that doesn’t keep me from writing a story about gardening.

I have submitted another short fiction to an anthology. I hope to hear from that in January–cross your fingers. Another story is in the works as part of NaNoWriMo. For some reason, I’m drawn to write short fiction about things I know nothing about–like deep sea diving, treasure hunting, and murder. Odd.

Work is still less than ideal, but I did get to spend a couple of hours last with my colleagues in crime (occupational therapists). We had a lovely lecture on finger contractures, were introduced to a new type of joint jack, and played with splinting material made out of cotton. I ran into several former coworkers/friends and spent time catching up on gossip and griping about unrealistic management, unmotivated patients, and crappy documentation software. Fun times!

Next week is Thanksgiving. While I’m spending time with my family over turkey and all the fixin’s, I hope you do the same with family, friends, or at least take the day to settle back with a cup of hot tea (or your beverage of choice) and a good book or two.

Happy Thanksgiving!

T

Going Insane–Again

We’ve all lost or misplaced things. Sometimes, when we need a particular item, it sits invisible under our noses. Other times, we put the car keys in the refrigerator and the butter in the closet (I have never done that–that I know of).

Then there are the times that you take off your earrings at night (the ones that you wear everyday–you know–the ones your grandmother gave you for college graduation), and place them in the usual spot, only to come back the next morning and find one missing. You hunt for the missing earring as if you life depended on it, but you have to leave for work, so you run out the door, vowing to tear the house apart when you get home. Then you arrive at work, and as you’re getting out of the car, you realize you’re still wearing your slippers. You have to stumble through your day of patient care in your freaking slippers which fortunately don’t attract attention even when the regional director decides to make a site visit. And you go home with sore feet because you kept stepping on acorns. (gasp for breath)

Yeah.

And then, after two days of not finding the earring and mourning the loss, you get ready for your day, and LO AND BEHOLD, there be your lost earring, sitting innocently in its usual location–WHERE IT OUTTA BE. So, what does you do in this situation? You would send a text to the usual culprits to express your gratitude to the earring fairy for the deliverance of your special earring. And in response, your esposo sends a Gif of a dancing skeleton wearing a tutu and waving a sparkling wand.

Yeah.

Writing Updates:

I’ve been busy with short stories. Yay! Over the past week, I’ve submitted three more stories–one for an anthology, one for a contest, and the other for an online magazine. I should hear in the next month or two if they are selected. I’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, Nanowrimo starts next week. My goal is to beat my personal best of 30K words written in one month. I’m working on about five different projects, and I hope to do some more short stories, so I should do well. I think my critique group is getting whiplash from all my bouncing around to different projects.

So…October Book Recommendations:

I don’t have any this time, mainly because I’ve forgotten who I’ve posted about vs. those I need to post about. So, stayed tuned until I can get myself organized.

T

It’s Fall!!!

Fall hit north Texas this week. By hit, I mean the temperatures plunged twenty degrees overnight. One day you’re wearing t-shirts, the next day you’re wearing sweatshirts. Yes, I know it’s only in the 70s, but when your body is accustomed to the 90s and more, 70 is a bit chilly. The allergies kick in, as well as everyone’s arthritis starts to complain. It’s still my favorite season though–even though I don’t truly have favorites. Don’t ask me my favorite song or color or word (I was asked that this week. Nope. Too many good ones out there to choose.)

This is also the time of year that my life gets really busy–holidays, gift making, work, NaNoWriMO. Yay. There are only so many hours in the day, right? As you’ve heard me say before–I’m not a planner. What gets done, gets done. My family is used to getting gifts late.

I mentioned that I was writing Noir. So far, I’ve finished two stories. The first is the last case of my PI. I sent it for an anthology. That project has been tabled for now, so I’m on the hunt for another option for it (feel free to make suggestions). The second is the first of that PI series, and I’ve sent it in for a Sisters in Crime anthology which will be edited by Michael Bracken. Fingers crossed that it makes it in.

October Book Recommendations:

Lori Roberts Herbst is a Texas author that I’m acquainted with via Sisters in Crime. Her Callie Cassidy Mysteries are cozies set in Colorado (not Texas, sorry), but I’ve enjoyed each one in the series. There are currently 5 books, but there should be another in the works.

Another author friend through Sisters in Crime is Liese Sherwood-Fabre. We spent a fun weekend together at DFW Writers Con promoting SinC. She writes a Sherlock Holmes series based on his childhood cases. The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes shows a family dynamic that was carried over into Arthur Canon Doyle’s series. We see where Sherlock got his intelligence, pragmatic observation skills, love of music and the violin, inventiveness and curiosity, as well as his early attempts at disguise and espionage. If you like Sherlock Holmes, you will enjoy these case files. Look for her at various conferences. She’s the one with a (almost) life-sized Sherlock Holmes standing next to her.

Okay, okay. So, they aren’t written about Texas. But they are both awesome Texas authors that deserve a shout-out. Besides, I’m trying to give you some variety here–so there!

T

Spontaneity!?!

I don’t consider myself a spontaneous person, but I did something crazy last week. I volunteered to give a presentation to one of my writing groups. This wasn’t the first time I’ve presented. Nor was it the first time I’d presented on the topic–ergonomics for writers. But to volunteer FOUR days before the event? That’s unusual for me. I typically plan those a month or three in advance, then wait until the last minute to figure out what I’m going to say or do. You could say I plan to procrastinate (HA!).As I tweaked the slides for this presentation, I had a brainstorm for other topics I can present. I’ll have to flesh those out a bit before I say much, but I’m excited about these possibilities. Stay tuned. If you’re interested in my little presentations, let me know.I’ve read about twenty books this month. That’s fewer than normal for me, but I’ve been trying to write more. I submitted the noir–I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out. Over the month, I need to write at least three more stories. And then NaNoWriMo starts November 1. That’s National Novel Writing Month and a challenge to write 50,000 words over thirty days. Last year, I managed to write 30,000 words–a record for me. I have no idea what I’ll accomplish this year but stay tuned.New September Book Recommendations:I finished Art from Darkness and enjoyed it immensely. CA Humer and I had several conversations about writing, publishing, and other writing-related topics, so it’s exciting to see her work come into the world.Another Texas author, that I think I’ve shared before, is Shanna Swendson and her Enchanted,Inc series. Although most of the series occurs in New York City, the female main character is from Texas, and one book is set in her hometown with all sorts of Texas-style shenanigans taking place. She finished the series a few years ago, but just released a collection of related short stories, along with how she developed the series. It was nice to revisit that world and see some behind-the-scene action. She also has a cozy mystery series that I’ve enjoyed: Lucky Lexy Cozy Paranormal Mysteries.Another Texas-based book and author to check out is K. P. Gresham and her Pastor Matt Hayden Mysteries. Even though the small town is fictional, it is set outside of Austin and remains true to the area. You have been in these locations. I keep waiting for book 5 of this series, and K. P. says it’s coming.That’s all for now.T.

Wasting Time

Good morning, all!

I have never been much of a Noir fan–never read Noir, don’t like Noir movies–but for some odd reason, I started writing a short story that insisted on being Noir-ish. Sigh.

So, here I am, trying to write Noir. I submitted one 1950s piece to Unleashing the Next Chapter’s 2024 Anthology–here’s hoping she likes it. After writing that story, the origin story to go with it reared its head up and demanded to be written. It sounds easy enough, right? Nope. I’ve got a few ideas to make this a serial, or even a novel. That’s on top of the FIVE other books I NEED to be working on and the other short story/flash fiction submissions that I’d like to put forth into the world.

If only my brain would cooperate when I have time to write–oh, the things I would get done! But, alas, no. When I want to write, I’m working. When I’m not working, my stupid brain just wants to play phone games. Sigh.

So, I compromise by writing the blog. Your gain??? Maybe?

August closed with my 2023 Reading Goal blown out of the water. On Goodreads, I had set a goal of 150, but I passed 200. With four months of 2023 to go, I have a lot more reading on my agenda. On my TBR list: Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, C.A. Humer’s Art From Darkness, and anything else that catches my attention.

READING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Until I read the September issue of Lone Star Literary Life, I had no idea that Alexia Gordon lived in El Paso. While her Gethsemane Brown Mysteries aren’t set in Texas, Ms. Gordon deserves a Texas shout-out. Her 5-book series has music, mystery, and ghosts (three of my favs) all set in Ireland. I have never been to Ireland, but I have lived vicariously through many who have been there and the books I’ve read. Anyway, I want to know when book 6 is coming out (please let there be a book 6!)

A new arrival to the Texas author scene is C.A. Humer. Her debut novel, Art From Darkness, is out this month, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Stay tuned for further updates on her work.

That is all. I must try to write now.

T.

Interesting times I live in.

For the first time, I left a job after working only four months. As I mentioned in my last post, the clinci cut my hours drastically, so I found other options. Since then, I have started two part-time positions, providing occupational therapy in independent and assisted living communities. One has a skilled nursing unit and a memory care unit. The assumption that OT and PT is the same in every setting is false and misleading. There are different skillsets required, and the objectives can be very different. I still prefer to work in an outpatient (hands and upper extremities) setting, but these places are in interesting challenge to my thought processes–and patience. Next week, I’m participating in a survey called Moral Distress and OT. I’m not sure what the extent of this doctoral study includes, but let’s hope that I don’t turn into a venting session.

Many ask about mi esposo. He’s doing as well as he can with a knee that didn’t heal properly. As you may recall, he took a short cut out of an attic and crushed his tibial plateau (top of the lower leg). After a year-and-a-half of healing, we planned a knee replacement. That was cancelled when the CT showed that the tiny bone fragments glued themselves together with scar tissue instead of bone. There is nothing for a knee implant to anchor into–think sand held together by gelatin. No bueno. We’ve been referred to another specialist for troubleshooting, but I’m not aware of many options available to us. Hopefully, there’s some other medical advances out there. Stay tuned.

Yesterday, I received a second jury summons in less than a week. Two different courts wanted my esteemed presence–on the same day, same time. After a few calls, I was able to delay the municipal summons for a week. If I serve on at the county, then I won’t have to serve the city, but if the county doesn’t need me, I can still do the municipal. I don’t mind doing civic duty, I just don’t want to clone myself to do so. I’ve been on a jury panel, as well as, served on a jury. It’s actually pretty interesting. It’s the waiting around to see if I’m needed or not that’s both a blessing and a frustration. I can sit in the jury room for hours, waiting for my number to be called–pretty boring if I don’t have a book. Who am I kidding? I ALWAYS have a book; therefore, I’m never bored. If I’m called–well, let’s just call it research for stories yet unwritten.

I’m trying something different. Book recommendations–not so much a review as much as it’s an “I enjoyed this book/series/author, check it out.” Most of my recommendations will have a link to Texas in some way because that’s where I see a lot of misrepresentation. I read one book where Austin’s climate & terrain was more like Wyoming or Montana’s, and the Texas Rangers were depicted as forest rangers. Oh, HELL no! That book got two stars. (In my rating system–one star means it didn’t interest me enough to buy it. Two stars is about as bad as you can get in my world, because I was interested enough to purchase, but then the book was a total let down. Two stars=BAD!)

So, AUGUST recommendations:

Anything by Anita Dickason. The Tracker novels (Sentinels in the Night; Going, Gone; Au79; Operation Navajo–I hope there’s more coming! FBI/police procedurals with the elements of paranormal/supernatural that I love.) and the Tori Winters (cozy mystery) books are rich with Texas influence, interesting and little-known history, and geography. I’m currently reading Deadly Business (US Marshall/police procedural). Ms. Dickson is a Texan and retired Dallas PD homicide detective. She knows Texas, y’all.

The Sisters series (cozy mystery) by Becki Willis is a series set in the Brazos Valley (although her Brazos Valley is closer to College Station than the Brazos Valley listed on the Google). Two towns make up The Sisters (two sisters couldn’t get along, so Daddy gave them each their own town) and is the home that Madison Reynolds and her teenaged twins return to after her husband’s death. She starts a temp business to make ends meet and things get weird from there. Book 16 just came out and is sitting in my Kindle, ready and waiting to be enjoyed, and book 17 is coming in November. Ms. Willis has some other books that I haven’t tapped into yet–too many books, so little time!

And They Danced (by moi) has done well with reviews. If you’ve read it already, please consider leaving a review. If you’ve already left a review, my heart-felt gratitude is freely given. If you haven’t read it yet…what are you waiting for?

Happy reading!

T

And the Winner is…

The past two weeks have seen too many highs and lows to count.

Low: My husband’s surgery was delayed indefinitely because apparently the bone in his leg didn’t heal properly. And they forgot to tell us that the surgery had been cancelled. (%$#@!)

High?: We are being referred to another doctor in hopes of figuring out how to proceed.

Low: My job of three months decided to cut my work to two days a week because of slower than anticipated growth. I’m pretty peeved, but I’m moving on and sending out applications.

High: One of the first I sent went to a place where a friend of mine is Director of Rehab. Did I know that? Not until I got a enlightening text from her. Within a few days, I met with her, sent paperwork, and accepted a part-time (PRN) position with that company. The nice thing about PRN–flexibility. The bad thing about PRN–no benefits or guarantee of hours. Since it’s not full-time, I have talked with another director about a similar situation, and I have an interview with him next week. All said, I’m excited to work with my friend again in a lovely, fun-loving community.

Top o’ the Highest Mountain High: My blog review tour and giveaway with Lone Star Literary Life finishes today. I’ve received lots of great reviews and feedback from the bloggers.

“…packs quite the ghostly wallop”–Reading by Moonlight

“I really like when a book surprises me – and this one did.”–The Real World According to Sam

“Definitely a great set up for what is to come. I cannot wait – I’m sure it will be a fun time, for sure!”–Book Fidelity

“This book, y’all! It is chock full of things I love.”–The Plain-Spoken Pen

“…an engaging and fun read! It could easily be a beach read as well as a warm-Texas-night-with-a-slight-breeze read.”–The Clueless Gent

“This book was hard for me to put down. I wanted to understand more, uncover more clues, and I rooted for a spark between Tess and Crock to lead to a relationship. It didn’t hurt that the book is set in my part of Texas.”–Storeybook Reviews

“If you love ghost stories, the paranormal, great characters, and fast-paced stories, then you need to check out this book.”–Forgotten Winds

“…the story is riveting, and I wasn’t about to put this book down until the final page was completed or turn out any lights either.”–Boys’ Mom Reads

“…the Corona family was contagious to read about. I just wanted to read more and more of them!”–The Page Unbound

“The opening of the book when Tess is trying to get her three-year-old niece to get dressed is laugh-out-loud funny. And I was glad I was not drinking my coffee when she opened the door…”–It’s Not All Gravy

Over the Moon High: And last, but not least (drum roll, please) a review from the Mimi (aka my mother) who is FINALLY reading one of my books in its entirety:

“Chapter 32 is quite the barn burner chapter. Good grief!” because it’s a “Very graphic description of chaos at its best. You have quite an imagination. Colorful. Chaotic. Crazy.”

Thanks, Mom! I love you, too!

T

Latest and Greatest

Hello, all. It’s been a couple of months since last I checked in. Excuses include–but aren’t limited to: new job, new responsibilities as president of a local writing group and secretary of another and admin of a third, helping my daughter start her bookbinding business, promoting my work, trying to write, and (probably the biggest and most accurate excuse) pure laziness.

In June, Books & Bevvies featured And They Danced. I paired my book with an awesome margarita from Wild Salsa in Frisco. Yum!

There’s a lot happening in July. First up this week, my husband is having what is hopefully the final step in his recovery. In October 2021, he fell through a ceiling, shattering his left knee and tearing up his right shoulder. We have spent in the last year and a half in a state of repair, healing, and waiting. This coming week, he will undergo a knee replacement. It was scheduled for last week, however, the CT showed there was no bone where the replacement post was to go. We had to wait for a custom implant to arrive. Now, we are a go and by this time next week, he’ll be on the road to recovery.

Another positive note is the beginning of a blog tour for And They Danced. If you haven’t signed up for Lone Star Literary Life, you’re missing out on some great reads. They specialize in books and authors that have a strong connection to Texas. I have a giveaway going–so check it out on their website.

Please support these Books & Bevvies and Lone Star Literary Life. They do quite a bit for authors and readers alike. Have a safe and happy July 4th!

T

Not Much to See Here

Howdy, y’all!

It’s spring which in Texas lasts about five minutes. I was inspired to do a tiny bit of gardening after attending an iris show, so I picked up a couple of rose bushes for my front yard. If I think about it, I’ll post pics to prove that I actually planted them and didn’t immediately kill them. Other than that, April is kind of a not-much-going-on kinda month in our family, but there were a few things of note.

I began the month with a new job. Of all the clinics that I’ve been part of starting up or reestablishing, this one has been weird. I spent two days in training for the documentation system sitting next to my new clinic director who had a sore throat. Well, lo and behold, guess what? I caught his cold. I don’t get sick often, and when I do, it usually doesn’t last long, but this time that sucker lasted a good two weeks. Sneezing, congestion, coughing and no over the counter meds touched it, thank you very much. But I’m better now and back to my usual 3-5 violent sneezes every morning and the occasional choking while unintentionally coughing and sipping my hot tea at the same time. Es no bueno.

A fair amount of family stuff this month: my mother sold some of her property, my FIL had two procedures for a skin cancer on his eyelid, and mi esposo scheduled what should be his final surgery following his accident from a year and a half ago. That’ll take place this summer, then let the healing begin. Healing takes time, people! It also takes patience and sheer determination for success.

One of my biggest fears in life is missing a commitment, and I did just that very thing last week. I was supposed to be available to help with the book launch and signing for Reckless in Texas, and I totally had the wrong date in my calendar. OOPS! So, to make up for my faux pax, please click the link and check it out. Lots of great stories in there. The last one, Malice in Dallas, contained more than one award-winning stories. Take a look at both of them.

I haven’t written much this month (less than 1000 words as of today,) but there’s lots of ideas brewing in the noggin. Instead of writing, I’ve read 28 books this month. If you need cozy paranormal mysteries and Texas-based romances recommendations, all you got to do is ask. We can talk books for hours. If you haven’t already bought And They Danced, here’s another plug. If you have but haven’t done a review yet, here’s me begging: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE write a quickie review! (Pretty please and Thank you!)

T