Debra Sennefelder's Blog, page 3

Coffee & Chat #33

Happy Friday!This weekend we spring ahead! Yes, we lose an hour of sleep but we get more sunlight. Yay. Don’t get me wrong, this gal loves autumn so much and all the coziness of early sunsets and pumpkin spice everything but by this time of the year, I’m ready for a change. And, don’t worry, I’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity of summer very soon. For now, I’m going to enjoy the extra sunlight and warmer temps (60s are on tap for next week!).Not much new on the work front this week because I’ve been deep into the second draft of the next Food Blogger Mystery. I made it through four chapters, which is always a satisfying part of the process. This is when I really get to dig in—tightening up the storylines, having fun with the characters, and fixing all those little threads I dropped in the first draft. It’s also when I finalize which recipes to include in the book. So far, I’ve decided on two, but I need one more. Since the story takes place in January, I’m leaning toward an apple dessert—maybe an apple cobbler? A warm, cozy treat on a snowy night sounds just right. Great. Now I really want apple cobbler!Lately, I’ve been watching some Lifetime movies, though for the life of me, I can’t remember most of their titles. Lifetime movies are so hit or miss—some are wonderfully done, while others… well, let’s just say they leave a lot to be desired. Last night, I watched The Life I Can’t Remember, about a woman who develops amnesia after being hit by a car. A solid trope (again, not always well executed), but I actually enjoyed this one. Tonight’s pick is Deadly Girls Trip, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds!On the reading front, I’ve finished three books since the end of January, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. I just wrapped up  SWEETHEART IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday – a short story that was such a fun read! It was the perfect palate cleanser after  A VERY BAD THING by J.T. Ellison. which had me hooked from page one and kept me flying through the pages. I also loved  THE BODY IN THE BOOKSTORE, the first book in The Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.

That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations!

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5 Things That Inspire My Writing

Every writer has their own creative fuel—those little sparks that ignite ideas, keep the words flowing, and turn a blank page into a world full of mystery and intrigue. Inspiration can strike anywhere, but over time, I’ve found a few tried-and-true sources that never fail to get my creative gears turning. Here are five things that inspire my writing:1. Great Books by Great AuthorsThere’s nothing quite like reading a well-crafted story to remind me why I love writing in the first place. Whether it’s the intricate plotting of a mystery, the charm of a small-town setting, or the unforgettable voice of a character, good books are endlessly inspiring. My reading list is always growing, but right now, I’m deep into Drop Dead Honey by Laura Childs. Her Tea Shop Mysteries are a delightful blend of cozy intrigue and Southern charm—exactly the kind of storytelling that fuels my own creativity.

2. Long Walks (Without Earbuds!)There’s something magical about stepping away from the keyboard, heading outside, and letting my mind wander. I love taking long walks—no music, no podcasts, just the rhythm of my footsteps and an open mind. Some of my best ideas have come to me while strolling through my neighborhood or along a quiet trail. The fresh air, the change of scenery, and the space to think all help untangle tricky plot points and spark new ideas.3. TV Shows That Keep Me GuessingI’ve never been much of a movie person, but I love a good TV show. Whether it’s a classic detective series, a sharp-witted drama, or even a show that has nothing to do with mysteries, I find inspiration everywhere. A clever twist, a compelling character, or even a throwaway line of dialogue can plant the seed for a future story. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places!4. Random Writing PromptsSometimes, the best way to jumpstart creativity is to write without overthinking. I love searching for writing prompts—especially on sites like Writer’s Digest—and challenging myself to write in a “ready, set, go!” mode. It’s a fun way to stretch my imagination, experiment with new ideas, and even stumble upon concepts that could grow into full-length stories.

5. Author Interviews & Writing ConversationsThere’s something so motivating about listening to other writers talk about their craft. Whether it’s a podcast, a YouTube interview, or a panel discussion, I always walk away with fresh insight or a new perspective. Hearing about another writer’s process, struggles, and triumphs reminds me that we’re all on this creative journey together—and it never fails to reignite my own passion for storytelling.Bonus: Music That Sets the MoodWhile I don’t create official playlists for my novels, certain songs inspire my characters, scenes, or even the overall feel of a book. Sometimes, a single lyric or melody sparks an idea that takes on a life of its own. My music taste is all over the place—rock, country, pop—you name it! Whether it’s a moody ballad that helps me tap into a character’s emotions or an upbeat song that captures the energy of a scene, music is always in the background, shaping my stories in subtle ways.Finding Inspiration EverywhereWriting is an adventure, and inspiration is all around us. Sometimes it comes from a book, a walk, or a favorite TV show. Other times, it’s sparked by a random writing exercise or a thoughtful conversation. No matter where it comes from, the important thing is to stay open to it, embrace the ideas as they come, and, most importantly—keep writing.Now I’d love to know—what inspires you? Let’s chat in the comments! Newsletter Signup!

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Coffee & Chat #32

Happy Friday!Can you believe we’re halfway through the month of January? How is that possible? Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day? Honestly, it’s been a blur since Christmas and just this week I’ve been able to get back on track with my writing (I was able to write 3k words on Wednesday!). A couple family members had some health issues and that took me away from my routine but I did manage to get words written. In order to do that, I had to let go of some things and one of those things was social media. This week marks my return to Facebook and Instagram. I have to admit, it was a nice break.Since the beginning of the year, I’ve implemented a morning routine that prioritizes writing first thing. It was a bit of a challenge since I spent a good chunk of time down in NYC with my dad but I made it happen. The closest Barnes & Noble store opens at 9 am, so I was there when the door were unlocked and I made my way up to the cafe where I ordered breakfast and worked for two hours. The only downside (well, not really but considering my TBR…) was that I left the store with book(s) each day. Sorry. Not sorry. It is what it is. I love books. And, they had a lot of 50% sales. (Yeah, I’m trying to justify my shopping habit). Anyway, I’ve continued the early morning writing sprints after coming home and it’s so nice to have at least a 1,000 words written before breakfast. In fact, the past three days I’ve added in some afternoon sprints. It’s nice to have a boost of few extra hundred words before I close my laptop for the day.Over the holiday season I made reading a priority and by doing so I enjoyed so many fun books! So I continued into the new year. I’ve finished reading SNOWED IN FOR CHRISTMAS by Jacqueline Snow. It was such a fun read! I’m finishing up BUYER BEWARE by Diane Vallere. I’m so close to the end and I can’t wait to find out whodunnit. Next up will be an ARC of LIE IN THE TIDE by Holly Danvers. I’m really excited to dive into that book.

On Tuesday, I had an urge to bake so I made my go-to oatmeal bars with blueberries since I had a bunch leftover. I made a note to share my updated recipe soon. They are so yummy!These last two days of the week have been spent running errands, house chores and writing. All in all, not a bad way to end the week. I hit the 40k mark in my first draft and that’s pretty darn exciting. Especially for Hope. Just when she thought she figured out whodunnit something happens that has her second guessing. Love when that happens.I think that’s all I have to share for today. Thanks for shopping by and spending a few minutes with me. I’m going to get a refill and get back to work. Before you get your refill, please share what you’re up to today or this weekend in the comments. I’d love to know. Newsletter Signup!

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Writer In The Kitchen: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mug Cake

Between promoting my new release, A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, and preparing for Christmas my days are jam-packed which means there’s little time for baking (well, until the week of Christmas) but this gal loves a homemade sweet treat every now and again. What to do? Make a mug cake! It’s quick and yummy and the perfect way to finish dinner. In fact I can whip this dessert up, cook it and while it cools I can feed Connie her dinner before I settle down with to enjoy the treat.

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Christmas Traditions & A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS

One of Hope Early’s Christmas traditions is hanging a wreath on the old red barn. Every year since moving back to Jefferson, she has called on Ethan Cahill to help hang the wreath—a small gesture, but one that brings warmth and memories of Christmases past. It’s moments like these, filled with simple joys and the comfort of community, that make the holiday season truly magical. What are your favorite holiday traditions? Share in the comments.

I can’t wait for you to join Hope and the gang in this cozy holiday mystery! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release date!If you pre-order your copy of A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, you’ll receive a special gift. To receive yours, send a copy of your receipt to the email address acorpseamongthecarolers@gmail.com and then you’ll receive Hope’s holiday playlist, her holiday prep list and her Hope’s Cozy Kitchen recipe booklet filled with ten recipes. Offer expires on 11/11/24

To order:BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON

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Behind-the-scenes : The Recipe Review Crew

For A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS I put a call out for volunteers to test the recipes in the book and The Recipe Review Crew was born. I’d like to take this moment and give a BIG shout-out to my amazing Recipe Review Crew—Tammy Barker, Maria Reyes Doktor, Chelsea Hatfield, Shannon Malloy, Donna Page, Debra Derbyshire, Kathleen Kendler, and Marijo Yates!

With your enthusiasm and attention to every delicious detail, you’ve ensured that each recipe in my upcoming book is a delight for readers to savor. I couldn’t have done it without you, and now, I can’t wait for everyone to try these mouthwatering treats you helped perfect! Get ready for some seriously tasty surprises!

I can’t wait for you to join Hope and the gang in this cozy holiday mystery! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release date!If you pre-order your copy of A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, you’ll receive a special gift. To receive yours, send a copy of your receipt to the email address acorpseamongthecarolers@gmail.com and then you’ll receive Hope’s holiday playlist, her holiday prep list and her Hope’s Cozy Kitchen recipe booklet filled with ten recipes. Offer expires on 11/11/24.

To order:BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON

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A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS & Pre-order gifts

I’m thrilled to announce that A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, the seventh installment in the Food Blogger Mystery series, will be hitting shelves on November 12, 2024! Can you believe this is my 14th book? It’s surreal to think I’ve written that many stories, each one special in its own way. However, this upcoming release holds a particularly dear spot in my heart—primarily because it’s set during my favorite season: Christmas!

I absolutely adore everything about Christmas—the vibrant red ribbons, the charmingly imperfect gifts, and, of course, the endless variety of cookies. The holiday season is filled with joyful chaos, and while it can be a bit of a juggling act to get everything done, it’s all part of the fun. That got me wondering how my protagonist, Hope Early, would navigate her own holiday celebrations while also solving a murder mystery.

This time around, the story revolves around Mitty Fitzgerald, a man with a passion for antiques. Until recently, he owned the Antique Alcove on Main Street but has now passed the shop down to his son, Brody, and his stepdaughter, Alena. Mitty is typically a quiet man, rarely getting involved in town events—until he surprises Hope by agreeing to play Santa at the caroling event.I had an absolute blast crafting a series of festive events for Hope and her friends to enjoy in . Here’s a sneak peek at some of the holiday happenings they’ll be part of:The Snowflake Holiday Market at Unity Church: Vendors from all over northwestern Connecticut come together to showcase their crafts. Hope’s sister, Claire, has a booth here, along with Mitty’s ex-wife, Ruth. It’s during this bustling event that Hope and Drew witness a shocking attack on Mitty by Ralph Lang, the usually mild-mannered handyman, over a disputed antique lamp.Tree Shopping at Maple Hill Farm: A beloved tradition for generations of Jefferson families, this family-owned farm is decked out for the season, featuring a cozy snack bar and enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides.The Cookie Social at the Community Center: A heartwarming gathering for carolers, this event serves up hot refreshments and a delightful array of homemade cookies, along with gifts for children and seniors.The Jingle Bell Stroll: A cherished tradition in Jefferson, this event invites residents to sing festive carols as they stroll down Main Street, filling the chilly air with music while homeowners come out to enjoy the show.Holiday Tea at the Merrifield Inn: A new tradition introduced by Eliza, the Merrifields’ niece, this charming afternoon offers warm tea and delicious pastries, providing a much-needed break from holiday preparations.Wreath-Making: Every Christmas, Hope participates in this beloved activity, crafting beautiful wreaths for her home and loved ones. But this year, when she delivers one to Drew’s house, she stumbles upon an unexpected surprise.I can’t wait for you to join Hope and the gang in this cozy holiday mystery! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the release date!If you pre-order your copy of A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, you’ll receive a special gift. To receive yours, send a copy of your receipt to the email address acorpseamongthecarolers@gmail.com and then you’ll receive Hope’s holiday playlist, her holiday prep list and her Hope’s Cozy Kitchen recipe booklet filled with ten recipes. Offer expires on 11/11/24

To order:BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZONI’m curious, which Christmas event listed above would you like to go to? Leave your choice in the comments.

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Friday Faves 9/27/24

Happy Friday! Happy last week in September! Say what??? How did that happen? Wasn’t it just Labor Day? It certainly feels like it was but today is September 27th. There’s just three more days until we welcome in October and I couldn’t be happier! I’m in full-on pumpkin spice mode and my sweaters are just waiting to be worn.So, while I wait for the temps to drop (I’m very impatient) I’ll share with you my faves from this week. There’s a podcast, an Instagram account that always makes me smile, my new go-to workout series, an inspiring YouTube channel and my current read. I’ve also added in a series on Apple TV I’ve binged watched. Ready? Let’s get started.Podcast: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show. I discovered Dr. Lyon a couple years ago and I’m so thankful that I did. She’s a wealth of information on healthy aging. I listened to her show on Boosting Cognitive Function through Fitness earlier this week.Instagram:  MillyPinkNose. I love seeing photos and videos of this English Angora rabbit in my feed. He’s adorable!Workout: Tracy Steen of Move Daily Fitness. I’ve done about four of her workouts and I have enjoyed them so I think I’ll continue through October.YouTube: Nikol Johnson. I’m so happy that she brought back her Fiercely Aging series where she does makeup on women over 50, sharing tips and techniques with viewers. She’s launched a makeup line and I have been doing a little shopping on her website. And I love everything I’ve purchased so far.Current Read: Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse. It’s my nighttime read and I’m enjoying it so much.TV series: Truth be Told. This series is based on the book ARE YOU SLEEPING by Kathleen Barber. I was so disappointed when I found out that there wasn’t a season four.Do you have a fave this week you’d like to share? Leave a comment below.

 

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5 Harvest-Themed Cozy Mysteries to Savor This Fall

As autumn’s crisp air and vibrant foliage create the perfect backdrop, it’s time to cozy up with a good book. This fall, dive into a collection of harvest-themed cozy mysteries that capture the essence of the season with their charming settings and delightful plots. From bustling harvest festivals to quaint pumpkin patches, these five cozy mysteries will keep you entertained and engaged as you enjoy the flavors and colors of fall. Grab a warm drink, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let these captivating stories whisk you away into a world of seasonal intrigue and suspense.

The Cider Shop Rules (A Cider Shop Mystery) by Julie Ann Lindsey
The fall festival in Blossom Valley is in full swing, with Civil War reenactors and festive attractions drawing crowds to Jacob Potter’s popular pumpkin farm. But the celebration turns dark when Potter is found dead under a tarp in Winnie’s pickup truck, shocking the entire town. As Winnie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth, she quickly realizes that the killer is determined to keep their deadly secrets hidden—no matter the cost.

WINE AND PUNISHMENT (A Literary Pub Mystery) by Sarah Fox

Sadie Coleman’s fresh start in Shady Creek, Vermont, takes a dark turn when her ex-boyfriend, Eric, is found dead near her newly opened literary pub. As Sadie settles into her new life amidst the town’s Autumn Festival festivities, she’s faced with the added challenge of solving Eric’s murder while dealing with a suspicious fire at a local antique shop. With the help of her aunt, friend, and pub patrons, Sadie must unravel the mystery before the killer strikes again.

GONE FOR GOUDA (A Cheese Shop Mystery) by Korina MossCheesemonger Willa Bauer is preparing for the fall festival when a scandal erupts, revealing celebrity vegan chef Phoebe Winston is secretly a carnivore. After Phoebe is found murdered, Willa’s employee Archie becomes the prime suspect, prompting Willa to dig deep into the secrets of Yarrow Glen to clear his name and find the real killer.

MEMORIES AND MURDER (A Tourist Trap Mystery) by Lynn CahoonWhen Jill hosts a talk on elder abuse at Coffee, Books, and More, she’s preoccupied with lunch until she discovers her Aunt Jackie has been receiving suspicious calls. As Jill investigates the scam targeting her aunt, the situation escalates with the murder of a Senior Project volunteer, revealing a dangerous killer who threatens everyone involved.

DEATH BY HOT APPLE CIDER (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery) by Alex EricksonBookstore owner Krissy Hancock is supplying cider and overseeing the apple-bobbing booth at a town event when a patron tragically drowns during the festivities. Though her cider is cleared of blame, Krissy finds herself drawn into the investigation, especially with her policeman boyfriend aiming for a detective promotion. The victim, known for harassing local institutions over controversial literature, had made plenty of enemies—leaving Krissy to sort through a list of suspects and uncover the killer with a sinister agenda.As you immerse yourself in these delightful harvest-themed cozy mysteries, let the scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice accompany you on your literary journey. Each story offers a unique blend of seasonal charm and suspense, perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall evening. If you have any favorite autumn mysteries of your own, we’d love to hear about them—share your recommendations in the comments below! Here’s to a season filled with cozy reads and delightful mysteries. Happy reading!

 

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The post 5 Harvest-Themed Cozy Mysteries to Savor This Fall appeared first on Debra Sennefelder.

Coffee & Chat #31

Happy Friday!We’re wrapping up the second week of August. It’s been a heck of a couple weeks with hot temps, lots of rain, first drafting, copy edits and a preview of fall temps. A little bit of everything this week.The copy edits of the next Food Blogger mystery wasn’t bad so I got through them quickly and returned the manuscript to my editor on Tuesday. It’s such a good feeling to have that off my desk. Now, I’m waiting for the cover design and the proof pages. I can’t wait to see the cover since it’s a mystery set at Christmas. At the beginning of this month a course I enrolled in started and week two has wrapped up. Four more weeks to go and there’s so much information within the modules and could easily be overwhelming but I’m taking it slow and I expect to have to go through the course again to fully absorb all the info. I did have to set aside working on my first draft of another novel to work on the copy edits and this week I was able to get back my writing. I eased into the words slowly on Tuesday and I’m so happy to be back into the story. I missed it. I also missed my early morning writing sprints that I started when I began the book. At this point, I’m not sharing any details of the story. Hopefully, soon.Since the beginning of the month, I made time for reading. I just finished reading BONE OF CONTENTION by Kristi Rose. I really enjoyed the story and I’ll definitely pick up the second book in that series. My current read is another book by Kristi Rose, CAMPUS MURDER CLUB.There has also been time for working on my cross-stitch project. It’s been slow but every stitch counts, right? Connie has been taking it easy during the hot summer days. When she’s outside on the patio, she hops up onto the lounge chair. What a life! Now with the cooler temps (fingers crossed it lasts!) she’s been wanting to go outside more. And she’s been more eager to play tug of war. She’s so cute, she brings the toy to me (usually when I’m working at my desk) and it’s very clear what she wants to do. Of course, I always play with her. She’s a very distracting co-worker.I think that’s all I have to share for today. Thanks for shopping by and spending a few minutes with me. I’m going to get a refill and get back to work. Before you get your refill, please share what you’re up to today or this weekend in the comments. I’d love to know.

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