Veronica Cline Barton's Blog: Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor listed as, "One of the best suspense books of all time." - BookAuthority, page 19

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Hear Ye, Hear Ye, #AudioBooks, What Say You??

2020, the year of exploring new ideas, trying new strategies to help drive those ever important book sales. To date I have only published in print and eBook mode, but I am very interested in the audio media as another reader outreach method to branch out with. Busy lives and technology have dictated new means to get a literary fix and audio books are becoming an increasingly popular choice. In today’s post, Author Bibiana Krall will share her recent experience in the audio world with her book, The Soul Keeper. Here’s some of her insights:

Thanks so much for your interest and this fabulous opportunity Veronica. I’m excited to talk about my recent foray into audio books.

Why did you decide to produce an audio book? Marketing, outreach, new audience?

I have a brilliant friend who is honest, savvy and was once an executive for a huge record label. Almost two years ago he urged me to look at why, ‘Audio is the new thing.’

Perhaps it is?

I pish-poshed and groused, real book readers won’t go for this…will they? I’m a lifetime bibliophile. As an educator concerned with literacy, the audio trend worried me, so I began to research it.

Listening is not the same as reading. Some of the cognitive factors aren’t being utilized, such as spelling, grammar, and visual structure. It’s apples and oranges, but audio still has positive benefits for the listener and the author.

Audio holds a 6-8% market share of all books sold, depending on geography. This equates to over three billion in revenue reported in the past two years. The bottom could drop out tomorrow, but this sector of the book business has consistently been growing at about the same rate as Indie publishing since 2018.

Who are you writing books for?

The three types of listeners I have indentified: Young people in developing countries with a smart device and no library, a professional on the move, and lastly the retiree or homebound person, is perhaps the most likely to be a crossover reader too? They are doing chores, weeding the garden and also have the desire for physical books. If none of your stories would appeal to these groups, then audio may not be right for you…yet.

How did you prioritize what stories to turn to audio?

This is tough. As a writer I love all of my projects, but as a person without a lot of free time to listen, length and genre was a huge factor for me.

Novels in audio format are *approx. 9300 words per hour according to ACX info boards. That is loosely eleven hours of audio for an 80k word book. Yikes!

I write short fiction as well and it has a more desirable frame of 1-2 hours. The Soul Keeper: A Ghost Story https://www.audible.com/author/Bibiana-Krall/B00Y5UIMKG is a #NewRelease on Audible and iTunes. Listen time is one hour and two minutes. I prefer the idea of a stolen hour, whereas the length of a novel on audio feels impossible to carve out of my week and really enjoy.

This Q & A went way over the ideal word count, so I have answered the remainder of this post on my blog here:  https://www.bibianakrall.com/single-post/2020/02/01/Audio-Books

Thanks so much for giving me the space to talk about the move into audio and to try and help other writers decide what is right for them and their projects.

Comments, retweets and engagement are always welcome. If you have questions, just ask me and I will do my best to answer them.

https://www.bibianakrall.com/contact

Thanks again for hosting me here Veronica. It means so much that you and everyone reading this is an important part of the growing collective hive. #writerscommunity and #readerscommunity

My pleasure, Bibiana, thank you for sharing your #audiobook experience! Lots to think about for sure–don’t forget to check out Bibiana’s link above to get more insights! I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of The Soul Keeper, a different take on a great story. One thing I have learned, headphones make all the difference for your #audiobook listening pleasure. I invested in the over the ear/background noise canceling option—for me it has made a world of difference. #Readers, #Writers–what say you? I’d love to learn more about your experiences, likes/dis-likes etc.  It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

[image error]

#AmWriting

The writing has commenced, along with a manic sleep schedule! The cats are exhausted having to get up with Maw, eat and then sleep in new rooms at all hours as their hoo-man types away. They’re also a bit incensed because rumor has it Gemma and Kyle have a new four legged companion that is not of the feline species roaming the corridors of Cherrywood Hall, a golden doodle named Teddy….this story is developing.

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Southern #Charm, Part Deux!

I’m still sorting through the pictures from our 1103 mile southern journey–such beautiful country, I’m already missing the views (and the food, #yummo)! I used one last photo from Savannah for the feature pic today–it’s a wild boar fountain in the garden of the Armstrong house, located in the city’s Historic District. It was used as the attorney’s office in the movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil for you movie fans.

Our final cities of the road trip included Charleston, Ashville, Knoxville, and a quick stop in Nashville. In Charleston we stayed at the quirky Bohemian Hotel–a Marriot boutique property loaded with art and bright decor. Located just a block over from King St., its rooftop bar and dining area had great views of the town. A short drive and you were right in the battery area that houses stately homes filled with Charleston charm.

From Charleston, we continued driving north west to Ashville, NC where we stayed at the stunning Biltmore Inn on the Biltmore Estate. This regal property lets you experience the grandeur of the estate and its hospitality. The common rooms were stunning to sit back and relax in, the food and cocktails sumptuous, and the views–just wow!

One of my favorite afternoons was spent sitting in front of the fireplace in the ‘library’, talking with two gents from Pennsylvania who reminded me of a few beloved characters in my books. Lots of laughs that day (and perhaps just a few cocktails

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #InspirationResearch (IR), Southern #Style!

Nine days, four cities, old friends and new, and a family reunion–it doesn’t get much better than this! We started our trip in Atlanta, where I was able to be reacquainted with a girlfriend from 7th grade. Brenda and I have not been in touch nor seen each other for decades until connecting on FB last year, but when we met, it was as if we were transported back to our, ahem, younger years, immediately bonding as if no time had passed at all, LOL. Luckily our hubbies are good sorts, putting up with our gabbing as we went through all the family and life events of the past thirty years.

We were able to see some highlights in Atlanta that I was so excited to visit. First stop was the Margaret Mitchell house in mid-town, a charming building packed with all things Gone With the Wind. The house (actually used to be 10 apartments)  is a tribute filled venue filled with memorabilia and pictures of Margaret Mitchell and of course the wonderful stars that brought this epic work to life. Margaret Mitchell was a 4′ 11″ dynamo whose civil war saga impacted many readers, myself included. If you’re in the Atlanta area, this is a must see, IMO.

And yes, I did purchase two of the campiest books ever. This trip has re-introduced me to the world of grits, and I have become a huge fan! (The gin goes without saying

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, When #Reality Enters the #Fiction Zone

Wowza, this week has been an almost royal motherload of data, sending this #writer into a #research frenzy trying to keep up with the plethora of commentary on the Sussex’s stepping back from their royal roles. No surprise I’ve been mesmerized, I’m a self confessed card carrying member of the DAR who happens to love all things royal, and I have spent quite a few nights over the decades pulling all-nighters just to watch the #royalweddings on television. I have intentionally stayed quiet over the years and not commented publicly one way or another about the goings on of any of the real life royals (other than the wedding dresses and tiaras–love!). I have never witnessed anything like this frenzy though, I have to admit–the press/blog/social media coverage on the Sussex’s has gone off the charts and a lot of it not in a good way, for anyone…

[image error]

This royal drama has me reflecting on My American Almost Royal Cousin Series and the fictional world I’ve created the past few years. In my series, I have an American woman who goes to the UK to work with her cousin, who is a marquess in the British nobility chain, trying to have his estate selected as the set location for my Downton Abbey wanna-be series, Castlewood Manor. My American MC does not marry a prince (although Kyle is quite the guy, #justsayin), but does interact with my fictionalized royal family quite often (Fictionalized because there is no way I can keep up with the ‘real’ royal happenings, LOL!) More importantly though, I wanted to respect their privacy–they get enough coverage as is without entering the #cozymystery world, IMO.

[image error]

The Sussex ‘abdication’ topic hits close to home for me for I deal with the resignation issue with one of the core characters who is teetering on the edge of relinquishing his title in Mistletoe and Mayhem, Yuletide at Castlewood Manor. It’s a big deal in this storyline, causing family angst and drama. I’ve tried to treat the topic with the utmost care and respect in the story. My main character, Gemma, is entering a whole new world in this book, and I want to be sensitive to how she handles her new found situation and responsibilities in the next release. The real life royal drama is giving me plenty of things to ponder for Book 5 in the series–I hope I am given the grace to make Gemma’s fictional, almost royal experience a bit smoother landing than what is being exposed in real life. I’ll at least have the gift of 20/20 hindsight of what not to do, LOL, a #writer’s dream!

[image error]

I wish everyone involved in this real life royal family drama the best, and hope things resolve in a way that brings them some level of happiness and well being. Words and actions matter and can have very extended ramifications. Family situations are tough to deal with, and I suspect even more so if you’re a royal on the global stage. It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

[image error]

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Design and self discovery this week from the #writers of Twitter…

Author M. L. Holton, The Gilded Beaver, 5 STARS

Canadian custom furniture designer, Iris Burdock is on a quest to land a big commission from one of Toronto’s financial elite execs. If she lands the deal, she is on her way to new echelon of clientele. The problem is her client, Luke Henderson, is not the most conversive sort, and she needs to try and discover what his true design likes are. After a few brief meetings, she has a design in mind, but will he ever agree to the work?

Author Holton takes us on a sometimes witty, sometimes frustrating exchange between Iris and Luke as they finally embark on the design project. Iris is driven to provide him a unique, Canadian crafted set of magnificent chairs, highlighting the craftmanship of her colleagues skills and expertise with a design that will be timeless. Luke, and his ever trending tastes, sometimes misses the finer points of the project–will Iris ever be able to please this client? Romantic sparks are in the air with Luke, but will their tumultuous working relationship douse the flames of desire?

As the months roll by, Iris does more than a bit of self realization as she escapes from the city and project turmoils to an undeveloped property she acquires. As the seasons pass, her self-reflection makes her  realize what matters to achieve a fulfilled life, and what does not. The ending of the story was quite unexpected, or was it?  I thought this book was a perfect read for the New Year, capturing the themes of starting an exciting new project, delving into the craftmanship details that make a design timeless, and finding the life nuggets that are true for us all. An inspiring read,  highly recommended!

[image error]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0969136226

Next up in the #reading queue:

[image error]

#Roadtrip, Southern Style!

This week we’re visiting the cities of Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston and Knoxville (with maybe a quick stop to another fav abode of mine, Biltmore House). I’m super excited for this road trip and can’t wait to catch up with a girlfriend of mine from 7th grade–who is now a fabulous supporter of my books; a Twitter friend who inspires me everyday; and a sissy who I can’t wait to see! I’m looking forward to visiting the sites in these wonderful cities (including Margaret Mitchell’s Atlanta house where she wrote Gone with the Wind), and learn a little about the history of each. I’ll be showing pics next week, stay tuned!

Welcome to my world. Have a fabulous #week and #weekend friends!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. “Atlanta!” (Scarlett gushed, batting her eyes) Can’t wait to see where GWTW began! Gemma and Rikkhe approve

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Let’s Get This #NewDecade Started!

Lots of exciting things in store with the start of 2020 and the start of a new decade, are you ready for the roaring 20’s, part deux? I don’t know about the flapper dresses, but I do want to make this decade all about exploring new parts of the world and developing the stories to share that will ultimately be my legacy to the world. Pretty heady ‘stuff’ to think about, but in the spirit of a new year and decade, I’m energized to make things happen! Lest we forget, 2020 is a leap year–we have an extra 24 hours to ‘git ‘er’ dun’, so no excuses now…

This past week I did a bit of celebrating (although I was somewhat hampered with an unexpected cracked tooth that limited what I was able to eat…uugghh). I woke up on the morning of my 62nd year to find beautiful roses on the countertop–just a thing to bring a smile to my face. I decided to go ahead with my birthday dinner at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel despite my tooth impairment, and I’m so glad we did. The sunset was breathtaking on Friday night with hues of vivid golds and blues. My dinner choices were limited by ‘ease of chew’, but holy wow, were delicious. Cauliflower and apple cream soup poured over cubes of roasted apple, yams, and lobster; followed by charred baby octopus with cubes of beets and avocado laced with a spicy chimichurri sauce, #yummo! A delectable culinary feast to start my new year, new decade with spicy determination.  It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

#AmMarketing #AmWriting

I have to admit the past few weeks were not the most productive for me in the #writing and #marketing arena, lol. I’ve spent a lot of time staring at my book series tree (my favorite Christmas present), looking at all the pieces that have made their way into my storylines–this is one tree that will stay put all year I think.  I am preparing for the official launch of my new website in a few weeks and have been trying to get a few odds and ends completed. I’ll get into full work mode soon–I’m excited to launch this #NewDecade!

[image error]

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Cozy mystery in the old west from one of my favorite series this week from the #writers of Twitter…

Author C.A. Asbrey, In All Innocence, 5 STARS

Nat and Abigail’s romance has gone to the next level in book 4 of Author Asbrey’s The Innocents Mystery Series, with a little bundle of joy to boot! All is not well though–Nat and Jake still have a criminal past they’re trying to shake. They’re heading back to North America to start their lives together, hoping to make their journey without being detected.

On their train ride out west, they run into an entourage of English butlers on their way to secure new positions with the wealthy patrons who long for a British touch of class. A rock slide stops their journey, and two murders and a nefarious business scheme keep Abigail and Nat busy as they try and solve the crimes before the law arrives in their attempt to minimize the eyes of the law on them. The guilty parties are caught, screaming revenge to Abigail and Nat as they continue their journey west to Victoria.

Jake leaves their group on a quest to re-kindle a past love and make up for a past he now regrets, but is he too late? Nat and Abigail are recruited to assist an older couple renovate their home, finding a hidden treasure and an errant kangaroo–will this discovery draw unwanted attention to them as they try and begin a new life? The cliffhanger ending will leave you gasping in this page turning mystery! A great read, highly recommended!

Next up in the #reading queue:

[image error]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0969136226

[image error]

Thanks to Author Bibiana Krall for featuring me in her Indie Spotlight post!

What a way to start the #NewYear #NewDecade! Bibiana graciously had me as her guest on new year’s day. She’s looking to highlight #authors, #WritingCommunity, so if you’d like to do an interview–let her know! Check out our interview here:

https://www.bibianakrall.com/single-post/2020/01/01/Indie-Spotlight

[image error]

Our big trip is coming up in May!

We’ll be heading out on a Viking cruise this year with stops in Sweden, Russia, Estonia and Denmark. I’m so excited for this trip–Viking does an excellent job of giving travelers a wonderful cruise experience. One thing I really enjoy is their outreach in the months ahead of our trip. They just sent a link to this video clip of our stop in St. Petersburg–it looks so beautiful, I thought I’d share. Enjoy!

Welcome to my world. Enjoy your #week and #weekend friends!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. The Ritz Carlton In Laguna Niguel–highly recommended. Gemma and Rikkhe approve!

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Well Hello 2020!

Happy New Year friends–wishing you a fun filled year where all your dreams come true! I was inspired for this #NewYear’s post by the picture below from the shores of Cambria in central California. I thought the land and skyscape pretty much depicted the hopes and promises of a new year, as well as the obstacles that will inevitably drop in (many when you least expect them!). The start of a new year can be a bit daunting—dark clouds, rocky roads, turbulent currents, but always there’s a glimmer of blue sky that keeps you moving forward. The good news is there is always a dynamic change in play–and always a chance for a fresh start.

[image error]

I’m super excited for the challenges this year will bring. I have two books to write, and some glorious trips are coming up! In a few weeks we’ll be heading down south, visiting the beautiful cities of Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston and Knoxville. I can’t wait to catch up with a few old friends and new, and have loads of laughs. 

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Celebrating #Writers: My Top 3 Book Picks of 2019!

Merry Christmas friends—I hope you have a lovely holiday celebration and a very Happy New Year! In the spirit of the season I want to thank all the writers whose books I’ve had the pleasure to read in 2019. I’m truly amazed at the awesome talent out there and I can’t wait to read more of the works by the writers I know, and welcome the tales of new scribes in 2020. I hope to keep to my schedule of reading and reviewing at least one new book per week, so if you have suggestions, please let me know!

As this year draws to a close, I wanted to give a special shoutout to three writers I have come to know a bit through their books and stories this year (and social media interactions, which I treasure

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, Christmas at the Castle & Enchanting #Reads

#HoHoHo, not much longer now friends, Christmas is just around the corner. This week we made a road trip up to San Simeon, in central California, the location of the stately Hearst Castle on the Enchanted Hill. This was a special trip for me to see Hearst Castle at nighttime–regular tours are held during the day only. During the holidays, they offer their Twilight Holiday Tour, and I’m so glad we opted to do this! The settings, décor and stunning lights made this nighttime tour truly magical.

Now I started the feature picture with the view of the Neptune pool because this has always been one of my favorite locations of the estate, and I have never seen it at night. I have to tell you, the pool lit with sparkly lights adds to its magnificence! I could have stayed here the whole tour looking up at the stars, smelling the evergreens, and listening to the waves in the distance…but who am I kidding, I was dying to get into the main house to see all things #Christmas, Hearst Castle style!

[image error]

Christmas trees were decorated with the original lights and ornaments used during Mr. Hearst’s time. Most rooms featured at least two trees–lights and poinsettias were used abundantly. I’ll end the pics with the Roman indoor pool, our final room of the tour–it looks so glamorous at night with its irridescent tiles glistening–can you just imagine the holiday gatherings that were had here over the years (is that Cary Grant peeping around the corner…)? It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

[image error]

I’ve been trying to highlight the books I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year by genre. There are so many fantastic reads and authors, I just want to do my bit by showcasing them. I will say that next week for the Christmas Day post, I am doing something I’ve never done–highlighting what I consider to be the Top 3 Reads of 2019–there were many to choose from, but I know these three tales and the authors will enchant you! In the meantime, to help get you in the magical #holiday spirit– here are the #fantasy, #poetry, #humor, #satire books and their authors whose books I’ve had the pleasure to read this year–check them out!

Author Emmy Bennett: https://www.amazon.com/Emmy-R-Bennett/e/B07L3ZGY83

Author K.J. Backer: https://www.amazon.com/K-J-Backer/e/B07MRJKBXG

Author Christina Goebel: https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Right-Galaks-Rising-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B07RN2ZGCD

Author Bibiana Krall: https://www.amazon.com/Bibiana-Krall/e/B00Y5UIMKG

Author J.S. Frankel: https://www.amazon.com/J-S-Frankel/e/B004XUUTB8

Author Sheila Patel: https://www.amazon.com/Sheila-Patel/e/B075WWBSQQ

Author Kerri Davidson: https://kerridavidsonbooks.com/

Author King Henry VIII: https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Your-Inner-Tudor-Inspirational-ebook/dp/B074D5KCJT

Author Keith Tokash: https://www.amazon.com/Iliad-Reboot-Keith-Tokash-ebook/dp/B07Y7KF19D

Author Lori Katherine: https://www.amazon.com/Lori-Katherine/e/B07FNRZJ1G

Author Anna Casamento-Arrigo: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Casamento-Arrigo/e/B00G2UY84G

Author Shell Zanne: https://www.amazon.com/Only-Beginning-Shell-Zanne/dp/107463697X

[image error]

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Chills and ghosts of Christmas this week from the writers’ of Twitter…

Authors D.B. Carter, S.J. Lomax, Derek R. King, Natalie Reeves-Billing, Winter Chills; Ghostly Tales for Cold Nights, 5 STARS

Chills and thrills in this collection of wintery short stories by authors D.B.Carter, S.J. Lomax, Derek R. King, and Natalie Reeves-Billing–perfect for a cold evening read as you snuggle by the fire! The tales include:

Departures and Arrivals by D.B. Carter: Holly arrives at a dark, cold train station, seeking refuge from the winter winds and an overwhelming sadness. The station is empty or is it? As she waits for the midnight train to arrive, spirits of the past emerge as tragic past events are revealed. Will good will or nefarious intentions prevail?
The Christmas Card by D.B. Carter: Phil and Jo receive a Christmas card in the mail, providing inspiration for their Christmas décor. Jo is a woman possessed, recreating in detail the setting of the card–wanting a perfect Christmas photo. The night of their Christmas picture reveals deadly secrets of the past–and a chilling revenge that waits in the dark…
The Holiday Party by S.J. Lomax: Nick is taking Marcy to a Christmas get-together to meet his college friends. The weather is frightful and the drive treacherous, but thankfully they make it in time. Marcy is a little overwhelmed meeting all the friends and takes a breather outside, where she meets a late arrival to the party. When she goes back inside, shocks and chills await…
The Carolers by S.J. Lomax: Kenneth sits in his living room watching the television with his cat Murphy when he hears a knock at his front door. Carolers await, wanting to sing him a beloved song. A bittersweet tale of a family’s enduring love..
Defying Convention by Derek R. King: A Christmas journey to a country house takes an unexpected twist, as the somber truth of years past are revealed…
Go With The Wind By Natalie Reeves-Billing: A grandmother’s death saddens a family, killing the joy of the holidays. A mysterious note leads grandson Nathaniel on a journey to his kin, where an unexpected gathering awaits…

A terrific read for the holidays–highly recommended!

 

[image error]

Still time to get your copy, just in time for the #Holidays!

All kinds of holiday yummies in this delish collection, get your #FREE copy here:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sensational-writers-holiday-recipes

[image error]

And finally,  a bit of endless #writer self promotion

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #Winter Wonderlands & Chilling, Thrilling #Reads!

We’re back from the Tetons in beautiful Wyoming–what a trip! The snow was plentiful, the temperatures chilling, and a merry time was had by all. One of my favorite treks of the trip was exploring the Teton National Park. Many of the roads were closed due to snow and ice, but we were able to explore about 50 miles of this wondrous wilderness. The mountains and terrain left us in jaw dropping awe. The Jackson Lake and Snake River gave that icy pop of blue against the white winter snow–and those clear blue skies, just wow! Unfortunately the only wildlife we saw was a lone deer in the road–but I do want to come back to try and see the moose and elk (bears, not so much!). This area is a dude ranch haven–I can’t think of a better place to do a bit of horse back riding, water rafting and gazing up at the stars in warmer temps. If you’re looking for a vacation spot in 2020, Jackson Hole and nearby Yellowstone is highly recommended!

Tis the season for some #Holiday reading! So, to keep those chilling thrills going, I wanted to highlight the #mystery #thriller #suspense #dystopian #chaos authors whose #books I’ve had the pleasure of #reading this year. Terrific reads to keep the #blood flowing in these cold winter months:

Author Marcee Corn: https://www.amazon.com/Marcee-Corn/e/B00HOGEP54

Author K.R.M. Morgan: https://www.amazon.com/K-R-M-Morgan/e/B079XWGLN5

Author Joe Congel: https://www.amazon.com/Joe-Congel/e/B072Q1XWB1

Author Russell: https://www.amazon.com/Russell/e/B00L2CK208

Author M.J. LaBeff: https://www.amazon.com/MJ-LaBeff/e/B017SDAUGK

Author Mark Scantland: https://www.amazon.com/MARK-SCANTLAND/e/B07RXGFJTZ

Author Val Penny: https://www.amazon.com/Val-Penny/e/B07C4725TK

Author John Dolan: https://www.amazon.com/John-Dolan/e/B008IIERF0

Author C.A. Asbrey: https://www.amazon.com/C-A-Asbrey/e/B07BN57Q2C

Author Tina-Marie Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Marie-Miller/e/B07HX25KWP

Author J.C. Paulson: https://www.amazon.com/J-C-Paulson/e/B071GVF9N4

Author Faith Martin: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AFAITH+MARTIN&s=relevancerank&text=FAITH+MARTIN

Author K.Z. Howell: https://www.amazon.com/K-Z-Howell/e/B01MDMI150

Author Jeff DeMarco: https://www.amazon.com/Jeff-DeMarco/e/B07DSV5ZLP

Author Travis Borne: https://www.amazon.com/Travis-Borne/e/B06XWZ5HK2

The writers of Twitter have awesome reads for everyone–check them out! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

Speaking of mystery

Veronica’s #WritersDiary, #InspirationResearch, Jackson Hole, WY Style!

Well hello, December!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and a bountiful Black Friday and Cyber Monday bargain quest, LoL. I had loads of holiday fun with my nieces, grand kiddies, and in-laws selling our craft goods at the Cowgirl Christmas Boutique in Paso Robles after the big eat-a-thon day. I’ve started the #holiday season with a bang (yes the credit cards are still smokin’