Sarah E. Glenn's Blog, page 2

Interview with Cheryl Hollon - 12 Days of SinC Christmas

Who is Cheryl Hollon?

Cheryl Hollon writes full-time after leaving an engineering career designing and building military flight simulators in amazing countries such as England, Wales, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. She combines a love of writing with a passion for oil painting and creating glass art in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

Cheryl is a Past President of the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime, a member of Florida Mystery Writers of America, a member of International Thriller Writers, and co-chair of SleuthFest 2024. She regularly attends SleuthFest in Florida, Malice Domestic in DC, and ThrillerFest in NYC. You will also find her at Left Coast Crime and Bouchercon, wherever they are being held.

The Giveaway:

In eastern Kentucky, Miranda Trent runs a unique tour company called Paint & Shine, but sometimes the peaceful mountains play host to murder.To celebrate, I’m giving away my latest paperback, "Death a Sketch," a Paint and Shine Mystery. For a chance to win (US Addresses only) sign up for my newsletter at my website during this promotion. www.cherylhollon.com I'll select a winner on December 13th and email you to ask for your postal address. Have a wonderful holiday season!

The Interview:
What genre do you write and what drew you to that genre? I write in the Cozy Mystery genre because I wanted both my mother and granddaughter to be able to enjoy my books.
Do you aspire to write in another genre? If so, which ones? I’m polishing a new manuscript in the Historical Mystery genre based on my early engineering career.
What time of the day do you write and where is your favorite place to write? I am an early morning writer and am usually at my laptop by 7:30 in the morning. I have a small desk in our second bedroom with a view.
How many books have you written? I have nine books that have been traditionally published and two more that are out on submission.
What comes first—story or character? For me, the protagonist always comes first, and then I put her in difficult situations.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor? Louise Penny has had an exciting career and seems such a gentle caring person.
What are your favorite holiday foods? Roast Turkey, Dressing, Buttery Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce (freshly made not from the can) and pecan pie with vanilla ice cream

Lightning Round - Just for fun:
Tea or Coffee: CoffeeMorning person or Night owl: Morning lark with occasional insomnia.Beach or Mountains: MountainsCity or Country: I love both since I am from Eastern Kentucky but love my apartment in downtown Saint Petersburg, FloridaIce Cream: Ben and Jerry’s Vanilla!Cake or Pie: Pecan PieLast Book Read: The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
Cheryl Hollon's Books:
Webb's Glass Shop mysteries - 6 books
Paint and Shine mysteries - 3 books

Social Media:
Website * BookBub * Facebook * X/Twitter * Instagram * Bluesky

Paradise is Deadly - 12 Days of Sisters in Crime Christmas

Paradise is Deadly: Gripping Tales from Florida’s Gulf Coast

Nineteen gripping tales from Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime, Inc. From hosting hurricane parties to dodging frozen iguanas falling out of palm trees, Florida is weirdly wonderful. These nineteen twisty tales cast a wide net from cozy mysteries to thrillers, from historical fiction to paranormal sleuths.

“The stories range from creepy to terrifying to old-school whodunit to just plain fun. Their plots revolve around archaeological digs, murder for hire, and the accurate pricing of second-hand designer purses. All use the details that make this state stand out from the other forty-nine: the weather, alligators, Florida Man, and, of course, a skunk ape.” From the Introduction by Lisa Black, New York Times Best-selling author.

Authors: Tracy Ann, Mary Ball, Anne Carter, Wendy Dingwall, Mary Dutta, Harold Emanuel, Sarah Glenn, Tanya Goodwin, Margo Hammond, Cynthia Harrison, Jenna Kernan, Cindy Martin, Gwen Mayo, Teresa Michael, Monica Faeth Myers, Stephanie Palmarosa, Jenny Ramaley, Martha Reed, B. W. W. Roark, and Barbara Ryan

Editors:  Wendy Dingwall, Martha Reed, Barbara Ryan.

Judges:   Colette Bancroft, Lisa Black, Alan Orloff, and Susan Thibadeau.

Introduction by:  New York Times Best-Selling Author, Lisa Black

The anthology is on sale on Amazon for Cyber Monday:  https://www.amazon.com/Paradise-Deadly-Gripping-Tales-Floridas/dp/1949281248

How didyou select the stories?

In early2022, our Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime chapter formed a 6-person AnthologyCommittee. We developed a blind submission process so that only theChairperson/Project Manager knew who wrote which piece. We put out a call forsubmissions and waited to see what we received. As the stories came in, theProject Manager read the story, assigned a submission ID number, and thendistributed it to a reviewer who verified the submission met the publishedstory guidelines. Then the story was passed on to a judge to read and score. Whenthe judges finished their review, we ranked the stories and made ourselections. The anthology was published in July 2023 by Mystery and Horror, LLC.

What werethe guidelines?

Basicguidelines such as submissions must be in a Microsoft Word .docx format, maximumword count of 5,000 words, standard formatting of 12-point Times New Roman,double-spaced, etc. Additionally, the author had to be a member in goodstanding with the National Sisters in Crime and be a member of a Florida SinCchapter.

Reminder fornew writers—it is important that you carefully read and adhere to whateverguidelines the organizers define. It could mean immediate rejection if youdon’t. We allowed one return by the Project Manager to fix any issues with the manuscript,but the return policy is different for each organization.

Shouldemerging writers submit to anthologies?

Yes,definitely. Submitting your short fiction to anthologies and online journals isa great way to get that first publication credit. There are several first-timepublished authors in this anthology.

WillFlorida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime do another anthology?

I hope so.That will be up to the incoming 2025 Board of Directors. Curating andpublishing an anthology is at least a year-long commitment for the committeeand the chapter.

Who wason this anthology committee:

TeresaMichael was the Chairperson/Project Manager.

Committeemembers were Wendy Dingwall, Harold Emanuel, Sarah Glenn, Gwen Mayo, MarthaReed, and Barbara Ryan.

Tell meabout Sisters in Crime and the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.

Sisters inCrime was established in 1986 to promote the ongoing advancement, recognition,and professional development of women crime writers. Sisters in Crime setsstandards for itself, its members, and the crime writing community. Throughadvocacy, programming, and leadership, SinC empowers and supports all crimewriters regardless of genre or place on their career trajectory.  (Mission and Vision).

Florida GulfCoast Sisters in Crime is one of over 60 local chapters worldwide. We offermonthly chapter meetings with educational offerings and events throughout theyear. For membership information, go to the FLGC SinC website.

FloridaGulf Coast Sisters in Crime Social Media

Website: Sisters in Crime – Florida GulfCoast Chapter (flgcsinc.com)

Facebook Page: Facebook

Florida Gulf Coast SinC Meet Up Page: https://www.meetup.com/Florida-Gulf-Coast-Chapter-of-Sisters-in-Crime 

NationalSisters in Crime Website: https://www.Sistersincrime.org

Interview with Teresa Michael - 12 Days of SinC Christmas

 

Who is Teresa Michael?

TeresaMichael, an award-winning author for her Mariposa Café Mystery Series, with Murderin Mariposa Beach earning the Firebird Book Award. A lover of reading,writing, and travel, Teresa has explored 49 states and managed the US ArcheryTeam in two Olympic Games. She's a past president of the Florida Gulf CoastChapter of Sisters in Crime and a member of Mystery Writers of America. Teresalives in Sarasota, FL, with her husband. Murder with a Terrace View – AHarrington House Mystery, the first book in her new series, was recentlyreleased. Someday, she’ll visit that 50th state.  Connect with her on Facebook at TeresaMichael- Author or visit her website at https://teresamichaelwrites.pubsitepro.com.

What's her newest book?

MURDER WITH A TERRACE VIEW

In Murder with a Terrace View, Molly Harrington's peaceful liferunning a B&B is shattered when a local author is found dead. As she delvesinto the mystery, she uncovers a web of secrets tied to her family's past. Witha spectral ally and a budding romance with the detective, Molly navigates aworld of intrigue and danger. This gripping tale blends mystery, romance, andthe paranormal, promising a cozy whodunit that keeps you guessing till the end.

·       AmazonAmazon.com : Murder with aTerrace View

·       Barnesand Noble - Murder with a Terrace View: AHarrington House Mystery by Teresa Michael, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®(barnesandnoble.com)

 

I heard there was going to be a giveaway.

-- You're right!

Freebook:  Mistletoe and Missing Persons is free onAmazon Kindle on December 1st & 2nd

FreeShort Stories:  Sign up for my newsletter and get the first twoshort stories in the Mariposa Café and Bakery Origin Stories collection. Signup here. Contact Us - Teresa Michael.

And now ... the interview!

1. What genre do you write in, and what drew you to that genre? Do you aspire to write in another genre? If so, which one(s)?

I write in the mystery genre because I like to read mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. My favorite TV shows and movies are nearly always mysteries or suspense with some romance thrown in. I love the puzzle, figuring out who did it and why. I want to try writing a thriller, maybe a heart-throbbing romance, or maybe combine the two. 

2. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

My current release, Murder with a Terrace View, is the first book in the Harrington House Mysteries. I’ve written four books in the Mariposa Café Mystery series. I have a small volume of short stories that are a prequel to that series. These stories were originally my senior thesis, which required me to write three interconnected short stories. During the pandemic, I pulled them out, updated them, and published them as the Mariposa Café and Bakery Origin Stories. They are great giveaways at events. In addition, I wrote a novelette titled Indian Rock, set in Eastern Kentucky, where I spent summers with my grandmother and aunt. I also have a story in the anthology, Paradise is Deadly – Gripping Tales from Florida’s Gulf Coast. 

It's hard to choose a favorite book because each one has a special significance in its own way. For example, Murder in Mariposa Beach is special because it was the first novel-length book I wrote and published. Indian Rock is special because it is the one most closely based on truth—except for the dead body. I did not find a dead body when I was 12 years old. 

3. What's your approach to writing? Are you a plotter or do you let your story unfold and the characters present themselves (Pantser)?

I’m sort of a hybrid.  I’ve tried outlining, but it doesn’t really work for me.  I’m a pantser in that I let the characters take me where they want to go, but I go into the project after thinking about the characters and the situation, researching, and writing down scene notes. In writing mysteries, I need to keep track of timelines, clues, red herrings, and where I’ve left those little breadcrumbs that lead up to the resolution. I can’t keep them all in my head. There’s too much rattling around up there already.  In 2020, I wrote a blog post about plotters and pantsers. You can read it here: Are you a plotter, pantser, or something else - Teresa Michael

4. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Invisibility. I could be the proverbial fly on the wall if I were invisible. I get some of the best ideas and one-liners from overheard conversations. Can you imagine what you could learn if you were invisible? Think about it.

5. Since it’s the holidays, what’s your favorite holiday food?

The holidays are all about food! For Thanksgiving, it’s the turkey. We’ve gone to my son’s house the last few years, where he and his brother-in-law have a turkey cook-off. One turkey is traditionally roasted in the oven, and the second is cooked another way, for example, on the grill. Then we have a taste test!

Our most recent tradition for Christmas has been my husband’s prime rib and Yorkshire pudding. 

6. Tell us about your current work in progress.

I am working on book 2 in the Harrington House Mystery series. I am about three-quarters of the way through and coming down to the big reveal.  In this one, Molly and her friend, Rick Owens, the death investigator, find a dead wedding planner while at a country club event. The working title is Murder in the Rose Garden, but I’m not sure if that will remain the title. I’m taking title ideas if you have one. If I choose your idea, you’ll get a prize.

Lightning Round – Just for fun

1. Holiday pies --- apple or pumpkin: Pumpkin

2. Morning person or night owl: Night Owl

3. Beach or Mountains: Beach but I like the mountains too

4. City or Country: Suburbs – close to the city but not too far out

5. Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream: Vanilla with chocolate syrup

6. Favorite Movie: Casablanca

7. Last book Read: The Waiting by Michael Connelly

8. Print, audio, or ebook: All three – I usually have 1 of each going all the time

OtherBooks by Teresa Michael

The MariposaCafé Mystery Series

·      Murder in Mariposa Beach  https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Mariposa-Beach-Cafe-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07KPKYVTG

·      Mistletoe and Missing Persons https://www.amazon.com/Mistletoe-Missing-Persons-Mariposa-Holiday-ebook/dp/B081Y2FHYN

·      Deception in Mariposa Beach  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HNJW3YH

·      Redemption in Mariposa Beach https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Mariposa-Beach-Cafe-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0B35DNX3L/

·      MariposaCafé and Bakery Origin Stories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RC55PQW/

OtherWorks:

·      Indian Rock   https://www.amazon.com/Indian-Rock-Teresa-Michael-ebook/dp/B07T3FHLRY

·      Paradise isDeadly – Gripping Tales from Florida’s Gulf Coast – an anthology from the FloridaGulf Coast Sisters in Crime - Paradise is Deadly Gripping Talesfrom Florida's Gulf Coast: Dingwall, Wendy, Reed, Martha, Ryan, Barbara:9781949281248: Amazon.com: Books

Want to follow Teresa?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresamichaelauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresamichael1/

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18633273.Teresa_Michael

Or, you can follow #patioreading on Instagram and Facebook to see what and who she's reading.

Starting December 1st - FLGC Sisters in Crime Holiday Promotion Begins!

 

Over the first 12 days of December, one member of the Florida Gulf Coast Sisters in Crime will be featured on my blog each day, as well as on the chapter's Facebook page. Come back here each day to see who's featured!

Dumfungled

 

This seemed like the perfect word for my state right now. Yes, the election was a blow, but it was a hellacious week overall. Mother is doing better, or was at the most recent visit, but her permanent location is still undetermined. 

Some of you already know this: Medicare covers 20 days. After that, her health insurance will cover it until Day 100. Then it goes up to full cost, which is around $10K a month. The facility she was at is unlikely to take her back; she requires a level of assistance they don't provide. We are in limbo, a state I despise but find myself in all too often.

We're also looking at relocating. We have enjoyed most of our time in Safety Harbor, but the hurricanes are getting worse. We've evacuated multiple times. One neighbor lost their home to Milton, and other neighbors are in their own limbo state until inspections are finished. Our place suffered some damage and our heat pump needs repairs. Due to problems with the previous heat pump, we have wall units to compensate.

Our home is not insured. We can't buy insurance; it's manufactured housing and too old (1979) to insure. Once it's gone, we're screwed. Plus, the lot rent has become steeper and will probably climb again due to necessary repairs to the park. A house in another state would be just as affordable.

Finally, we still have the next Strangely Funny to publish. Three hurricanes and a family crisis have slowed us further from our usual crawl.

There's a lot on our plates. So, dumfungled we are.

Update on Mother

Three years back, I posted about my mother's dementia. She was no longer able to live on her own, and we moved her to a facility that has taken decent care of her. The staff know us on sight, and she has had other people to talk to.

Unfortunately, her status has declined to the point where she needs more care than they can give her. I'm not going to go into all the details here, but they are connected to the dementia and other health problems.

She's being transferred to a skilled nursing facility not far from where we live. Adjusting will be hard for her; moving was challenging enough the first time.

It is also a reminder of how short our time with her is becoming. At least she still knows who I am.

 

The Perfect Rainy Day Read

 For those of you in ports north of Florida...

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Interview: Stephen Zimmer, Days of Darkness

 

Welcome to the blog tour for Days of Darkness, the new Hellscapes novel from award-winning author Stephen Zimmer! The Days of Darkness Blog Tour will run from June 17th to June 24th, featuring guest posts, interview, podcast appearances, and reviews!

Days of Darkness is a stand-alone novel, and marks the first full-length novel in the franchise following three volumes of Hellscapes short stories! Visceral and macabre, the Hellscapes worlds have strong appeal to readers who enjoy authors such as Clive Barker, Wayne Barlowe, H.P. Lovecraft, and others!

Get ready for a thrill ride into the Hellscapes realms!

How did you create Ambrose? Was he inspired by someone?Popped into your head as is? His day job was interesting.

Ambrose was not inspired by one person, but he represents atype of person that I find to be increasingly prevalent in today’s world.  He holds a position that has a profoundimpact on the lives of a great multitude of people, and the work that he does,and the system that he is a part of, results in greater hardship, suffering,and struggle for that multitude of people. Yet he never stops to question any of this, and, in fact, revels in thecomforts and material success that this position brings him.  There is an underlying narcissism to him, andperhaps some sociopathic elements, to where he never thinks of the morality orconsequences of what he does, or questions the nature of the system heserves.  It is a form of evil, and I hopethe reader comes to understand that as the story unfolds and things unravel forAmbrose.

What about The Prophet?

The Prophet, like the Stranger, is one of my enigmaticcharacters that appear in Hellscapes stories. Ultimately, the characters like these two act as a sort of beacon ofconscience in the story, as they tend to be guides to the characters in thestory toward the revelation of where they truly are and why they arethere.  In some sense, they play a rolelike the Greek Chorus in an ancient theater performance.  The Prophet, in this story, underscores thedoom that is unveiling upon Ambrose and all of the souls that are in thisparticular Hellscape.  In a sense, he isthere to proclaim damnation on them, even if they do not quite understand whathe is talking about just yet.

What was the most challenging part to write in this book?

The most challenging part to writing this book was theinitial setting, where I wanted to have everything appear to be set in a“normal world” while slowly showing that there is something “off-kilter” aboutit, without giving away fully that this apparently modern city going about itsdaily existence is, in fact, a Hellscape. The transition into that full revelation could not come too quickly, andI worked to make sure that was managed carefully in the early stages of thetale.

What draws you to writing dark, dystopian material?

The Dark and the dystopian reflect the reality of the worldthat we live in.  Exploration of theDark, through storytelling, is valuable in understanding, confronting, andgiving vent to the Dark that is present, and pervasive, in a flawed world.  Dark, dystopian material allows for creativeexpression that depicts and reflects an array of evils that people face andstruggle against in life.  Art provokesthought and emotion, and often challenges its audience in some manner, andstorytelling in a dark, dystopian setting is no exception.  If anything, it is very fertile ground forcreating art rooted in reality.

Plotter or pantser?

I am about midway on the spectrum of Plotter vs.Pantser.  I always have a core structurewhen writing a story, where I know the general course that it will go and itsdestination.  This has helped me to avoid“writing myself into a corner.”  At thesame time, I like to give myself room to add new elements, whether they involvethe plot or new characters.  So I don’toutline to the point that I am too confined to be able to add new ideas thatinevitably arise along the way.  With mywriting, I have developed a balance between the two poles of Plotter andPantser, and so far it has worked very well for me.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have about three novels worth of material that I wroteduring my formative years that I am not sure will ever see the light ofday.  The ideas in them I still find tobe good, but the writing would need a complete overhaul!  Currently I have several new, completedmanuscripts that are in the editing pipeline, heading toward publishing.  I have a new Rayden Valkyrie duology calledThe Crossing, with the novels Beyond the Gates and The Light Within.  I have a new Ragnar Stormbringer stand-alonenovel titled Where Mountains Rise, and a new Hongvi Shadow Walker stand-alonenovel titled As Above, So Below.  Thereis also a new Rising Dawn Saga novel titled The Crimson Reign, the fifth bookin that series, and a new Fires in Eden novel, the fourth in that series,titled Path of Valor.  Finally, there isRise of the Voyagers, the next in my Faraway Saga.  So, in all, there are seven finished novels currentlyin that editing pipeline heading toward my readers!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything,what would it be?

To run, run fast from pursuing a career in writing!LOL!  I jest a little, but I would makesure my younger self understood the struggle, frustrations, and pitfalls thatpursuing the writing path entails.  Notto discourage my younger self, but rather to give a sober and clearunderstanding of expectations and the marathon nature of the writing path.  Storytelling and writing are intrinsic to me,so I know I would still write just as much as I do, but I would be betterprepared for the difficulties and trials that are part of the writing road.

Who is your greatest cheerleader?

My parents were always my greatest cheerleaders, and in myheart, I know that they still are, from wherever they may be in the worldsbeyond this one.  But I am blessed andfortunate enough to have another such cheerleader that entered my world abouteight and a half years ago, Holly Marie Phillippe, my best friend and betterhalf.  I should say here that mydefinition of a true cheerleader is not just someone that seeks to encourageand uplift you, but is also someone who is honest with you, with a motivationto help you become the best version of yourself.  That entails constructive criticism and hardtruths at times, but those are necessary things that help you grow, rise, andbecome a better version of yourself, and I am grateful to still have one suchcheerleader in my world!

Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed, and I hopethat everyone who gives Days of Darkness a try finds it to be the wild thrillride that I did while writing it. 

Synopsis of Days of Darkness:

Ambrose awakens to find dense, rolling layers of ash-gray clouds spanning to the far horizon, shrouding the city beneath in a drab pall.  He begins his day, thinking it no different from any other.

Though it is in the height of summer, an icy, anomalous chill sifts into the air later that day, until it becomes colder than the depths of winter.

Then, the sun sets, and darkness falls.

The night does not end, as there is no sunrise to follow.

Bizarre and frightening apparitions begin appearing across a city and world shrouded in an inexplicable darkness.  It is only the beginning of an unfurling, deepening nightmare, one that will take Ambrose on a terrifying journey of self-discovery and revelation.

For Ambrose, and everyone in the world around him, the Days of Darkness have only just begun.

About the Author:

Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and broadcaster based out of Lexington, Kentucky. His titles as an author include the Rayden Valkyrie Tales (Sword and Sorcery), the Ragnar Stormbringer Tales (Sword and Sorcery), the Hongvi Shadow Walker Tales (Sword and Sorcery) the Faraway Saga (YA Dystopian), the Rising Dawn Saga (Cross Genre), the Fires in Eden Series (Epic Fantasy), the Hellscapes short story collections (Horror), the Chronicles of Ave short story collections (Fantasy), and the Harvey and Solomon Tales (Steampunk).

Stephen’s visual work includes the feature film Shadows Light, shorts films such as The Sirens and Swordbearer, and the Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart TV Pilot. Stephen also co-hosts the Star Chamber Show, a weekly live audio podcast featuring creative talents from around the world.

Stephen is a proud Kentucky Colonel who also enjoys the realms of music, martial arts, good bourbons, and spending time with family.

Author Links:

Website: www.stephenzimmer.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7

X App (Formerly Twitter): @sgzimmer

Instagram: @stephenzimmer7

Threads: @stephenzimmer7

TikTok: @stephenzimmer7

Tour Schedule and Activities

6/17 Sapphyria's Books Blog Guest Post

6/17 The Scribblings of Sarah E. Glenn Blog Interview

6/17 War Dove (YouTube channel) Podcast Interview

6/18 SandySaysRead BookTube Channel Podcast Review

6/19 The Book Lover's Boudoir Blog Review

6/20 SandySaysRead BookTube Channel Podcast Interview

6/21 Sako and the Moon Podcast Interview

6/21 Sheila's Guests and Reviews Blog Guest Post

6/21 Eccentric Tea Woman Podcast Review

6/23 Deal Sharing Aunt Blog Interview

6/24 The Literary Underworld Blog Guest Post

6/24 Sheila's Guests and Reviews Blog Review

6/24 John A.Douglas YouTube Channel Podcast Interview

Purchase links for Days of Darkness:

Print Link: https://www.amazon.com/Days-Darkness-Hellscapes-Stephen-Zimmer/dp/B0CSG46ZYK/

eBook Link: https://www.amazon.com/Days-Darkness-Hellscapes-Stephen-Zimmer-ebook/dp/B0CSFBL131/

Coming in 2025: Our first audiobook!

 

Gwen Mayo and I are thrilled to announce our partnership with Scott Ellis Reads to produce our first audiobook. We're starting with Murder on the Mullet Express, the first book in our Three Snowbirds series. The projected release date is January 2025, nearly a hundred years after the story's setting. This milestone fulfills a dream we've had since founding Mystery and Horror, LLC.

We Did a Thing

 

Graphic courtesy of Rosalind Barden.
Most of what Gwen Mayo and I have done in the past couple of years has been invisible. I have been working full-time from home, Gwen has been ferrying my mother to and from the doctor. We had a death in the family, and it's been a depressing time.
We published three anthologies and two novels written by a friend. I attended Sisters in Crime meetings by Zoom. Neither of us were able to write for a while, and when I started again, it was with my first love, fanfiction. I slipped into the slightly more social community of https://shutupwrite.com/.
This year, we're out of the house. Gwen is the 2024 president of our chapter of Sisters in Crime, and we've been attending meetings in person. We've also participated in panel discussions and venues where we could sell our books. I had to relearn how to use Square. 

We also finished something important: Ybor City Blues, the third book in the Three Snowbirds series. Our favorite Army nurse, Cornelia Pettijohn, is on her way back to Fort Fitzsimons when gangsters board the train and haul her away. It seems that a friend of Charlie Wall is in trouble and Cornelia's just the person to help. Her very close companion, Teddy Lawless, and Uncle Percival Pettijohn offer their assistance.
Soon, the three snowbirds are up to their ears in hot water. Witnesses are being killed, sidekicks are being attacked. Just when Cornelia thinks it can't get any worse, the trio get a surprise visit from Teddy's estranged mother. She's heard about Teddy's (sham) engagement and is here to see her finally wed. Cornelia would rather deal with the gangsters.
Anyway, we have something new to show you. Take a look at it and give us a review! The book is free on Kindle Unlimited. 
Thank you for your patience.