Kate Collins's Blog, page 111
September 2, 2016
Spotlight on Molly Malone from DEADLY POLITICS
by Maggie SeftonSpotlighting Molly Malone from DEADLY POLITICS----
Last month I Spotlighted my suspense mystery, DEADLY POLITICS, so for this month I figured Readers should meet the heroine/sleuth Molly Malone. Molly can definitely speak for herself---
Jed Molinoff, Congressman Jackson’s chief of staff, gestured me inside the dark-paneled room, rich woods gleaming in furniture and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. I could smell the lemon oil. The entire library was straight out of a Dickens novel. I chose a burgundy velvet armchair while Brewster settled in comfortably behind a polished walnut desk. Unable to restrain my curiosity, I had to pry. “You have a file on me, Mr. Brewster?” He grinned boyishly over the open folder. “Everyone has a file, Ms. Malone. And please call me Peter.” He lifted the folder. “Thanks to Google, we can run but we can’t hide. May I call you Molly?” I nodded, still processing. “That’s seriously scary.” “Isn’t it, though?” He tossed the file on the desk. “You’re welcome to take a look if you like.” I shook my head. “Not on an empty stomach.” I knew what was there. I didn’t need to see blurry copies of newspaper headlines again. Those black-and-white images were already burned into my brain. Brewster leaned back into the leather chair. “You surprise me. Most people would grab that folder.” “I already know what’s there. I’ve had my fifteen minutes of fame, and then some. I have no need to relive those days.” He studied me, his boyish smile faded. “Karen says you blamed Washington for your husband’s suicide. Is that why you haven’t been back all these years?” Boy, Karen really did tell this guy everything. I’d have to speak to her. “Actually, I do return to the area. I just fly into Dulles. After all, my elderly mother lives in a retirement home in Northern Virginia, and I have other family here in addition to Karen.” I deliberately dodged the rest of his question. “Actually, yesterday was the first time I’ve flown into National in over twenty years.” He smiled at me. “How was it?” “Wrenching. And heartbreakingly beautiful.” “You still blame Washington for what happened? That’s a long time to hold a grudge, Molly.” This guy was like a laser, and I was clearly the target. I could feel the red dot warming my forehead. Sensing that subtle subterfuge and evasion wouldn’t work with Brewster, I decided on total honesty. What the hell? I didn’t want this job anyway. I may need it, but I sure didn’t want it. I glanced over his shoulder to the tall windows behind, draped in burgundy velvet. I spotted a garden outside. “I don’t blame the city anymore,” I confessed. “It’s what it does to people. To politicians or anyone who works within smelling distance of Capitol Hill. The lust for power consumes them after a while. And they’ll do anything to keep that power. Destroy anything or anyone that’s in their way.” My voice had hardened as I spoke. Old habits. Brewster pointed to the folder. “It sounds like your husband wasn’t consumed by it. Apparently he helped pass some significant legislation. Environmental protection. Education.” “You’re right. Dave accomplished a lot in his six short years.” I was surprised at the pride I still felt saying that. “It must have been heady in those days. You two were the young couple to watch. The Golden Pair. The brash young congressman from the West, cutting through Washington red tape, carving a path. A rising star, the clippings say.” Resigning myself to this stroll down memory lane, I nodded. “He was all that and more.” “And there you were, right beside him,” Brewster grinned. “Senator Malone’s beautiful politically savvy daughter, who cut her teeth on Washington politics, orchestrating every move in her talented young husband’s career.” Whoa. I met Brewster’s steady gaze. “That’s flattering, but it’s a gross overstatement. I simply helped Dave. . .live up to his potential, that’s all.” “The word back in Colorado is you were the force behind David Grayson, Molly. You can feign modesty and deny it, but everyone I talked to in Denver agrees. You were the politically savvy one, not your husband.” That dart grazed my shoulder as it passed. This guy was one hell of an interviewer. His comments were getting way too close. And dredging up way too many ghosts. Deciding righteous indignation would deflect his aim, I lifted my chin and replied, “Wrong, Mr. Brewster. David Grayson was a charismatic and caring congressman. His strength came from his ability to relate to people, not from me. That’s why he was so effective. He genuinely cared about the people he represented.” Brewster sat silent, watching me, so I continued. “Unfortunately those same qualities were seen as threatening to some other people. Powerful people. He was in their way.” I clamped my mouth shut so I wouldn’t say any more. “Then why did he kill himself? Why didn’t he stay and fight the good fight?” Bullseye. Long-suppressed emotions rushed out, engulfing me for a moment. I fixed Brewster with a wry smile. “You are something else, Peter, you know that? In all these years, no one has had the nerve to ask me that. Did you come up with that question all by yourself, or is the senator behind this interrogation?” His deceptively boyish grin returned. “The senator is way too polite to be so insulting. That’s my job.” “To insult people? You’re doing great so far. I’m going to need therapy after this session. You must have been a psych major, that’s why you’re attracted to politicians. They’re all crazy.” “After grad school I started working on some California state campaigns, then graduated to congressmen. I discovered I had a knack for helping a candidate stay on message and get elected. I’ll give you my resume, if you like, but let’s get back to you.” I shook my head in grudging admiration. “Damn, you’re relentless. What else do you want to know? Go on, Brewster. Bring it.” This time he laughed loudly, clearly enjoying my abject surrender. “Enough of the past. Let’s get up to speed. Why didn’t you get involved in the last Colorado election? The party could have used your support. “ I threw up my hands. “Now, with the guilt, he starts. Don’t even go there, Peter. My absence was insignificant. Those candidates lost that election all by themselves. They cut their own throats with that name-calling and mudslinging. I almost had to force myself to vote. Besides, your guy is an Independent. So all their mudslinging helped get him elected.” “Point taken. But you didn’t come to any candidate’s events. Not even the senator’s. And my sources told me you personally supported his candidacy, even though he ran as an Independent.” Now it was my turn to relax in my chair. I was beginning to enjoy this banter. Getting my chops back, I guess. “Tell your sources they can chase themselves. I sent a check.”
(This conversation continues in DEADLY POLITICS. )
September 1, 2016
Summer screeches to a halt
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I haven't been a "student" for ... well, more years than I'm willing to admit. So why once September rolls around do I feel depressed because I have to go back to the daily grind? (Albeit, self-imposed at this point.) The stores at the mall have been screaming BACK TO SCHOOL since July. Heck, most of the stores have been stocking winter coats and boots since then, too.
Weirder still, it's been as hot as hades for months on end, but yesterday Mother Nature flipped a switch. Instead of sitting on my porch sweating while I worked on my current book, I had to go inside and get my polar fleece jacket. It was only in the low 70s, but it felt COLD after day after day of 90-degree days.
I'm already thinking about cooler weather foods ... like stews and roasts (we haven't had roasted chicken in what seems like ages). And baking something scrumptious just to make the house smell so good!
Our family cottage is in the heart of apple country, and for the past couple of weeks the farmers have been pulling out their big crates. It's almost apple-picking time, which is good because the selection of apples at the grocery store isn't all that great, and what's available isn't very appetizing (or big) and I haven't found my favorite variety (Empire) for at least a month.
Fall is officially 18 days away, but turning that calendar page and realizing it's Labor Day Weekend makes me wonder ... where did the summer (and honestly, the year so far) go?
I'm planning on working (writing) this weekend, but I'm going to sneak in as much reading as I can, too. How about you?
I haven't been a "student" for ... well, more years than I'm willing to admit. So why once September rolls around do I feel depressed because I have to go back to the daily grind? (Albeit, self-imposed at this point.) The stores at the mall have been screaming BACK TO SCHOOL since July. Heck, most of the stores have been stocking winter coats and boots since then, too.Weirder still, it's been as hot as hades for months on end, but yesterday Mother Nature flipped a switch. Instead of sitting on my porch sweating while I worked on my current book, I had to go inside and get my polar fleece jacket. It was only in the low 70s, but it felt COLD after day after day of 90-degree days.
I'm already thinking about cooler weather foods ... like stews and roasts (we haven't had roasted chicken in what seems like ages). And baking something scrumptious just to make the house smell so good!
Our family cottage is in the heart of apple country, and for the past couple of weeks the farmers have been pulling out their big crates. It's almost apple-picking time, which is good because the selection of apples at the grocery store isn't all that great, and what's available isn't very appetizing (or big) and I haven't found my favorite variety (Empire) for at least a month.Fall is officially 18 days away, but turning that calendar page and realizing it's Labor Day Weekend makes me wonder ... where did the summer (and honestly, the year so far) go?
I'm planning on working (writing) this weekend, but I'm going to sneak in as much reading as I can, too. How about you?
Summer screaches to a halt
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I haven't been a "student" for ... well, more years than I'm willing to admit. So why once September rolls around do I feel depressed because I have to go back to the daily grind? (Albeit, self-imposed at this point.) The stores at the mall have been screaming BACK TO SCHOOL since July. Heck, most of the stores have been stocking winter coats and boots since then, too.
Weirder still, it's been as hot as hades for months on end, but yesterday Mother Nature flipped a switch. Instead of sitting on my porch sweating while I worked on my current book, I had to go inside and get my polar fleece jacket. It was only in the low 70s, but it felt COLD after day after day of 90-degree days.
I'm already thinking about cooler weather foods ... like stews and roasts (we haven't had roasted chicken in what seems like ages). And baking something scrumptious just to make the house smell so good!
Our family cottage is in the heart of apple country, and for the past couple of weeks the farmers have been pulling out their big crates. It's almost apple-picking time, which is good because the selection of apples at the grocery store isn't all that great, and what's available isn't very appetizing (or big) and I haven't found my favorite variety (Empire) for at least a month.
Fall is officially 18 days away, but turning that calendar page and realizing it's Labor Day Weekend makes me wonder ... where did the summer (and honestly, the year so far) go?
I'm planning on working (writing) this weekend, but I'm going to sneak in as much reading as I can, too. How about you?
I haven't been a "student" for ... well, more years than I'm willing to admit. So why once September rolls around do I feel depressed because I have to go back to the daily grind? (Albeit, self-imposed at this point.) The stores at the mall have been screaming BACK TO SCHOOL since July. Heck, most of the stores have been stocking winter coats and boots since then, too. Weirder still, it's been as hot as hades for months on end, but yesterday Mother Nature flipped a switch. Instead of sitting on my porch sweating while I worked on my current book, I had to go inside and get my polar fleece jacket. It was only in the low 70s, but it felt COLD after day after day of 90-degree days.
I'm already thinking about cooler weather foods ... like stews and roasts (we haven't had roasted chicken in what seems like ages). And baking something scrumptious just to make the house smell so good!
Our family cottage is in the heart of apple country, and for the past couple of weeks the farmers have been pulling out their big crates. It's almost apple-picking time, which is good because the selection of apples at the grocery store isn't all that great, and what's available isn't very appetizing (or big) and I haven't found my favorite variety (Empire) for at least a month.Fall is officially 18 days away, but turning that calendar page and realizing it's Labor Day Weekend makes me wonder ... where did the summer (and honestly, the year so far) go?
I'm planning on working (writing) this weekend, but I'm going to sneak in as much reading as I can, too. How about you?
August 31, 2016
Inspiration and relaxation: unscripted moments to the rescue
By Victoria Abbott aka Mary Jane and Victoria Maffin
We are back from our vacation in Newfoundland. What an adventure! We had two intense weeks, with almost no shopping, no snobbery, no stress, just magnificent scenery, wonderfully open and funny people (Every single one seems to have a story) and the best fish and chips in the world. One of the nicest things I saw was this wonderful red bench. I loved the message:
INSPIRE YOUR NEXT UNSCRIPTED MOMENT
We all need unscripted moments to keep ourselves on track.
It came at the right time. We were dead-tired after a hike on the coast (note to self: do NOT wear spangled sandals the next time) when I spotted it in the garden area of our small hotel.
Note to self: DO NOT HIKE IN SPANGLED SANDALS
It seemed so soothing and restful to me. I couldn’t steal it and put it in my suitcase (I wouldn’t!), but I can keep that idea and the notion that we need rest, soothing sports and relaxation to inspire us. That goes for all of us, not just writers.
What inspires your unscripted moments in a garden or elsewhere? Share the wealth! We all need more 'unscriptedness" in our lives.
I think I’ll try to find a bench like this and stencil an inspiring saying on it. Or maybe I can inspire someone else to do it. Hmm.iVictoria Maffini? Where are you?
I am looking forward to hearing about your inspirations or anything else today. Because, with just five weeks to go, I have to be beating the bushes for The Hammett Hex. But first, another unscripted moment with a cup of tea in the back yard. Don't tell anyone.
We are back from our vacation in Newfoundland. What an adventure! We had two intense weeks, with almost no shopping, no snobbery, no stress, just magnificent scenery, wonderfully open and funny people (Every single one seems to have a story) and the best fish and chips in the world. One of the nicest things I saw was this wonderful red bench. I loved the message:
INSPIRE YOUR NEXT UNSCRIPTED MOMENT
We all need unscripted moments to keep ourselves on track.
It came at the right time. We were dead-tired after a hike on the coast (note to self: do NOT wear spangled sandals the next time) when I spotted it in the garden area of our small hotel.
Note to self: DO NOT HIKE IN SPANGLED SANDALSIt seemed so soothing and restful to me. I couldn’t steal it and put it in my suitcase (I wouldn’t!), but I can keep that idea and the notion that we need rest, soothing sports and relaxation to inspire us. That goes for all of us, not just writers.
What inspires your unscripted moments in a garden or elsewhere? Share the wealth! We all need more 'unscriptedness" in our lives.
I think I’ll try to find a bench like this and stencil an inspiring saying on it. Or maybe I can inspire someone else to do it. Hmm.iVictoria Maffini? Where are you?
I am looking forward to hearing about your inspirations or anything else today. Because, with just five weeks to go, I have to be beating the bushes for The Hammett Hex. But first, another unscripted moment with a cup of tea in the back yard. Don't tell anyone.
Inspiration and relaxation: unscripted moments to the rescue
We are back from our vacation in Newfoundland. What an adventure! We had two intense weeks, with almost no shopping, no snobbery, no stress, just magnificent scenery, wonderfully open and funny people (Every single one seems to have a story) and the best fish and chips in the world. One of the nicest things I saw was this wonderful red bench. I loved the message:
INSPIRE YOUR NEXT UNSCRIPTED MOMENT!
We all need unscripted moments to keep ourselves on track.
It came at the right time. We were dead-tired after a hike on the coast (note to self: do NOT wear spangled sandals the next time) when I spotted it in the garden area of our small hotel.
Note to self: DO NOT HIKE IN SPANGLED SANDALSIt seemed so soothing and restful to me. I couldn’t steal it and put it in my suitcase (I wouldn’t!), but I can keep that idea and the notion that we need rest, soothing sports and relaxation to inspire us. That goes for all of us, not just writers.
What inspires your unscripted moments in a garden or elsewhere? Share the wealth! We all need more 'unscriptedness" in our lives.
I think I’ll try to find a bench like this and stencil an inspiring saying on it. Or maybe I can inspire someone else to do it. Hmm. By Victoria Abbott aka Mary Jane and Victoria MaffiniVictoria Maffini? Where are you?
I am looking forward to hearing about your inspirations or anything else today. Because, with just five weeks to go, I have to be beating the bushes for The Hammett Hex. Hey. Where's my fedora?
August 30, 2016
Your pet finds you
There are a lot of pet owners out there and we come to our pets in the most unusual ways. I’m a firm believer that your pets comes to you, you don’t find them. It’s something in the cosmic universe that brings you two together.
Maybe you’re driving along on one of those dark and stormy nights and there, in the middle of the road is a stray just waiting for you. A friend was pregnant and driving across an icy bridge and there walking across the handrail was a kitten slipping and sliding and inches from death of falling into the river. She rescue the kitten and he was the best pet ever and best of friends with her then unborn babe.
I found Spooky in Kroger’s parking lot mixed in with the shopping cars scared and mewing for all she was worth. I went into the store and bought a can of cat food to woo her out so I could get her.
My first cat, Pixel, was supposed to be for my son. Yeah, we know how those stories turn out. When he crossed the rainbow bridge I told the kids...no more cats for bit. The next week my son brings me a kitten he found in an ice cream shop parking lot. He, now Dr. Watson, needed a home, I had one, end of story.
So many cats and dogs wind up on our doorsteps, they seem to know instinctively who will love and care for them. God bless those who rescue animals from horrid situations and make them family. (IMHO anyone who mistreats an animal should burn in hell for all eternity and I mean it)
So what about you? How did you get your first pet? How did he come into your life and save you more than you saved him?
Hugs, Duffy
Maybe you’re driving along on one of those dark and stormy nights and there, in the middle of the road is a stray just waiting for you. A friend was pregnant and driving across an icy bridge and there walking across the handrail was a kitten slipping and sliding and inches from death of falling into the river. She rescue the kitten and he was the best pet ever and best of friends with her then unborn babe. I found Spooky in Kroger’s parking lot mixed in with the shopping cars scared and mewing for all she was worth. I went into the store and bought a can of cat food to woo her out so I could get her.
My first cat, Pixel, was supposed to be for my son. Yeah, we know how those stories turn out. When he crossed the rainbow bridge I told the kids...no more cats for bit. The next week my son brings me a kitten he found in an ice cream shop parking lot. He, now Dr. Watson, needed a home, I had one, end of story.So many cats and dogs wind up on our doorsteps, they seem to know instinctively who will love and care for them. God bless those who rescue animals from horrid situations and make them family. (IMHO anyone who mistreats an animal should burn in hell for all eternity and I mean it)
So what about you? How did you get your first pet? How did he come into your life and save you more than you saved him?
Hugs, Duffy
August 29, 2016
Birthday Escape
by Maggie SeftonMy birthday was last Saturday, August 27, so I celebrated by escaping up into Estes Park, which is adjacent to our gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park and only an hour away from Fort Collins. The weather was marvelous---sunny with temps in the low 80s---and I stayed at one of my favorite hotels.
No---not the beautiful and stately Stanley Hotel,
the family favorite of horror writer Stephen King. I've stayed at the Stanley several times and even posted about it with photos on the Cozy Chicks Blog a couple of years ago. This was the hotel Stephen King used as the inspiration for his classic horror tale "The Shining." The Stanley Hotel actually has its own history of residents and visitors seeing ghostly apparitions.
This birthday weekend I wasn't interested in ghostly apparitions at all. I wanted to enjoy
the gorgeous scenery while relaxing on a balcony at the Estes Park Resort. This lovely hotel is located right beside Lake Estes, so relaxing on the balcony there I could treat myself to a stunning 180 degree view of Lake Estes and the Rocky Mountains behind. So I did exactly that. Relaxed and peacefully enjoyed the gorgeous views. De-stressed, if you will. We all live such busy often hectic lives, we really need regular escapes to allow ourselves to relax. Really relax.Of course, pictures cannot capture the beauty, but at least they give you a small glimpse. Meanwhile, I'm curious if any of you have had a chance to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. It's the #2 most visited national park in the United States. Share with us.
August 26, 2016
SPOTLIGHT ON ALI BLAKE
by Mary Kennedy
Ali Blake here, from the Dream Club Mysteries. Things are moving along here in Savannah, the Dream Club is in full swing, and our vintage candy store, Oldies But Goodies, is more popular than ever. Here's an inside look at the candy shop: we went for an "old-fashioned" vibe with glass jars, bins of penny candy and of course, all your favorite sweets from years ago.
If you've been following us, you know that we added a little cafe to the candy shop a while ago, and we serve up gallons of sweet tea, gourmet coffee, light lunches and of course delicious pastries.
Now I've come up with a new marketing plan and I've added picnic lunches to the menu. We're trying to keep it simple...
And healthy....
Using lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. One of our most popular picnic lunches starts with a nice baguette....
with some gruyere cheese...
And a couple of side salads; maybe a tomato-chickpea salad loaded with fresh veggies...
.a fresh green salad, with dried cranberries, tomatoes, chick peas and pine nuts. You can toss in a little feta cheese if you like.
..
...and a nice pasta salad. We don't use mayo because of the Savannah heat, and we use a home-made vinaigrette dressing.
For dessert, we always include cookies (because everyone loves cookies!) One of our most popular items is sugar cookies and we use some cool stamps to make pretty designs.
Our peach slab pie is also one of our most requested items for a picnic lunch. It's peach pie, but it's portable!
If you'd like the recipe for peach slab pie, you can find it on this link from an earlier Cozy Chicks blog. Everyone loves it and it's a nice "on-the-go" treat. http://www.cozychicksblog.com/2016/05...
Our famous sweet tea is available in gallon jugs as well as fresh lemonade (made from real lemons, not bottled juice.)
Where to eat your picnic lunch? You can choose from dozens of beautiful parks and squares in Savannah. Forsythe Park is one of my favorites.
What are some must-have items on your favorite picnic lunches? I'm always looking for new menu ideas. Thanks for stopping by!!
Mary Kennedy (writing for Ali Blake from the Dream Club Mysteries.)
Ali Blake here, from the Dream Club Mysteries. Things are moving along here in Savannah, the Dream Club is in full swing, and our vintage candy store, Oldies But Goodies, is more popular than ever. Here's an inside look at the candy shop: we went for an "old-fashioned" vibe with glass jars, bins of penny candy and of course, all your favorite sweets from years ago.
If you've been following us, you know that we added a little cafe to the candy shop a while ago, and we serve up gallons of sweet tea, gourmet coffee, light lunches and of course delicious pastries.
Now I've come up with a new marketing plan and I've added picnic lunches to the menu. We're trying to keep it simple...
And healthy....
Using lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. One of our most popular picnic lunches starts with a nice baguette....
with some gruyere cheese...
And a couple of side salads; maybe a tomato-chickpea salad loaded with fresh veggies...
.a fresh green salad, with dried cranberries, tomatoes, chick peas and pine nuts. You can toss in a little feta cheese if you like.
..
...and a nice pasta salad. We don't use mayo because of the Savannah heat, and we use a home-made vinaigrette dressing.
For dessert, we always include cookies (because everyone loves cookies!) One of our most popular items is sugar cookies and we use some cool stamps to make pretty designs.
Our peach slab pie is also one of our most requested items for a picnic lunch. It's peach pie, but it's portable!
If you'd like the recipe for peach slab pie, you can find it on this link from an earlier Cozy Chicks blog. Everyone loves it and it's a nice "on-the-go" treat. http://www.cozychicksblog.com/2016/05...
Our famous sweet tea is available in gallon jugs as well as fresh lemonade (made from real lemons, not bottled juice.)
Where to eat your picnic lunch? You can choose from dozens of beautiful parks and squares in Savannah. Forsythe Park is one of my favorites.
What are some must-have items on your favorite picnic lunches? I'm always looking for new menu ideas. Thanks for stopping by!!Mary Kennedy (writing for Ali Blake from the Dream Club Mysteries.)
Are you a Bookbub Subscriber?
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
By now I'm sure many of you know about Bookbub and other brook promotions websites and newsletters. By far, Bookbub is the BEST of them and for good reason. They work very hard trying to figure out what their customers want, and how best to deliver it.
What you may not know is that you can follow your favorite authors via Bookbub. Not only that -- but when they have a new book out, Boobkbub will jog your memory and send you an email telling you ABOUT said book.
As it happens, ALL the Cozy Chicks are registered with Bookbub and we would ABSOLUTELY LOVE it if you would follow us. The thing is -- you can ALSO follow us on Amazon, who will do the same thing (send you a note when a new book comes out). It's a win-win situation for both authors and readers.
To make it easy for you to follow us, I've collected all our links. Please, pretty please, follow us on Bookbub and if you're a Kindle user, on Amazon!
And since today is my post day, I'm going to start with me.
Lorraine Bartlett: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonL.L. Bartlett: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonLorna Barrett: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Mary Kennedy: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Mary Jane Maffini: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonVictoria Abbott: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Maggie Sefton: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Duffy Brown: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Now, back to writing my next book so that when it's finished Bookbub and Amazon will send you a note.
Do you rely on these book promo services to find out what's new?
By now I'm sure many of you know about Bookbub and other brook promotions websites and newsletters. By far, Bookbub is the BEST of them and for good reason. They work very hard trying to figure out what their customers want, and how best to deliver it.What you may not know is that you can follow your favorite authors via Bookbub. Not only that -- but when they have a new book out, Boobkbub will jog your memory and send you an email telling you ABOUT said book.
As it happens, ALL the Cozy Chicks are registered with Bookbub and we would ABSOLUTELY LOVE it if you would follow us. The thing is -- you can ALSO follow us on Amazon, who will do the same thing (send you a note when a new book comes out). It's a win-win situation for both authors and readers.To make it easy for you to follow us, I've collected all our links. Please, pretty please, follow us on Bookbub and if you're a Kindle user, on Amazon!
And since today is my post day, I'm going to start with me.
Lorraine Bartlett: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonL.L. Bartlett: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonLorna Barrett: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Mary Kennedy: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Mary Jane Maffini: Bookbub ~~~ AmazonVictoria Abbott: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Maggie Sefton: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Duffy Brown: Bookbub ~~~ Amazon
Now, back to writing my next book so that when it's finished Bookbub and Amazon will send you a note.
Do you rely on these book promo services to find out what's new?
August 24, 2016
A hero in the garden
We’re having a very hot summer and very little rain. Some of the more delicate flowers will have trouble surviving. We may have lost some coral bells when they just shriveled up. Fingers crossed that we can bring them back. But, there’s one plant you can always count on: the hardy and happy day lily! They are the best part of our garden this year (please ignore the weeds - it's too darn hot!). I think they are quite heroic.
My friend Molly Westin actually has a day lily farm (which I got to see it firsthand as a lucky author on one of Molly’s mystery tours in North Carolina). I am so jealous! Of course, there’s not much in common between the climate of NC and Ontario, but that doesn’t matter. Our day lilies are also doing just fine, from the cheerful and resilient tiger lilies that grow wild in the ditches and on abandoned properties to the snootiest of hydrids, they’re all terrific. To my knowledge we’ve never lost one.
We do love this hybrid though! True story: Years back, a day lily was forgotten in an open plastic bag with a bit of soil on the back steps (sorry about that) and spent the better part of a year there trying valiantly to grow on the concrete. It didn’t do too well, but it lived and once planted in the soil with enough sun and water, it flourished again.
I am grateful to the day lilies that are starting to fill out around our property. Both the front and back yard were completely neglected when we bought four years ago. The day lilies have helped to fill in many of the bald spots.
I did take some from our previous home, just as I took a few from the home before that. I think that flowers give continuity. One of my new neighbors gave me a lovely peach and purple hydrid that her friend had developed. It meant a lot to her and that meant a lot to me. A nice welcome, don’t you think?
I’m happy to say that by next year, we’ll be dividing the first plants. We’ll pass some on to people who will appreciate them.
So do you love day lilies? If not, what does make you happy in your garden or someone else’s? Do some of your flowers have special meaning. There is no one right answer! But as you know, we love to hear!
