Lee Strauss's Blog, page 4

10 Fun Facts about Ginger’s Journal

The History of the Journal

1. I didn't know when I started writing the Ginger Gold Mysteries that there would be a journal. When Ginger started hanging out in my head, I knew I wanted a woman who was ahead of her time ideologically, but I also needed her to have a set of skills that would be unique to women in the 1920s. The answer that came to me was to make her a former secret service agent during WW1. Now it made sense that she would now how to pick a lock, start an engine with a stocking, or was fluent in several languages. 

2. Every time I needed Ginger to showcase a certain skill, I found I wanted to give context for when she learned it, so I would invent a situation she could've experienced during the Great War. Not only did I end up creating events, but also characters who first showed up in the 1920s, and then appeared in the journal timeline. 

3. I knew I needed to keep track of these, rather random mentions of Ginger's backstory as a secret agent so I wouldn't lose continuity as the series went on. This was the beginning of what would become the Journal.

4. Once I started developing a backstory for Ginger that took place during the war years, I found I needed to develop her story line from before that. I introduced her late husband Daniel in Murder on the SS Rosa, but at the time, I hardly knew anything about him or how Ginger's romance with him had unfolded.  Once I decided to write her history, I began with her coming of age in Boston and the concept of Ginger's Journal was born. I knew it wasn't something I'd be getting professionally edited or that I would sell, but I thought fans of Ginger Gold would enjoy it and offered it for free to my newsletter subscribers as a thank-you.

How the Journal affected the writing of Ginger Gold

5. For the most part, I write the journal entries as I go along. I'm not hoarding entries and teasing my readers! There's actually a lot of thought and research and time that ends up going into each one. (In fact, my husband Norm Strauss helps with a lot of that.)

6. I knew that writing each new mystery would direct what I'd enter into the journal, but what I didn't expect was that sometimes the journal writing would direct what ends up in the books. Researching for the journal or just the development of a story idea while writing it sometime sparks a plot point that ends up in the next book. A big example of this happens in MURDER IN FRANCE.

7. The journal entry in this week's newsletter entitled New Years Eve Disaster is a version of an event that turn's Ginger's life upside down. Even though the original draft was written first, the 1917 "disaster" becomes key to a crime in 1927 that Ginger and her good friend Haley Higgins are trying to solve.  

The future of the Journal

8. New Years Eve Disaster takes place on January 31, 1917, which means the journal entries are heading into the final year of World War One. It's revealed early in the first Ginger Gold Book, Murder on the SS Rosa, that Daniel didn't survive the war, so some tender scenes are coming and at least one where Ginger and Daniel spend a day together, which we already know will be their last.

9. The ending is already written! The last scenes of the Journal are actually a prequel to Murder on the SS Rosa, when Ginger and Haley decide to take the steamship to England. It'll be available exclusively to audio book listeners sometime in the spring. Stay tuned.

10. As for what I'll do when the journal is finally completed, I'll probably have it professionally edited and offer a revised and enhanced version for sale. Is that something you'd be interested in? Let me know in the comments.

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It’s been a while ~ and what I’ve been reading.

I remember a time when I used to blog about this fun thing and that exciting opportunity ~ I think that was back in 2019! Lol. We've all been on a wild ride since then, in one form another. This has been a particularly trying year for me and my family, and the hits don't seem to stop.  But, instead of getting into that, I want to take time to remember what I can be thankful for. Just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend!

Thanksgiving

Business-wise, it's been a pretty good year, and I'm excited about the next two Ginger Gold Mystery books I'm working on. Murder in France is coming in November, and Murder at Yuletide is releasing in January. (I know, a little late for the holidays, but see the above re: crazy year!)

My daughter is doing a lot better, which I'm really thankful for. She'll be attending an awards ceremony in December that will honor her friend who saved her life, but more on that, then. If you missed the story, you can read about it HERE.

My daughter-in-law Chelsea had her last chemo infusion this week! It's been a long, hard road for this beautiful soul, but there's light.

We're all so glad that she'll be able to focus solely on physio soon, and can get that revised leg functioning properly.

I'm thankful for all the books available to read and I've read quite a few good ones this summer.

Here are three books I recommend.

A BRAZEN CURIOSITY by Lynn Messina was a happy find. Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare isn't your standard Regency mystery heroine. Her brilliance is mixed with a quirky naivety and spending time with her is a delight. This is the first in eleven books currently available on Amazon.

A BEAUTIFUL POISON by Lydia Kang has a more serious tone than the Messina books. Set in New York during the Spanish Influenza, a clever poisoner is on the loose. The author's skill at pulling the reader into that world, and the different social classes involved, is evident. This stand alone book is available on Amazon.

THE DEAD OF FALSE CREEK by fellow Canadian Sarah M Stephen is a surprising mix of contemporary and historical fiction. This dose of magical realism is a pleasant escape, and I enjoyed learning a bit of history set in my home province of British Columbia. Available on Amazon. 

And yes, I do notice the trend in cover design, now that they're set up together.  

Let me circle back to the two new Ginger Gold books available on preorder.

On Preorder:

Murder in France reintroduces the lovely medical student, Miss Haley Higgins.

Murder at Yuletide takes us back to Pippins misadventures during the war years. 

PREORDER HERE PREORDER HERE What about you? Have you read any good books this summer? Let me know in the comments. 

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After the Ride

All the excitement and anticipation over the summer led to this day. This is the Kelowna contingent of the Tour de Cure, made up of Chelsea's loving and supportive family and friends. It started off with a downpour, finding most of us huddled under one mobile gazebo or hiding in our vehicles with steaming up windows. A passing storm wasn't enough to stop this intrepid crew, and thankfully the weather passed in time for us to take group pictures of the riders and volunteers before we headed off on our trek, some of us (me) on a 30 kilometer ride and some hardy folks on a 100km ride.

Chelsea, only three days after a round of chemo, found the strength to make it out, with Jordan, as always, at her side. What troopers! It was a great honor to ride for this couple and for all the people who suffer when cancer comes knocking. Fundraisers like this not only raise funds for research and progressive treatments, but they raise moral and provide a sense of commarradorie. Warriors for humanity. Serving and loving and hoping together.

The MOMS

The KIDS

Norm and I are on the right.

Riding through beautiful countryside.

Our team raised over $32,000! 

A big shout out of thanks to everyone who sponsored with money, encouragement, prayers and moral support. 

Chelsea hopes to ride herself next year, and I can't wait to see her go. 

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Year in review ~ so far

There was a time when I wrote a "Year in Review" blog post every January. I'm not sure when I got out of the practice, but I kind of regret it now. It would be great to look back and see what each year had brought. I suppose I stopped because there was nothing new or unusual to report other than I published some books. There were also the pandemic years where everyone was suffering the same thing, so any recital of mine could be filled with comments saying "ditto."

My birthday happens to land smack dab in the middle of the year, July 31, so it's a good time for me to reflect anyway. This is not a year where nothing happened, and if you've been following, you'll know all about it already. 

I'm a list person, so I like to see things in point form. I process things visually. So this is for me, if not for everyone.

January: my daughter Tasia in convalescence (if you missed what happened to her, go HERE); Norm and I are living on the generosity of strangers in a basement suite; we bought a house in New Brunswick with our son Joel and his wife Shadi; we leave the bitter cold of BC and return to our RV we'd left in Mexico on our sudden return to Canada in December; publish Murder at the Fiesta. February: Recovering emotionally and physically in Mexico--beach walks help a lot; get good news from our son Jordan and his fiancee Chelsea, they're getting married!March: Get the news that Chelsea might have osteosarcoma; decide to leave Mexico sooner than planned and start heading north; get as far as Vegas when I decide to fly back to BC and let Norm drive the rest of the way alone; learn when I land in Edmonton that the cancer diagnosis is confirmed; get home in time to help my daughter put her most beloved cat, Missy, down due to illness and offer grief support; publish Murder at the Savoy.April: clean and fix up RV and sell; Joel and Shadi move into new house; hire our son Levi to start a Fantasy line for our publishing company; Chelsea starts Chemo; prep for wedding, it's still on!May: Wedding and Strauss family meet up (if you missed the blog about this fabulous, emotional day, go HERE; publish Murder at the CircusJune: Sold our rental house (that Levi, Tasia, Jordan & Chelsea live in) and bought a new one in a nicer and safer neighbourhood; after six months driving prohibition (due to medical reasons), our daughter gets back behind the wheel!July: Chelsea has her surgery, the tumor is removed along with 9 inches of her femur and her knee is replaced, recovery proves to be more difficult that we had anticipated; Chelsea was in the news; Murder at the Boxing Club is published; I turn 58. 

And that brings us to now. We're all busy packing cleaning and preparing for a move this month, and I'm riding in the Tour de Cure which you can learn about HERE

Watch News Story

Despite everything, (and I didn't include that we also all got Covid) I can say that with my whole heart I am truly thankful. These trials have brought us so much closer as a family and have put what's important and what is not in perspective. I won't say I'm not weary, but my faith is steady and I have hope for the future. 

What's coming next? Who can say for certain, but we're planning to return to Mexico for the winter. And to publish more books. So stay tuned!

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Flash Sale & New Release!

So excited to be launching a new book and to present a series sale to get late comers started. I'm taking a break from family updates this week, but "hard and good" kind of encapsulates it. More later. For now, enjoy escaping with Ginger Gold. Check out this early 5 start review: 

"Lee Strauss delivers a one, two punch in is this heart pounding addition to the Lady Gold series. Ginger attends a boxing match with Basil since Marvin (their adoptive son Scout's cousin) is in the ring against a fierce champion. When a murder occurs they soon find themselves investigating the seedier side of society taking them into the world of sports betting, gangs and drugs. If that wasn't enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, an old nemesis returns putting Ginger's family at risk. The attention to details is superb creating a story of intrigue and danger. I am already looking forward to the next book as we are left with a surprise reunion".

Murder’s a knockout!

Despite her misgivings and general distaste for fighting sports, Mrs. Ginger Reed, also known as Lady Gold, agrees to attend a boxing match to support her adopted son’s cousin, a street fighter who’s quickly risen in the ranks.

But when his opponent, the presumed champion-to-be, drops out and then drops dead, Ginger and her husband, Basil, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, investigate. Was the fighter dead because of sports-betting gone awry? Were London gangs involved? And has an old, but newly present danger returned to threaten the Reed family?

When one of their own falls prey, the gloves come off and the fight becomes personal. Can Ginger and Basil save their family and stop a killer before the towel is thrown in the ring?

Get it here now

Get your binge on with this Series Starter SALE!  Free, .99, 1.49 and 2.49 - TODAY ONLY

START READING TODAY!

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Tour de Cure & Chelsea Strauss update

This blog post is dedicated to those fighting cancer, beating cancer, and to those who lost their fight.

The thing about Cancer is that almost everyone can say they know someone or are that someone who has it. 

The fight to cure cancer has being going on for a very, long time. I've heard about it for my whole adult life and I'm no spring chicken. I watched Terry Fox do his famous run across Canada only to see him forced to give up before he completed his trek, because cancer took his life. 

It can feel really discouraging. However, there HAVE been great advancements in treatments, improvements in quality of life, and even cures for certain types, so the effort to raise funds for research is still worth it. My daughter-in-law Chelsea has osteosarcoma, the same cancer Terry Fox had, only she has a much better chance at beating this disease because of the advancement of medical treatment, and for this I'm very, very grateful. 

If you've been following my blog, then you know the story, but here's a visual recap.

DATING

We were so happy for Jordan when he met Chelsea. They are both cheerful, optimistic glass-half-full, loud-talkers, who light up the room to brilliant levels when they walk in. 

Jordan and Chelsea love life and make each other laugh and are perfectly suited for each other. There was no doubt they would fall in love and pursue their happily-ever-after together.

ENGAGED

WEDDING

But sometimes life gives you a curveball. Two months before their wedding date, they got the devastating news that the painful lump in Chelsea's left thigh was cancer.

Naturally, there were tears, but these two decided to take the hit on the chin, determined to fight their way to victory. I've never been prouder of my son and his brave new wife.

If you missed the wedding story you can read it HERE. https://www.leestraussbooks.com/it-was-almost-a-hospital-wedding-warning-emotional-post-ahead/

TWO MONTHS MARRIED

I believe that soon I'll be posting pictures of Chelsea walking again with her hair growing, that beautiful smile on her face, and a long and happy future before her. 

But in the meantime, I'm doing my part to raise funds for Cancer research. On AUGUST 27, I'll be riding a bike with a bunch of other people with TOUR DE CURE. 

Please consider donating. We can make a difference together!

Norm and Lee biking in Vegas

This link will take you to my participant page. Please use for Canadian donations.

https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/LoraleeStrauss

***

US DONATIONS ~ Please use this link:  https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/SPageNavigator/TDC_US_Gift.html

^^IMPORTANT:please fill in participant name and number: Loralee Strauss, 2884025

This will give credit to the total raised, though it might take a couple days to show up.

** ALL DONATIONS OVER $10 ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE**

A BIG thank you in advance!

No book news this week, but stay tuned.

Lee

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The Importance of Team – in Work and Life

It feels like life is a heady bunch of busyness. I'm hanging onto the handlebars of a bike speeding down the hill of time, with my legs thrown out behind me as I dodge the obstacles that threaten to topple me over in a painful heap.

Okay, that's a bit melodramatic. I'm actually doing well, and very grateful for everything, but that's doesn't mean it hasn't been challenging. 

Mostly, for right now, it's good busyness. We're in the midst of selling and buying a house. If you've ever been there, you'll know how emotionally stressful that can be. I have a great TEAM helping us along: My good friend and brilliant realtor Shawn , Alice my fab bookkeeper/accountant, and Melissa my banker. Without these ladies, we wouldn't be able to pull it off. 

My Work Team is indescribably brilliant. 

I honestly couldn't produce the books I do without these people. My husband Norm, who, for years provide me with much needed moral support, has in the last four been an invaluable partner. He writes, brainstorms, and helps me to keep my head under stress.  My son Joel, who came onboard as my assistant three years ago has performed beyond my expectations. He really does a lot for me and for the readers by managing communication through newsletters and social media and websites. My books sparkle because of my editors Angelika, Robbie and Heather. Honestly, these gals are amazing. 

My Family Team is the best, most important and most rewarding team in my life.

 My kids Joel & Shadi, Levi, Jordan & Chelsea, and Tasia are everything to me, and to each other. During an extremely difficult year we've all pulled together and become stronger and closer as a result. 

Good news update: Tasia's six month driving ban is over! Anyone who has a seizure or heart event, at least where we live, has to refrain from driving for six months for insurance reasons. It's been a long wait to regain autonomy, but Yay! She did it!

Chelsea's latest scans show that the cancer hasn't spread, and the tumor in her leg has shrunk. Surgery is in July, and we'll all be relieved when that is over. Prognosis is good!

Team Cure Chelsea

Let me circle back to the cycling analogy. I'm joining a bunch of other people who love Chelsea and hate cancer. 

I will be riding my bike in a cancer research fundraiser this August, and will be looking of sponsors to raise money. Check out this LINK to learn more.

Use these links if you'd like to help jump start my fundraiser.

(Bonus: if you don't know already, you'll learn my real name!)

https://tourdecure.ca/fundraiser

US Donations (please fill in participant name): https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/SPageNavigator/TDC_US_Gift.html

Team Ginger Gold

Talking about a battle ~ cue cheesy segue here ~ don't miss MURDER AT THE BOXING CLUB

Murder’s a knockout!

Despite her misgivings and general distaste for fighting sports, Mrs. Ginger Reed, also known as Lady Gold, agrees to attend a boxing match to support the cousin of her adopted son, a street fighter who’s quickly risen in the ranks.

But when his opponent, the presumed champion-to-be drops out and then drops dead, Ginger and her husband, Basil, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, investigate. Was the fighter dead because of sports-betting gone awry? Were London gangs involved? And has an old, but newly present danger returned to threaten the Reed family?

When one of their own falls prey, the gloves come off and the fight becomes personal. Can Ginger and Basil save their family and stop a killer before the towel is thrown in the ring?

Enter for a chance to win cute boxing cat mug, a print copy of Murder at the Boxing Club, and $50 cash prize!

Preorder Today  Enter to win! Your Teams.

I'd love to hear about them. Let me know in the comments.

The post The Importance of Team – in Work and Life appeared first on Lee Strauss.

Finding Small Joys each Day ~ Elephants and Books!

It's no secret that life is hard right now. For everyone. You only have to watch the news for two minutes to see that. Mass shootings, war, reality TV-style "justice." The struggle, both personally and on the world stage, can feel overwhelming. The weight can feel like a rock on our backs, or a huge black cloud that continually hovers overhead.

If you've been following this blog, you'll know my personal black clouds revolve around my daughter's and daughter-in-law's ongoing serious health challenges (link). I think the biggest problem for me, and them, and for a lot of people is the sense of being out of control. What can we do about all these problems? What can I do? And most importantly how can we, how can I, pursue happiness in the midst of it?

CAVEAT: I'm not a doctor or a therapist, so don't take what I have to say as the last word. If you, or someone you love, is struggling with mental health issues, please seek a professional.

Make a list of things you DO control. You can control your personal space, whether its tidy or messy, creatively decorated, or neglected. You can control how active you are and how you present yourself to the world. A little self-love can go a long way. Shower, put on a bit of makeup if you that's what you like, clean clothes, a hair brush. You can control this. You can control how you interact with your family and neighbors. Smile, wave, lend a helping hand. Tell your loved ones that you love them. Go out of your way to do something special for them that they don't expect. Send a card, bring flowers or cookies. Give them a hug. Tell yourself that you're doing a good job, even if you've only done one new thing in your pursuit of happiness.Find a small JOY in each day.

Look for just one small thing that brings a little joy each day, and soon they will add up to big joy.

For example, I like to watch the hummingbirds that come to our feeder. I love to snuggle with my cat. I like playing pickleball and work hard at getting better at the sport. I'm learning Spanish with my duolingo app. (Highly recommend duolingo if learning a new language is on your list of things to do.)

I like writing about Elephants. (You knew I get to writing in this blog ) Did you know that Elephants are social creatures just like us? Or maybe I should say, we're social creatures, just like Elephants. We need each other. We need family and friends and to belong. PS: the featured image shows an elephant family sleeping. See how they snuggle closely with each other?

Side note: this is something you can control, even if you feel like you can't. If your natural family isn't a safe place, there are a lot of communities you can get involved with where you can find like-minded people. Reaching out and getting started is hard, but you can do it.  Churches and clubs are good starting points. Become a volunteer. Hospitals, animal shelters, and social outreaches are often in need of help. Volunteers are wonderful and amazing people, and make great friends.

My latest book release, Murder at the Circus, features an Elephant called Tulip.

Elephants are magnificent creatures and I loved researching them. I'm writing a short interest piece for my next newsletter on what I learned and how things have improved for Elephants over the years.

Make sure you're subscribed to read that, (and get access to Ginger Gold's Journal.) link

Another thing that brings me joy? Learning about my books out in the wild. I love how they show up in libraries and bookstores and on people's blogs. But sometimes they show up in the most unexpected places, like HERE-link.

Did you know that Capital One Shopping features books? I didn't. And call me surprised to see a few Ginger Gold books on the catalogue. 

Have you seen my books in "out there" places? If so, let me know and bring me a little joy.

More Book News

I've got another Ginger Gold Bundle on preorder. If you're trying to catch up on Ginger Gold books, the bundles are a great way to go.

Preorder on Amazon  Preorder on Amazon Preorder on Amazon Preorder on Amazon How About You?

Are you pursuing happiness? What brings you joy? Did you find one small joy today? What was it?

 Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.

The post Finding Small Joys each Day ~ Elephants and Books! appeared first on Lee Strauss.

It was almost a hospital wedding – warning, emotional post ahead.

My son Jordan's new wife Chelsea has osteosarcoma, with a tumor in her left femur. Diagnosed a month and a half before their Wedding day, she began an aggressive chemotherapy plan with infusions every three weeks. The wedding landed on week three of the first round, and normally by then her white blood count should've recovered to almost normal standards. 

Unfortunately, two nights before their wedding day, she fell ill with a fever and was hospitalized. Her white blood cell counts were dangerously low and she was considered a medical emergency. The doctors put her on antibiotics, tylenol, and gave her injections to help her white blood cell count improve. 

Along with this, Norm and I and our daughter Tasia had gotten Covid. Thankfully we tested negative just in time for the gathering, but we spent ten days in isolation prior. Not only we're we concerned about spreading it to anyone else, but my father, who lives in the condo below us, was Jordan's best man. (Yes! Jordan asked his grandfather to stand with him. So special!) But it put me in a panic that he should stay healthy and away from us or anyone who could make him sick in any way.

The weather was also unseasonally cool, and everyone was on constant weather forecast watch. Rain, rain, rain. The wedding had to be outside in order to protect the bride as much as possible, as her immunity was at an all time low.

This all felt like a moot point with the bride-to-be in the hospital. I was on the phone trying to reach the hospital chaplain, fearing the wedding might have to happen in the hospital chapel or even Chelsea's hospital room, as these two were determined to get married, no matter what.

As fate and God would have it, the weather cleared up for that one afternoon and the doctors agreed to give Chelsea a day pass to get married.

Yahoo!

This wedding was the most emotional and heartfelt ceremony I'd ever been to. I sobbed and I wasn't alone. 

Not only was it special for me because my son was finally marrying ~ despite incredible hurdles ~ the love of his life, and that my dad was standing with him, but it was also the birthday of my dearest friend Donna, who passed away from cancer in 2020. Her husband Malcolm agreed to perform the service and it was so meaningful to have him there.

Chelsea's dad wheeled her down the aisle, she with tears streaming down her face, and Jordan, visibly emotional, with his eyes on her alone. They helped her onto the platform where she bravely stood for her vows, then again to the registry table and finally back into the wheelchair where, as husband and wife, Jordan wheeled her back down. When he reached the end, away from the family seated in rows, he got on his knees before her and laid his head in her lap.

And I knew then, that they were going to be all right.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan and Chelsea Strauss.

The wedding night was spent in the hospital. The nurses were kind enough to bring an extra bed into Chelsea's room, and decorated for the newly weds. They applauded and cheered when Jordan wheeled his new bride onto the cancer ward, and made a fuss over Chelsea's incredibly beautiful dress.

Along with this fairy tale and seemingly unreality, is real life. Despite the hardship and challenges, work must be done, bills must be paid, and I must put my butt in the chair. I can't believe the work Norm and I actually accomplished through the whirlwind 2022 has been so far, but I'm happy to announce the schedule of the next four books ready for preorder now.

Murder at the Circus is already out in paperback. Ebooks are releasing May 24. This was a fun one to write, a lot of it from Scout's point of view and his special relationship with one large elephant.

I hope you enjoy it!

Preorder Now Preorder Now Preorder Now Preorder Now

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Life happens when you’re making other plans

plans:

Write more Ginger Gold books. Plan a beautiful wedding and happy family gathering. Celebrate birthdays, especially our daughter's (you'll know why if you've been following my blog-link), and enjoy the summer doing all the summer stuff.

life:

Writing Ginger Gold books through tumultuous and distracting times. Planning a wedding (in two weeks!) while the bride goes through chemo, the father of the groom gets covid, and the groom's job ends. Along with the promise of beach times and family dinners there will be multiple trips to the hospital, drives to Vancouver (5 hours over a mountain pass), a complicated surgery to replace a femur, and other uncertainties.

sometimes life is hard, even when it's good

I won't lie and say it's been easy. It hasn't. But our difficulties aren't insurmountable. We have awesome friends and family support. One of Chelsea's friends set up a Go Fund Me for them. I know there are a lot of campaigns like this going on all the time, but if you feel a nudge to give to this one, it would be so appreciated. Every little bit helps. Click the link to learn more about their story. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-chelsea-kick-cancers-ass

In book news ~ PREORDERS!  Click on the covers for more info. So excited to bring you more Ginger Gold and Rosa Reed stories.

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