P.D. Workman's Blog, page 11

Monk Turns Up the Heat in ‘Monk Goes to the Firehouse’

beneath the icy depths book with hot chocolate

Trying to beat the summer heat? Get ready for Christmas in July. Read All I Want for Christmas (in July) is Clues.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme. Read the rules and more teasers at The Purple Booker. Anyone can play along.

I confess that I love the Monk TV series. I wasn’t sure how the book series would hold up to the TV show, but Monk Goes to the Firehouse, the first book in the series, turned out to be a satisfying read for this Monk fan.

The narrator doesn’t quite get the timing of the voices down, but it is still enjoyable and it is easy to tell the difference between the voices of the characters.

If you are looking for your “Mr. Monk fix” this is a good place to start. It did break with canon in one place that I noticed, and that is that Mr. Monk had a glass of milk. Of course, milk is very high on his list of fears, so that wouldn’t be likely to happen without comment.

Overall, Mr. Monk goes to the Firehouse engaging and entertaining read that is true to the characters of the series.

Warning: The dog dies. This book involves an investigation into the death of a dog killed violently during the commission of a crime.

“But most people don’t mean ‘perfect’ when they say ‘perfect.'”
“Of course they do,” Monk said.
“No, they mean pleasant, or nice, or comfortable. They don’t actually mean perfect in the sense that everything will be, well, perfect. You do.”
Lee Goldberg, Monk Goes to the Firehouse

But most people don't mean 'perfect' when they say 'perfect.'

Summary

Monk’s house is being fumigated, and he has nowhere to go. Fortunately, his assistant Natalie and her daughter are kind enough to welcome him into their home. Unfortunately, their home is not quite up to Monk’s standards of cleanliness and order.

But while Monk attempts to arrange his surroundings just so, something else needs to be put straight. The death of a dog at the local firehouse-on the same night as a fatal house fire-has led Monk into a puzzling mystery. And much to his horror, he’s going to have to dig through a lot of dirt to find the answer.

Grab Your Sunglasses and Enjoy Six Exciting Summer Reads

Hello Readers!

As the summer sun shines bright, it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in captivating stories that whisk you away on thrilling adventures, unravel perplexing mysteries, and introduce you to unforgettable characters. We’re excited to announce a limited-time offer that will make your summer reading even more spectacular – P.D. Workman’s Adventure and Exploration Summer Reading Bundle!

For Just $9.99, You Can Enjoy Six Engaging Books!

BUY NOW

From cozy mysteries set in charming small towns to supernatural investigations filled with unexpected twists, this bundle is curated to offer something for everyone. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a day at the beach, or relaxing in your backyard, these stories are sure to keep you entertained.

What’s Inside the Bundle?

Gluten-Free Murder (Auntie Clem’s Bakery Cozy Mysteries)

Follow Erin Price as she moves to Bald Eagle Falls and opens a gluten-free bakery. When her business rival is poisoned by one of her cupcakes, Erin must solve the murder mystery before becoming the next victim.

Dairy-Free Death (Auntie Clem’s Bakery Cozy Mysteries)

In this sequel, just as Erin starts settling into her new life, her family’s past resurfaces. Between running the bakery and uncovering hidden secrets in Auntie Clem’s genealogy records, Erin faces new challenges that threaten her future.

What the Cat Knew (Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator)

Reg Rawlins begins as a fortune teller scam artist but gets entangled in a real-life mystery involving Warren Blake—a man she thought was dead but may still be alive and in danger.

A Psychic with Catitude (Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator)

Reg is back in business when Detective Jessup asks for her help on a missing persons case that’s far from ordinary. Dealing with personal health issues and an overly-interested warlock while teaming up with a furry psychic partner adds layers of intrigue.

Mito (Medical Kidnap Files YA Thriller)

Gabriel’s mysterious medical issues take a dark turn when he is apprehended by DFS for alleged medical neglect. As he navigates conspiracy theories and health battles, Gabriel must determine if he will ever return home or remain another guinea pig for Doctor De Klerk.

Stand Alone

Is Justine crazy? Everyone thinks so—her mother, peers at school, teachers—even the police who pick her up from night rambles. As Justine grapples with vivid nightmares and atrocious behavior pointing to unknown traumas in her past, she is determined to uncover the truth about who she really is—even if it means confronting secrets Em holds tightly.Why This Bundle?Engaging Plots: Each book offers unique adventures filled with mysteries that will keep you guessing.Rich Characters: Deeply developed characters you’ll root for as they navigate through thrilling scenarios.Varied Genres: A mix of cozy mysteries, paranormal investigations, young adult thrillers and standalone novels ensure there’s something for everyone.Perfect For All Ages: Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, these stories are sure to entertain.Bonus Content: Exclusive author notes and behind-the-scenes insights make this bundle extra special!How To Get Your Bundle

This exclusive Adventure & Exploration Summer Reading Bundle is available now for just $9.99! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to fill your summer days with intrigue and adventure brought to you by USA Today Bestselling Author P.D.Workman.

BUY NOW

Spread The Word

Share this exciting news with your friends and family! The more readers we can bring into our adventure-filled world this summer; the merrier it will be!

So grab your sunglasses , find your favorite reading spot ,and dive into these mesmerizing tales today! Happy reading!

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Published on July 03, 2024 19:47

Connect, Read, and Relax with #BooksInThePark This Summer

three phones with the covers of three of the Parks Pat Mysteries in front of a park background

Join me in combining exploring local parks with reading in the Books in the Park campaign!

What is Books in the Park?

Books in the Park is a summer campaign that encourages readers to enjoy their favorite books amidst the serene beauty of local parks. Whether you’re an avid reader or someone looking for a new way to unwind, this campaign is perfect for anyone who loves nature and a good story.

How Can You Participate?

Participating in Books in the Park is easy and fun! Here’s how you can join us:

Grab Your Favorite Book: Pick up any book you’ve been dying to read—or revisit an old favorite! Maybe something from my Parks Pat Mysteries series! Take a print copy, your eReader, or your phone or other device.Head to a Park: Find a beautiful spot in your local park.Snap a Photo: Capture your reading moment with a photo.Share on Social Media: Post your photo on Instagram, X, or Facebook using the hashtag #BooksInThePark and tag me at @pdworkmanauthor.

9 Reasons to Participate

This campaign will benefit your physical and mental health and connect you with a community of like-minded readers! Here’s how!

Discover New Parks:
Explore hidden gems within parks that may inspire your next adventure or serve as the perfect backdrop for your reading sessions.Connect with Fellow Readers:
Engage with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for books and nature.Lower Stress Levels:
Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can significantly reduce stress levels. Imagine losing yourself in a gripping mystery while feeling completely relaxed by nature’s calming influence!Get Some Exercise:
Walking or biking to your chosen park not only gives you some exercise but also makes reaching your reading spot part of the adventure.Soak Up Vitamin D:
Enjoying some time under the sun helps your body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and boosting immunity.Improve Concentration:
Natural settings have been shown to improve concentration levels—perfect for when you’re diving into those intricate plot twists!Enhance Creativity:
Nature has been known to inspire creativity; who knows what new ideas might spark as you read among trees and flowers?Support Local Parks:
By visiting and sharing photos of local parks, you help raise awareness about these beautiful spaces which could contribute towards their maintenance and preservation efforts.Rediscover Joy In Simple Pleasures:
In our fast-paced digital world filled with screens everywhere we look—taking some time out just sitting quietly with a good book under open sky reminds us how delightful simple pleasures truly are.

Let’s Make This Summer Unforgettable

There’s something truly magical about losing yourself in a good book while surrounded by nature—the rustling leaves overhead, birds singing nearby—it’s an experience that can transform ordinary reading into something extraordinary.

So let’s make this summer unforgettable together! Pack your picnic blanket; grab that novel you’ve been meaning to get through (or perhaps one from my Parks Pat Mysteries series ); head out into those beautiful parks—and don’t forget to document it all using #BooksInThePark.

I can’t wait to see all your amazing photos & hear which park became YOUR new favorite reading spot! Thank YOU for being part of this incredible journey—happy reading!

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Published on July 03, 2024 19:40

All I Want for Christmas (in July) is Clues

Beneath the Icy Depths book with hot chocolate and gingerbread

Hello, readers!

I hope you’re all having a fantastic summer so far. As the temperature climbs and we find ourselves dreaming of cooler days, what better way to beat the heat than by diving into some chilling mysteries? I’m thrilled to announce Christmas in July 2024, featuring a lineup of thrilling reads that will transport you to frosty winters and holiday cheer—right from the comfort of your porch or park bench!

Featured Book: Beneath the Icy Depths

First up in our festive lineup is currently available on preorder and will arrive in your inbox on July 19, just in time for Christmas in July on the 25th: Beneath the Icy Depths. This is book #12 in the beloved Parks Pat Mysteries series, and it promises to send shivers down your spine.

With its chilling atmosphere and captivating plot twists, Beneath the Icy Depths is perfect for cooling off this summer!

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Looking for a gripping police procedural series set in the stunning parks of Calgary?

A chilling death

Dive into the chilling depths of a cold-blooded murder that will send shivers down your spine.

Detective Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude couldn’t think of a much colder way to die. They assured her that the woman probably didn’t feel a thing.

When a woman falls through the ice to the dark and murky depths, the shiver she feels is not the anticipation of a twisted mystery, but that is what she gets.

There is no indication that Julia’s death was a homicide, except for one niggling thing…

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Skate into a new Parks Pat Mystery.

The writing is excellent, the plot is nice and twisty and the the characters and situations are believable. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing where she takes these new characters.

This is another well-written, briskly-paced mystery featuring great characters, lots of interesting glimpses into Canada’s Indigenous culture, and a satisfying resolution all wrapped up in delightful quick-read police procedural by an author who could make a description of drying paint sound fascinating.

If you enjoy gripping murder mysteries with a chilling atmosphere, you’ll love Beneath the Icy Depths. Readers will find themselves captivated by this thrilling tale of murder and deception.

Dive into the depths of this bone-chilling murder mystery today and join Detective Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude as she unravels the secrets hidden beneath the ice.

Read on for chills and thrills.

Festive Reads Galore

But wait—there’s more! We’ve got an incredible selection of cozy mysteries lined up for you to enjoy this July. Here’s what’s on offer:

Indulge in this delightful culinary cozy mystery short where suspense meets scrumptious dishes—minus any furry distractions!

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Vic is looking forward to Christmas with her new Bald Eagles Falls family. Erin—not so much. But she wants to make it a special day for Vic. But an unexpected turn in events changes all of their carefully-laid plans.

This Christmas short, part of the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series, is only available through my website. The series—and your holiday—won’t be complete without it.

Like baking mysteries? Cats, dogs, and other pets? Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman brings readers back to small town Bald Eagle Falls for another culinary cozy mystery to be solved by gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends.

Have your gluten-free cake and eat it too. Sink your teeth into this sweet treat now!

$0.99 Exclusive

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Treat yourself to a heartwarming story that’s sweeter than Grandma’s cookies. Perfect for satisfying your Christmas in July cravings.

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Will the Grinch steal Christmas?

Somebody is stealing Christmas gifts from the Bald Eagle Falls children. At the rate that presents are disappearing, there soon won’t be a gift left in Whoville. Err, Bald Eagle Falls.

Gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends are on the case to try to unmask the Grinch and bring him to justice, and toys to the children. But time is not on their side. Soon it will be Christmas Eve—will the winner be the Grinch or Santa?

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EBOOK PAPERBACK RETAILERS

READ SAMPLE BOOKBUB BINGEBOOKS GOODREADS

Make it a bundle:
BOOKS 10-12 BOOKS 1-15

If a clean and intriguing mystery with well-drawn diverse characters appeals to you, this book would be a great investment of your time and money. I shall eagerly await my next visit to Bald Eagle Falls to find out what the author has in store for these delightful characters.

If you like cozies, this is a series for you. We have a bakery, a dog, a cat and a bunny. What more do you need?

Like baking mysteries? Cats, dogs, and other pets? Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman brings readers back to small town Bald Eagle Falls for another culinary cozy mystery to be solved by gluten-free baker Erin Price and her friends.

Have your gluten-free cake and eat it too. Sink your teeth into this sweet treat now!

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-q5knhh5{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}A Fowl Play on Christmas Day

The perfect recipe for a cozy holiday read

The cookies are warm and the milk is ice cold. Get ready for a heartwarming and suspenseful holiday mystery with A Fowl Play on Christmas Day.

When colorful con Reg Rawlins arrives in Bald Eagle Falls to visit her foster sister, Erin, she never expected to get caught up in a haunting mystery that threatens to unravel the town’s holiday cheer. With strange occurrences linked to the ghost of Jacob Marbleton, Reg and Erin must work together to uncover a long-forgotten injustice.

But are Reg’s vivid dreams of Marbleton’s ghost real or just her imagination? With the Christmas rush on at Auntie Clem’s Bakery, a mysterious stranger, and a missing cat thrown into the mix, this holiday season in Bald Eagle Falls is anything but ordinary.

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Join Reg and Erin on a wild sleigh ride through Bald Eagle Falls in this suspenseful and heartwarming mystery. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and holiday stories, A Fowl Play on Christmas Day is a must-read this holiday season.

A Fowl Play on Christmas Day is a lighthearted mystery that will keep you turning pages until the very end. It is a crossover between the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series and the Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator series.

It is Day 6 of the Twelve Days of Christmas Cozy Mysteries multi-author series.

BUY Read Sample Bookbub Bingebooks Goodreads

Praise for the Auntie Clem’s Bakery series:

I love the lively characters in this series and always get hungry reading about Erin and Vic’s gluten-free goodies.

In addition to the wonderful characters, the book is well written and contains nice plot twists. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Praise for the Reg Rawlins, Psychic Investigator series:

Just when I think Ms. Workman can’t possibly think up anything different for this series, she delivers big time. —Sandy

I love the magical characters in this series. They never fail to keep you entertained. Such a fun series.—Kandy

Dive into this quirky blend of culinary mystery and paranormal fun. It’s fowl play at its finest with a dash of holiday magic.

Join an enchanting adventure where holiday cheer meets eerie spells. This paranormal cozy mystery is ideal for fans of festive enchantment.

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Season of darkness, season of light

It’s Reg’s first Yule, and she should be learning all about the festivities in Black Sands. But her interest in the holiday falls by the wayside when Starlight falls ill.

What kind of a monster poisons a psychic’s cat?

When Starlight first got sick, Reg thought that she was the cause of it. She should have been watching him more carefully. She should have found out about household plants and chemicals that could hurt her familiar. She was clearly a negligent owner.

But it soon becomes clear that there is some darker force at work, and Reg is going to need all of her resources to find the culprit before it is too late if she is to have any chance of saving her furry companion’s life.

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EBOOK PAPERBACK RETAILERS

READ SAMPLE BOOKBUB GOODREADS

Make it a bundle:
BOOKS 4-6 BOOKS 1-12

Like paranormal mysteries? Psychics, witches, fairies, and more! Award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author P.D. Workman waves her wand to transport readers to the myth- and magic-filled small town of Black Sands for another paranormal cozy mystery to be solved by Reg Rawlins and her friends.

A self-professed con artist practicing as a contact to the dead, a drop-dead gorgeous warlock, and a psychic cat—what could go wrong?

Fall under Reg’s spell today.

Relive Charles Dickens’ classic tale day by day with this festive advent reader—a perfect addition to your mid-year festivities.

@media screen and (min-width:768px){.stk-vgq5kmt{flex:var(--stk-flex-grow,1) 1 calc(66.7% - var(--stk-column-gap,0px) * 1 / 2 ) !important}}24-Day Reader A Christmas Carol

Looking for a heartwarming and timeless story to share with your family this Christmas? Look no further than the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. This enchanting tale by Charles Dickens has captivated readers for generations and now, you can create lasting memories by reading it together as a family.

Finding the time to read a book during the busy holiday season can be challenging! That’s why we have specially formatted A Christmas Carol into 24 readings, perfect for enjoying one reading each day leading up to Christmas. This way, you can easily incorporate this cherished story into your family’s daily routine and make it a delightful tradition.

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Imagine gathering around the cozy fireplace, hot cocoa in hand, as you embark on a journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Experience the transformation of a bitter and miserly man into one filled with love, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas. Through Dickens’ vivid storytelling and memorable characters, you and your family will be transported to Victorian London and immersed in the magic of the holiday season.

Give the gift of memories and the joy of reading this Christmas with A Christmas Carol. Start a new tradition that will be treasured for years to come. Let the enchanting tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to redemption warm your hearts and bring your family closer together this holiday season.

This Workman Family Classic edition contains:

• Background/Introduction
• Biography
• Footnotes
• A scriptural passage and discussion question after each day’s reading
• Extension activities

Join Us for Festive Fun!

Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a cool drink on your porch, these thrilling reads will transport you to wintry wonderlands full of suspenseful twists and turns. So grab your copies today and let Detective Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude guide you through these bone-chilling tales.

Let’s beat this summer heat together—with mysteries that slay!

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Published on July 03, 2024 19:35

Organize and Write Your Next Novel with Obsidian

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Table of Contents

Introduction What Makes Me an Expert?What I Use Obsidian For What I Don’t Use Obsidian For Process Step 1 Set Up Folders Step 2 Brainstorming Step 3 Development Step 4 Cover and Title Step 5 First Draft YAML Header/Front Matter Tasks 999 Draft 2 Additional Drafts Workspace Getting it out of Obsidian Compile the Chapters Pandoc Formatting Templates In my main vault Plugins Plugins in my series vaults Plugins in my main vault Core Plugins Other Programs I UseIntroduction

A lot has changed and developed since I first wrote Writing a novel in Markdown. I have made changes to my original post, but I think that enough has changed in my process, the apps (namely Obsidian) and in the number of people writing in Obsidian specifically that it makes more sense to write a new blog at this point than to keep trying to update the old post.

You can refer back to Writing a novel in Markdown to see some of the reasons for writing in Markdown. Besides the practical points I mentioned there like file size and corruption, I have really come to enjoy writing in Obsidian, setting it up to work efficiently for me. It is much more flexible than something like Scrivener or Word Anvil, but that also means you might have to put a bit more work into setting it up the way that works best for you. I’m not going to try to discuss all of the different ways to set it up today, but leave me a comment if you have specific questions and I’ll do a little Q&A.

I wouldn’t expect anyone else to replicate my process exactly, but hope that this might give you some guidance about what you can do with Obsidian to make it work for you. Take what works and leave the rest! Everyone’s brain is different.

What Makes Me an Expert?

At the time of writing this blog post, I have written roughly 60 books in markdown, most of those in Obsidian. Yes, we are talking full-length books and a few novellas.

I have published over 100 books (and written more than that.) I am one of Canada’s most prolific authors. I write various crime fiction genres — cozy mystery, paranormal mystery and adventure, private investigator, medical thriller, police procedural, other suspense/thriller subgenres, and young adult.

What I Use Obsidian Fordaily reflective journal and lognotebookminutes of meetingsconference notesidea generationgeneral recordswriting platform for blogs writing platform for booksWhat I Don’t Use Obsidian Forproject and task management (I use Todoist)calendar (I use Google calendars in Fantastical)final formatting of books (I use Vellum)Process

Okay, let’s get down to the practicalities here! You want to know my workflow, how I have Obsidian set up, what plugins I use, etc.

Step 1 Set Up Folders

The first step when writing a new book is to set up the folders. I use the same folder structure across all of my books.

An Obsidian vault is just a folder on your hard drive. The subfolders and files reside on your hard drive. You are responsible for making sure they get backed up somewhere!

Each series or world is a separate vault. Why? I don’t want the worlds cross-contaminatedThey are huge. I am not currently using Obsidian Sync to sync them across devices, because the vaults got too big to use Obsidian Sync. Since then, Obsidian Sync has increased their size allowances, but even so, they are pretty ungainly for Obsidian Sync. They are synced using Dropbox. There are 20+ books in most of the vaults, plus collections and translations, and these folders include graphics, audio, video, and research, not just my little md filesEach series/world has a wiki folder with all of the world-building/series Bible stuff in it. Other than some character sheets, everything in the wiki folder is fairly unstructured. These are down-and-dirty working files, not anything beautiful. Everything I need to refer back to when I am writing the next book in the series.Each series/world has a template folderEach book is a subfolderWithin each book, I have:archived (old drafts/versions of anything)backup (compiled backups of wip made every few days)Drafts (Longform drafts folder)draft 1 … 2 … 3 …I zip/compress previous draft folders to keep from working on the wrong draft accidentally and to keep them out of the search resultsEditor or compiling notes (tasks about things I need to look at/write/review later, formatting, things to bring to the attention of my editor)graphics (covers, promotional graphics, ads, videos, etc.)marketing metadata (back cover description, product listing, tags, tropes, comps, etc.)prep (preplanning – brainstorming, snowflake, outline, character sketches, etc.)published (Vellum output folder for this novel)Research and Notes

Each of those folders may have a set series of set subfolders as well. In order to quickly set up a new book, I have this folder structure set up under a folder called “New Book Template” and I opt-drag it over to the new book location to copy the folder structure to the new book with one gesture.

A note on research: This is any research done for that particular book. After a book is drafted, I copy all of that research to my main research folder, which is an alphabetic list of all of the research topics. That way, all of my research is in one centralized database organized by topic in case I need to look something up again. I don’t have to remember what book I was working on when I research a certain botanical poison, disease, forensic detail, law, etc. I often need to go back to this research when working on a later book.

Step 2 Brainstorming Brainstorming Canvas in Obsidian

Time to figure out what I am writing about in the next book in the series!

Canvas – I brainstorm/mindmap on an Obsidian canvas. Random thoughts about where everything was left at the end of the last book, where I want to go next, what needs to be developed further, ideas of things I want to write about. I may check my Story Clip File for inspirations of things I wanted to write. I don’t do anything fancy here. No colours or icons, just words and connections. State of the Union – kicking off of the Canvas, I may write an outline of the State of the Union – where everything is in the series currently. Storylines that need to be developed further. How characters are feeling at the end of the last book, neglected series arcs, possible next developments, etc.#openloops – as I am writing or working on my series wiki, I tag things that have not been resolved or are ideas of things to develop in the future with the #openloops hashtag. During the brainstorming process, I search for this hashtag and review outstanding open loops. This is a somewhat cyclical process. I will keep going back to the mindmap to add new thoughts and connections and waiting for a particular storyline to gel. I may use other tools to help generate new ideas for the series, and feed them all back into the process until I hit on a storyline that I want to use. Short Outline – at the end of this process I will probably have a short overall outline for the bookStep 3 Development Snowflake method template in Obsidian

Snowflake – I use some variation of the Snowflake Method for most books. Starting with the germ of the idea for the book – the idea or short outline, I develop a logline. Then a five-line summary of the plot (which I may already have in the short outline) and the back cover copy for the book. But sometimes I work backwards and have a blurb/back cover copy/product description before I go to the logline. Either way, at some point, this is a touchstone and I work through the Snowflake process.Marketing metadata – the logline and back cover copy developed as part of the Snowflake Method become the springboard for other marketing pieces. Taglines, tropes, SEO keywords, BISAC categories, comps, title possibilities, visuals, and an expanded product description to be used when I list the book for sale. Generating this information before the book is written helps to focus my writing on what readers are looking for and how they will find this book. My writing is automatically focused around the tropes, genre keywords, etc. that readers love. Any of this stuff can/will change during the writing process, and I will come back to it and update it after draft 1 is finished. Character development and backstory – all of the above generally happens the first day of planning. Then it is time to dig deeper. I confess that I don’t always do character sheets before beginning my writing. Since I am writing in series, most of the characters are already established, and there are only a few more added in each book. And sometimes I prefer to develop/discover those during the writing process. But I also like to develop pictures of new characters, so sometimes so sometimes a character sheet may only consist of a name and picture before I start the first draft. But sometimes I do character sheets for everyone, even my established characters. They are facing a new challenge and new obstacles, after all, and that is what the story turns on.Research – it seems like there is always something to be researched before beginning. Drugs or poisons, laws, forensic procedures, mythology, culture, technology, etc. I try to do most of my research before beginning so I don’t get bogged down with it in the middle, or skip over it and have to come back to rewrite part of the book later.Detailed Outline or Kanban – I go back and forth between using a nested outline or a Kanban board for my detailed outline. sometimes I use one, sometimes the other, sometimes I switch between them. Although this says “detailed” it is not what many writers would consider detailed. It is not a chapter-by-chapter outline. It is more detailed than a beat sheet, but still is broad strokes. And I often don’t know the killer or have a particular ending in mind before beginning. I expect to work that out at about 3/4 of the way through drafting the book.Step 4 Cover and Title Cover for X Marks the Past by P.D. Workman

Cover for X Marks the Past by P.D. Workman

This may happen after Step 3 or any time during the above development. I start brainstorming titles as part of the development process. I pick out the ones I like the best and run them through Goodreads to see what similar/identical titles exist and don’t use anything that is too close to another book’s title. Of course, that doesn’t stop someone from using one of my titles after I do… which has happened in the past.I love having the cover and title picked out before writing, so I will have at least a mockup cover done before I begin writing. Usually, the cover/title do not change after the book is written, but sometimes they do. Step 5 First Draft Longform plugin and yaml heading in Obsidian

Longform plugin and yaml heading in Obsidian

I set up the Longform project and Draft 1. The most important thing that Longform does for me is to compile my individual chapters into a manuscript (stripping the front matter). Any other functions of Longform (word counting/targets, moving scenes around, etc. are nice to have, but not necessary for me.Each chapter is a separate fileEach chapter is named with a number and brief description of the scene. This ensures that I can always sort them in order in the file Finder (Explorer) as well as within Longform. And I can find the scene where xxx happened by the chapter descriptionI often draft in the Oh Write sprint room because I like hanging out with the other authors there and watching my words earn little gold stars. So at the beginning of the day I just create a file named by the date (eg. July 1) and copy my words from Oh Write into it periodically throughout the day. I know when I hit my daily word goal because it is tracked in Oh Write and that day’s words are all in one file. Oh Write doesn’t say anywhere that it uses markdown in the editor, but it does. So I just insert ## a space and my Chapter number and name, use Text Expander to insert my YAML header, fill in the properties, and write. I keep copying the Oh Write window into my dated file in Obsidian through the day to prevent any loss. At the end of the day, I use the Refactor plugin to split it into chapter files based on the H2 headings. A few keystrokes and that is done.At the end of each day I write a summary of each chapter. I refer back to my detailed outline, make adjustments to it as necessary, do any additional research required, etc. and keep writing until the first draft is done. YAML Header/Front Matter

I track main characters in a scene, scene setting, timeline, etc. in the YAML header/Obsidian Properties. That allows me to track them with Dataview query tables so I can find which scenes particular characters were in, keep on top of what day of the week it is, etc.

Tabular columns showing scene info in Obsidian

I make notes of things I know I will need to remember later in the story or add to the wiki.

Tasks

To do document with checkbox queries in Obsidian

I use cmd-L to create a checkbox whenever I think of something I need to do, without interrupting the flow of what I am working on. It may be something I need to research, something I need to go back and fix in the previous chapters, something that needs to happen later in the story, etc. I use a queries to pull uncomplete/complete tasks into a summary so I can see them all in one place. These are outside my project/task management system (which is in Todoist) because there is no point in having these tasks outside of the manuscript and every reason to have them right there in my manuscript and not to have to refer to an outside source. “Edit draft” is in my task management system, but not all of the amendments that need to be made.999In addition to using task checkboxes, I occasionally use 999 to indicate something I need to come back to and look at later. I use this particularly for editor notes or formatting notes. Checkboxes do not carry through when I convert the compiled markdown file to a docx file, but 999 does. Draft 2 Version control tabular columns dataview query in Obsidian

Version control tabular columns dataview query in Obsidian

I zip a copy of Draft 1 and rename the uncompressed folder Draft 2. Then I am ready to start my first round of edits.

Checkboxes – the first thing to do is go through any checkboxes or 999 markers to get them straightened out. Some will not be addressed in this draft, but most will.Read – I read through a chapter at a time, making corrections, rewording, expanding descriptions, deleting extra words or redundancy, seeing how the whole thing flows.Critique – I run each chapter through an AI critique process, which helps to identify awkwardly worded sentences, inconsistencies, highlight areas that could use more sensory descriptions, etc.Grammarly – I copy and paste each chapter into Grammarly, run it through any necessary changes, and copy and paste back into Obsidian. I have found Grammarly Desktop too flaky. Grammarly accepts markdown text without any complaint and copies it back again without loss of headings, bolding, italics, etc.Text to Speech – I have run some manuscripts through text to speech, but I find this is a lengthy process that isn’t necessarily worth the time. I may use it on and off in the future, but don’t feel I get enough out of it to use it on every manuscript.Additional DraftsThe manuscript then needs to be “seasoned” for 30 days. No looking at it or touching it during that time. Unless, of course, I need to refer to it to answer a question for the next book. The next draft is a high-speed read to help pick up any inconsistencies, plot holes, continuity errors, etc. Another revision a month later to read the first and last chapters out loud and polish them up the best they can be to present the best possible product to those readers who read the first or last chapter before buying. Maybe another revision. Then I will do a full spelling and grammar check in Word before passing it onto my editor (see process for conversion below.) Then revisions from my editor. Format in Vellum. Then out it goes to ARC readers. Make any final changes and upload final version to all platforms.Workspace Obsidian workspace showing file explorer, goals, editor, and properties in Obsidian

Obsidian workspace showing file explorer, goals, editor, and properties in Obsidian

I have a fairly fluid workspace, changing configurations as I need to, just as if I was working on a real desktop and readjusting a typed manuscript and notepads as my needs change. Generally, I have the current draft/chapter in the main editor, possibly with several tabs open with my tabular summary, detailed outline, and research notes open. On the left is usually my Longform scene explorer, unless I am navigating to for files outside of the manuscript (research files), and then I switch to the Obsidian explorer. I also search within the draft folder I am in as needed. Sometimes I also pin a “goal” document at the bottom left with the words I need to write that day broken down in 500 word chunks with a checkbox for each, or the number of chapters I need to edit that day with a checkbox for each. It is motivating to check off my progress. On the right I have the properties info panel open, or else a split-right editor with the chapter-by-chapter summary open on the right. Sometimes also a scratch note with upcoming scenes pinned below the property inspector.

Getting it out of ObsidianCompile the Chapters Longform compile tab in Obsidian

This is where Longform shines. First I check for any other checkboxes or 999 marks that I have not addressed. Then, using the Longform plugin, I can compile all of the chapters into one long markdown file, with the front matter of each chapter, comments, etc. stripped out.

Pandoc

With the Pandoc plugin, I convert the markdown file to a docx file for my editor.

I make a few style changes to the docx file, making the Body paragraphs 1.5 line spacing with a first line indent and reformatting the headings. I add a header and footer to the pages. Then I do one last spelling and grammar check within Word, check for any formatting issues, and send it off to my editor.

Formatting

After getting the file back from my editor, reviewing comments, and accepting or rejecting each change, I open it up in Vellum, creating a new Vellum project file for the book. I select the saved formatting style for that series, and add the front and back matter from my template file. After a couple small tweaks (adding ISBN numbers, dedication, etc.) it is ready to go off to my ARC group, the last step before publication. Vellum generates the interior book block pdf and the epub ebook needed to publish both the print and digital versions of the book.

Vellum does not retain formatting such as block quotes, so if you have sections that will need to be converted to alignment blocks or other special formatting, I suggest that you use a symbol combination to mark each of those sections while working in Markdown, and then search for that combination in the Vellum file and format it accordingly.

eg. use “999 alignment block” and search for 999 in the text in Vellum after importing.

Vellum also does not import graphics embedded in your docx file. You will need to insert them manually.

Templates

The templates that I use regularly during the novel writing process are:

Snowflake Method – outlines the snowflake method, includes callouts for the logline, summary, etc. Character Sheet – name, picture, motive, conflict, etc. and a section for the character to introduce himself in his own voiceTabular Summary – yaml properties in a table so I can easily follow which scenes characters were in, setting, timeline, etc., as well as sections for notes, tasks, and draft controlTo Do list – for tracking tasks to be done at each stage of writing – global tasks, queries for open and finished checkboxes, tasks to be completed before finalizing the bookA couple of marketing templatesIn my main vault

Yes, I do have writing stuff in my main vault as well. This is where I “live” when I am not writing and I don’t like bouncing around between different vaults as I set up promotions, write blog articles, and so on. Some of the writing business stuff you will find in my main vault includes:

Ad Copy – a separate file for each bookPull quotesBlurbsTweets/Tiktok captionsResearch – as mentioned above, organized in folders by topics. All of the research for all of my books gets copied back here. Story Clip File – ideas for future stories, articles I have clipped as inspirations, etc. Conference notes QuestionnairesInterviewsBlog postsPlugins

Not all of the plugins that I use, but some vital or very useful ones:

Plugins in my series vaultsLongform – compile all of my chapters into one documentNotes Refactor – break out scenes by headers, various other methods to break a files down into multiple filesPandoc – convert my compiled document into a docx Word fileKanban – work with an outline in Kanban formatAdvanced Tables – I’m not sure now how much I need this with the latest Obsidian upgradesDataview – for the queries shown abovePlugins in my main vaultPeriodic Notes – for my daily notes, weekly dashboard, etc.Autolink Title – paste a URL and it will past the weblink with the proper nameOmnivore – clip websites or articles to Obsidian (if you install the Omnivore sync plugin)Todoist Sync – allows you to send tasks from Obsidian to todoist or query Todoist tasks within ObsidianWhisper – transcribe audio files Ytranscript – transcribe youtube videosText Generator – like having ChatGPT inside of Obsidian. Interact directly with OpenAI models and have the output automatically saved within Obsidian. No need to copy and paste. Useful for:formatting transcribed filessummarizing contentbrainstorminggenerating social media posts, ad copy, etc.Core PluginsOutlineCanvasPropertiesTemplatesBookmarksOther Programs I Use Writing projects in Todoist

Oh Write (online sprint room)Text Expander – insert my usual YAML header (whether I am working inside Obsidian or in Oh Write or somewhere else), my bio, and other snippets of text I need regularly. I haven’t found any program that does it as well as Text Expander.Omnivore – to clip articles/web pages into ObsidianPopClip – includes various tiny utilities, including some relating to markdown editing, fixing upper/lower case, and sending text to Todoist and Fantastical.LibreOffice/Word – word processingVellum – formating for publication – pdf and epubTodoist – project and task managementGoogle Calendars in Fantastical – calendar/time blockingVista Social – scheduling social media posts across social networksCanva – graphic designPhotopea – an ad-supported Photoshop clone

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Published on June 29, 2024 18:57

Thrill Your Canada Day with Parks Pat Cases 1-9

Happy Canada Day, mystery lovers! As Canada marks the anniversary of Confederation, what better way to honor this day than by diving into an exhilarating police procedural series set in the heart of Calgary’s stunning parks? I love to offer special deals for my birthday, Canada’s birthday, and Independence Day. I have just pushed “publish” on a bundle of the first nine books in the Parks Pat Mysteries series. For a limited time, you can get all 9 for just $9.99, but this pricing won’t last.

BUY NOW!

9 ebooks in one

13 separate ebooks

Unveil the Secrets Hidden Within Calgary’s Natural Beauty

grid of 9 ebooks in the parks pat mysteries series

Step into the shoes of Métis detective Margie Patenaude — affectionately known as “Parks Pat” — as she navigates a labyrinth of murder investigations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With her unique perspective and relentless determination, Indigenous single mom Margie brings justice to Calgary homicide victims and their families.

Investigate this series today! Step into Calgary’s most beautiful parks with Detective “Parks” Pat and discover that even paradise has its shadows.

Happy reading, happy solving, and most importantly – Happy Canada Day!

Why You’ll Love Parks Pat Mysteries:

Engaging Police Procedurals: Immerse yourself in meticulously crafted police investigations that are both realistic and compelling.Beautiful Canadian Backdrops: Experience Calgary’s parks like never before, with vivid descriptions that transport you right into the heart of each setting.Rich Indigenous Culture: Gain insights into Canada’s Indigenous heritage through Margie’s Métis background, adding another dimension to each story.Quick Reads for Busy Lives: These short mysteries are perfect for those looking to escape into a thrilling narrative without committing to a lengthy novel.

Praise for P.D. Workman and Parks Pat Mysteries

“The writing is excellent, the plot is nice and twisty and the characters and situations are believable. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing where she takes these new characters.“

“This is another well-written, briskly-paced mystery featuring great characters, lots of interesting glimpses into Canada’s Indigenous culture, and a satisfying resolution all wrapped up in delightful quick-read police procedural by an author who could make a description of drying paint sound fascinating.“

Whether you’re a fan of gripping police procedurals or simply looking for an exciting read set against picturesque Canadian landscapes, the Parks Pat Mysteries are sure to satisfy your literary cravings. Celebrate Canada Day with this exclusive bundle offer — a perfect addition to your reading list!

Grab Your Copy Today!

Take advantage of this special promotion and get lost in Margie Patenaude’s world as she unravels mysteries amidst Calgary’s breathtaking parks. This bundle is ideal for readers who appreciate fast-paced narratives filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable characters.

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Published on June 27, 2024 13:16

Parks Pat Cases 1-9

by P.D. Workman

Bundle/Collection, New Release!
Series: Parks Pat Mysteries
Genres: Mystery/Suspense, Police Procedural, Suspense

eBook: $14.99 $9.99

eBook Retailers

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Parks Pat Mysteries 1-9

…this quick read will provide a riveting story that will leave you emotionally wrung out but wanting more. I truly enjoy this original series not only for the intriguing mysteries but for the amazing settings and the wonderfully unique characters.

About Praise for Parks Pat Author Notes Book Club Resources On my Blog Praise for P.D. Workman

Looking for a police procedural set in picturesque Canada? Let Award-winning and Bestselling Author P.D. Workman take you to her favourite Calgary parks, as Métis detective Margie Patenaude investigates a murder in this fast-paced new series.

Detective “Parks” Pat — Margie Patenaude — is a new Calgary homicide detective. Being Métis and a single mom, she has a few things on her plate. Working on a spate of murders in Calgary and area parks earns Margie her nickname.

Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals, Canadian mysteries, or just looking for a thrilling read, the Parks Pat Mysteries are sure to satisfy. Don’t miss out on this exciting new series — grab your copy today!

These short mysteries are just right for those days when you could use a break from your busy life. Take a walk in a Calgary park with Parks Pat

Investigate this series today!

What you’ll love:

Engaging Police Procedurals: Immerse yourself in meticulously crafted police investigations that are both realistic and compelling.Beautiful Canadian Backdrops: Experience Calgary’s parks like never before, with vivid descriptions that transport you right into the heart of each setting.Rich Indigenous Culture: Gain insights into Canada’s Indigenous heritage through Margie’s Métis background, adding another dimension to each story.Quick Reads for Busy Lives: These short mysteries are perfect for those looking to escape into a thrilling narrative without committing to a lengthy novel.

The writing is excellent, the plot is nice and twisty and the the characters and situations are believable. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing where she takes these new characters.

This is another well-written, briskly-paced mystery featuring great characters, lots of interesting glimpses into Canada’s Indigenous culture, and a satisfying resolution all wrapped up in delightful quick-read police procedural by an author who could make a description of drying paint sound fascinating.

Step into the shoes of Métis detective Margie Patenaude — affectionately known as “Parks Pat” — as she navigates a labyrinth of murder investigations that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With her unique perspective and relentless determination, Indigenous single mom Margie brings justice to Calgary homicide victims and their families.

This promises to be a wonderful series with fantastic characters, interesting locations, and fascinating glimpses into different cultures. The story is of novella length and can easily be read in one sitting if so desired, there is no offensive language, no sex, no graphic violence – just a whopping good story everyone can enjoy.
—Kim, Goodreads

The writing is excellent, the plot is nice and twisty and the the characters and situations are believable. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing where she takes these new characters.
—Sandy, Goodreads

I am enjoying this new series. The first book was good and this one was even better. Love the characters and the storyline. Can’t wait to read book number three in this series.
—Kandy, Goodreads

I feel like I’m visiting Calgary, Canada and the parks where the murders are taking place in all three books so far. There are vivid descriptions of the park and the wetlands. Margie and her family are woven throughout along with their ancestry which adds a nice touch.
—Joanne, Goodreads

I love these stories. Short, exciting and not really predictable, as many short stories are. Plots are well-developed, characters are interesting, and there’s plenty of local lore and history.
—Alice Hazelbaker, Goodreads

Author Notes may contain spoilers!

I was working on a collaborative project with another author when we came up with an idea for murders that took place in provincial parks. After my involvement with the creation of the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, I was quite excited about the idea. That project ended up not going anywhere, but I had already scheduled the time to write it, so I decided to take a run at murders that took place in Calgary area parks on my own.

I had been thinking about setting something locally for a while. Most of my stories are set in the USA, which always means doing extra research into those little details like weather and climate, foliage, animal life, and sunrise and sunset times, as well as cultural aspects such as speech/colloquialisms, dress, demographics, jobs/industry, government, and more.

Setting a series in Calgary, I could take advantage of my knowledge and experience living here. I walked through the parks with my husband, scouting out various places where bodies could be found and features of the park that might come into play. I took pictures and immersed myself in the settings. We tried to be careful not to talk too loudly about body dumps or murder around other park visitors, and luckily didn’t have any actual Calgary police officers coming to our door asking what we were up to!

Questions and answers about the series

Another Bookiversary

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“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me … And I have found strength in the books I’ve read.”

“This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend her enough.”

“I’ll read anything by P. D. Workman that I can get my hands on.”

“Every book by PD Workman that I’ve read has been a gripping one, however different the genres are, going from lighter mysteries to really dark ones… this is one of my favourite, most dependable authors.”

“P.D. Workman is an incredibly versatile writer. No matter which of her books I read I am drawn into a great story and honestly, I don’t think I’ve followed another author that could go from cozy mystery to YA to a PI series dealing with mental health issues. Really enjoy her books!”

“[P.D. Workman’s] stories are so believable and you can’t help but feel like you know these people. You find yourself crying, laughing and feeling the characters emotions. Now if an author can make you cry and feel every emotion in a story, she is one hell of an author.”

“P. D. Workman, does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.”

“Once again P.D.Workman has created an intense psychological mystery that impacts a wallop of thought induction. The writing is so well developed and draws you into the characters story.”

About P.D. Workman

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author, winner of several awards from Library Services for Youth in Custody and the InD’tale Magazine’s Crowned Heart award. With over 100 published books, Workman is one of Canada’s most prolific authors. Her mystery/suspense/thriller and young adult books, include stand alones and these series: Auntie Clem’s Bakery cozy mysteries, Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator paranormal mysteries, Zachary Goldman Mysteries (PI), Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers, Parks Pat Mysteries (police procedural), and YA series: Medical Kidnap Files, Tamara’s Teardrops, Between the Cracks, and Breaking the Pattern.

Workman has been praised for her realistic details, deep characterization, and sensitive handling of the serious social issues that appear in all of her stories, from light cozy mysteries through to darker, grittier young adult and mystery/suspense books.

P. D. Workman does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.
—Kim, Goodreads reviewer

Some of Workman’s titles have been translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and Italian.

Workman began writing at an early age and is a prolific reader as well as writer. She is also passionate about teaching and learning, expresses her creativity through art and cooking, and loves exploring the Calgary parks and green spaces where the Parks Pat Mysteries are set. She was a legal assistant for many years and has done extensive charitable work.

Workman was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, and is married with one adult son.

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Published on June 26, 2024 13:48

X Marks the Past

by P.D. Workman

Coming Soon!
Series: Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator #22
Genres: Cozy Mystery

eBook Price: $ 5.99 USD
Paperback Price: $ 15.95 USD

Retailers Bookbub Bingebooks Goodreads

Coming Soon!

X Marks the PastAbout Praise for Reg Rawlins Author Notes Book Club Resources On my Blog Praise for P.D. Workman

Something about October drew Reg to him from the moment they met.

Unbeknownst to them, their souls have been intertwined throughout countless lifetimes. As fragments of memories resurface from their past existence, Reg and October begin to grasp the magnitude of their shared history. And yet, lurking in the shadows of this extraordinary connection lurk disaster and betrayal.

With each revelation, “X Marks the Past” intensifies, taking readers on a rollercoaster ride through lifetimes intertwined. Reg and October must confront their shared history and the danger that lurks ahead. Can they forge a future together amidst the echoes of eternity or are they doomed to fail?

Prepare for an exhilarating blend of paranormal mystery, heart-pounding adventure, and unbreakable friendship in “X Marks the Past.” This captivating addition to the Reg Rawlins series will leave you breathless until its stunning conclusion.

Praise for the series:

— P D Workman has done it again; created a cast of characters and a storyline that are captivating and enthralling. Once I started this cozy I didn’t want to put it down (which can be a bad thing when you have a family to take care of…lol). I can’t wait for the other books in this series. I think Reg is going to turn out to be one of my favorite new characters. Pick up your copy as soon as possible.

— This book has all my favourite things: heart, great writing, nearly-flawless editing, something unusual in the air, and a cat. I needed a light read, and this fit the bill perfectly. Recommended.

— An exciting tale of magical adventure with lots of action from P.D Workman

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of “X Marks the Past” and discover a friendship that transcends time itself. Grab your copy now and join Reg and October on their journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and loyalty.

Fall under Reg’s spell today.

—Another great work of art by Ms. Workman. I am amazed at the diversity of her writing and how much I really enjoy them all. She can write cozy mystery, YA books that should be read by all, medical thrillers, Zach Goldman series and now a paranormal series. I am so glad to have found this author. I am honored that I get to read them early also.

—This book has all my favourite things: heart, great writing, nearly-flawless editing, something unusual in the air, and a cat. I needed a light read, and this fit the bill perfectly. Recommended.

—This book actually surprised me. I knew that a psychic cat would be entertaining. I just didn’t expect it to be this good. You really do get wrapped up in the people and story. It sounds like a fairly gentle story, but there is a lot of suspense involved. Add a bunch of humor to the mix and you are in for a treat. I love the characters. Wish I had some friends like them. And the cat is so very well done. Acts like a typical cat, but a lot smarter than his human. This is a story that you don’t want to put down.

—Extremely well written as are all of P.D. Workman’s books, the characters well developed. I’m a character reader, I get into the characters. Who and what they are. Why they do the things they do. The things that make a reader get invested into the characters and thereby the book. I look forward to P.D. Workman’s next book.

—P D Workman has done it again; created a cast of characters and a storyline that are captivating and enthralling. Once I started this cozy I didn’t want to put it down (which can be a bad thing when you have a family to take care of…lol). I can’t wait for the other books in this series. I think Reg is going to turn out to be one of my favorite new characters. Pick up your copy as soon as possible.

Author Notes may contain spoilers!

coming soon

Coming Soon!

Check out April New Releases – Parks Pat and more

Writing a novel in Markdown

Skunk Man Swamp and other new releases!

It’s new release day! Web of Nightmares and more

Happy Halloween

He Was Not There and more new releases!

Books for PTSD Awareness Day

Enjoy Vegan Baked Alaska and these other great reads!

Books for International Women’s Day 2019

Toxo, Medical Kidnap Files #4 and more new releases

Excerpt from Alter Ego

Excerpt from Blue Labyrinth

Happy Birthday weekend!