Terry Odell's Blog, page 31
April 2, 2023
How Right Does It Need To Be?
Last week, I ranted about failures to communicate, and complained that the installers for the window company we were using didn’t let anyone know they were running very late. To be fair, once they arrived (the next day), they were fantastic, and the windows look great. It took them two days, which was less time than the original rep told us, so we were even more pleased.
Then came another minor setback—about an hour after we got all the office furniture back in plac...
April 1, 2023
It’s April 1st
When my brother was about 3 or 4, he loved April Fool’s Day. I think he regarded it as a chance to tell little lies, like “You have dirt on your face,” or “Your shoes are untied,” and then shouting “April Fool.” In fact, he liked it so much, he continued his little jokes the next day, only he’d say “B Fool.” It took me a while to figure out that he’d been zoning in on the “A” in April, so when he was told he couldn’t say that the next day, he just switched to B.
But when did this ...
March 28, 2023
Does Anyone Communicate Anymore?
Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayA detour from writing topics for a bit of a rant.
With the way everyone wants to be in touch with everything, you’d think actual communication wouldn’t be a problem. You’d be wrong.
Months and months and months ago, we booked a trip to the Arctic. After the problems we had trying (and failing) to get to the Antarctic, we opted to sacrifice frequent flyer miles and let the cruise/tour company handle everything for us. That way,...
March 26, 2023
Back to Normal?
Back to Normal?
It’s been a week since Left Coast Crime. I’d like to say life has returned to normal, but that would mean defining what “normal” means around here. Let’s just say I’m hitting some of my writing-related routines again. I’ve started blogging again. Prizes for my newsletter winners have been packed and taken to the Post Office. I have more, so make sure you’re signed up as a subscriber before my April newsletter hits inboxes.
The audiobook files for Deadly Relations have passed Find...
March 23, 2023
Friday Fotos – New Mexico and Arizona
There wasn’t a lot of time for pictures at Left Coast Crime, and the one day we set aside for sightseeing was totally overcast with drizzly rain, so I don’t have a lot to offer. I like the ruggedness of the desert landscapes, and I hope you enjoy some of my images.
The post Friday Fotos – New Mexico and Arizona appeared first on Terry Odell.
March 21, 2023
Back from Left Coast Crime
This year, we opted to drive to Tucson for Left Coast Crime, stopping for an overnight in Albuquerque. We had plenty of time to get to know Ruby, my new car. She’s got a lot of differences from Pele, my older model. Honda cut back on standard features, but this isn’t the place to discuss the surprises we discovered. She got us there, despite some GPS surprises.
Kudos to the conference committee. Everything ran smoothly (although I did think there should have been mor...
March 12, 2023
Recharging the Batteries
Conferences are a good way to get out from the isolation (not that I mind being isolated), and I’ll be going to Left Coast Crime. I’m looking forward to connecting with authors and readers.
I’ll be bringing home books and swag for my newsletter subscribers, so if you’re not already on my list, sign up now.
Since we’re driving and getting there early, I might even have some new pictures to share.
Meanwhile, don’t forget the BOGO specials of my backlist Mapleton novels at...
March 7, 2023
Extending the Celebration
Extending the CelebrationOne day isn’t enough, is it?
In celebration of Deadly Relations’ birthday, I have a special offer for you. ALL my Mapleton back list novels (except Deadly Secrets, which is free), are part of a special Buy One Get One FREE promotion at Barnes & Noble. That’s like getting the series for less than half price. I’ve thrown in the 3-novella bundle, too.
They include
There ar...
March 6, 2023
It’s Release Day!
Deadly Relations is ready to meet the public. Here’s what some advance readers are saying.
Terry Odell continues her winning streak of police procedurals in the Mapleton Mystery series. Among an entertaining cast of characters, Mapleton Police Chief Gordon Hepler faces a new challenge when he becomes the target of criminal activity. A strong story that keeps the series moving forward. Kay DiBianca, author of “The Watch” mysteries.
A good read for diversion and jump start into ...
March 2, 2023
Warm Up in the Galapagos
Photo courtesy of Jason OdellSorry I haven’t been around much. I’ve been busy getting ready for Deadly Relations’ release (Four Days to Go!), getting my newsletter written (still time to sign up for subscriber-only perks), and listening to Steve “Captain” Marvel’s narration of the audio book. And getting ready for Left Coast Crime.
I don’t know about the weather where you are, but it’s been cold and windy here on the mountain.
So, how about some warm-you-up pictures of ...
