Finally Loaded!

I never, ever, NEVER want to cut it this close on loading a book again. But The Body in the Buick is finally loaded so it will come out on time on Dec. 21. And this leads me to share a few truths with you.

Don’t start liking a character so much that he’s supposed to be the murderer, but you decide to make it someone else instead. I’m a PLOTTER. I know what happens in every chapter before I start writing a book. One small change affects EVERYTHING. A big change is asking for trouble.When you change course in the middle of a mystery, you have to go back to change A LOT of things. Up until that point, every clue adds up to the ending you planned. When you change that ending, you have to change every clue. And it’s not fun. Don’t do it. What was I thinking? After that, your plot points are all wonky. You have to change them, too. Give yourself some breathing room for when life hits you broadside and you can’t keep your usual schedule. It happens, and you just have to make the best of it.If you decide to write a holiday mystery, write it WAY ahead. Have it done months before you need it. Stress causes gray hairs. I have enough of them without encouraging more. And say thanks to L’Oreal for letting you stay a “natural” redhead.If you survive and save yourself from disaster, say a big THANK YOU, then REJOICE. Take a deep breath and slow down. Enjoy the things that go along with the season. Bake cookies. Send cards to friends. Watch Christmas movies. And have a wonderful holiday!Happy December, everyone!