Recently, my family and I traveled to the Black Hills, a 365 mile drive across the state. I always look forward to the trek though I’m not sure why. I’ve made the drive many times, and not much has changed. I stop at the same places I did with my parents years ago on summer vacations.
Malice Domestic Wrap-up
Malice Domestic logo
Last weekend, I attended Malice Domestic, a conference for traditional mysteries in Bethesda, MD, where writers and readers discuss topics related to the genre. If you’re considering attending a conference or wonder what happens during a typical weekend, read on!
Being a relatively new author, I’m always curious about what conferences work, and by “work” I mean add value. Malice Domestic works for me. I’ve attended the conference twice and both times was surprised at how intimate it felt despite the large number of attendees.
Cover Reveal: A Very Merry Murder
I’m so excited to announce book three, A Very Merry Murder, coming in October 2018!
It’s December in Copper Bluff, and from hillside to hallowed hall, everyone is merry—or will be as soon as semester break arrives. Students are studying, professors are grading, and Emmeline Prather is anticipating the university-sponsored holiday concert. Friend and colleague Lenny Jenkins will be accompanying the visiting quartet, Jazz Underground, and Em can’t think of a better way to kick-start the holiday season.
Lions, Lambs, and Spring Break
March 6 at USF. I’m counting this as “In like a lion.”
The March saying goes, “In like a lion, out like a lamb” or “In like a lamb, out like a lion.” But what happens when it’s lion in and lion out? South Dakota weather can feel that way some days. Well before the snow melts, I’m looking for a small sprout or seed to plant, anything to green up the gray days of early spring. This year, I traded seeds for paint and plants for brushes, and using the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante as my inspiration, I renovated my bedroom. I painted it “Sea Glass” and bought a furniture set called “Summer Breeze,” tossing in a Tommy Bahama comforter for good measure. I bet you can guess what I was thinking: island retreat.
Love: The Beginning and End of Everything
F. Scott Fitzgerald once wrote in a letter, “I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” He was, of course, talking about his own dear Zelda. February is the perfect month to celebrate love letters such as the ones between Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Unlike valentines, letters go beyond holiday love to reveal the myriad nuances of our strongest emotion.
Writing Workshop Winner!
A long-lost relative, a trampoline gun, or a hero named Jack? Why not read a mystery with all three! Today on my blog, I’m sharing Andy White’s short story “The Mystery of the Space Bombings.” Andy White is the winner of my 6th Grade Writing Workshop Contest at St. Katharine Drexel in Sioux Falls, SD. Please encourage this gifted young writer by liking, commenting, and sharing!
Chapter 1, The Place
There was once a little boy named Jack. I’m Jack. I love to draw and write. One day, I found myself sitting along the edge of a bridge doing my homework with my friend Will. Will is a smart friendly person who likes to express himself.
New Year Vibes
I’ve been reading a lot of blogs, posts, and articles lately about everything new year: diets, planners, yoga. The one thing I’ve learned (besides that I should drink more water) is that January, at first blush, seems to be about change. Changing eating habits, reading habits, writing habits. More of one thing, less of another. Cynics say resolutions are pointless and that in three weeks or less, the gym will thin out, book sales will dwindle, and we will go back to being the same people we were in December. Why waste our time?
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!
Christmas Tree 2017
This year we were smart; we bought our tree before the first snowfall. It’s short and fat, and my husband hardly broke a sweat stuffing it into the trunk. For a guy who’s used to suffering much in the tree lot, it all seemed too easy. But I reminded him of the big tree he picked out a few years ago, the one that fell down and broke half my ornaments. We’ve had bigger, he retorted. Remember the Emily Street house? I didn’t answer. That house had vaulted ceilings, and the sky was literally the limit when it came to picking a tree.
Thankful for South Dakota
Driving west toward Rapid City
Recently, I was traveling when someone asked me a question that took me by surprise: have you thought about moving? I’ve had plenty of time to think about the question, and I’m ready to answer it. Never mind it’s been weeks.
I wish I could say I was one of those glib people who can respond to the unexpected with a funny one-liner or an instant shutdown. I am not. I’m more likely to stutter or, worse yet, say nothing at all. I can’t remember if or how I answered the question, but I do recall saying something about Minneapolis, as if proximity to a big city justified my location. (Actually, Omaha would have been a better answer; it’s just two hours away.)
Halloween
I love October, mainly because of Halloween. I’m sure lots of mystery buffs get excited about the holiday, and I’m no exception. Though I’m not buying a ticket to the movie It anytime soon, I will be watching It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with my kids. Recently, we went to the pumpkin patch, and I got to repeat my favorite line from the show: “Nothing but sincerity for as far as the eye can see.” The kids rolled their eyes. They know mom geeks out this time of year.