The feeling of an icy finger running down my back wasn’t due to a thrilling mystery book. It was due to my opening the back door this morning. Cold! Frost decorates the roofs of my neighbors’ houses. The thermometer plummeted to thirty-one degrees. Yesterday’s wind blew the leaves into funny swirls and patterns. The […]

There’s a Lot of Murk Out There
The morning is too warm for November. The sky is gray, leaves are brown; wind is blowing them all around. If I were giving a weather forecast, I’d say it is cloudy with a lot of murk. It is a murky day. So, what to do when such a day comes calling? Don’t succumb! Brighten […]

There’s Nothing Mysterious About It!
Here is a puzzle that’s easy to solve; in fact, there’s nothing mysterious about it. What event will come around in 45 more days? It arrives every year, same time. Christmas is just around the corner and I haven’t started my shopping! Have you? How about a book as a gift? Would you like to […]

What Is Creeping Through the Shadows?
Something is creeping through the shadows and peering around the corners. There’s a scratching at the window. Is it only a swaying tree branch brushed by a wayward wind? Or, is it something more sinister? Are your doors locked? Is the fireplace flickering? Do you have a good supply of hot chocolate and cozy mysteries […]

That Warm, Wonderful Feeling
The warm, wonderful feeling yesterday afternoon wasn’t due completely to the fireplace, although it was snapping and blazing, or the hot, aromatic coffee or even the gingersnaps. No, that cozy feeling was because three good friends were gathered around the hundred-year old table, laughing, talking, and sharing thoughts on reading, writing, and more. Much more. […]

Guesting at Southern Writers Magazine
If there’s an extra lilt to my writing this morning, it’s because my guest blog at Southern Writers Magazine is on this prestigious magazine’s blog page. What did I write about? Snagging the reader’s attention. As a reader, you have a vast sea of books from which to choose. When you pick up a book and […]

