An Open and Shut Case

An Open and Shut Case

To the authors who read my blog: As you write your new book, do you find that you have some chapters you prefer to other chapters? To the readers who read my blog: As you read a cozy mystery, are there chapters that stand out to you? And then, of course, there are favorite parts within each chapter. […]

The Strange Case of the Invisible Mystery Writer

The Strange Case of the Invisible Mystery Writer

This is a strange case and could be thought of as fiction–it all depends on your experience, as a reader. My experience comes from the viewpoint of a writer. Maybe this is all make-believe, pretend, the stuff from which imaginary tales are made. Or, maybe it isn’t. What if it could be true? What if, […]

What are You Doing Christmas?

What are You Doing Christmas?

What are you doing this Christmas? Are you planning a large celebration with family or friends? Do you have a trip in mind? If so, would you like to go to Ireland or Scotland, England or Finland and experience the celebration of a different culture? Perhaps Hawaii or a Caribbean island where it’s warm? Are […]

How About Those Cockles of Your Heart?

How About Those Cockles of Your Heart?

What is it that warms the cockles of your heart, puts a spring in your step, a gleam in your eye and a sense of purpose in your life? What is your dream? Where did it go? We all have something, some desire or hope or goal that keeps us reaching and trying and, when […]

And There, in the Dark, Dusty Recesses of Some Forgotten Corner

And There, in the Dark, Dusty Recesses of Some Forgotten Corner

Before I continue with my saga of the deep, dark, dusty recesses of the corners of my garage,  let me tell you that I just saw an armadillo. He was hurrying, if armadillos can hurry, across my neighbor’s driveway to disappear around the corner. Aha! A night forager, a nocturnal snoop. And now, believe it […]

Curiosity, the Cat, and You

Curiosity, the Cat, and You

This morning, I am putting you in the spotlight. I, the curious author, am curious about you. I want to know what you look for in a cozy mystery, what you like or dislike,  and why you read the Ned McNeil series and the Darcy and Flora series. And, I want to know how you […]