New Beginnings: March 2023
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Hi, All!
It’s been a while since my last blog post, but here’s to a new beginning. I’m officially retired from teaching after 24 years and enjoying my “writing days” once again. You, my reader, have opened your heart and given me the opportunity to be part of your life through my books. This blog post is for you.
What’s On My Desk
I’m waiting for responses from many query letters I’ve sent to agents for representation of my new book, Pompey Hollow Road. In the meantime, because the book is long and my editor envisioned this as a possible series, I’m developing the characters further in separate books.
This new book is a historical fiction novel. It begins with a knock on the door of an ordinary house. A simple “rap, rap, rap” that will change the course of history...
What I’m Reading Now
I love book recommendations— here are a couple I’m reading now.
Braiding Sweetgrass
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Local Woman Missing
by Mary Kubica
Books On My Nightstand
These are the books that are lined up to read next. I can’t wait to get started!
The Girl in His Shadow
by Audrey Blake
The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel van den Kolk
Take My Hand
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
It Starts With Us
by Colleen Hoover
The Dog Days of Winter
Bo is my dog. He’s a Golden Chow, a mix of Chow Chow and Golden Retriever. Basically, Bo is a mutt, but he is my mutt and the best dog in the world.
Yes, you may think you have the best dog in the world. Okay, okay! Let’s just agree to disagree. However, who wouldn’t love this guy?
Sometimes I wonder what he thinks of my daily habits—sitting at the table, “tap, tap, tapping.” He doesn’t know it’s a computer’s keyboard in which characters develop and plots thicken. He’s only concerned about the tapping putting him to sleep. Well, of course, and when his next meal will be served.
“Bo is my writing partner. He keeps me motivated.”
Good Vibes
I’ve recently returned from an eleven-day trip to visit my sisters. First, I flew to San Diego, where I met with my younger sister and her family. We spent a night in a rental very close to the beach. Waking up to the sounds of waves and the blue ocean is something I genuinely think I could do every day.
Next, was a two-hour drive to Palm Springs, a heated pool (at 91 degrees—Heaven), fun movies, playing with Bri-Bri the maltipoo, and enjoying homemade bagels and Rice Krispie treats, made special by my youngest niece. A major highlight was picking fruit from citrus trees. Fresh grapefruit, tangelos, oranges and lemons. Delicious!
My citrus haul!
Next stop, Fort Worth and Walnut Springs, Texas, where I enjoyed a nighttime fire, a birthday celebration with my sister and nieces and nephews, and a tour of my sister and brother’s-in-law new house, and down the street—a local diner (two eggs, grits, and biscuits and gravy—YUM!). It was a much-needed break from Chicago’s winter.
Your support of my writing and novels has always brought such joy to my life. It was a pleasure to be invited to book clubs, school events, presentations, and Zooms. My hope is to continue the tradition with new books, new faces, and new beginnings.