Writing Snacks

Sisters-in-Crime recently ran an online poll asking about authors’ favorite writing snacks.

Other than copious amounts of black tea with lots of milk, snacking while writing hadn’t occurred to me. I usually write first thing in the morning when I can easily focus on my story – before I clutter my mind interacting with the world through email and the internet. I don’t eat until later.

This morning I tried an experiment. I had cooked for a small, socially distanced birthday celebration last night (we celebrated everyone who has a birthday this year), and there were a few leftover sausage balls (sausage, cheese, Bisquick). I microwaved a couple of them for fifteen seconds and delighted my taste buds with this Southern comfort food. Then I polished off the rest of the sausage balls.

I have to reject this experiment. I foresee gaining five pounds and getting no further with my writing.

Back to School

To support my writing goals for this year, I signed up for more online classes offered through the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

A few days ago, I watched the second webinar in a four-part series on short stories because I suspected a short story wasn’t the same as an unfinished novella.

I also signed up for next month’s Writing Humor class. I obviously need it.

The subplot class begins in a few weeks. I want to add a subplot to my current work-in-progress to increase the intrigue and conflict, but my efforts so far have been clumsy. I know which characters are involved, the actions that make them look guilty, and the effect it has on the main character, Detective Scott McGregor.

I’ll add the subplot during the draft’s revision phase – after I take the class.

 

Happy New Year!

I set writing goals for the New Year rather than the usual personal resolutions (that I ignore).

• Finish and publish Forever After, the third Detective Scott McGregor mystery
• Complete and submit a short story for the Sisters in Crime Guppy anthology Hook, Line, and Sinker
• Complete and submit a short story for the Omni anthology From out of the Shadows
• Start writing my next book, a “cozy” mystery

A “cozy” mystery is told from the point of view of a character who isn’t a crime solving professional. Lynn Carter, Detective Scott McGregor’s girlfriend, will solve a murder for which Scott’s best friend is accused. Scott can’t work on the case because of a conflict of interest.

Lynn kept hogging the spotlight in Forever After, so I decided she needed to be the main character in a story of her own.

Wishing you the best in 2022.

Home for the Holidays

At my house, holidays are juggled. My adult children have multiple commitments, so we celebrate Thanksgiving during the weekend and Christmas on Christmas Eve. It works well for everyone involved.

The house was full on Christmas Eve. I set two tables for our party of eight (and four dogs) to allow for comfortable spacing, and everyone brought a part of the meal. It was delightful hearing simultaneous conversations and laughter as we ate.

After dessert, we opened presents. The kids surprised me with their thoughtful writing gifts. My son gave me a ‘smart’ mug to keep my tea warm (he’d seen me reheat a cup multiple times while I’m working on a book), and a ‘space pen’ designed to write at any angle and even underwater.

My daughter gave me a spa day – a very appreciated and privately humorous gift. She has no idea that the character she inspired for my series was kidnapped from a spa in my current work-in-progress. The plot revolves around the detective trying to find her while she’s trying to escape and find help.

I’m glad my holiday commitments are over, but I’m already looking forward to the next family get-together.

Hitting Refresh

I survived November’s holidays, home improvement projects, busy schedules, and social commitments. But I didn’t write during the month. Now it’s time to take a breath and refocus.

Today’s critique group meeting was a learning experience. My critique partner’s well-written submission was a shining example of the elements belonging in a cozy mystery’s opening chapter. A main character with conflicts and personal problems was set against a community backdrop with an interwoven layer of intrigue. A corpse coupled with overheard comments pointed the finger of suspicion toward the main character who must solve the murder to clear her name.

The submission triggered ideas for sharpening the writing, conflict, and action in my police detective story. I considered revision ideas, made a plan, and wrote down my goals. Step by step, I’ll reach the finish line.

 

Book Party

Detective Scott McGregor’s second mystery, Murder Goes on Vacation, was set in Las Vegas, so what better way to celebrate the book’s publication than having a casino-themed party?

The event was held at the same location as the first McGregor book launch, Pamela’s Tea Room in Southern California, which was renamed “Pamela’s Las Vegas Casino” for the party. A fake business license made the gambling site legit for the day.

A horse racing form featured horses owned by characters in the book. Party favor packs included playing cards, poker chips, dice, and a fortune in fake money.

As always, the food was incredible. Broccoli-cheddar quiche, sausage rolls, turkey-cranberry-cream cheese sandwiches, salad, scones, and lots of tea. Dessert was a cake decorated with an icing picture of the book cover.

Detective McGregor’s third case is set in Washington state’s Puget Sound. I’m already kicking around ideas for that launch party.

Help from my Friends

Whenever you’re in need, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

I’m working on a novel in which my protagonist is beginning to realize the depth of his feelings for his girlfriend.

Lacking in the romantic dialogue category, I asked a close friend for love lines she’d heard throughout her life. She raided the local book exchange and gifted me with novels from Danielle Steel and Nora Roberts.

I’ve got some research reading to do – right after I lock the doors for the night and open a bottle of wine.