Do you ever wake up with a question in your mind? I’ve done that a lot this week. I’ve always been a questioner of why things are the way they are. I like to observe and analyze. It’s no wonder that I love to write mystery—I love figuring out the puzzle. It’s not the murders …
Remember when you were young and the days of having things to look forward to were endless. If you were in school, there was Christmas and Spring breaks, countless parent/teacher days, and summer vacations. There was getting home for snacks and running out to play and going to grandma’s house. People planned a lot of …
The New Year is here! And the likelihood of strategies for making New Year’s resolutions are everywhere. When I Googled the concept, there were well over 100 suggested approaches that popped up. I’ve never been good at this kind of goal setting and goal keeping. Like most people, I start out with great intentions to …
2016. It’s been a year. As a country, it’s been a roller coaster. For many of my friends and family, the year has had moments of joy, frustrations, loss, and disappointment. But then again, isn’t that life? As I sit and reflect about the year that is quickly coming to a close, I’ve had all of …
When I was a little girl, going to my grandmother’s home on Christmas Eve was one of my fondest memories. Our small family would gather and open gifts and share dinner. I couldn’t tell you what I got for Christmas on any given year or what was on the menu. But I can tell you …
It seems everyone I know is busy—overwhelmed with the business of life. As I reflected on how we can appreciate the little joys each day, I noticed my dog’s tail wagging. It struck me—how dogs live so in the moment, finding joy in everything they explore throughout their day. Why couldn’t I also make that …
For the first time, in my life I believe, I’m allowing myself to sit in the space in between. Like the sand running between the stones as the waves recede, I sit and wait for the next wave. Wondering will I be swept out to sea, or stay solidly near the shore. I don’t think …
I entered the contest Pitch Wars in early August with a query letter, the first chapter of my novel, and a dream. On August 25, I was notified that one of my dreams had come true! I would be the recipient of the time and attention of not one, but two incredibly talented published mystery …
I go to the ocean to find beauty. Everywhere I look here on the Big Island of Hawaii, crystal blue green waters lap against peppery sand and lava rock. Green turtles bob in the surf. Spinner dolphins play in the waves. Rainbows of hibiscus and tropical flowers line the beaches. Palm trees sway over head. …
Fearless used to be my middle name. I was 6. It was summer. There was a library in the town of Astoria, Oregon, and a movie that played at 11am every Thursday morning. There was a piano, an old man named Ed, and people waiting to be entertained before that movie started. Every time I …