“From the moment I picked up your book until I put it down, I was convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend reading it.”
― Groucho Marx
There's one thing I know for sure as we wrap of the first quarter of this most interesting year, 2022 is the gag gift that keeps on giving, LOL! I don't think I've ever seen a year where every single day we are presented with a new, major conundrum to deal with. I truly was not expecting the 'what is a woman' hysteria that emerged this past week; especially given March is Women's History Month. (Notice I'm not pontificating on the apparent slap seen round the world #YiYiYi, I didn't watch the Woke Awards) Chin up buttercups, it seems we have a bunch more work to do...
The one constant for me this past quarter has been working on my latest book, Blood on the Vines: Harvest at Castlewood Manor. I have to admit, there were many, many times I thought I was not going to be able to complete it, paralyzed by the non-stop drip of potentially, catastrophic world events and a recent, severe, medical reaction to the Pfizer booster that took me flat out for over a week. As a writer, this was a time when the words and creativity often came to an absolute standstill.
Slowly but surely, I let the light within start to burn, dimming the chaos of outside events I had no control of. Some days a chapter was birthed, other days, just a swirl of mental burn. It took every ounce of strength I had to stick to it.
Was it the urging of the characters I had left stranded at the fete that would not end? The swift kick of Gemma's size 10 stilettos into my backside? The temper tizzy Mama was having because her big day was delayed, again?! Figgy's chastisement to 'get off me arse', LOL? Maybe a dash of all the above, but I think most of all, I remembered I had a story to tell.
And just like that...
Word by word, page by page, chapter by chapter...the story pieces came together. The hours and days became a blur, but the promise I made to myself to complete the tale was not going to be undone.
Chapters 1, 2, 3...finally led to 18, 19, 20 and the end. I'm still in a daze, LOL, but so glad I now have a manuscript to edit and publish. I've slipped the release date from Mother's Day to June 1st, but I don't think Gemma will be too upset. The characters and I persevered through an incredibly challenging time, with many a lesson learned for the next tale. Pssst... wait 'til you see what's cookin' in book 8...
My new book has now become a labor of love to prepare for publishing, and one I hope brings a smile to your face. It will be dedicated to all the women who have been our mothers, friends, sisters, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and wives. I see you and I believe in you. It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
With the book, comes more promos!
I wanted to give the fabulous Morgan Wright a shout out for this latest, animated book cover. Village fetes (and wine) will bever be the same, LOL! You can check out Morgan's book services here:
Romance, mystery, and mayhem this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Agatha Christie, A Deadly Affair, Unexpected Love Stories from the Queen of Mystery, 5⭐
The queen of mystery adds a dash of romance to the fourteen tales in this cozy collection. Some stories were new to me, and a few were favorites read long ago. You'll see Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Parker Pyne, and Tommy & Tuppence pop up in a few tales. Will those ne're-do-wells ever learn?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading these cozy tales. Nobody does it better than Dame Agatha. A perfect read for those dark, stormy nights, or a lazy afternoon. Readers are given a treat at the end from Author Christie on a few of the men she let get away. Savor the mystery and enjoy, a highly recommended read for mystery lovers!
Next up in the #reading queue:
A new season brings a new wreath!
Elegant Designs by Lulu has once again captured my heart with this latest wreath! I love the vibrant colors and the Mackenzie Childs inspired dragon fly puts a smile on my face. No matter how dark and gloomy the times, there's always a place in my heart for spring. 🌷🌼🌺
Welcome to my world. Enjoy your week and weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Next week we're off to Albuquerque for the Left Coast Crime's Southwest Sleuths mystery conference! Travel and mystery, two of my very favorite things! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑
What a fabulous post! So excited for Blood on the Vines and wowee on that wreath. Feels like spring! Have a blast at the conference and give S a big hug for me. 💓💓💓🌸
I am so sorry to hear you've been sick, on top of everything else going on. It's been an ugly year so far, and I agree that it's hard to maintain focus when the world seems to be falling apart. Even as I write this, I've got the news on mute next to me. I'm seeing images of destruction and death and misogyny and racism, and yet turning it off seems to be a callous thing to do. Il wish us all a spring filled with good news, an end to fighting both in the US and abroad, and enough empathy to blanket the world. ❤️
Love this-“I see you & I believe in you!” And a big “Woo hoo!” for the Grouch Marx quote. Cheers for your refreshing outlook on current events. But most of all- Book 8 is almost here! “Blood on the Vines”!!