Saturday, November 22, 2014

Rosie's baaack...

Rosie went on vacation for a while as her story evolved. A woman like you, like me and millions of women all over the world, Rosie is a real, flawed human woman trying to get through life with as little pain as possible. But, in order to grow and become the people we are meant to be, we must take risks and the end result may involve a little pain. Well, Rosie does end up having pain - lots of it - but it's what she does with it that makes her special. So, she gives Marcie, her young neighbor, a little advice on how to save her marriage in this second book in the Rosie Chandler mystery series, "A Murder in the Neighborhood." Here's an excerpt:

    I answer the phone and it's Marcie. This can't be good. I expect to hear crying on the other end of the line. At least that's how it's been for the last two weeks, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
    "Rosie, wait 'till I tell you," She says. "You will just die."
      "Oh, oh. Marcie, what have you done?"
      "I've saved my marriage, that's what."
      "Oh, do tell." What else could I say? I'm not really comfortable getting the inside scoop like this - especially when it comes to a person's love life.
      "I've signed up for belly dance classes!"

So, yes, Rosie is back and I couldn't be happier.

Crimebake, 2014

     On the last day of this, my sixth Crime Bake, I can't help but think about my first. It was in 2009 and I didn't know a soul. I felt shy and intimidated by the throngs of people who had come to learn more about the craft of writing, and to pitch their novels to agents and editors, hoping to land that coveted contract with a big-time, NYC publisher.

     I sat at a small table table practicing my fifty-word pitch when a woman came over and asked me if that was, in fact, what I was doing. I told her it was and she said, "Okay, pitch to me." I practiced with her for a while, she wished me luck and went on her way. My shyness kicked in and I retired to my room, ordered room service and went through my swag bag. I did mingle a little more over the next two days, met a few people and came away a little smarter.

     Now, as I look around the table, it is filled with the wonderful people I've met over the years; some from past Crime Bakes, others from past Seascape writing retreats. All generous, helpful people with a common goal - to write and be read. Life if good.