Thanksgiving then and now

I was going over my list of things I am thankful for, and one of the top most often prayed over is this site. I love this site and am so thankful for it and the great friendships it has brought. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all those things that you received from the hands of others, and all the ways life has been a blessing to you. As you ponder, don't forget the Cyber Pals you have gained.

When I chose Thursdays as my day to post, I never anticipated being the "turkey" for this time of the year. But there ya have it. I get the Thanksgiving post.

I have celebrated a lot of stuff over the years, like this post (click to read) Thanksgiving 2008 and it has been like a kickoff to the year to come.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Soon, I will be bringing you a new book, (Click for more info) Loran Rudder and the Secret Key is on its final round, and over the last few days has even gotten a cover. (no, I am not revealing yet!) -- so that is something to look forward to in the weeks to come.

I will do this time as I did back in 2008- and bring you tidbits and tasties about the making of the book over the next few weeks. SO don't eat too much this holiday--save room for dessert!

God bless you and keep you.

Happy Thanksgiving -Murderers!

New Years Features: Day 2

I love the end of a year, don’t you? Everything ahead looks so bright and shiny new, and everything behind looks pale in comparison. In fact, I am thrilled about changing years and even changing decades!

We leave behind written works that have been great successes, and some that were utter flops, and those who fell somewhere in the middle. That’s okay though, because next year we resolve to do much better. Next year promises to be the 365 days that we write every day, finish a whole piece, and submit until our fingers fall off. We are going to gain that agent’s attention, and get into that publishing house in the coming year, no matter what else happens.

I hope you have the best of everything this time. I hope 2010 is the best year you’ve ever had and your successes mount up like curvy hills.
-- Kim Smith, co-conspirator, MB4
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Patricia Sprinkle, author of the Thoroughly Southern Mysteries

For all of us 2009 was a bracing lesson in learning to live with less. For me personally, the year was a leap of faith into the unknown. Writing HOLD UP THE SKY, my first women's mainstream novel after twenty mysteries, I faced the challenge of building a plot without a body in it (okay, I sneaked in one) and creating characters who could (hopefully) hold a reader's attention without wandering into danger. What a stretch for the aging brain! But as hard as the year was, I've learned a lot and had a marvelous time. Now I'm limbered up and ready to extend my boundaries even further in 2010. Never stop growing. Growth is the only sign of life.

Patricia Sprinkle
Website
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Marilyn Meredith, author of Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series as well as the Rocky Bluff P.D. series.

We all approach 2010 with hopes, dreams, and a lot of optimism. I’ve already planned a book launch for my next Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel, An Axe to Grind, here in my hometown, planned library visits, purchased space at book and craft festivals in the Central Valley and Southern California, arranged for a blog tour in March, paid for two writing conferences and two mystery conventions, and put a down payment on a mystery cruise. When you’re my age, it is always optimistic when you plan ahead like this, but really aren’t we all a bit optimistic when we plan for the future? Who knows what might happen to change our plans. Despite this, I’m hoping to complete the book I’m working on now, sell a lot of my already published books wherever I might be, see old friends and fans and make some new ones.

Marilyn Meredith
Website
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Pamela Samuels Young,author of Buying Time

A writer’s life can often be challenging, but as I reflect back on 2009 and look forward to what 2010 will bring, all I feel is excitement. I can still remember my pre-published days, which were full of fears and doubts, late night writing after a long day at the office, and loads of rejection letters. But eventually, that all changed. Now, I sometimes visit bookstores just to gaze at my four books on the shelves. My journey is a testament to the fact that dreams can come true.

For you budding authors out there, stay with it. It will happen. It takes perseverance, talent (which can be honed, it just requires lots of rewriting!) a passion for writing, and a dash of luck. If it’s your dream to be a published author, just keep writing and above all, keep believing—2010 could be your year!

Pamela Samuels Young
Website

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Kim Smith's new mystery, Buried Angel, will be released January 14, 2010 at Red Rose Publishing. You can find her at HER WEBSITE

Release Day!

Today, my new story is being released. LOVE WALTZES IN.

It's about finding love after 40, and finding love in a totally unexpected place. If that sounds like something you are into, please do go and check it out!

I’ve waited a long time for this one to come out, in fact it has been in the works for almost a year, and I thank Nancy, and the others in the Forever Yours series who dreamed up their stories to contribute. I have seen several of the others in the series get great reviews and I hope to join them.


Now the hard part. Have to get out of my writing chair to go out and promote it!

Love the readers who stop by blogs and such to congratulate me and tell me they like my work. I am doing this writing thing for them. And for you!

Go to RED ROSE PUBLISHING to get your copy today!

Yay for release day!