This weekend we spring ahead! Yes, we lose an hour of sleep but we get more sunlight. Yay. Don’t get me wrong, this gal loves autumn so much and all the coziness of early sunsets and pumpkin spice everything but by this time of the year, I’m ready for a change. And, don’t worry, I’ll be complaining about the heat and humidity of summer very soon. For now, I’m going to enjoy the extra sunlight and warmer temps (60s are on tap for next week!).
Not much new on the work front this week because I’ve been deep into the second draft of the next Food Blogger Mystery. I made it through four chapters, which is always a satisfying part of the process. This is when I really get to dig in—tightening up the storylines, having fun with the characters, and fixing all those little threads I dropped in the first draft. It’s also when I finalize which recipes to include in the book. So far, I’ve decided on two, but I need one more. Since the story takes place in January, I’m leaning toward an apple dessert—maybe an apple cobbler? A warm, cozy treat on a snowy night sounds just right. Great. Now I really want apple cobbler!
Lately, I’ve been watching some Lifetime movies, though for the life of me, I can’t remember most of their titles. Lifetime movies are so hit or miss—some are wonderfully done, while others… well, let’s just say they leave a lot to be desired. Last night, I watched The Life I Can’t Remember, about a woman who develops amnesia after being hit by a car. A solid trope (again, not always well executed), but I actually enjoyed this one. Tonight’s pick is Deadly Girls Trip, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds!
On the reading front, I’ve finished three books since the end of January, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them. I just wrapped up SWEETHEART IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday – a short story that was such a fun read! It was the perfect palate cleanser after A VERY BAD THING by J.T. Ellison. which had me hooked from page one and kept me flying through the pages. I also loved THE BODY IN THE BOOKSTORE, the first book in The Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.
That’s my week in a nutshell! What have you been reading or watching lately? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for recommendations!
Every writer has their own creative fuel—those little sparks that ignite ideas, keep the words flowing, and turn a blank page into a world full of mystery and intrigue. Inspiration can strike anywhere, but over time, I’ve found a few tried-and-true sources that never fail to get my creative gears turning. Here are five things that inspire my writing:
1. Great Books by Great Authors
There’s nothing quite like reading a well-crafted story to remind me why I love writing in the first place. Whether it’s the intricate plotting of a mystery, the charm of a small-town setting, or the unforgettable voice of a character, good books are endlessly inspiring. My reading list is always growing, but right now, I’m deep into Drop Dead Honey by Laura Childs. Her Tea Shop Mysteries are a delightful blend of cozy intrigue and Southern charm—exactly the kind of storytelling that fuels my own creativity.
Can you believe we’re halfway through the month of January? How is that possible? Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day? Honestly, it’s been a blur since Christmas and just this week I’ve been able to get back on track with my writing (I was able to write 3k words on Wednesday!). A couple family members had some health issues and that took me away from my routine but I did manage to get words written. In order to do that, I had to let go of some things and one of those things was social media. This week marks my return to Facebook and Instagram. I have to admit, it was a nice break.
Between promoting my new release, A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, and preparing for Christmas my days are jam-packed which means there’s little time for baking (well, until the week of Christmas) but this gal loves a homemade sweet treat every now and again. What to do? Make a mug cake! It’s quick and yummy and the perfect way to finish dinner. In fact I can whip this dessert up, cook it and while it cools I can feed Connie her dinner before I settle down with to enjoy the treat.
One of Hope Early’s Christmas traditions is hanging a wreath on the old red barn. Every year since moving back to Jefferson, she has called on Ethan Cahill to help hang the wreath—a small gesture, but one that brings warmth and memories of Christmases past. It’s moments like these, filled with simple joys and the comfort of community, that make the holiday season truly magical. What are your favorite holiday traditions? Share in the comments.
