NYC bound + big news to share! 🗽

WELCOME TO ALL THE NEW FACES!

If you are one of our new subscribers from the Bargain Booksy Give-a-way, WELCOME! I'm so happy to have you join us.

I have some HUGE news I can't wait to share, plus I'm answering your burning questions about where book ideas really come from, when my next thriller drops, and so much more!

🗽 BREAKING NEWS: I'm NYC Bound!

This is it - the BIG news! This week I'll be at the International Thriller Writers Conference in New York City. We're talking about THE event where all the suspense/mystery/thriller heavy hitters gather to talk craft and celebrate great storytelling.

And here's the part that still gives me chills: I've been asked to be on a panel! I'll be at the same conference with legends like JAMES PATTERSON and JOHN GRISHAM (yes, THAT James Patterson and John Grisham!). Honestly, I'm trying not to fangirl too hard, but... it's happening! 

I'll be sharing my insights on self-publishing, then signing copies of Kaleidoscope of Secrets afterward. This is my third time in NYC, and I'm hoping to catch a Broadway show while I'm there.

Want to help make this trip epic? Reply with your favorite NYC restaurant or must-see spot! I'm taking all suggestions. 

Follow my Facebook page and Instagram stories for behind-the-scenes conference moments and maybe a few author selfies!

 📚 READER'S CORNER: You Asked, I'm Answering!

Q. Where do you come up with ideas to write about?

A. Everywhere! Just last week, I overheard a conversation at the grocery store that gave me chills. Ideas come from travel, old newspaper clippings, conversations with friends, even dreams that won't let me go.

Kaleidoscope of Secrets was born from my time visiting Chicago (both daughters lived there) and this wild "what if" about a wealthy grandmother secretly living a life of crime. What would her granddaughter do when she discovered the truth?

I'm currently obsessing over an old KC newspaper story about two daughters whose father was murdered. Strong female protagonists always call to me!

Q. How do you come up with character names?

A. This might be my most challenging part! I research name meanings so they match the character's soul and culture. I'll admit - I change names constantly before I'm done.

Fun fact: I always try to sneak in the name of someone I know. In my current manuscript of Trapped, one of the main characters is named Silas after my grandson. He's one of the good guys, naturally! 

Q. What authors have you met?

A. Meeting fellow authors is like attending the Academy Awards for writers! This past year I've been starstruck meeting Karen Dionne, Claire MacKintosh, Louise Penney, Karin Slaughter, Ruth Ware, Robert Dugoni, Tosca Lee, and Lisa Gardner!

And this week? JAMES PATTERSON and JOHN GRISHAM! Still pinching myself. 

Q. Is your book available at the library?

A. YES, and I LOVE IT!!! If you don't find Kaleidoscope of Secrets at your library, please ask them to order it! Seeing my book on those shelves never gets old. 

💪🏼 A Little Encouragement (Because We All Need It)

Writing taught me something powerful: every rejection is just redirecting you toward something better.

Have you ever had one of those days where life feels like it's beating you down? We all have, my friend, and you are absolutely not alone.

When you're facing what seems like insurmountable odds, promise me you'll keep believing. Believe that something amazing is headed your way. You've worked hard. You deserve good things. You've shown incredible resolve.

Now is the time to watch for something positive. Something beautiful. Something amazing is coming.

Despite what you might see in the news, there is love in this world. You can find peace in your soul. You are not walking this journey alone. 

The following poem is from Linda Martin, an online friend who spreads positivity and kindness through the writing community and her beautiful poetry.

🏖️ Summer Beach Reads Coming Soon!

Stay tuned for my curated list of page-turners perfect for poolside reading!

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Got a question for next month's Reader's Corner? Email me - I love hearing from you!

Happy reading (and wish me luck in NYC!),