Tuesday, January 27, 2009

BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES AND NOBLE




My book signing at Barnes and Noble on January 24, 2009 was a complete success. I SOLD OUT and the event coordinator ordered more copies of Fudge-Laced Felonies right then. Here are some pictures of the event. One of me by the end cap where the books were displayed. Another of a crowd around my table. And one of me and my dear husband who stayed with me the entire two hours.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

MOURNING BARBOUR


Well, due to the economic times, i got an email from my editor at Barbour. They are closing their mystery bookclub line. I mourned yesterday. Today, I'm back to the writing and planning stage. My remaining two books, Candy-Coated Secrets and Chocolate-Covered Crime will still be published because they are under contract. After that, I'll have to move in another direction. Sad, but a fact of life in this industry.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

BOOK SIGNING


I have a booksigning at the Surprise, Arizona, Barnes and Noble bookstore on January 24, 2009 from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Would love to see as many friends and soon-to-be fans as possible.

Friday, January 09, 2009

THE CRAZY PUBLISHING WORLD

I've been making up stories since I was kid. It's been my dream for as long as I can remember to see my name on the cover of a book. When I turned forty, I wrote three books and had them pod published. Now, in most places in the publishing world, this doesn't count as published. That doesn't bother me. The books aren't written that well. I don't regret going the pod route. I learned a few things.

1 - I can finish a book
2 - I have more than one book in me
3 - Writing is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to 2007. I wrote a romantic suspense, too scary and edgy for the CBA. It's shelved for now. It'll come out again someday. A friend heard of Barbour's new Heartsong Mystery line and told me I should try them. I didn't even know what a cozy was! So I looked it up, wrote the book, entered it into a contest, won first place, obtained an agent and got a contract. All within the space of eight months. Talk about a wild ride. Books two and three in the series are due out this year and I've just completed the first book in a new series. Plus, I'm writing a new romantic suspense.

Yes, the world of publishing is crazy. Sometimes you put your heart and soul into a book that the market is looking for, only to have them no longer looking by the time you're finished writing it. Or, you try your hand at writing a different genre and get absolutely no where.

But, I wouldn't trade the roller-coaster ride for anything! Good luck to all you pre-published. Hang in there!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

ANOTHER REVIEW OF FUDGE-LACED FELONIES

A reader sent me this review. Isn't it wonderful?

Cynthia Hickey weaves an entertaining mystery around her impulsive heroine, Summer Meadows, who runs a candy shop in her small home town. Summer becomes intrigued when diamonds appear under her rosebush and other mysterious items are found. She puts herself, and her aunt and uncle with whom she lives, in harms way as she develops theories and a suspect list for strange occurrences and murders as she blunders into and out of danger. She struggles with a lack of trust in God and with two love interests. As the author weaves biblical quotes into Summer's dilemmas, the reader becomes a sideline cheerleader for this Miss Marple wannabe. The story enlightens as well entertains.

Saturday, January 03, 2009

NEW BOOK RELEASES

Looking for something good to read? Here's a list of January releases by authors belonging to American Christian Fiction Writer's Association. Check out a few!

1. Bayou Betrayal, Book 5 of the Bayou series by Robin Caroll from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a woman arrives in town to meet her relatives, an arsonist doesn't want her to stay!

2. Be Strong and Curvaceous, All About Us #3 by Shelley Adina from Hachette FaithWords. Carly Aragon's faith is tested when she takes on a crush crasher who comes accessorized with a stalker.

3. Before the Season Ends, Lights of London, Book One by Linore Rose Burkard from Harvest House. A Christian young woman must make her way through the treacherous waters of a Regency Season in London; while her worldly, wealthy aunt tries to marry her off for money.

4. Cursebreaker, Book One of The Order of the Scrolls Series by Nancy Wentz from Whitaker House. Author Nancy Wentz's drama unfolds in both the physical and spiritual realms, treating the reader to a thrilling tale of mystery, passion, and historical intrigue.

5. Fireflies In December by Jennifer Erin Valent from Tyndale House. A young girl comes of age amidst the racial prejudice of Depression-era Virginia.

6. Hannah Grace, The Daughters of Jacob Kane by Sharlene MacLaren from Whitaker House. A new century, a new sheriff, a new love...many things are about to change in the town of Sandy Shores.

7. Kiriath's Quest by Rick Barry from JourneyForth Books (a division of BJU Press). A YA Christian fantasy adventure that reaffirms the value of faith, family, love and loyalty.

8. Milk Money by Cecelia Dowdy from Barbour Publishing (Heartsong Presents). Can Frank find faith in Jesus, while battling alcoholism, as he seeks the love of Emily Cooper?

9. Mommy's Hometown Hero, Dalton Brothers Book 2 by Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Ex-soldier Matt Dalton wants to bring his friend Rachel Charbonneau back to the Lord and win her heart as well.

10. No Place For A Lady, Heart Of The West Book One by Maggie Brendan from Revell. Can a Southern belle tame the heart of a rugged cowboy?

11. Paper Roses, Texas Dreams #1 by Amanda Cabot from Revell. There's only one problem when mail-order bride Sarah Dobbs arrives in Texas to greet her groom: he's been murdered.

12. Sweetwater Gap, (Women of Faith Fiction) by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson. A woman returns home to help save her family's apple orchard and must face the ghosts that chased her away so many years ago.

13. The Edge of Light, Book One in the At Home in Beldon Grove Series by Ann Shorey from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. It's 1838 on the Missouri frontier--how will Molly McGarvie keep her young family together after her husband's sudden death?

14. What Sarah Saw, Book One, Without a Trace Love Inspired Suspense continuity series by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. The tragic conclusion to a kidnapping case broke Sam and Jocelyn apart, but for a child's sake they must join forces to uncover what Sarah saw.