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.

FINAL COVER ART FOR CANDY-COATED SECRETS

Here it is and ain't it grand?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

CANDY COATED SECRETS

It's the preliminary sketch for the cover of Candy-Coated Secrets. Isn't it fun?

POST CHRISTMAS

That Glorious time of year is past and a new year looms. 2008 saw the release of my first novel. 2009 will release two more. God is good. We spent the holidays with our children and their families, which makes for a large and noisy group, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't make new year resolutions, but I do have hopes. My hope for the coming year is to sign a single-title contract. It could happen. What about you?

Enjoy the picture of my youngest son (the black one)and our five grandchildren clowning around in front of the tree.

Merry Christmas

The Season is upon us. School is out, which means I'm also on a two-week vacation, gifts are bought, tonight is making tamales, a couple of parties have been attended, our day volunteering at the food bank is done, and I can sit back and enjoy the sight of a decorated tree and house with presents wrapped and waiting. If you could have one thing under the tree (for yourself) what would it be?

Me? I'd like a single-title contract for my historical romance, Shattered Superstitions. Anyone listening? God? Santa?

Holiday Memories

What's your favorite? What makes your holiday complete? How do you celebrate? What was your favorite gift every received?

My favorite gift has to be my wedding set given to me by my husband on our tenth Christmas. Any time the family gets together makes the holidays complete. Here's the whole gang last year in front of the tree, except for my husband. He took the picture. What a motley crue!

Writing

How does one know what to write? I've started so many stories because a publishing house thought it sounded like a "good" idea, but then they turn it down and I'm left with half a book. I hate leaving anything unfinished, and someday all my work in progresses will be complete, but how do we know what to write? What do we put our sweat and time into?

Often, I've had an idea, started the book, then saw a new release with almost the same idea! Ugh! How do we find our niche?

Sure, we want our writing to be a ministry. And readers have told me how much my book has helped them, but I also have a goal. To retire in six years when my husband does and supplement with money from writing. Unreasonable? I pray not.

Write the book of your heart, people say. Sure, but every story I write comes from the heart. Oh, well. Can you tell I'm suffering from sour grapes today?

Wow! Long time no write

I really need to find the time to carve out the minutes to blog. One more thing on a long list of things to do.

Fudge-Laced Felonies will be available for retail the end of January. Candy-Coated Secrets will ship to the bookclub at the same time. For someone who wasn't gifted with patience, this seems to take forever. And no, I'm not asking God to teach me patience. Been there, done that!

My latest work, Shades of Crimson, was turned down by publishers as being too scary. Jeesh! Just because I read FBI profiling books and got into the head of the killer doesn't make it scary, does it? Okay, it was kind of scary. Someday the Christian market will be ready for a good thriller with a redemption story, right? Then I'll be ready.

I'm just so tired of Amish stories, you know? Too sweet. Although I did read one by new author, Beth Wiseman. Plain Perfect. Not your ordinary Amish story. I really enjoyed it.

Right now, I'm working on a historical that a couple of publishers expressed interest in. Of course, it'll have a healthy dose of suspense. Can't help it. Even my fun cozies have that. I'm managing to write an average of 10,000 words a week, but that will definitely slow down during the holidays.

Y'all have a great Thanksgiving!

TWILIGHT

Well, I read the book to see what all the hoopla was about. It's good, but I didn't see the intense romance so many people are raving about. It's definitely suited for both young adult and adults, and the story does grip you. Yes, I'll read the others in the series. I've got to find out who turns; Edward or Bella. Okay, I cheated and I know who turns, but I've got to find out how they reached the conclusion they did.

For anyone wondering, Stephanie Meyer is a great storyteller, pulling the reader into the love of 17-year-old Bella's life. Is Edward hunky? Yes. Is the book clean? Yes. Can anyone from Junior High age and older relate? Again, yes. But don't take my word for it. Buy, borrow, or check-out the book and see for yourself.

THE CASE OF THE BOUNCING GRANDMA by A.K. Arenz

Glory Harper, adventurous, skate-boarding, tramboline jumping, grandma is confined to a wheelchair because of a broken leg. While spying on the new neighbors, Glory spots a foot hanging from the end of rolled up carpet. When she alerts her family and the police, they don't believe her. Instead, they try convincing her the foot belongs to a mannequin. Glory decides to investigate on her own, bum leg or not! When handsome detective Rick Spencer enters the picture, Glory finds herself torn between a possible romance, or solving a murder.

In a humorous "Rear View" fashion, A.K. Arenz has crafted a wonderfully entertaining mystery complete with a quirky heroine, unforgettable characters, and a healthy dose of romance. I can't wait to read the next mystery involving The Bouncing Grandma

Candy-Coated Secrets

We're moving right along. And fast! Candy-Coated Secrets has been moved from a release day of late April, 2009 to late January, 2009. I've just sent back my final edits and am waiting on cover art. I can't wait to see what the art department comes up with. What can they do with an elephant, a candy-maker, and a county fair...not to mention a couple of bears, Bigfoot, and a lion!

ACFW Conference 2008

This year's conference was held in Minneapolis. The weather was perfect, the rooms comfortable, the hotel HUGE! People were wonderful and welcoming. Appointments fell into place with ease. The ACFW board members outdid themselves again, and Angie Hunt's speaking was not to be missed.

Although, I attended, I ordered the CD of all the classes. Way too many to choose from and, since I don't live in a science fiction movie, I couldn't attend more than one class at a time.

Contracts were signed, agents found, and friendships made. Excitement ran high. A few people may have had hopes dashed, but we need to remember that publication isn't a guarantee. If we're meant to be published, it's in God's time, not ours. For learning the craft, the conference can't be beat.

And the multi-author booksigning at the Mall of America was the bomb! As kids today say. 125 authors attracted more people than you could count. The bookstore quickly ran out of most books. The man at Barnes and Noble said the mall hadn't seen anything like it since the guitarest from Motley Crue was there. Did God move that day, or what? An amazing experience!

God willing, I'll attend next year's conference in Denver. Start saving now, folks. The dates are September 17-20, and Debbie MacComber will be the guest speaker.

Bad Writing

I'm not going to mention the title of the book I'm reading, but it's by a well-known, multi-published Christian author. And, it breaks every writing rule in the book! How can someone who's been published many times get away with pov issues, passive writing, repetition, lots of exclamation marks, and just horrible story matter? NOT FAIR! I say. I must follow the rules, say something a million ways, not use a single cliche, etc.

I'd like nothing more than to toss the book, but as I've got to read it in order to review it, I'll have to muddle along. God help me! Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

Mega Booksigning at the Mall of America

Wow! 127 authors beneath one roof! At this year's ACFW conference in Minneapolis, Sept. 18 thru Sept. 21, Barnes and Noble, ACFW, and the Mall of America have teamed together to bring one colassal booksigning event. And I'm one of the listed authors! Is this exciting or what? If you're in the area, stop by and buy a book!

Update

I know, it's been a while. I just sent the copy edits back on Candy-Coated Secrets. Look for it in April. I sent my agent my hopeful Romantic Suspense, Deceitful Promise, and am rewriting a historical; The Trail Worth Taking. So, it isn't like I'm not busy. And that's just my writing world. I won't even go into the trials of still having a 16-year-old at home and an 11-year-old. Both boys by the way. Hope all of you are well. Don't forget to pop in at www.mainlymystery.blogspot.com. A blog I co-manage with another author. That, too, keeps me busy. God bless!