October's Offerings
Greetings, dear reader!
Another month of 2020 is in our rearview mirror. When I look back at all that transpired during October, it’s hard to believe it was only 31 days. A great deal happened during October, which I’d like to share with you in this posting. October offered a lot of different experiences, both good and educational.
First, I’d like to share my October goals and where I ended up for the month.
This month, my writing goals were:
Finish Court of Mystery Book 7
Prepare for quarterly newsletter
Complete Book Blog Tour
Finish Court of Mystery Book 7: I am delighted to have sent RAVAGED REIGN, the 7th Court of Mystery novel off to my editor on Friday. This particular book presented a crossroads for me, as I had originally set it up (and been building up) to go in one direction, but ultimately, I decided to go down another path for the series. It took me a while to come to terms with this decision, but after reading my revisions and polished product, I felt really, really great about what I have achieved and what I can now continue to explore with these changes I’ve put into place. One day, I’ll share a behind the scenes look at what the other direction may have been, but for now, I’m going to let Jax and her friends take a little break while the manuscript is being edited.
Prepare for quarterly newsletter: Hmmmm, nope, I did not get around to this item in October. The reason why is detailed a little more below.
Complete Book Blog Tour: I had a fabulous time touring with my dear friend Coco Cline from Trending Topic #Murder. We stopped by so many amazing book blogs to chat about my debut cozy mystery and about what makes Coco, Coco. It was so much fun, and I connected with so many welcoming readers and new virtual friends. I highly recommend any cozy mystery authors check out Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours by the wonderful Dollycas.
Now, to chat about one of the more challenging decisions the month of October offered. For those of you who follow me pretty closely online, you may notice that promotion for Trending Topic #Murder has ceased. I had planned my above-mentioned newsletter to be all about Coco and some insider deets on her life in Central Shores. I was ready to spend my November/December prepping to write Book Three in the series (Book Two is already written and waiting for edits). However, these plans need a bit of revising. You see, I made the difficult choice this month to find Coco Cline and her friends a new home with a new publisher. Due to this decision, the book has been pulled from circulation, so Coco is on a bit of a hiatus right now. I hope to have more news for you regarding her future by the end of the month, but just know this is certainly not the end for Coco Cline and the Trending Topic Mysteries. In fact, things are only going to get better from here, and I’m really excited for what’s to come. The book was so well-received by readers and bloggers that I know I have written something special, and I’m sorry that it was only available for a short time. But this is not the end and Coco WILL be back! If you are interested in owning a little piece of history, I do have a few Trending Topic #Murder copies still left. When this book is available again, it won’t be the same as this “first” edition, so get the inside scoop now!
In lighter news, I had the great pleasure this month of moderating a panel at Virtual Bouchercon 2020. The panel’s topic was Long Ago and Far Away: Crafting the Historical Mystery. I had such an amazing experience chatting with following masters of their genre: Karen Odden, RJ Koreto, Dianne Freeman, Kim Taylor Blakemore, and Edith Maxwell. Their words of wisdom were incredibly eye-opening and so informative. Not only did I learn a lot, I got to read a ton of amazing books as “homework.” Because of this exposure, I now have several book series to carry me through the next few months, which is great because I’m treating myself to a little writing vacation. I’ve written three manuscripts this year, published two books so far, queried another series, and still have another book on the way. My creative juices need a little break. I’m planning to write, but I’m not holding myself to any manuscript-related goals. What happens, happens, and I am hopeful that this little break will allow me to tackle 2021 (when it gets here) with as much vigor as I went after 2020 with!
Sarah’s Bookshelf
Between my Bouchercon reads and several must-read books of the fall, October was a great reading month for me!
Winner Cake All by Denise Swanson
Dani Sloan is back in action in this next Chef-on-the-Go Mystery. This series keeps getting better and better with every mystery. Not only was this wedding-themed (a favorite mystery topic of mine for some odd reason, as I’m not a huge fan of weddings), but the character relationships really shine in this. I love that we get two points of view with this series from realistic people. Not only is Dani fun and adorable, but I love that Spencer Drake reads like a real, everyday human being. He doesn’t dance around cussing and he has the thoughts you’d expect a man to have. It makes for an enjoyable read that I can picture myself in. Also, author Denise Swanson upped her game when it came to the food mentioned in this book. I mean, wow, every page had my mouth watering. I loved seeing more of Dani’s business in this book and it really shined!
Dangerous Duets by Karen Odden
A wonderful historical mystery that centers on a young woman moonlighting as a male piano player at a music hall in London to save up money to attend the Royal Academy. Nell is such an engaging heroine, and because of her kind heart and curiosity, she finds herself in the center of an investigation to bring down a renowned thieving ring assaulting the city. Full of wonderful descriptions and beautiful language, the supporting characters in this book made for a stunning cast. Nell’s Scotland Yard brother, her longtime family physician, and her love interest are just a handful of the deep characters introduced in this novel. I was so sorry to say goodbye to them, but so satisfied by this read!
A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Lady Frances Harleigh is shipped off from America by her wealthy parents to marry into the English aristocracy, and poor Frances lands a major cad. In a sudden turn of events, she ends up a 27-year-old widow, after her husband dies of a heart attack in his lover’s bed. Or is it a heart attack? Months later, the police come to Lady Frances’s door after she’s moved out of her in-law’s estate and into the heart of London society, questioning her about her husband’s death. What unfolds is an engaging tale of mystery, jewels, eligible bachelors, and murder. This book was a pure delight to read, I immediately bought the next one. Lady Frances is a smart, yet cautious heroine, and very self-deprecating for a woman of her standing. I enjoyed every moment of this book and am thrilled to be continuing the series.
Other books I recommend: Death on the Sapphire by RJ Koreto, The Companion by Kim Taylor Blakemore, and Delivering the Truth by Edith Maxwell
Look for my reviews on Goodreads of these, coming soon!
That’s it for October! Glad to have that month in my rearview window. Onward!
Arms around,
S.B.