September’s Question Seeing what animal/landmark/famous person was a memorable first in your life? Debra H. Goldstein: I had three memorable “first” famous person sightings. When I was five, I saw Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob at a charity show and excitedly managed to get my not-so-excited dad picked to be part of a skit with […]
Choose Your Chocolate by Nancy J. Cohen Today is National Choose Your Chocolate Day. Somehow this treat makes its way into our stories, either as an indulgence the heroine enjoys, a coffee shop menu item, or a hot drink on a wintry day. Then there are recipes that authors share with readers, tempting them to […]
AUGUST’S QUESTION What mystery-based TV show(s) do you enjoy, and why? Nancy J. Cohen: I love the Hallmark Movie & Mystery Channel because their cozy mysteries are the type I enjoy. These are mostly lighthearted and fun with a dash of romance. I also am a fan of The Brokenwood Mysteries on the Acorn Channel. […]
Summer Blockbusters by Nancy J. Cohen Summer used to be the time for blockbuster movies. As June approached, you looked forward to some of your favorite franchises returning with long-awaited sequels. You’d buy tickets and watch the films in darkened, air-conditioned theaters while munching on popcorn or Sno-Caps. The pandemic brought a halt to movie […]
July’s Question What outrageous character names tickle your fancy? Terry Ambrose: I’m terrible with outrageous character names! However, I’ll give this a go. How about a femme fatale named Scarlett Ribbons? Or a boss who was called Malum Dictatum? The psycho could be Doozy McCoozy. And a stalking ex could be Folle McVey. Nancy J. […]
Forget Me Not by Nancy J. Cohen The forget-me-not flower has had a symbolic use throughout history. I think of it in a different manner. As I’m revising book #17 in my Bad Hair Day Mysteries, I look for repetitions so as to eliminate them. My first draft is basic storytelling. I rush through, writing […]
Box Sets by Nancy J. Cohen It’s exciting to try something new. I love to read series. I’ll get hooked on the characters and their world and devour the stories, like I’m doing now with Lindsay Buroker’s Star Kingdom science fiction world. When I turn the last page in this eight-book series, I’ll be sad […]
True Life Experiences in Fiction by Nancy J. Cohen “How much of your books are true stories from your own life?” Writers are often asked this question. In response, I’d say that many of our personal experiences inspire our stories. For my current work in progress, our problems with bathroom renovators inspired the tale. The […]
New Beginnings by Nancy J. Cohen January is the start of a new year and also the beginning of decisions to come. Should you join a health club, plan the vacation you’ve always wanted or submit your manuscript to a publisher? We start out with great resolutions that often fizzle along the way. It’s best […]
We hereby resolve to… by Debra H Goldstein, Nancy J Cohen, Lois Winston, Cheryl Hollon, Diane A.S Stuckart, and Maggie Toussaint I’ve given up resolving to do things like exercise, lose weight, or be a kinder person; so, my resolutions for 2021 (beyond hugging family and friends again) are 1) embrace my tendency to procrastinate […]
