sosmystery

I've been working on Peri's next adventure and though it is happening a few short weeks after her "SOS" experiences - the weather will still be hot.

It is difficult for me not to be influenced by the outside temperatures while I'm writing. Looking outside the window I can see the grass crisping before my eyes and the leaves on my plants look as if they've been on a starvation diet - no matter how much I water them.

After "SOS" - Peri comes back to North Carolina to get in more trouble.  It's fall and she is busy getting back in the swing of things after her vacation in North Myrtle Beach.  For those of you who have finished reading "SOS" - you know that she doesn't leave NMB empty-handed.  I won't say anymore, except to say - she has a few adjustments to make in her life due to "SOS."

But, really - anyone who has ever spent time in NMB during the fall migration or the spring safari - knows that life does change after the experience!

Looking forward to a book signing at the Wilmington public library this coming Saturday, August 14 from 2 to 4 pm.  If you are in the area, come down.  At least it will be a cool place to land.

 

It’s been a few weeks now since the whirlwind of Spring Safari down at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and I think I’m just about rested up now.

 

Book signings went well at Fat Harolds and at Beach Memories. After a couple of signings, I actually ran out of books.  Beach Memories ordered more, so if you are down that way, please stop in and get a copy.

 

I have to give a shout out to a supportive fan. Helga, from Silver Springs, Maryland was kind enough to buy several books, bring a friend in to buy a book and she also wrote a wonderful review on Amazon!  Thanks so much Helga.

 

After a conversation I had with the ladies working at the Beach Memories store, I want to emphasize that “SOS” (the book) is fiction. However, I did run into a man at Fat Harolds  who told me that “if it hadn’t been for the cat, he would have gotten away with it.”

 

Hmmm. . . .something to think about.

 

The warm weather is making all of us think about the beach and how nice it would be to get away again. . . dig our toes in the sand, sip a cool drink and enjoy the ocean breezes. Hopefully soon!

 

 

 

     Not long ago I had the opportunity to visit some old stomping grounds of mine when I traveled to Randolph County for a book signing. 

     Five years ago (has it really been that long?) I was working at the High Point Enterprise and my beat was Randolph County.  My job included some tough duties, such as covering the North Carolina Zoological Park and the Seagrove Pottery Festival.  In addition, I reported on the activities of the Archdale and Trinity City Councils, the Randolph County Commissioners, and the Randolph County Board of Education.

     Covering Randolph County was a joy and I was fortunate enough to make some great friends while I was there. A book signing at the Wet Whistle gave me the chance to visit with old friends and to make some new friends. 

     The Wet Whistle may be small, but it is definitely a “happening” place in Archdale. A wine tasting by Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards and a jewelry show brought in additional people to the book signing. Soon, as is the way in this community, we were all finding connections to each other and laughing like old friends.

      I think all book signings should be like this and am looking forward to the next one at the Wilmington Azalea Festival.

 

A couple of weeks ago I spent a delightful afternoon at Brunswick Community College with a room full of students.

I went to the college for a book signing, but ended up talking about my experiences as a writer and the difficulties in getting published.  The students were studying dialogue in their English classes and wanted to know how I created conversations between characters.

I told them that my years as a reporter helped me to pick interesting quotes, which in turn has helped me create dialogue.

And, I am a shameless eavesdropper.

 I confessed to it during the afternoon session with the students. I’m always listening to people talk, whether it’s in the line at the post office, the movie theater or anywhere else.  My youngest daughter can always tell when I’m listening to someone else’s conversation because my head tilts slightly to one side and I get a look of intense concentration on my face. She used to get annoyed by this behavior, but she has resigned herself to it now.

The other day I was in the office of a co-worker while she was finishing up a conversation with a friend.

“She’s much better now, though she still is a little snotty nosed,” she said. “But I don’t worry about her – she’s man enough to keep on going.”

I’m sure I’ll find a place for that in a future book.