Another Manuscript Finished!

Hey Cat-trackers!

I know you’ve all been waiting with bated breath to hear from me. (Leo here. The universe revolves around me, right??) Or … not so much. Whatever. Never mind. But a lot has happened since last I dropped into your in-boxes.  

For one thing, I’m no longer a shop-owner! We officially sold Heart, Body, & Soul, the metaphysical bookstore I opened ten years ago with my best friend. It was a super-fun adventure and I’m SOOOO glad I did it, but also really happy new blood has stepped up to take it over and I can step back and focus on new priorities … like learning to make martinis. OMG, my debut Lemon Drop Martini was  impressive, if I do say so myself. And strong, Very, VERY strong. Ah-hem. 

And of course there’s Career #3. It’s AH-MAZING how much writing I can get done when I’m not squeezing it in around the edges of the rest of my life. I’ve actually finished my next manuscript! Working title Deadline, a romantic suspense set in New Mexico, about a snarky podcast researcher who goes down a dangerous rabbit hole and the irritable bodyguard tasked with keeping her alive, in spite of herself. 

That said, don’t be making a space on your shelf for it JUST yet. The publishing side of things can take as long (or sometimes longer!) than the writing. But, believe me, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops when it’s time. 😉 You’ll know. 

Have to give a huge shout-out to David Mark, a gifted UK crime writer and our resident writing consultant on the Plot Twist retreat to Scotland last September. He has continued to work with me on this manuscript, and it is SO much better because of his guidance and input. Not only is he an amazing writer (if you haven’t checked out his books, DO), he’s the best of all coaches — insightful, concise, funny as hell, and crazy encouraging. Hats off! Or … down over your eyes. You do you, David. 

But now it’s time to decide what to write next. I have parts of two novels begun and need to pick one to finish. One is a sequel to Chasing Shadows – picking up Jax’s story a few years down the road — and one is a stand-alone about a quirky librarian and a crime writer whose research on serial killers starts playing out in real life. I know everybody’s wanting the Chasing Shadows sequel … but I’m really, really drawn to the library / serial killer story.  Maybe it’s time to pull out the Tarot cards and see which direction they suggest? (I may have sold the metaphysical shop, but I’m still woo-woo.)

Anyway, hope you all had a wonderful holiday (or at least a not awful one for those of you who find holidays tough). And may 2026 surprise us all with lots of little pockets of joy tucked amidst the chaos. 

Stay safe, everybody …