DYING FOR A COVER

Nothing defines a book more than its cover. In fact, fifty percent of readers purchase books based on the cover art. As a humorous mystery author, I not only want to create an enticing cover, but I also need to find a way to combine humor with homicide. Now that can be a challenge! My…

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DYING FOR A RECIPE

As autumn approaches, what do you most look forward to? The beauty of the fall colors? Cooler nights with a fire roaring in your fireplace, a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other? A mad scrimmage on the ten yard line? For our family, nothing says fall like a tangy…

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DYING FOR A DONUT

What makes you drool over a book? Is it the title?  If so, how could you resist a book called Dying for a Donut? A lip smacking mystery. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.) Or is it the cover that first catches your eye? COVER 1 We’ve all heard that phrase, “a picture is worth a 1,000…

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DYING FOR A TITLE

I love making up book titles. Don’t you? But I have a feeling most authors don’t come up with a title first and then devise the plot! DYING FOR A DATE was an easy choice for the first book in my Laurel McKay Mystery series. My single soccer mom was struggling to juggle her kids,…

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Killer Cocktail Contest

I love holidays – the bigger the spectacle the better. With Sacramento temps hovering at 110 degrees or more this summer, there’s nothing like a cool, refreshing libation to kickstart the party spirit. Speaking of cool cocktails and hot celebrations, did you know that July 19th is National Daiquiri Day? I discovered this amazing tidbit…

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Dying for a Daiquiri – Uncovered

Congratulations to contest winner Jaci Muzamel. Who knew choosing the cover for a book titled Dying for a Daiquiri would be more controversial than the debate over the location of the Kings’ basketball team? After reading the blog and Facebook comments regarding my four diverse cover selections, I have far more sympathy for Congress. And…

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The Deadly Daiquiri Cover Up

Congratulations to contest winner       Priscilla Caporaletti-Bean. How many of you have taken a Hawaiian vacation, only to discover paradise can be perilous? Sure, those beautiful islands offer balmy breezes, turquoise water, waving palm fronds, and sandy beaches. But what about deadly sharks? Poisonous sea urchins? And the most lethal of them all? Those fruity drinks…

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The Popsicle Syndrome

Written by Guest Blogger Terry Ambrose Today I welcome Terry Ambrose, author of two very funny mystery series. Terry and his protagonists seem to have something in common. Find out if you do as well. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• It’s not easy being a smart ass. There are days when it’s as simple as falling off a paddleboard.…

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Sex Anyone?

Written by Guest Blogger Lois Winston Today I welcome guest blogger, Lois Winston, author of the critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mysteries published by Midnight Ink. Assault With a Deadly Glue Gun, the first book in the series, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Death By Killer Mop Doll, the sequel, was released…

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The S Word

Mine is not the generation of free-flowing dialogue about S*X. My mother’s idea of S*X education was to warn me: “Stay away from boys!”

Though profanity in two languages was part of my vocabulary from my early years, I never heard the word “S*X,” or any associated with it, like “PREG****” spoken aloud in my home or neighborhood.

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