Dec 11, 2023
Tell us the top five best things that have happened to you in the past year. (Focus on writing, but other things are allowed!)
1. The release of The Rise of Jack Hennessey.
This story was a passion project. Although the Harmony Duprie Mysteries officially ended with The Ranger’s Dog Tags, I knew in my heart that the story wasn’t over. Harmony, Eli, and Jake couldn’t just fade into the sunset. There was more to the overall story, and it could only be told through the eyes of Jake.
For 22 years, semi-retired jewel thief Jake Hennessey honored his promise to stay away from Harmony Duprie. He has no plans to change that… until Special Agent Doan Houck saunters into Jake’s bar, claiming Harmony’s life is in danger.
2. Finishing the first draft of Book One of The Edwards Agency (the new version).
Or maybe The Edwards Investigations, Book One, The Rimer File. (Is that too long?) I’m still determining the title. This book has been in the works for over a decade. The first story was written as part of a NaNoWriMo project and has been reworked several times. But I knew it wasn’t ‘right.’ I took the story in a different direction, so the current draft is more of an homage to the first attempt than a revision. The ending still doesn’t have the ‘punch’ it needs, but I keep reworking it in my head and it’s getting there.
It started as a romance and has turned in a noir female PI tale set in Pittsburgh PA in the mid-1980s. My graphic artist says it’s so noir it’s black.
3. The many local events I took part in.
I didn’t sell huge numbers at any one event, but the cumulative numbers are satisfying. I know which ones I want to repeat and the new ones I want to try next year. As always, the best part of selling at events in the amazing people I meet.
4. Hitting the top #100
I hit the top #100 in three minor categories on Amazon with The Fall of Jake Hennessey on April 30. The book made it up to #11 in Heist Crime, #14 in Heist Thrillers, and #39 in Crime Action & Adventure. It didn’t stay there, but it made my day.
5. A non-writing related one
Now that I’m back in western Pennsylvania, I’m reconnecting with my siblings. Oh, we kept in contact through social media, but I didn’t realize how much I missed being able to sit and talk with them face-to-face. Heck, I’m close enough to be able to drop in for a chat without having to drive cross-country!
And there they are – my top five best things for the year. What good things have been part of your life this past year? And check out the other authors by following the links.
Until next time, please stay safe!