There’s something irresistibly romantic about love that defies time. When I started crafting my Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series, I found myself drawn to the idea of a love story that transcends the ordinary—a connection steeped in history, secrets, and fate. One of my biggest inspirations? The classic 1947 film The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. In the movie, a strong-willed widow moves into a seaside cottage, only to discover it’s haunted by the ghost of a gruff but compelling sea captain. Over time, their relationship evolves from wary coexistence to deep, unspoken love—a love that, despite the barrier of death, lingers …
An Update Knocked Me Down But I Got Up Again
I’ve been working on my current manuscript, but it’s been slow going. Lately, it’s been tough to find my groove. External factors haven’t helped, but I’ve been plugging along. I love the characters, the scenario, and especially the last scene I wrote a few days ago. It was full of witty banter and some important clues. And then, in the middle of the night, Microsoft decided to perform an update. The next day, I opened my file and—poof—over a thousand words were gone. The entire last scene just vanished. At first, I refused to believe it. I was convinced I’d …
Share your story! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner!
Here’s the story of me and my fabulous hubby, Steve. We’ve been together seven million years and I still love the weirdo. How’d we meet? — On the National Tour of Bye Bye Birdie First date — Not really applicable since we were on the road together so I’ll do first kiss instead. LOL — Hotel lobby behind a large plastic plant. Time together — 35 years (married 30) Age difference? — 2 years (I’m older!) Who was interested first? — Mutual Who is taller? — Steve Who said I love you first? — Honestly can’t remember. Probably Steve. Most …
Do Authors Need Other Authors? YES. Yes, they do.
There are ohhhhh so many reasons for this…. I’m going to focus on one author in particular today. She’s my ride or die, my critique partner, a brilliant writer and one of my besties. Her name is Renee George. I adore her. We lovingly tear apart each other’s books with constructive and amazing critiques. I’m a better writer because of her! We love to laugh hard and hug harder. We both have husbands named Steve and are crazy cat ladies along with being certifiable dog moms. We just fit. We also do stupid shit. Read on for one of our …
Writer’s Block… yes or no?
Do I get writer’s block? Yes and no. There are so many kinds of writers and so many different methods of writing. None of them are wrong. Never let anyone tell you there is only one way to do it. You have to find what works for you. Some people plot beautifully. I’m not that gal. I’m what’s called a pantser. I write by the seat of my pants. I find it thrilling and I live for the surprises that pop up when I write. Sometimes I wish I could plot a book, but if I did, I wouldn’t write …
Embracing The Chaos of My Creativity
Coping with a Neurodivergent Brain as a Writer: My Tools, Challenges, and Joys Writing with ADHD can be a real roller coaster rush when the hyperfocus on the characters and world I am building kicks in, but most of the time, it’s like struggling through mud with sandbags strapped to my legs (or in my case, my brain). The older I get the harder it gets. I can get easily overwhelmed with noises, mundane tasks, and big to-do lists that can cause my thoughts to race and my body to shut down. When this happens, it makes it hard for …
What’s a witch to do when it snows a foot and a half outside and she should be working on a new book? Have a snow day with my dogs!
My cats want nothing to do with this freezing cold plan, but the dogs are all in. Granted, I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but I’m also not a fan of my dogs pooping in the house. You feel me? A snow day requires preparation. First, I put on the dogs’ coats. This is somewhat of a nightmare. Keith has a green puffer jacket that he despises. Cindy has a plaid pink-and-white fleece number that she can’t stand. Wanda has a thick Christmas sweater that she is positive came from the bowels of hell. It takes a good …
Getting Stoned – My Love Affair With Rocks and Crystals
Crystals and pretty rocks have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was finding a smooth a pretty one on a creek shore or buying a bag of them at a tourist shop outside a cave, I’ve always been drawn to them. Their energy, their texture, and their glimmering beauty have always drawn me in, even before I understood the meanings behind them. Over time, they’ve become much more than decorative treasures. They have become staples in my journey of mindfulness, creativity, and self-care. One of my most beloved writing tools is …
Ahhh yes, even witches have to endure maladies that the mere mortals have to deal with. LOL
When one gets mature (old), one occasionally gets back bloodwork tests with high (super duper high) sugars. Not quite over the limit, but seriously close. So when that mature (old) person needs to take a hard (and sadly realistic) look at her habits, it can be alarming—8 full-sugared cokes a day alarming…along with a love of strawberry sweet tart ropes and other sugary treats. Alrighty then, DO NOT JUDGE ME. LOL Yes, I’m fully aware that I’m an idiot. HOWEVER, I found a diet soda that didn’t make me want to perform a baldness or nose wart spell on anyone …
Not Witching Around: Getting My Crap and My Carbs Under Control In 2025
The holidays can be a magical time filled with family, friends, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of indulgence. If you’re like me, the past two months have been a whirlwind of desserts, starchy deliciousness of potatoes, fresh baked breads, and pastas. And I must confess to the occasional (okay, frequent) donut run. And while I don’t regret the memories made, my body is definitely feeling the aftereffects. Ten extra pounds, tighter jeans, and a general sluggishness have me saying, “Enough is enough!” I wish there was a witch spell or a magic bullet to make me like the things I …