My Books

How Bored Do We Have to Be?

Some time ago I read an article by a man who was vastly in favor of AI, especially for writers. “It’s just a tool,” he claimed, “the same as a pen or a typewriter”. Pardon me while I stop laughing. I have this image of a typewriter taking every word ever typed on it and…Read more How Bored Do We Have to Be?

What have I been up to?

While the weather's still nice, I'm enjoying many author-related activities. For instance: Last Saturday I had a wonderful time with authors Max Folsom and Kara Lacey. We formed a panel arranged by the Springfield Library, Springfield VT and Sisters in Crime New England. It's such fun chatting with people about the writing life, giving them…Read more What have I been up to?

‘Tis the Season (for murder)

In the spirit of October, I'm posting an old poem of mine from seasons past (sung to the tune of "My Favorite Things"): Mysteries in millions And novels with corpses Bright copper daggers And all the pale horses Brown paper packages dripping with gore These are my favorites So let’s have some more! Cream-colored cupcakes…Read more ‘Tis the Season (for murder)

Rejection, anyone?

Rejection: a fact of life for writers. Recently in the Short Mystery Fiction Society, someone asked what was our worst rejection. In my long life as a struggling writer, I've been lucky with tactful, encouraging rejections. The only bad one I ever got wasn't really a "rejection", at least not of a finished work. Long…Read more Rejection, anyone?

Just a quick update:

INAUGURAL DERRINGER AWARD FOR BEST ANTHOLOGY FINALISTS The Short Mystery Fiction Society has announced the Finalists for the Inaugural Derringer Award for Best Anthology. Congratulations to all! First finalist listed: Devil's Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024, edited by Susan Oleksiw, Ang Pompano, and Leslie Wheeler. Containing my story "A Christmas Cat in the…Read more Just a quick update:

One of the best ways to spend a winter day in Vermont.

I'm not a winter sort of person. I used to live in Southern California. If I heard about an outdoor venue where I could promote and sell my books, it was an easy decision. Drive out, set up a table or share one, and sit back to enjoy whatever happened. At the very least, I…Read more One of the best ways to spend a winter day in Vermont.

The Best Books to put you on Raymond Chandler’s Mean Streets

Shepherd.com invited me to list five of my favorite mysteries -- and why they rate: https://shepherd.com/best-books/raymond-chandlers-mean-streets

A little Mystery in Life?

I love journals – what writer doesn’t? I'm sure you've heard it before: the smell of the paper, the feel of the covers, the bright promise of clean pages. Long before I dreamed of writing my own stories, I loved the pure hope contained in all those blank pages. The promise and possibilities can’t be…Read more A little Mystery in Life?

Desert Eyes

© DRIFT magazine When I moved to the northeast, people asked me, “How could you bear to live in the desert? It’s always the same.” Long ago I visited a friend who lived in the southwest, and on the drive from the airport to his home outside town, he remarked, “You’re lucky. The desert is…Read more Desert Eyes

Come join us!

And bring your questions! On Aug 29 at Alumni Hall in Haverhill, NH, I will participate in a panel discussion about writing and publishing. I know I will have a great time comparing notes with authors Bernie Marvin, Zoe Tilley-Poster and Michelle Sherburne, moderated by my good friend and writer-buddy Hilary LLewellyn-Thomas.