In the Dregs of Winter

Is it just me or do these weeks seem to be zipping by? It feels as if Saturday mornings - when I write my weekly blog - are arriving more often than they used to :-)

I spent this week working on my latest Stonechild manuscript. As I wrote last week, I was having difficulty settling into this one and thought about chucking the first 5000 words and starting over. I'm now approaching 8000 words and have rewritten the opening chapter. The plot line is starting to shape up, hopefully with enough interesting characters to carry the story. I'm thinking about a field trip for this one as I've moved the setting north although the internet is a great resource for getting the geography right.

I thought that I'd be working on the Anna Sweet manuscript but received word last weekend that my editor Pam had to go out of town on a family matter so her edits are postponed until things are sorted. It's not a bad idea to take breaks from editing anyhow - gives perspective and a fresher set of eyes. I know I'm happy for the break.

Bleeding Darkness received some terrific advance reviews from bloggers this week. Breakaway Reviews in the United Kingdom says: "Bleeding Darkness is one of the best murder mysteries I have ever read..."  and  Joanne Hurley writes: "Recommended for anyone looking for a well-written and well-crafted mystery." My publisher wants me to let you know that the book is available for pre-order from all the book chains and independents so please help spread the word. It is due out early May and apparently advance sales help to make a bestseller with even more profile on the book sites. Kind of chicken and egg scenario ... to get higher profile and more sales, the book first has to sell ...

February was deceptive, making us feel like spring was around the corner. We've been back to snow and cold and depressing winter-like weather. So today I'll stay indoors and will keep working away at the computer. Happily, I got my taxes organized and in to my accountant and have checked that off my to-do list. I still have the office cupboards to clean out but they've been stuffed to the rafters for ten years so no rush. We're still waiting for spring after all.

Finally this week I'd like to send a shout out to Elfrieda Bock, a fellow curler at the Granite. She told me this week that she'd recommended Cold Mourning to her book club and they'd discussed it at this month's meeting. How nice is that?