That Magical Time Of The Year Is Here

It Snowed Today

and the upcoming holiday isn't Christmas. I love the white stuff once a year. On Christmas day. So I'm hopeful the weatherman is right and the snow will be history before Thanksgiving.

For all in this country who celebrate the holiday, have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm cooking and looking forward to enjoying the feast. Actually, it's the leftovers I crave. Nothing like a hot turkey sandwich smothered with gravy. Yum.

Now I'm off to kill someone. For anyone just tuning in, I write murder mysteries. So that will be one of my characters dying tonight.

Until Next Time...Debra

Halloween/New Mystery Series

Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays. But for some reason I just couldn't get into it this year. Am I getting old? Or probably more accurate, I don't scare that easily anymore. Which brings me to one of the problems I'm facing.

I've been trying to get back to work on my third Fay Cunningham mystery, but continue to hit a snag. It's not that the story isn't working. It's Fay. She's a changing and I'm not sure I like where she's headed. So I'm thinking it's time to work on the new series I've been contemplating. Next problem, I can't seem to find a lead character I'm going to enjoy spending weeks, months, and hopefully years with. I've almost decided to just take this new character and make her as different as night and day to Fay. Then when I become frustrated with her, I'll return to Fay and have some fun. I guess that's the real problem here. As Fay grows as a character, I'm having trouble letting it happen. I want her to stay the same. I guess my earlier statement that I don't scare that easily anymore wasn't true because my indecision about Fay and creating a new character I want to spend countless hours with is scaring the heck out of me.

The thing is I know I'm going to have one of those moment's when it will hit me and I'll know exactly what to do. I'm not sure when this will happen. But it will. The sleepless nights will be history and my fingers will be flying across the keyboard as I spin a web of lies for readers.

Until Next Time...Debra

Yuwie

For everyone who enjoys myspace, I wanted to let you know about a new site that is similar. The big difference is you get paid to do all that networking. Go have a look and check it out. Click on Yuwie.

If you want to see the page I have there, click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Not Dead

Or on Summer Vacation. Yes, I've been way bad by not adding to my blog. Will it help if I tell you I've been a busy little beaver working on a book? It's true. When I'm drafting a book I tend to get lost in my make believe world. Sorry, but there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all I'd like. If only I didn't have to take time to sleep. I know I'd be able to accomplish most of my to-do-list.

I will confess I don't spend 24/7 working. What fun would that be? Although I will admit I love my work most of the time. When the words are flowing, it's heaven. When they're not...well, let's not go there.

It's been a productive summer for me and I'm not in any hurry for it to come to a close. But, fall is my favorite season. So with any luck, I'll finish my manuscript by the time the leaves change and I have more time to chat.

Until Next Time....Be Well And Take Time To Read A Good Book....One Of Mine Will Do Just Fine....Debra

In Celebration...

Of Independence Day in the good old USA I invite all to visit this site.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Okay, Dads, time to kick back and enjoy the day.

Cooling Off

I thought the cover of DEADLY ARROWS might help cool off those experiencing a heatwave in their neck of the woods. Reading an excerpt might also help. So here goes.

My boots dug into the crusted snow as I swung my bow forward. A twig snapped nearby and I jerked my head around fearing a hunter. I listened. Silence. I ordered myself to remain focused.

The postal truck rounded the curve and slid to a stop alongside a rotted two-by-four supporting the mailbox. The driver reached out the window and stuffed a bundle of envelopes into the rusty box. Then the vehicle’s rear tires spun on a patch of ice before it launched forward and disappeared around the bend in the road.

Just like clockwork, she appeared at the cabin door. Wearing only a tee shirt and jeans, she dashed for the mailbox. As she came around to the front of the box, I pulled back on the string, hesitated, then released.

The arrow hurtled between the trees. The direct hit sent a spine-tingling thud through the forest. I sucked in a breath of frigid air as I watched her stagger backward then crumple to the ground.

It was done. Time to go. Read more...

Purchase the book

Forgetting

No, I haven't forgotten to blog. I just haven't had much of anything I wanted to say. For those following my post about attempting to bring down my cholesterol, that's where the forgetting comes into play. I keep forgetting to get on the scales to see if I've dropped any weight. I think this is an intentional lapse of memory since I haven't been on the treadmill for a while. I could say I've been too busy, but that wouldn't be the honest to God truth. I could make the time. The good news is, I haven't become a couch potato either. I've been filling my flower beds with an assortment of summer beauties. Add pulling weeds to this along with other yard work and I figure I'm getting a good amount of physical exercise. It's certainly a lot less boring than walking on a treadmill. Oh and I've been trying to add more fruits and veggies to my daily intake of food.

My third Fay Cunningham mystery is going slow. Things are becoming more complicated than I'd planned. A few characters refuse to do or say what I think they should. Even as I write this blog, one of my characters is talking to me--interrupting my train of thought. She's insisting I give the manuscript another subplot. I don't see it happening. At least not in the first draft of the work. Then again, it might not be such a bad idea. It would certainly add more conflict to the pages. And conflict on the page is a good thing. My character is on the verge of winning here. Time to go do some serious thinking--outlining.

Until Next Time...Debra

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Wishing Mom's around the world a Mother's Day they will cherish forever! Debra

Illegal Drug Questions

Okay, here's the deal. I'm working on my third Fay Cunningham mystery and have some questions. In this book, young people are dying. I don't have the story line all worked out. But, the book opens with the suspicious death of a recovering heroin addict. There are two reasons why my first victim in this new book is a heroin addict in recovery. One, there have been a large number of deaths in my neck of the woods due to heroin overdose in the past several years. Arrest are being made, but that hasn't stopped the growing number of overdose deaths. Two, I have a family member struggling with this devastating addiction. So here are my questions that I'd like your answers to.
1. Do you believe someone should be put in jail for using an illegal drug? Before you answer, remember that I'm only asking about if they should be jailed for using the drug.
2. Do you believe the billions of dollars the US government spends annually on the war on drugs is working?
I'm asking the second question because I'm having a hard time believing it is. In my quest for answers, I've run across an interesting organization. LEAP(Law Enforcement Against Prohibition).
So I guess my third question for all to ponder is, do you think it's time to listen to what these folks at LEAP are saying?

Until Next Time...Debra

The Pounds Are Finally Coming Off!

I'm back to report that I haven't fallen off the treadmill, though you might of thought I'd fallen off the face of the earth since I haven't posted lately. The weather's been terrific around my neck of the woods lately so I do my walking outdoors, mostly. If I don't get the workout in before the sun goes down, look out treadmill, here I come. Looks like I'll be doing more of the indoor exercising the next several days since the weatherman painted a dreary picture for the days ahead.

The good news is I finally stopped gaining weight(muscle) from all this working out. I've actually lost two whole pounds.

Anybody read any good books lately? I'm having a terrible time finding one that keeps me turning the pages. Usually when this happens, it means I'm about to take the plunge and start writing a new one. I've been seriously thinking about a new mystery series. I'm waiting for a character to begin talking to me. Several keep popping into my thoughts. But that special one has yet to be heard from.

Until Next Time...Debra

It's Not Snowing, but

I got a treadmill. If you read my last post you know I need to get my cholesterol down before my next doctor visit. I never used a treadmill before. So the other night when I hauled one home and talked my husband into helping me put it together, I stepped aboard. I read somewhere you get a better workout if you don't hold onto the handrails. So I let go, began swinging my arms, then tapped the button on the console to increase the speed. If not for those handrails I grabbed, I would've done a nose dive into the floor. Ouch! Carpet burns on the face would be a bit difficult to explain, don't you think?

The only time I ever stepped onto scales to do a weight check was on my yearly visit to the doctor. Since I decided to exercise and watch my diet, I've been checking my weight. Tonight when I stepped on the scales I know shock radiated from every facial feature. I've now gained a total of six pounds. Wait a minute, I thought diet and exercise made you lose weight. The workouts, added fruits and vegetables to meals doesn't seem to be working. Must need some sweets. A hefty slice of leftover Milky Way cake from a family member's birthday is sitting on the counter waiting for someone do something with it. Need I say more?

Until Next Time...Debra

More Snow

I'm not sure why I haven't posted since our last snow storm. Could it have something to do with the white stuff drifting across the land? I've swept off my front porch a dozen times today. Each time I put the dog out, I get a workout with the broom. I figure if I wait until the storm's over I'll have to do some pretty heavy shoveling. I don't think I'm in shape for that just yet. Although I did take several long walks this week, giving the legs a hefty workout. I couldn't resist the sixty and seventy degree temperatures we had here earlier this week. Then again, there's a good chance the walks had more to do with trying on my swimsuit from last year and taking a look in the mirror.

Here's the real truth behind the walks. I finally decided I was long overdue having my cholesterol checked since I never had. Come to find out it's higher than it should be. I'm not in the danger zone yet. A little exercise and watching what I eat should keep me from needing to go on meds. Okay, the day I get the news, I decide to start exercising and watching what I eat. A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. Yum. The exercise is a half hour of weight lifting or a long walk. Three weeks of the oatmeal and exercise and I gain three pounds. When I mention this to a neighbor, he says I'm bulking up from the weights. So that explains the clothes fitting tighter. Wonder what it's doing to my cholesterol numbers? The doctor gave me six months to get the number down. I'm checking into treadmills next.

Until Next Time...Debra

Snow Storm

Here we go again. On Valentine's Day we got hit pretty hard. The snow's supposed to be coming again tomorrow. Though the weatherman seems determined it won't be as bad as the Valentine's Day storm. Let it snow. The cupboards are stocked and so is the refrigerator. Should the power go out, I'll be okay. I can cook on the grill in the garage and stay warm by throwing wood on the fire. I can read by candlelight and fantasize about being on a sunny beach instead of in Pennsylvania during a winter snow storm.

Even if the weatherman is wrong and we get hammered again, you won't hear me complain too much. After all, once the last storm passed I spent a big part of the afternoon sled riding with my three year old grandson. Haven't had that much fun in ages. The real kicker is I had no trouble getting out of bed the next day when I figured every muscle in my body would retaliate from being overworked. Guess I'm in better shape than I thought.

Update: I'm on myspace and recently revised my page. If anyone wants to run over and have a look click here.

Until Next Time...Debra

Sidney Sheldon

I was saddened to hear of Sidney Sheldon's passing. He was an incredible writer. The Other Side Of Midnight was the first book I read by him, though not his first. I went on to read all of his books. I don't think another writer affected me or my writing quite like Mr. Sheldon. So, this is a tribute to you, Mr. Sheldon.

New Blog Look

Okay, okay, I've been neglecting my blog again. Sorry. But you have to give me some credit. I spent the last hour tinkering with a new look for the blog. So what do you think? In my humble opinion it's much easier reading on the eyes. For newcomers, the last blog had a dark blue background with white lettering.

I won't bore anyone on what I've been doing since the new year arrived. But I will say it's been a rip roaring start for 2007. I'm hopeful this means the year will end more peaceful.

I just finished an online writing workshop that has been helpful with tearing apart the manuscript I'm working on. The fun part will be putting it back together without doing damage. So wish me luck!

Until Next Time...Debra