Sentiment, Sincerity, and Sidekicks

We missed sidekicks Carolyn and Nancy yesterday but Jane, Peg, and I held down the fort. The fireplace warmed the house, the homemade blueberry muffins were tasty and the coffee was hot. Two hours flew by as we talked of books, why we did or didn’t like a certain one, poems and the importance of leaving a literary legacy. We also discussed fresh ideas for The Ghost of Moonlight Past which will be the third in the Ned McNeil Moonlight series.

Jane wrote a poem, When You Think of Me, for her grandchildren. This was about their childhood experiences with Jane. It was a happy reminiscence which was filled with advice for life. I certainly liked the sentiment. It inspired me to write something especially for my own grandchildren.

Peg has read a book that was…well, I don’t know how else to say it…Peg said the book was awful.

Jane and I gasped because Peg doesn’t often say this. “Why was it awful?” we asked. So, she told us: it wasn’t at all to her taste and definitely did not fit the definition of being a cozy. The violence was beyond graphic. It simply wasn’t an enjoyable book.

However, she is also reading Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis. Peg is thoroughly engrossed with this cozy mystery. It is about a town dedicated to cats and dogs. Those are two of Peg’s favorite subjects. I agreed that Krista Davis is, indeed, a talented author.

I have always known the merits of a critique group and yesterday’s discussion was one reason they are so valuable to a writer. Peg and Jane had some wonderful, fresh ideas to include in The Ghost of Moonlight Past. In fact, if I had been suffering from writer’s block (and I’m not admitting a thing) their suggestions would have put an end to it. I can hardly wait to get back to writing.

Union Gospel Press has sent me another assignment, so I’m thrilled with that. In a couple of months, my guest blog will be out on Southern Writers Magazine. Be sure to watch for their holiday catalog which should be available November 1. By the Fright of the Silvery Moon will appear in that catalog. I can hardly wait to see it.

Along with the fireplace, my enthusiasm for writing is burning brightly today. My sidekicks, the Cozy Critters, have re-charged my batteries.