First Merrivale and DEAD ON ARRIVAL

New cozy mysteries and sample chapters are coming soon. The first Merrivale cozy mystery novel from Zumaya Publications is scheduled to come out in November, 2009 and sample chapters will be posted on its page at my web site. The Maryvale name is changed to Merrivale but my characters still have all their good points, freckles and all, so come get acquainted with them and the gifted citizens too. The first of the series is THE DEVIL IN MERRIVALE and it's a big and beautiful (and comfortable to read) trade paperback.

I will be speaking at the grand opening of the new and beautiful new library in nearby Jacksonville, Arkansas on April 26 at 10:30 AM and I'll say more about this series then. Please stop by and say hello if you are in the area. They have asked me to speak on "How to Write a Novel" so I have my speach all finished and my 'props' ready. One of the things I'm taking is an article about Janet Evanovich to give those in attendance the courage not to give up when they get discouraged. I'll also have a drawing for an ARC and explain what those are.

The main body of my talk will be how to JUST GET STARTED, giving some of the tools and helpful things available for a budding writer.

Of course, the first thing I'll point out is there are as many ways to write a novel as there are recipes for spaghetti - so do come by if you can. There will be questions from the floor and your two cents and your presences are welcome. That's another good thing for writers, to talk with and network and enjoy meeting other readers and writers.

Keep checking on the sample chapters on my site, as well as news about other things.
Break's over!

Lost in Googleland!

Hi, everyone! Anyone? I hope there's someone out there - this is the first blog with my new e-mail address. I'm now a gmail user and off we go!

First of all I'm still trying to find my way around and recover some addresses and things I seem to have lost in the rush.

Mainly, my new books coming out now are:
STRANGER IN PARADISE: HC from Five Star, romance suspense 3/09
THE DEVIL IN MARYVALE: TR from Zumaya Publishing, first of the Merrivale cozy mystery series, 11/09
DEAD ON ARRIVAL: HC from Five Star, first of a new Maggie and Joe cozy series 1/10

Late bloomer or not, I love to write and plan on writing as long as I can see the monitor LOL :-)

The very best thing I've discovered about writing is meeting new friends, fellow readers and writers - so please, visit often and sign the guest book and know your input is welcome. Since I have a gripe-in session once in a while, please feel free to tell me all your good news and bad news, and of course, any funny or helpful or warning experiences you want to share. I look forward to hearing from you.
Break's over!,
Jackie