One would think that I wouldn’t have time for more with working full time, having a family, writing, reading, and trying to fit in sleep, but there’s always room for a little something extra. Well, not always, but because I’m a fairly restless person, I like to keep myself busy even when I’m already doing something. While we watch television shows as a family or even when I watch with just my husband or friends, I tend to have a pen and paper in hand.
I like to create fun doodles that are inspired by books, quotes, and lyrics I love. I recently started a set of country music quote doodles because I’m incredibly enamoured with that style of music right now. Below, I’m sharing some of the doodles I’ve done. The one on the left is from Alice in Wonderland, one of my favorite stories to quote. The middle is the start of one I did for Deadly News, my first cozy mystery book. The one on the right is a doodle for my good friend, Sarah Fox’s book.
I’m never ready to let go of a good story or song. The words and characters play over and over in my mind and a good way to move forward, for me, is to put my favorite pieces on paper. I have tried my hand at drawing as well but unless I’m looking directly at an example of what I’m trying to draw, I’m not that great. But let me play with squiggly lines and powerful words? I can handle that.
Former Army brat Molly Owens is ready to put down roots, and the picturesque seaside town of Britton Bay on the Oregon Coast seems like the perfect place for it. Especially when she lands a job as editor of the local paper. But she’s got one colleague who’s very bad news . . .As an experienced journalist, Molly is eager to bring the struggling Britton Bay Bulletin up to speed. But when she pushes Vernon, one of her less welcoming reporters, to dig a little deeper into the story of a prominent local family, the man ends up dead. The fact that he wasn’t well-liked makes finding the killer extra complicated. The lists of suspects range from his ex-wife to his own son to Molly’s boss, who has a secret of his own. But when Molly’s attempts to sleuth out the truth result in her receiving frightening threats, the trouble is just beginning . . .
The one bright spot is Molly’s newfound flirtation with Sam Alderich. The sexy mechanic is used to taking things apart and piecing them back together, and between the two of them they just might be able to solve this deadly puzzle—if Molly can survive peaceful small-town life long enough . . .
“The news is all good for this cozy mystery! Deadly News will make you want to pack up and move to the seaside town of Britton Bay, Oregon. The characters are vividly brought to life, there’s a perfect touch of romance, and the mystery has enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Don’t miss out on a charming new series—grab this cozy while it’s hot off the press!” –Sarah Fox, USA Today bestselling author
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