Yes,It's Really Me. No, I Didn't Fall Off the Face of the Earth.

Hello all! It's been way too long since I've created a new blog post to share. Why, you ask, has it taken me so many months to sit down and write something?

The short answer - LIFE.

The slightly longer version - A family member has experienced a lot of medical issues since last fall which has required my time and attention, WIX (my website builder) decided, without asking for my approval, to change up their website and it's taken me forever to figure out how to do things now with their "new and improved" tools. I wish they'd take pity on this poor, technologically-challenged sexagenarian If you're not sure of this word - permission granted to Google it, and no just because it starts with 'sex' doesn't mean I'm being sassy.

So what's been happening in my literary world since my last blog post? SO MUCH.

The biggest thing, of course, is that Book 2: Murdered by the Blooms was released last October 14th and will soon be celebrating its first birthday. My second book baby has been well received by readers and was given the Book Excellence Award 2026 for cozy mysteries.

Doesn't the shiny gold seal look great on the cover?

I couldn't believe it when Murdered by the Books, my first novel, won the International Impact Book Award in 2024, but then to have my second book win an award, too? I'm still amazed and incredibly grateful for these accolades.

A huge thank-you goes out to my publisher, Elk Lake Publishing, my editor, Peggy Ellis, my cover artist, Kelly Artieri, my fabulous critique partners - CB, PP, and LP, and of course, YOU, the readers!

More writing news - I was fortunate to collaborate with 16 other authors on a short story anthology titled Sweet Dreams Are Made of This. We each chose a hit song from the 80s, then wrote a short story inspired by the lyrics. There is everything from soft rock, pop, hard rock, country and Christian music represented in this book along with a QR code that will take you to the complete playlist.

I chose Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison. I loved this song in the 80s and still love it now.

Spoiler alert - if you're expecting the same warm, small-town feel you get from my cozy novels, you won't find it in my short story. I tried something new to stretch my writing skills.

Be sure to stay tuned. The authors who worked on this anthology have agreed to do another one. Bring on the 70s!!!

Now for the question I seem to get asked multiple times a week.

When is Book 3 coming out?????

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I've been wondering the same thing.

The past 8 months have been challenging for me. As I mentioned earlier, my dad has been dealing with health issues and several hospital stays, and as his primary caregiver, much of my time and attention has been focused on him. I won't share details because his story is his to tell, but I've learned caregiving takes up more than hours in the day. It takes up space in your head and in your heart too.

And that has made writing difficult. Having time to sit at the computer and having the headspace to disappear into Willow Springs are two very different things.

But have no fear. Book Three is coming. Jillian, Travis and all their family and friends in Willow Springs are never far from my thoughts. There are secrets to uncover, trouble to stumble into, and knowing Jillian, probably a few reasons for Ethan (Detective Harden) to wish she'd mind her own business.

To those of you who have asked when the next book will be available, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! Your enthusiasm means more than you know and serves as great motivation for me . I simply ask for a little more time and your patience so I can give you the best story I possibly can.

Before you go, I have a little secret I've been keeping. I'm not ready to spill the beans just yet, but I can tell you this: two lucky readers will soon have a very special connection to Willow Springs.

Intrigued? Come back September 15th and I'll tell you more.

Please take a moment to leave a comment about this post. I love hearing from you!

Stay well,

Jodi