Secret Path

Received a positive rejection from one of the agents who was giving the first twenty pages of my feel-good inspirational series, The Sisterhood of Shepherds, a look see. Though she praised my writing and suggested that I submit to her in future, she isn’t a fan of the cozy (at least, not my cozy!).

Yeah, it’s a bummer. I don’t have anything else to submit so it’s like receiving a kiss from your brother (no offense, guys). Now waiting on three other agents who are still reviewing (soooo slowly!) the entire manuscript.

But while indulging in some chocolate fudge, I received a congratulatory email from a local bookseller regarding an article I had been expecting in Senior Living magazine.

Judee Fong, a lovely and talented writer and attendee of my mystery writing course, has kindly penned a few words about moi.

So, thanks Judee for an excellent and entertaining article. Now get back to finishing your whodunit starring the fabulously-named detective, Newton Figgsbee.

I wanna know why the killer shoots twice!

Originally created to pitch to Guideposts, for whom I have written six novels in the Church Choir Mysteries series, the series focuses on family, fun, friendship and forgiveness.

Sisterhood of Shepherds

These “cold cases of the heart” are at the centre of the SISTERHOOD OF SHEPHERDS, a cozy feel-good inspirational series starring three adult sisters, Faith, Hope and Charly Shepherd, who hesitantly answer a personal calling to assist others in atoning for past wrongs.

Their ongoing journey, told in third person from Charly’s POV, is one of discovery, heartache, humor and redemption.

I’ve finished the first volume, HEARTSONG, and have submitted it to two interested agents. Now we wait for a response…probably for two to three months.

That’s a lot of chocolate fudge eating time…in the interim, why not read the first few chaps?

One recent reader commented: I like what I read so far of “Heartsong” …The excerpt merely whets the appetite for more.

Love to hear what you think!

Nervous Nephew - Original

The Nervous Nephew, one of six that I wrote in the series, is now available in large print sporting a terrific new cover, available through Guideposts and from Amazon.com.

The Church Choir Mysteries series offers enjoyable and inspiring feel good stories starring sixty-something sleuth, Gracie Parks, along with a cast of entertaining characters.

Nervous Nephew - New

In The Nervous Nephew, Clayton Williams arrives in town, claiming to be the sole relative of Anna Searfoss, an elderly children’s book author. A funny coincidence, given Hollywood’s sudden interest in Anna’s stories. Gracie’s suspicions of the young pretender heighten and she sets out to learn his true identity.

I really enjoyed this book ! It is seldom you will find a mystery that is wonderful for all ages! (Jennifer Smith, Amazon.com review.)

Now that you’ve seen the two covers, lemme know which one you prefer. I bet it’s the same as my choice.

Thought some of you might be interested in coming along for the roller coast ride.

If you’ve read the earlier post, you’ll know I pitched the series concept to Guideposts and got the thumbs down. Ouch!

After a couple of days (well, a week really, but who’s counting?) consuming chocolate, I made the same pitch to some agents, two of whom requested the complete manuscript.

So, I’ve been at it most days; thinking, biking, munching, scribbling, mulling, walking, more munching and the occasionally typing.

Believe it or not, I’ve produced 30,000 or so word gems and the story’s taking shape. Good news: I’m half finished. Bad news: I’m half not finished.

Today, 913 words; tomorrow…?

Stay tuned; I might even let you read some of it!

I’d been very fortunate to have participated in writing six novels in their cozy series, the Church Choir Mysteries, now available again, in large print.

The Angel's Secret cover

After some serious contemplation, I developed a concept that I thought would sing to them. Initially, my pitch for a cozy inspirational series, called the Sisterhood of Shepherds, went well and I was asked to submit the usual 50 pages plus an outline.

Took a few weeks but I finally finished it, ran it by a couple of independent readers who loved it, and then sent it off to the managing editor. More weeks dragged by until I received a nice but negative email. Ugh.

I was crushed and disappointed; I thought my concept suited them to a tee. After a few days kicking myself and them, I decided, what the hay? I’ll submit it directly to some publishers.

Good friggin’ luck. The marketplace has changed dramatically since my first published mystery. I learned that you can’t get in most publishers’ doors without an agent.

Period.

Okay, I thought. I’ll try for another agent (am no longer repped by my original one). Did the research, got the emails and sent the whizbang series pitch to a dozen well-know agents who handle cozy inspirational work.

And waited.

Not too long though as the next day, I heard from two. Both interested and wanting to see…THE FULL MANUSCRIPT. Of course, I didn’t have one so I sent them the 50 pages plus the outline.

Again, both loved the pages and series concept but neither will commit until they see the completed manuscript.

Bummer! I had figured (arrogantly or naively) that my track record of eight published mysteries was sufficient to be considered by a partial submission.

Not any more…at least, not for someone like me. So now I’m beavering away, finishing the manuscript and hoping the agents will still be interested when it’s complete.

All this got me thinking: was I in a total dream world still expecting to snag an agent who would submit a partial to publishers?

I’d love to know if I’m in the minority so please, feel free to comment and bring me up to speed.

Church Choir Mysteries: the Angel's Secret

This is terrific news.

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to work with Elizabeth Kramer Gold and Guideposts as part of their first original fiction continuity series, Church Choir Mysteries.

I loved Guideposts’ idea of publishing entertaining and inspiring fiction and greatly enjoyed creating amusing and mysterious stories for Gracie Parks and her friends.

In the end, I wrote 6 of the 24 volumes; it was my “divine gig”.

Church Choir Mysteries: the Unsuitable Suitor

I hope you’ll give the CCM series a try; perhaps for yourself or as a gift for someone who would appreciate the larger typeface.

For more info and how to order from Guideposts, click here.

So far, you may purchase the large print version of The Nervous Nephew from Amazon.com and The Angel’s Secret from Amazon.com.