Hey there,

Here we are together on the last day of 2016. This year has had it ups and downs for everyone I am sure. I got some more writing done, and I have set my sights on upping the ante in 2017 if possible. I have to finish my nonfiction book about Haunted Charlottesville, and I am working on another short story for the next anthology. I want to make time to also work on my two novels this year. That may be easier said than done, but I am going to try. I am building my confidence in story telling, and I think I can do it, I just need to sit down and proceed. More on that as time goes on.

I hope everyone has a safe and warm New Year. It is 42 degrees here in Virginia. I am a 65 and below girl so I am quite happy it is not 80 and above. I hate being hot. As time goes on, that may change, but right now, it is good.

I also went back to work full-time in the OR, it is quite cold there so it works to my advantage. In addition, I also have lots of interesting things to add to my stories,,,,,,new technology, new drugs, and new procedures. It should be quite fun.

I would suggest making some good resolutions this year and meeting them in the first couple of week of the year. If you are like me, you get lackadaisical, and forget all about them. Mine are to do more writing and promotion, how about you?

Take good care, and see you next year on the first Saturday of 2017.

Here it is - 30 minutes to Christmas Day - I am sitting here surfing the net and writing on my book some more. It is coming due quickly in March so I need to get going even faster. I am in the process of coming up with some more short stories and working on my two novels this year after I finish the Haunted Book. It is a lot to accomplish, but I will do it in small chunks and get it done soon hopefully.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas and New Year. May 2017 be your best one yet. It is a chance to start over and do it right the first time. Take advantage of that idea. Take care and have a wonderful holiday!

There is one more week before the big day. I have not even started shopping yet. I was at a Walmart last night, and I was surprised to see it not even full of people. Online shopping has become a big thing this year. Everyone I talk to has said they did their shopping online because they didn't want to fight the lines. I am amazed at how nice people have been this year as well. I think it is the season that brings out the nice. I always hope it stays like that for a while.

The weather is frightful and very cold outside. Ice was supposed to descend upon during the night. It did not, and I am thankful for that. I was supposed to hang with my son today for some shopping so I am waiting to see how that will go. I am sure a good time will be had. We went out last year for two hours and never bought anything. We did enjoy the time we spent just hanging out though. That is what it is all about, you know. Enjoying time with loved ones and acquaintances makes the season fun for everyone.

Everyone take good care and stay bundled up! As they say, Christmas is coming! It is right around the corner.

2016 has been both a great and sad year. We have lost many good people this year, it seems like one or two every week, but it has been a good year for me too. I have started writing more accomplishing another resolution from five years ago. Haha! I got the contract for Haunted Charlottesville, my first book. I am so looking forward to seeing it in print along with the awesome pictures my brother, Cliff, will add to it.

I had another short story get accepted into the Nightmares & Echoes anthology making it the third one to boot. I am grateful for these chances to share my work with the world. I always think they are mediocre at best. My delightful hubby, Michael, takes time to help me edit and make suggestions on how they could be better. It is definitely a team effort. I am ecstatic that many people in the Horror Writers Association have really liked the one I wrote called BLURRED LINE. It is my longest one to date, but I tried to add a hint of suspense and twist at the end as usual. It is not as easy as you think it is. Sometimes the characters take a life of their own, and you have to keep them corralled. I figure it is just their way of helping me to tell their story.

I hope as we head into the new year, you are starting to formulate some goals of your own. Mine are to write more again, finish my book, and get another story going for N&E 4. I have something in mind; I just haven't worked out the details or logistics yet. So we shall see.

Take care and stay warm out there. It is a cold 36 degrees where I live in Virginia. Bundle up!

Christmas is upon us and along with it, all the grandeur and hype as well. I have found myself buying online more often than not these last few years. I just don't have the patience to stand in a 50 person deep line for that special gift. Sometimes I get lucky and go right through the line, but it can be a bear this time of year.

I have noticed that people are nicer this time of year like they are aware someone is watching and making a list. They hold doors open and let you go first. I have also seen the scary side of people as well. I am sure we have all heard stories about people scrambling when the doors open and trampling others in their hurry.

This holiday season make sure to take care of yourself and all those you meet. January starts another year and another chance to do something you want, but you never had time to do. Make time this year, and get some of those tasks off your bucket list. I always take great joy in crossing one off mine.

Have a joyous holiday season and stay warm!