What I'm Thankful For as an Author

What I’m Grateful For as a Mystery Writer

Every year around this time, when the weather cools, and my characters start whispering new crimes in my ear (usually at 2 a.m., the little hooligans), I like to take stock of what I’m grateful for as a mystery author. Writing about murder, mayhem, and colorful clergy who don’t know when to stay out of trouble might seem like an odd foundation for gratitude, but trust me—blessings abound.

I’m Grateful for Readers Who Think Like Detectives

Mystery readers are a special breed. They spot clues I didn’t even realize I planted, they fall in love with suspects, they defend scoundrels, and sometimes they solve the murder before page 40, at which point I mutter, “Show-off,” but lovingly. They keep me sharp, honest, and wildly entertained.

I’m Grateful for My Characters, Even the Difficult Ones

Some characters cooperate. Others act like they were raised by feral cats. But whether it’s a puzzle-solving priest, a rabbi looking for his next wife, a Baptist minister who believes fried food is sacred, or a detective who lives on coffee and take-out, each of them gives me joy. And headaches. But mostly joy.

I’m Grateful for the Real-Life Inspirations

Every writer needs muses, and I’m lucky mine haven’t sued me yet. I’m grateful for friends, clergy, neighbors, and the occasional stranger in the grocery store who says something so bizarre I write it down immediately. A special nod to every person who’s ever leaned in and whispered, “I have a story for you,” and then proceeded to tell me something that definitely should not be said out loud in public.

I’m Grateful for Coffee and Questionable Snacks

Let’s be honest: without caffeine and whatever high-calorie snack I can find and absolutely not recommended by any doctor, my books would be half their length. Or twice their length. Hard to say.

I’m Grateful for the Joy of Solving Things

There’s something beautiful about untangling knotty plots, pulling threads, rearranging clues, and finally shouting, “Aha! That works!” Usually, after many drafts. Many, many, many drafts. But like Father Brendan, when the puzzle snaps into place, it feels like Heaven.

I’m Grateful for Humor in Dark Places

Look, I admit it…name a show on the ID Channel and I DVR it. Can’t help it, I’m enthralled with murder, or at least the reason for committing it. But writing murder mysteries with scattered humor teaches you quickly that laughter is a sacred thing. A well-timed joke, a quirky character, or a scene-stealing clergy poker game reminds me that even in grim storylines, humanity shines bright. Humor keeps my books and my spirit alive.

I’m Grateful I Get to Tell Stories

Every day I get to sit down, create a world, and invite readers into it. That’s a God-given gift I don’t take lightly. Writing has carried me through joy, sorrow, confusion, and triumph. It has introduced me to friends I never would’ve met otherwise—some fictional, some blessedly real.

So…here’s to mysteries, mayhem, miracles, and the beautiful community that makes writing them worthwhile. Thank you for reading, encouraging, laughing, sleuthing, and sticking with me through every twist and turn.

I’m Grateful for My Editing Crew

I’m SO grateful for the folks that I depend on for the production of what my crazy mind comes up with. That includes my dear friend, beta reader, and Scotsman, who I’ve yet to see in a kilt, Richard Caldwell; my developmental and copy editor, Shannon Cave, who has made me a better writer; my sassy proofreader, Stacey Goitia, who always makes me laugh; and Kerry Ellis, my uber-talented illustrator who does my typesetting and creates my beautiful book covers, and gets my books up on Amazon! Without these individuals, my stories would be mere computer files locked away, unread by anyone.

Most of All, I’m Grateful For You

I love my readers because you bring my stories to life. Every gasp, chuckle, and “aha!” moment you experience makes all the late nights, endless revisions, and plot twists worth it. I deeply appreciate your curiosity, your loyalty, and the way you dive headfirst into mysteries alongside my characters. Without you, these stories would be just words on a page, but with you, they become adventures, shared secrets, and a community that I’m endlessly grateful for.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a suspicious noise coming from the next chapter. I’d better go investigate.