Me at my desk? Well, not exactly—though I absolutely adore this image. It’s how I imagine my workspace could be if I had a touch of magic!
As a writer crafting tales of fantasy, I get to indulge in a bit of make-believe, right? Writing is magical after all—or at least, it feels that way on the good days. On the bad days, it’s a bit more like trying to herd magical creatures that are far more interested in mischief than productivity. But such is the journey, filled with frustration, chaos, and, ultimately, reward.
This space will be where I update you all on that journey—on the spells cast, the ones that fizzled, and the stories that are brewing. I’ll be updating monthly, sharing the triumphs, the struggles, and of course, the latest news on my books. Because writing really is a journey, one with many twists and turns.So, stay tuned for the magic…
March 15, 2026
Time marches onward and I’m so pleased that Secrets, Spells & Shadows is done. Cover flat for paperback books and formating for sale is all that is left to do! So crazy how fast this is all happening but I am having a blast doing it.
Created a trailer for Secrets which I love, and inspired, I took the lyrics for Eamon’s song to Sera, Whispers of the Past and had them set to music. The songwriter’s voice, one sitting between singing and storytelling, especially the slight rasp in the throat, gives it a very Irish/folk/ballard feeling and captures the emotion of a father’s love song to his daughter. You can listen to it here Whispers of the Past.
Other news include a book trailer for Secrets, Spells & Shadows. Have you checked out the new Reader Fun & Entertainment section? Lots to do and see. Keep checking that area as I’ll be offering collectible collector cards soon.
Now that Secrets is basically in hold mode until May 12th and its official release date, (preorder available) I can devote all my attention to book 3, Charms, Curses & Clues, which is up for preorder with a release date of Nov. 12, 2026. Let the fun begin! Especially with the scavenger hunt…
January 7, 2026
It has been a crazy month between Magic, Mirth & Mayhem out and finishing the first draft of Secrets, Spells & Shadows. It’s a lovely thing when everything falls into place! Secrets is now up for preorder for Kindle (digital) and the release date of May 12, 2026 has been set.
It has been a crazy month between Magic, Mirth & Mayhem out and finishing the first draft of Secrets, Spells & Shadows. It’s a lovely thing when everything falls into place! Secrets is now up for preorder for Kindle (digital) and the release date of May 12, 2026 has been set.
If I have one word to describe the writing of this book, that word would be FUN! My imagination went where I’d never have dreamed possible and the fact that it practically wrote itself just adds to the awe and satisfaction.
The rest of this month and next is to finish the final polish and send it to the editor in March.
Secrets is up for preorders. Click here
November 29, 2025
Today I thought I’d share my view when I’m writing today. In July I started a 72 gal freshwater planted aquarium. It replaced a 220 gal saltwater tank that was just getting too much for me: Taller than me (I’m 5′) and took up almost one wall of my 10×10 office. Not to mention the high maintenance needed to keep it going! But I love fish, and as a Pisces, water is my element. I am most creative near or in water. This tank is a nano fish tank. all small fish plus one beta (Siamese fighting fish) and a ton of red-fire shrimp. This tank is pretty low maintenance and a joy to observe while my brain is busy writing.
Aside from fish, I also have cats who insist that I cannot write without their supervision! Koko in the box, Molly on the keyboard cover on the laptop and Toby in the box on the desk. Not pictured, Luna and Rubert Gilbert Wobblepants. There are also two dogs under the desk. Cat and dog beds take up a lot of space in this room! 4 cat beds, 5 dog beds. Rupert like to steal one of the dog beds and they are not happy about that as it is the favorite.
September 11, 2025
Too Cute to Resist 🧶🐻💖
Look what I found—aren’t these patterns just the cutest?! I can already picture my grandkids cuddling these cuties at Christmas. 🎄✨
But here’s the real question… will I actually finish them in time, or will they sneak into my ever-growing pile of WIPs (works in progress) and UFOs (unfinished objects)? 👀
Tell me—how many WIPs or UFOs are hiding in your craft corner right now? Be honest… 😉
September 11, 2025
Writing with “Help” 🐾
I’m never truly alone at my desk. With five cats in the house, at least four of them believe they’re my “co-authors.” They think they’re helping, but… let’s just say my keyboard was halfway off the desk before I caught it.
My office has no fewer than five cat beds. Do they use them? Rarely. One gets claimed regularly, but the others? They sit empty while the cats sprawl across my desk like they own the place.
Willow’s take: “Of course we own the place. Those beds are for show. Real editing happens on the keyboard—preferably while it’s sliding toward the floor. You’re welcome.”
So yes, writing is always a group project around here. Some days I wonder if Havenwood Cove really belongs to me… or to the cats.
Anyone else have “helpers”?
September 1, 2025
A Little Catch-Up
It’s been a year full of ups and downs, and I thought I’d share a bit of what’s been happening behind the scenes.
Back in January, I started making monthly trips to Washington to help my 91-year-old dad. From January through April, I spent a week each month up there. In May, things took a turn and what was supposed to be a short trip became a month-long stay. Dad ended up in the hospital, then came home on hospice, and passed away mid-month. Those weeks after were spent going through his house and belongings. By June, I finally came home—tired, grieving, and with the estate still to settle.
Through all of that, I did manage to finish Magic, Mirth & Mayhem in July, and by the end of August I’d completed a full edit. It’s now with my editor, which feels like a huge accomplishment in the middle of such a hard season. I only wish my dad could be here to see it. While cleaning out his house, I discovered he had saved every single one of my previously published books and all the promotional things I’d sent him. He really was proud of his “author daughter.”
The sweet pup in the photo is his dog, Tzusi-Q (or Susie-Q). She’s a 15-year-old Shih Tzu and has now joined my little menagerie.
Looking forward, I’ll soon be diving into Book Two: Secrets, Spells & Shadows. I can’t wait to return to Havenwood Cove—it truly became my haven this year when I needed one most.
November 2024
November has been a busy month. Tons of writing, too many hours at the “day job” (retail during holidays is a killer) and lots of marketing. Who needs sleep, right?
As most writers will tell you, our characters often run the game of writing. They can be crafty (sneaky), difficult, stuffornly silent or full of gab! And often, they dictate where the story goes or nix perfectly good plot points! I had several major plot reveals demand to be included in the series–some won’t be revealed until much later and a couple might come as a huge surprise (I hope). So I’ve been scrambling to update my series excel spreadsheet. I’m itching to blab, but mum’s the word!
I finally have my first Newsletter ready to mail just before Thanksgiving. It’s been a journey figuring out all the ins & outs of email marketing, including the need for a PO Box! Did you know that email service providers (ESPs) now require a physical address? I do now lol’s. I’ve also started a private Facebook Page for readers. Check out the Magic in the Making page for information and links.
I welcome comments, and will be adding the comment feature to more website pages, as well as updating and adding new content. It just all takes time!
September 2024
Words are flowing! The world and story are really coming together, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve passed the halfway mark. This first novel is turning out to be a bit bigger than I originally planned—there’s still so much to unfold before I can finally type those magical words: The End.
As for the series as a whole? Let’s just say there’s going to be a MAJOR reveal in the final book, but… my lips are sealed for now. Stay tuned for more hints as we get closer!
I’m also diving into some fun marketing and promotions. Since this series revolves around a magical yarn shop, I’m creating crochet patterns inspired by the story! Readers can crochet along with Sera—and by the time you finish the book, you’ll have a completed project of your own. To kick things off, the first pattern will be a Granny Square Scarf—simple enough for beginners, but with bonus content for more advanced crocheters, too. This pattern will have special meaning to Sera, and I hope it will to you as well.
I’m also exploring the idea of custom hand-dyed yarn that reflects the magic of the series. It’s still in the works, but fingers crossed it all comes together!
I’m aiming to finish the book by the end of the year, with a release set for early 2025. I’ll keep you updated right here with any new developments.
June 2024
Just a quick note: Magic, Mirth & Mayhem has reached the halfway mark-unless I go over the word count lol’s. I am hoping to be done by end of summer. Cover is done. Will spruce this page up. Eventually 🙂