November 19, 2023

Fact vs Fiction

Friendsgiving is coming and I’ve got pies to bake and rolls to make. Squash pie - a tradition from my New England family, as well as fresh whole berry cranberry sauce, made in the crock pot - pecan pie for my Southern-born son - sage stuffing, turkey, and all of the rest of the sides. We celebrate being thankful for each other, for the people in our lives and the good things that have happened in the past year. It’s not about pilgrims and all that bullsh…baloney. There’s something to be said about being grateful and recognizing the good in our lives. There is so much negative out there, we need to stop and appreciate the good. It’s essential.

What are you most grateful for this year? Let me know in the comments.

I’m grateful for a lot of things - a home that is safe and warm, becoming more and more how I want it to look for me. Friends and family that enrich my life in numerous ways - readers that leave me wonderful feedback - a career that is so much more than I ever expected it to be - yeah, there’s a lot to be grateful for in my life.

I’ve had a few folks ask me how much reality is in my fiction? Just enough, is my usual answer. I’ve been slammed for putting politics in my books - for putting LGBTQ+ characters in my books - for cussing in my books - and for me? All of that is reality. That is MY reality. And yes, I did work in gov’t intelligence for many years. I also hold two Masters degrees - one is a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence with a concentration in Terrorism studies, and the other is a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with, again, a concentration in Terrorism studies. As for the cussing? If you’ve ever spent any time around law enforcement or military folks, you know there’s cussing.

I don’t go over the top, but I do want it to feel believable. For me, when I first started reading paranormal/supernatural fiction - the thrill was when it felt like it really could possibly be real. If you just knew that one bit of information, or could see around the corner a little more quickly - you’d know. So, I try and write stories like that. I write the kinds of stories I want to read. It’s definitely one of my gratitude things.

I’m about done with Jolene and started on Saoirse. Have you preordered them yet? You can get them on my site for less - or on your favorite shop through these links - Jolene and Saoirse.

Saved by the Everyday Hero will no longer be available after November 30th, so grab it now.

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