My Secret Strategies for Handling Edits

Okay, this post is going to be really short because I’m on deadline and my revisions are due back to my editor Julie Sturgeon by Saturday. Many readers ask me how I handle editing and revising my manuscripts. I have decided to reveal a few of my deepest secrets. Some of my editing strategies for The Last Crossing: 1. Set the timer on my iPhone for 30 minutes so I get up and move around. It’s good for my health and clears my mind. Plus, potty break. (amended: Pay attention when the timer goes off.)   2. Set my iPhone Read More

A Ghostly Mystery Coming Soon

Does Halloween put you in the mood for a ghost story? Then The Last Crossing is for you! The third book in the Finger Lakes Mystery series, this book follows The Cavanaugh House and Buried Secrets. Once again Jesse Graham’s life is turned upside down by a ghostly visit. This time it’s a child whose presence will disrupt the relationships most important in Jesse’s life. Pre-order your copy here. Here’s a sneak peek at the opening scene of The Last Crossing:   Chapter One June 1969 It was the whistle of the train at midnight that signaled another ghost. Jesse Read More

Ready for a New Mystery?

Photo by Meyette Photography So many of you have been anxiously awaiting the next sequel to The Cavanaugh House. I know you’ve been wondering what Jesse, Joe, Maggie, and Marty have been up to. Introducing (drum roll, please) THE LAST CROSSING. And you can PRE-ORDER your copy today!   Publication date: October 31, 2018. Cover Art: Meyette Photography   The Last Crossing It was the whistle of the train at midnight that signaled another ghost. Jesse Graham wants to concentrate on planning her wedding to Joe Riley. But try as she might, she can’t escape the spirits who haunt her. Read More

Four Mysteries I Couldn’t Put Down

When I was a media specialist (school librarian) I always planned special “March is Reading Month” activities to promote reading and books  for my students. To celebrate Reading Month this year, I thought I’d share some book recommendations with you.  When my friends tell me about a book they’ve enjoyed, I put the title and author in “Notes” on my iPhone. That way when I go to the bookstore or the library, I have great recommendations at my fingertips. Go ahead, write these down. Then leave me a comment with one or two of your favorites. The House on Tradd Street Read More

Haunted by the Perfect Word

Author’s note: I originally published this Feb. 26, 2014 while I was writing The Cavanaugh House. I am now working on the third book in that series (yet to be named) and still find myself “haunted by the perfect word.” This blog popped up in a search and I still find it applicable – and fun. I did settle on the word “scritch”, and when Amy McFadden reads “scritch” on the audiobook version, it will sent chills up your spine. The Cavanaugh House is now available in most ebook retailers now, too. See the list at the end of the Read More