SORE THROAT IN LAKE TAHOE

Unbelievable! I've waited since before Christmas to get in some ski time, and here I go and get sick in beautiful Lake Tahoe. My husband Bob took to the slopes this morning and said it was absolutely glorious! There ought to be a law against a husband bragging about how great the skiing was when his wife is stuck in the cabin!

Yesterday it snowed all day, and tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same. Oh, well, maybe next time. At least I'm getting some publicity work done. And, glory alleluia, I'm actually making some progress on the 5th book in the Sarah Woolson series. (Between sneezing, coughing and blowing my nose, that is).

Sorry, if it sounds as if I've got a good case of the "poor me's", you're probably right. Then again, when will another "perfect ski day" come along? (When I'm here to enjoy it, that is).

SORE THROAT IN LAKE TAHOE!

Unbelievable! I've waited since before Christmas to get in some ski time, and here I go and get sick in beautiful Lake Tahoe. My husband Bob took to the slopes this morning and said it was absolutely glorious! There ought to be a law against a husband bragging about how great the skiing was when his wife is stuck in the cabin!

Yesterday it snowed all day, and tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same. Oh, well, maybe next time. At least I'm getting some publicity work done. And, glory alleluia, I'm actually making some progress on the 5th book in the Sarah Woolson series. (Between sneezing, coughing and blowing my nose, that is).

Sorry, if it sounds as if I've got a good case of the "poor me's", you're probably right. Then again, when will another "perfect ski day" come along? (When I'm here to enjoy it, that is).

ANOTHER GOOD REVIEW FOR SCANDAL ON RINCON HILL!

Yeah! I received a great review today from Library Journal, which will go out to all the libraries in the county. I'm also happy to report that SCANDAL ON RINCON HILL pre-orders on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble online have been very brisk. Another big Yeah!

All in all, it's been a very busy month. Not only have I been spending hours on publicity for SCANDAL (for those of you who have never done it, this is a full time job all on its own!), but I've been sending out signed, hardcover copies of the first three books in the Sarah Woolson series -- MURDER ON NOB HILL, THE RUSSIAN HILL MURDERS, and THE CLIFF HOUSE STRANGLER -- every day throughout February. (Check out the Contest Page button at the top of this page to read the names of the winners so far. They've come from all over the country, plus one from Germany). Next month, I'll be awarding an Amazon Kindle, a $75 Amazon gift certificate, a $40 deluxe day planner, and a $20 Flex book light to four lucky winners, so if you haven't already signed up there's still time.

I'm trying to find a little time to watch the Olympic Games coverage on TV, but it isn't easy with all the work piled up on my desk. I'm so proud of our American athletes. They all work so hard. What dedication. Way to go USA!

Bob and I will be traveling to San Francisco next week to celebrate our daughter Karen's birthday. It should be a lot of fun! My fingers are crossed that we can head to the Sierra's for a little skiing before we made the long drive back to Eugene. It all depends on the weather. Wish us good luck! I'll let you know how it goes.

Hurray! I'm finally entering the 21st century!

To those of you who maintained it would never happen, it has! After many excuses and endless procrastination, I've finally made the leap into the world of blogs. Never one to even keep a diary, the whole idea of sharing personal feelings and observations with others is downright scary. My agent, my editor and most of all my children, however, have at long last convinced me that baring my soul does not have to be frightening. As one writer friend told me, it's actually cathartic and lots of fun! I sincerely hope she's right. So, starting today, Friday, August 10th, I'm making a pledge to share with you if you'll share with me.

I'll start off by saying that I live in Eugene, Oregon, with my husband Bob and Viszla Beau (a Hungarian bird-hunting dog). When I figure out how to post pictures to this blog, I'll show you what Beau looks like. In the meantime, picture a red-brown, short-haired dog with long, floppy ears and the most expressive eyes you've ever seen. And, yes, he's spoiled. He's also loving, active and ready for a good romp any time of the day or night. We had a beautiful white cat named Fletch (after the Chevy Chase movies), but gave him to our daughter when Fletch protested (non-stop) about being on the road so much. He now reigns happily and majestically as King of the Hill at her home in northern California.

Speaking of being on the road, I'll be visiting Murder By The Book in Portland, Oregon, this Sunday from 4 to 6 pm. If you live in the area, please drop by and say 'Hi". (Check my events page for contact information) Bye for now!