I always wanted to write a book—something substantial with a real beginning, middle, and end. But despite the success of my first book, a collection of short stories about my cat (deceased), I could never manage to sit down and do it. A few years ago some friends suggested my Christmas letter would make an entertaining novel. I thought they might be on to something. I haven’t put down the pen yet. (okay, okay. I write at the computer. You know what I mean.) I’ve got a few projects in the works, and am having a lot of fun turning them into something real. Click on the links below to see the Christmas letters that inspired it all.
Christmas 2004 (176)
Christmas 2005 (169)
(I won’t bore you with more…my life got less exciting in 2007. Well, that’s not true. I got married in 2007, which was very exciting indeed!)

Confessions of a Frog Kisser

Confessions of a Frog Kissser is my debut novel. It chronicles the 37th year of Sam Emerson, a vibrant and single woman who is darn sick and tired of kissing frogs. In one action-packed year she loves, loses love, loves again, and finally (it’s about damn time) she takes a look at why her relationships never go anywhere. The story is only 50% autobiographical, but I’m staying totally mum on which 50%. According to my ten-year old niece, there is too much swearing and sex. According to my (then) eight-year old nephew, there is no way Sam is a babe. I’ll just have to let my readers judge for themselves on both counts.

You don’t have to rely on the opinions of the under 20 set. Download Chapter 1 (Confessions Chapter 1 (178)) and judge for yourself. If you like what you see, you can buy the whole thing. You can also get a range of Frog Kisser products, which make excellent gifts for your friends (or yourself).

Ellie Holsinger Mystery Series

Ever since I picked up my first Sue Grafton book I’ve dreamed of developing my own mystery series. That dream became a reality in 2006. The series follows the adventures of Public Relations executive and business mogul Ellie Holsinger as she battles high-crime in the suburbs of Washington, DC. That is, unless her panic attack disorder gets in her way. The first story, Bad Heir Days are Murder for a Gal, has it all—family intrigue, bio terrorism, hunky FBI agents, and great shoes. I’ve finished the first draft, and it is currently sitting in a drawer waiting for me to feel inspired to finish it. Alas, I’ve been sidetracked by my cookbook.

The Hunting Widow’s Guide to Great Venison Cooking

When life hands you venison, write a cookbook. I’ve been cooking a lot and blogging about it, greatvenisoncooking.com, and have finished the first draft of my first volume of recipes. The book will be ready for hunting season, which is about September 1. You can get a sneak peek of the recipes on the web site.