My day to post was Christmas–I think you’ll all understand why I didn’t. Beside what people usually do who celebrate Christmas we had guests with us.

One of my blog mates has already posted about New Year’s resolutions, so I won’t do that, but I will write about what I plan to do this coming year.

1. Spend more time with those I love. None of us know how long we’ll be here and each moment is precious. Besides my husband, I’m going to enjoy every moment my great-granddaughter’s interrupt me while I’m writing.
2. Enjoy my writing life and not stress over it. What a privilege to be able to spend time doing something I’ve enjoyed doing for so many years.
3. I’m not going to worry about the fact that I’ve never made much money from my writing, instead I’m going to rejoice in the readers who have told me how much they enjoyed one or more of my books.
4. Be thankful for my fellow writers who are so generous with their support.
5. And give my support to my writing friends and new writers who come to me for advice.
6. Be thankful for all my blessings and there are many.

I’d love to say I’ll be better about posting on the 4th Monday of the month in 2018, but I doubt that will happen as I yet have been able to conquer WordPress. I seldom can get it to post on the day I’d like it to happen.

I have had some exciting things happen this past year. Some of my old books that hhave been republished on Amazon, and Aakenbaaken & Kent are redoing all the books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery series. The first in the series, Final Respects, is re-edited and available on Amazon in paper and for Kindle.

Re-editing was an interesting process as the book was written in the early 1980s and so much has changed since then. But the publisher and I decided not to update it.

If you haven’t read the series yet, this is a good place to begin.

See you next year!

Marilyn

(The above is a panel of police officers from all over the country who’ve were detectives, undercover, and served in many different jobs, and every one I can call my friend.)

I’d like to tell you about my favorite, the Public Safety Writers Association’s annual conference. It’s in July in Las Vegas—but because of the summer month, the hotel where the conference is held is extremely affordable. And of course, air conditioned. In fact, sometimes it’s too cool and I always tell attendees to be sure and bring a sweater.

Why is it my favorite? Because not only do you get to hear from the experts in many different fields of law enforcement and other public safety areas, ones you might not even be aware of, you have the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one.

Everyone is friendly. If you become a member, you’ll have the opportunity to be on the listserve where you also can ask questions. I’ve had some great answers, even received some ideas for plots.

The professionals welcome the expertise of the mystery writers—and if you want to be on a writing, editing, or promotion panel, you merely have to say so when you sign up.

This is a small conference with only one track, so you never miss anything–and believe me, you won’t want to miss any panel.

There’s also a writing contest for short stories, unpublished novels, published novels and articles. Any submission must have an element of public safety in it, a police officer, investigator, fire personnel, public health, EMT, etc. Doesn’t have to be a major part. The rules are on the website.

There’s also a pre-conference writing workshop for a small fee.

This is the time to get signed up, there’s an early bird registration fee which runs out on December 31. Besides the wonderful conference, the pre-conference reception and three gourmet lunches are included.

Get signed up right away for my favorite small writing/mystery conference. You won’t be sorry.

Marilyn

https://policewriter.com/wordpress/

And a gift from me:

Today through November 30, my short story, Death of a Deceiver is free on Kindle.

It’s a great way to be introduced to Deputy Tempe Crabtree of my mystery series. Enjoy.

https://www.amazon.com/Death-Deceiver-Short-Crabtree-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0774QGQK1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511702221&sr=8-1&keywords=death+of+a+deceiver+meredith

Well, maybe not running–but I have certainly begun the promotion for my latest book, A Cold Death, with as much spirit and energy as possible.

This is my first book signing for the new book at Branches Books and Gifts in Oakhurst. Long  drive but one of my favorite towns. Lots of pluses, got to lunch and visit with an old friend, then after the signing, went to dinner with grandson, his wife and great grandson. Though I didn’t sell a ton of books, did sell some to people who like mystery series.

I’m also in the middle of a blog tour–it hasn’t gone smoothly, hosts forgot to put my post up–not sure why they wait until the day and don’t schedule it–but I’ve had many great comments and the book is beginning to receive reviews.

My next event is planned at Stafford’s Chocolates, yes, it’s a store that sells handmade delicious chocolates, only 17 miles from home. I’ll let you know how that goes, but if all else fails, I can eat chocolate. The store is excited to be hosting me–so that’s a plus.

Also attending a the Great Valley Bookfest on October 14th in Manteca–also a long drive, but well worth it. The people come to it planning to buy books.

While all this has been going on, I’ve also taken the rights back for some of my books and new editions have appeared on Amazon.

This is a book truly from my heart-not exactly a mystery, though there are some mysterious elements–but it is based on something that happened in our family.

This one is a mystery–the first one I wrote and published. It has been re-edited–it is about child abuse, astral projection, murder, and a touch of romance.

https://www.amazon.com/Astral-Gift-Marilyn-Meredith-ebook/dp/B075M7B7PW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1506264448&sr=1-1&keywords=the+astral+gift+by+marilyn+meredith

So you can see, though I’m not really running, I feel like I have been. I’ve also been learning new things along the way.

What new places have any of you tried for book signings? Anyone else experiencing new challenges along the way?

Being an author is certainly not for sissies!

Marilyn

Sometimes we authors forget the importance of living–and I’m just as guilty at times as anyone else.

This past month has been particularly full of all of the above. My latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, A Cold Death, is now out and I’ve been busy with promotion plans, setting up a blog tour, finding a couple of local places to do signings–no bookstores so I’ve arranged for a signing in a chocolate store (they also sell designer coffee drinks), and at a local Inn. I have a Barnes and Noble signing in the closest big city, coming up September 9th.

I’m also working on my next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery, and it’s going great–lots about the private lives of my police officers–and of course a murder. Only problem is finding time.

As for the living we had a wonderful family reunion and spent time with relatives who live near and far, including two of my great-great grandbabies. And yes, I’m old enough, I just celebrated by 84th birthday. One of biggest fans who is now a good friend, took my husband and I out for lunch–2 1/2 hours of eating and visiting, great fun!

One of big things about living is the pure joy of being around family and friends. And for writers, ideas for stories and plots and characters are all around you, just waiting for you to notice.

Right now, something so romantic has been going on with a young family member I know that one day I’ll either write the story or incorporate it into a novel. I can’t say what because at this point it’s still a secret.

Anyway, writers keep on doing what you have to do, but take time to enjoy your life.

Marilyn

This is unusual for me, I’m usually early for everything. But I’m not good with WordPress and have as yet not been able to post something ahead of time and have it appear when it’s supposed to.

July has been a busy month for me. My next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery is done, been edited, I’ve gone over the proofs and sent them back, and seen the cover. It should be ready next month. Don’t have a date yet.

I attended the Public Safety Writers Association annual conference. It’s always in Las Vegas in July–but most folks never leave the hotel. It’s a small conference and my favorite. The majority of attendees are or were in some sort of law enforcement or public safety field (FBI, police, military, fire ER, dispatcher, etc.) who all write both fiction and non-fiction. A handful of mystery writers come and we sit in on the panels about writing, publishing, and promotion and gather lots of wonderful information about crime, criminals, gun fights, etc. It’s a great way to do research and have fun.

I’ve started writing my next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery and have a theme and title already. Now the trick is to find the time to work on it.

I’ve given three library presentations and have one more this month.

And my life has been full with family events too.

I’ll try hard to be on time next month and I’ll have information about my new book to share.

Marilyn

Me at the Fresno library–Wm. Saroyan room.