Hi, I'm thrilled to say I have another short story sale. Yippie! "The Easter Prize" will be in the April issue of True Story magazine. (It's possible any of my titles could be changed.) This is a touching, emotional story about forgiveness, generosity and acceptance among different socio-economic groups. It contains a grown-up romance as well as some high drama among children at Easter, centered around a prize egg. When I was in 3rd grade, someone stole my prize egg. I was not happy, but I did get it back. :-) The other kids also teased me about my naturally curly hair. (See photo in a post below.) I won't give away what one has to do with the other.
;-) Hope you enjoy the story if you have an opportunity to read it!

PS Vanessa, please email me when you get Internet service and send me your new addy. :-)

I hope you are all keeping your resolutions and meeting your goals this year. I've been writing more short stories and having a blast. Before Christmas I went with a friend to see the decorations and gingerbread house competition at Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Here are some photos.




















Here I am outside in front of the historic Grove Park Inn main building.












Check out this amazing view! The mountains in the distance with a mist below them.


















Here is one of the lovely gingerbread houses. These are made completely with food.
















A quote carved into the rocks in the Great Hall.

I've sold my first short story, a romance called "An Ex-con Stole My Heart." It will appear in the March issue of True Confessions magazine. In case you're wondering, this story is NOT about me. :-) I expanded and fictionalized a real situation I heard about a few years ago. I don't, in general, find ex-cons appealing but I have read a couple of romance novels with ex-con heroes and I loved them. This type of hero probably has a dark, shady, and painful past. He's dangerous and mysterious. Did he commit the crime or didn't he? If so, why? Can an ex-con be truly honorable and trustworthy? These are some of the questions I address. The ex-con in my story is both strong and vulnerable. He's trying to make a fresh start and create a new life for himself. He's sexy and a fantastic cook. ;-) If you read this story, I hope you enjoy it!

I wish you all the best in the New Year--health, happiness and success. May all your dreams come true this year!