The first mystery story I ever wrote was in fourth grade. It was titled “Secret of the Mossy Cave.” At the time I was enamored of Nancy Drew, so the “M” in my middle name stood for mystery (actually, it’s Marian). I remember how excited I was when my teacher, Miss Cherry, singled out my story to show the principal. She thought it showed real talent. From then on, I had my career path carved out on that mossy stone. I was a writer!
Flash forward a few decades. After publishing 15 women’s fiction novels–the latest is THE REPLACEMENT WIFE–I’m returning to the mossy cave. I had the idea for a series featuring an amateur sleuth, and set in the fictional Northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay, when I was recently in that part of my home state, staying at an oceanfront home on a remote stretch of beach. Aggie Ballard was born. She spoke to me, boldly marching over to introduce herself. She’s a recovering alcoholic who looks after her schizophrenic brother and manages the properties of her wealthy clients, one of whom is the handsome, charismatic Bradley Trousdale, to whom she’s wildly attracted. I felt like I knew her by the end of page one. She’s quirky, irreverent, curious (often to a fault), and determined. In short, she’s a lot like me. As for the particulars, I’m not in AA but I know the territory well, and I have a grown son who’s schizoaffective, which makes life interesting and can be humorous at times, if you can laugh at life’s curve balls.
I will be posting updates, and closer to its debut I’ll have a pub date. For now, I’m enjoying my romp through Cypress Bay, where you never know what will wash ashore with the tide. Thanks to my writer pals I have an amazing support system. If you want to try a new and exciting literary voice, check out my friend Samantha Stroh Bailey‘s first novel, FINDING LUCAS. And good news! She has a second one coming out.
Look forward to hanging out with you in the mossy cave!
