Many years ago my grandmother found a recipe for candy-coated caramel popcorn that is much better than the mass-produced version sold with a toy inside the box. For years, she made it every Halloween, and she passed the recipe on to the next generation. Grandma’s caramel popcorn is buttery, perfectly salty and sweet, satisfyingly crunchy,… READ MORE
I’m fortunate to have lived in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, my entire life. It’s a sultry, mysterious city and a perfect place to set a story. In two of my romantic suspense novels, Deceived and Concierge, New Orleans is the primary setting. In Shadows, Jigsaw, and Imagine, which are set elsewhere, the lure of… READ MORE
Happy Summer, Everyone! On this hot and toasty morning, my coffee cup is full, my journal is open, and I’m making calendar entries that cover the next six months. I hope you’re having a great morning as well. I’m happy to report that my entries include to-dos for the upcoming release of Imagine, the next… READ MORE
As I wrote my earlier romantic suspense novels, from Deceived through Concierge, and now, while working on Imagine and Insertion, my two papillons have been my constant companions. They’re usually lounging on the couch in my study, or right behind my chair. This is how they look when they’re watching me write: Excited, right? When… READ MORE
My debut novel, Deceived, is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city that I’ve lived in and around all of my life. More than a setting, the city defines the mystery elements, the backstory for the characters, and the logic behind how the story unfolded. Here’s a glimpse of some New Orleans-based inspiration:
READ MORE
Approximately eighteen years ago, I was walking in the French Quarter of New Orleans and roamed into the Royal Street gallery of Fredrick Guess. Once inside, I fell in love with this painting. It features an unusual view of the St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States and a widely recognized… READ MORE
I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I recently had the pleasure of talking with news personality Mike Hoss of Hoss Communications, who seems to believe the same thing. Mike was interested in what inspires me to write my romantic suspense books and the inspiration behind my novels. He also was interested in… READ MORE
Having lived in and around New Orleans my entire life, I’ve celebrated Carnival and Mardi Gras in New Orleans in a variety of ways. These Carnival-related tidbits will get you in the spirit of the season, no matter where or when you’re reading this. (This post was originally published in February 2019; I updated it… READ MORE
Even without the brilliant splendor of fall’s turning leaves, October in New Orleans is special. If you’ve lived through a June-September stretch in this city, particularly one as hot as the 2019 scorcher we’ve just endured, I think you’ll agree that our weather makes the month of October a standout. A stroll through the sculpture… READ MORE
Ever since the publication of Deceived, A Black Raven Novel, five years ago, I dreamed of when I’d retire from my legal job and become a full-time author. However, one major drawback to retiring was that I loved my “day job.” Also, for a long time, I loved working as a lawyer while keeping up… READ MORE