Halloween, et al

Most of us have vivid Halloween memories from our childhoods—costumes, trick or treating, candy overload, knowing which neighbors gave out the best and worst treats, tricks played on the neighborhood grouch who never participated.

I remember the weather. Where I lived, the same place where I live now, summer weather reigns for nine months of the year. (Here’s a heron enjoying the 90* weather just two days ago. Today it’s in the 60’s.)

I distinctly remember many Halloweens when the weather turned cold and rainy just in time for trick or treating. While that seemed like nature’s cruel trick, we never let the weather spoil our fun. And neither do today’s little angels and devils who ring our doorbells, looking for “the good candy.”

Nowadays I make sure I have plenty of “the good candy” on hand, although I do have qualms about sugar highs and tooth decay that may result. This morning, one of my neighbors posted in a neighborhood group on Facebook, that, in addition to giving out candy, she was going to set out a table with shelf-stable, nutritious foods that anyone could take if they need it. They don’t even have to ring the doorbell.

What a great idea! I’ve asked if I can participate, and I headed to the grocery store to buy items I thought families would enjoy. This isn’t about politics or looking for attention. It’s just about helping out when people have trouble meeting their basic needs.

(And I remember the passage from Angela’s Ashes when Frank McCourt fantasizes about how he would make a hard-boiled egg last for a month, if only he could have one.)

And while we’re on the subject of Halloween treats, I hope you’ll join in the Halloween Flash Sale, October 31 – November 2, online at www.blackbirdwriters.com for our once-a-year flash sale of amazing mysteries at crazy-low prices, with giveaway baskets that will take your breath away! But hurry--this sale won't last long!

I’m proud to be one of the Blackbird Writers, some of the best mystery writers in the business. You may just meet your next favorite author there!

As we go into November, I’m excited to participate in two special Galveston events. The first is an evening with Rachel Cockerell, the author of Melting Point: Family, Memory, and the Search for a Promised Land. The book is one of my resources for my current work in progress, a historical mystery set in 1903 Galveston. The author event is being sponsored by Congregation B’nai Israel and the Galveston Historical Foundation, November 10, 7 pm, at 3008 Avenue O. You can pre-order books at Then and Now Bookshop or purchase them at the event on November 10. Rachel is a creative thinker and a dynamic speaker. Her book “invented” a new genre of nonfiction writing, and it’s won acclaim from the literary world, including the New York Times Book Review.

Also, I’ll have a booth at this year’s Moody Market, November 21 and 22 in the Fellowship Hall of the Moody Methodist Church. I’ll have all my books with me, ready to personalize and autograph, and I’ll have a surprise opportunity for you, as well. If you’re in the area, come by and take advantage. It’s all for a good cause and lots of fun!

If you can, come see me in either location, or let me know if you’d like to order holiday books as special gifts for your friends or family members. You can order at www.palmcirclepress.com on the bookstore page, or through me directly by responding to this email.

Until next month, Happy Halloween, happy reading, and much love,

Saralyn