How One Thing Leads to Another

How One Thing Leads to Another

We all know the concept of a chain of events, where one thing leads to another and another, and before long, history is made. There are countless stories of how people from humble beginnings are lifted up by strangers, only to return the favor years later through some spectacular turn of fate; people who stumble into a career and end up successful; people who meet serendipitously, and end up being soulmates.

Everyone has these moments in their lives. I’m sure you can think of several in your own.

This month I’m thinking of so many times in my writing life where I’ve met new people, done new things, and grown as a writer and as a person.

For example, had my Old English sheepdog puppy, Nana, not been the naughtiest, wildest, most mischievous animal, I might never have written NAUGHTY NANA. Had I not written NAUGHTY NANA, I would never have met with my fellow author and friend, Susan P. Baker, to discuss writing and publishing. I might never have been invited to join Susan’s writers’ critique group, and never would have been challenged to write MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT, my first novel.

Here’s another example: After I wrote BAD BLOOD SISTERS, I received a phone call from my dear friend, Karen Crummett Sawyer. An active member of the Elks Club, Karen told me the Elks had decided to start a book club to raise funds for the Texas Elks Children’s Fund, and they were going to read my book. Honored and delighted, I offered to attend the book club event and lead a discussion. To enhance the fund-raising, I offered to auction off the rights to become a named character in my next book.

The night of the book club, several women engaged in a bidding war to be a named character. I won’t say how much money it finally sold for, but it was a solid donation that would do a lot for the children’s fund. The person who won the auction, Tammie Caballero, became a main character in CRYSTAL BLUE MURDER, and a wonderful friend. The Elks Sweetheart, Asta Hannan Timm, also became a friend, and she offered to host a book launch party for CRYSTAL BLUE MURDER. That party took place at Diana’s Bartique, and I got to meet and befriend Diana Miller and Darla Murray, both boutique owners par excellence.

Darla, who subsequently opened her shop, District Rags, invited me to speak at two fashion shows she sponsored. One of those fashion shows was at the local retirement home, The Meridian. After the fashion show, the social planner of the facility, Mary Nell Partin, contacted me. The Meridian decided to start a book club, and its first-ever book would be BAD BLOOD SISTERS. Today I met with the people at The Meridian, and we had a super-fun meeting. Next month, they will read MURDER IN THE ONE PERCENT and have me back for an encore.

So many of the adventures I’ve had and the people I’ve met have come about because of this kind of networking, lovely people who’ve introduced me to other lovely people. I am grateful beyond words for so many opportunities to share my writing, and especially for so many friendships. If you are reading this newsletter, you fall into this category.

Thank you for bringing your own special light to my author journey. I hope I’ve been able to return the favor in some ways, large and small. I always thought, when I was an educator, that this exchange of light—of wisdom, of empathy, of help—was central to the career. I think the same is true of being a writer.

I’m always glad to answer any questions, lend any support. Let me know how I can help you.

Since we’re in the midst of a summer heat wave, I thought I’d share a quick, easy, and delicious lunch or dinner recipe:

Summer Greek Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Serves 4

Salad Dressing

· ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

· 3 T red wine vinegar

· 1 garlic clove, minced

· ½ t dried oregano

· ¼ t Dijon mustard

· ¼ t sea salt

· freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salad

· 1 English cucumber, cut lengthwise and then into ¼ - inch thick slices

· 1 green bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces

· 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes

· 5 oz feta cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes

· 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

· 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives

· 1/3 cup fresh basil chopped

· fresh mint leaves

· *Optional: 1 lb of cooked, boiled shrimp

Instructions

1. Prepare the salad dressing by whisking together all the ingredients

2. Cut up/prepare the vegetables and seasonings [and shrimp if you choose to add]

3. Mix with the dressing and gently toss. 

4. Can top with fresh mint leaves before serving, if desired.

While I’m preparing salads, having company, and trying to stay well this summer, I’m writing the sequel to BAD BLOOD SISTERS. Quinn is trying to stay away from trouble, but Sergeant Schmidt of the police department asks her to identify the body of her favorite high school English teacher, the woman who helped Quinn handle the betrayal suffered at the hands of Ana and Brad. Reluctantly, Quinn goes to the morgue, only to find a shocking detail that launches her smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation.

You know I’ll need advice to pick a title, so put on your thinking caps. And here’s a hint: this book also has a lot to do with sisters.

Have a cool and healthy summer, and please keep in touch.

Much love,

Saralyn