I Didn't Know my own WhoDunIt!!!!

Yup, it's true. A few weeks ago I started a novel that had been simmering for quite a few months. Typically, I knew the beginning... and, since I write suspense, I knew the end (mystery solved, H and H connect, happily ever after, yada yada yada). The problem with this particular mystery is/was I didn't know who the murderer was. Nope, no a clue. It's a good thing Valley of the Sun President Valerie (who writes regencies for Kensington) invited a motivational speaker. Look at them so calmly preparing for a day of learning.

So, last Saturday, I signed up to attend the Goal, Motivation,

Conflict workshop with Deb Dixon that my local chapter was

putting on. That's her in the blue jacket and white shirt. I'm in black and white.

I had a great time (surrounded by friends) and the best part of all: I figured out who the murderer is! Not only that, but, see, I had my ending, and thanks to Deb, I also came up with a second black

moment. Yaba Dabba, doo! Thanks, Deb!!!!

Here you see paranomal author Connie Flynn, who co-founded

Bootcamp for Authors. She's sitting next to Libby Banks who is

aiming for a career with Harlequin American. BTW, they're

both my critique partners.

Not only that, but while I was sitting there listening to Deb, I
wrote the whole synopsis (And, yes, I belong to the

I-hate-writing-synopsi girls' club). Thanks, Deb!!!!

Unfortunately, now I have to convert it from the strange little

laptop I got for Christmas to the normal rightsize laptop I've had

for six years. Sitting at my table and frowning at my tiny-weenie

laptop (and also wearing a stunning black and white blouse) is

Harlequin American author Cathy McDavid. She's in

my critique group and my best friend!

What else did I learn? Well, I already knew I was a pantzer.

I don't see that changing any time soon. I also learned that

I'm never going to use a story board with sticky notes and that

most of the time, my books belong to both the hero and heroine.

Here in a green shirt is Chris Jones, another published author and pretty much founder of the Valley of the Sun Romance Writer's of America chapter. She's been the heart and soul behind the group for almost two decades.

Shades of green seem to be the color choice for many of our

authors, and yes, Harlequin American attendees dominate.

With the purse around her shoulder, this is Barbara White,

another Harlequin American author.

I love spending the day with writers!!!! And last, but not least. This is Sandra Lagesse, who is dating my father-in-law

(I fixed them up) and who writes Arizona history pieces for

newspapers. My son calls her Grandma.

If I could, I'd wiggle my nose so my fellow bloggers and all the

readers could come over for lunch. Here, take a Diet Dr Pepper

and let me tell you about my murderer.

BTW, don't forget to leave a comment! You'll be entered in a drawing to win this month's four suspense books.