Tomorrow is Thanksgiving–a time to give thanks to all that have brought beauty, love and kindness into our lives. We’re driving up to Paso Robles in central California to spend Thanksgiving day with my lovely sister-in-law and her family (which means I don’t have to cook!). I’m so excited to see my two beautiful nieces, these girls rock and inspire me with their prowess in gymnastics and soccer!
This year I’m especially thankful for the new (and old) friends and acquaintances I’ve been able to connect with on social media. I’m so inspired by you every day, and grateful that we’ve been able to be in touch–you are the best! It’s Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Never a good sign when you get an email from the publisher titled ‘Uh-oh’…but not to fear, the issues were quickly resolved and book production is back on! In fact, the ebook version of Deadly Receptions may be out sooner than expected, making its debut in December…stay tuned!
My muse has me by the collar now too–the story for book 4 wants to be told! Outlining has begun–this one is going to be fun!
Once again the writers from Twitter come through!
Author Agatha Chocolats, Thirteen Chocolates, 5 STARS
Author Agatha Chocolats takes you down a mystery laden tale filled with many twists and turns as the characters battle it out to claim the Chandler inheritance. Main character Anna takes us through the adventure of a lifetime, always questioning who is friend and who is foe as she fights to inherit, and survive….The characters gave this reader many laughs and the chocolates, oh my! A very witty whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. A great read, highly recommended!
Next in the reading queue:
Some more of my chat with Mark Schultz and Grizz
Since you are such a big Agatha Christie fan, were you able to connect with her and her work in any way? The second biggest thing in your stories, after food, seems to be fashion. You spent a lot of time talking about historic fashion as well as modern, in both books. I do find it quite interesting. You set up every woman’s fashion nightmare in Cast, Crew and Carnage. Why?
In London we were able to get tickets to the Agatha Christie play, Witness for the Prosecution. The ‘stage’ setting was actually in a courtroom used previously by the London Count Council, a perfect set location! The audience sat in the velvet tufted chairs and some of the audience got to participate as the ‘jury’. It was a great performance and super exciting to see at the County Hall historical building. We’re going to another play here in Los Angeles this week, Murder on the Orient Express. I’ve read the book and have seen a couple of the film versions of the story, but never a play. I’m excited to see how they translate the story to live stage.
I love researching the fashions that are described in my stories. I use Pinterest extensively for the more historic designs from the early twentieth century—many of these dreamy dresses are described as garments in the mega closet archive at Cherrywood Hall. I love weaving in an apparel preservation theme in the books. There are so many beautiful designs and the hand sewn beading and embellishments are amazing. I hope the fashions at these old estates are being taken care of as they are in Cherrywood Hall. I’m going to the Metropolitan Museum in NYC in a few weeks to see their garment collections. I’ll be taking lots of pictures there for sure! Always on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. 🙂
The fashions are also used in the television series, Castlewood Manor. I’ve researched many show productions and am amazed at the staffs on hand that do the reproduction designs. Earlier I mentioned the Miss Fisher mysteries on PBS–take a look at Phryne’s clothes and you will be amazed! Costume design is a big business, inspired by such greats as Edith Head, a designer who won many Oscars in her time. My Penny Atkins will hope to give Ms. Head a run for her designs and just may start her own award collection…#StayTuned
Gemma and the ladies of Cherrywood Hall seem to always hit their fashions out of the park. I get to play writer’s dress-up when I’m formulating the stories, a pretty fun time indeed. It’s always good to try keeping up with the royals!
I’m dreaming of— some holiday martinis!
Peppermint vodka and peppermint white chocolate bark liqueur or salted caramel vodka with Bailey’s salted caramel liqueur? Decisions, decisions–guess I will have to give them both a try. #JustSayin Couldn’t resist these bling martini glasses–they’re not crowns but boy do they sparkle!
Welcome to my world this week. I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday, and a wonderful weekend!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Yes, those are twinkling Christmas lights in the background–the holidays have begun! Gemma would approve 🙂
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