Cat Tip of the month: Cats especially like stretching and clawing when they wake up from naps, so if your cat has a bed she likes, put it next to a scratcher instead of on furniture she shouldn’t be scratching. Marci Koski, feline behaviorist

Hello friends! What about this Portland weather? It’s 9:00 and just perfect outside. Cats like it too, sleeping long in the sun. Does this mean we’ll have an sizzling hot summer or a wet and soggy one? I am enjoying retirement, especially being able to do what I want when I want to. The lack of funds is a bit worrisome. It’s time to win the lottery or write that best seller.

The American Association of University Women-sponsored Sisters in Crime Panel in March was fun and illuminating. The 10-author panel discussed villains and “How to love your bad guy”. I learned a lot from my “sisters”.

I’m excited to announce the Cat Writers’ Association accepted my application for professional membership. I’m honored to join the ranks of such great cat writers as Shirley Rousseau Murphy, Carole Nelson Douglas, and Clea Simon.

Cat’s Cradle, a Crazy Cat Lady Mystery short story came out on April 30. For the time being, the cost is .99 for kindle and $3.99 for the cutest little print book ever!

It’s not about cats, but don’t forget to check out my thriller, Placid River Runs Deep which delves into murder, obsession, and the challenge of chronic illness in bucolic southwest Washington.

“…A thrilling combination of menace and pastoral beauty. After reading this book you may want to rethink your summer holiday.”  —Lily Gardner, author of Betting Blind

Upcoming News:

People in the Neighborhood, Spot Magazine’s new personality series will feature an interview with me about – what else? – cats. Tentatively running Monday, May 16.

There will be a Cover Reveal on the 1st of June for Cat’s Paw, a Crazy Cat Lady Mystery #3 with beautiful Cat art by Leslie Cobb. Check out her work at CatCon, June 25 & 26. (I’m so jealous!)

Upcoming events:

The Power of the Pen Series at  Courtyard Fountains Senior Living. I will be reading and signing Crazy Cat mysteries on Wednesday, July 6. Refreshments at 1:30pm – Reading begins at 2:00pm – 1545 SE 223^rd, Gresham, Oregon. All welcome.

8th Annual NW Book Festival, July 30, 2016 11:00 am – 5:00 pm in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square. This is a big book festival with something for everyone.

Cat’s Paw, a Crazy Cat Lady Mystery #3 Launch Party, August 18th at Another Read Through Independent bookstore.

When cat shelter volunteer Lynley Cannon attends an exclusive art retreat at the world-famous Cloverleaf Animal Sanctuary, she gets more than a lesson in drawing. Accused by vigilantes of a shocking double homicide, she persuades them of her innocence and heads home to Portland, but murder follows in her wake. It all comes down to cats in this 3rd Crazy Cat Lady cozy mystery.

Conversations with Writers: a Hillsboro, Oregon group that invites writers to read and tell about their work and their writing methods.

Turning real life into mystery:  People say “write what you know”, but what if what you know is boring? My character, Lynley Cannon, is based on myself, and her story, based loosely on my life, but I don’t chase murderers or get beat up in the park, thank goodness. How do I make a good story out of real stuff? Where does Lynley begin and Mollie end?

September 26, 2016 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Hillsboro Main Library, 2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, Oregon.

I hope I see you soon.