5 Similarities Between Cozy Mysteries and Chick Lit

Dear Loyal Reader: This month I’ve been on a “book tour” to Maine to celebrate and talk about my debut chick lit/cozy mystery novel featuring stylish private investigator Olivia Lively. I spoke at three different events and had a blast talking to readers and old friends and fellow Encircle Publications authors who graciously showed up… Continue reading 5 Similarities Between Cozy Mysteries and Chick Lit

Free Fiction: The Ornament

Finley Frances Merriweather, decorating her tree alone for the first time in, well, ever, flopped herself onto the antique couch she’d reupholstered in green and gold brocade and wailed.  Snowball, her West Highland Terrier, cocked his head and whined. He jumped onto her stomach, thirty overweight pounds knocking the air out of her so that… Continue reading Free Fiction: The Ornament

Free Fiction: Little Red Roadster, A Christmas Story

Sasha hadn’t counted on snow. Just a few miles west, the sun splashed down on the Pacific, and sandy beaches encircled her island hometown like a brown sugar rim on a fancy cocktail. She’d packed up her little red roadster with presents wrapped for the east county charity event her cousin had planned and headed… Continue reading Free Fiction: Little Red Roadster, A Christmas Story

Short Story: Rainy Day Friends

Back in December, my flash fiction was published in San Diego Woman Magazine! I was thrilled because I’d actually pitched the idea of a fiction section in the magazine to the editor, and she gave it a try. THIS month, three more of my flashes are included in the latest edition–along with some other talented… Continue reading Short Story: Rainy Day Friends

Short Story: Something Sparkly in a Little Velvet Box

Just for you, my dear readers, a Valentine’s Day short story with a happy ending. XOXO, Shelley SOMETHING SPARKLY IN A LITTLE VELVET BOX ******** “I have bad news.”  Henley’s voice faded in and out, the cell service in that part of Florida spotty. I pressed the phone against my ear. “What did you say?”… Continue reading Short Story: Something Sparkly in a Little Velvet Box