-
The Beginning of the End of Paranormal Penny
Five-plus years ago, I introduced a teenage girl named Penny Nicols—an ordinary girl with a very un-ordinary problem. Penny sees omens. Most of them are unsettling. Some are terrifying. And one—the raven—means murder. What began as a single story slowly became a long-running cozy paranormal mystery series, one that has followed Penny through near-misses, small-town secrets, dark discoveries, and choices that no teenager should have to make. Along the way, this series has grown right alongside me as a writer. And now… I’m finally standing at the beginning of the end. Closing the Circle on a Long Journey This year marks my intentional focus on finishing the core Paranormal Penny…
You May Also Like
Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
-
Finishing Paranormal Penny: My Plans for the Year
Every January carries a little hope and a little pressure. This year, I’m choosing clarity instead of pressure. After more than five years of living with Penny Nicols and her world, I’ve made a simple, meaningful decision: This is the year I finish the Paranormal Penny Mystery series. And instead of disappearing into the writing cave, I’m inviting readers along for the journey. Why This Year Matters Paranormal Penny has been with me through seasons of growth, exhaustion, faith, doubt, and joy. She’s grown up on the page—and so have I. What started as a story idea slowly became a long-term commitment, one I’ve carried quietly for years. Finishing this…
You May Also Like
Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
-
Unraveling the Ultimate Self-Care For Mystery Writers
I might weave some incredible plot twists into the lives of my main character and their friends, however, when my life gets twisted, it isn’t easy to take a break. What would a break from writing even look like? How would a mystery writer spend a day of self-care? I’m glad you asked. Morning Midday Afternoon Evening With this plan, you’ll not only refresh your mind but also have a few laughs along the way! A little bit of levity and a brain break or three will get you right back into the thick of things in no time. Your main character can wait. The villain won’t escape. Unless your…
-
Hello, Sherlock!
When you think of a detective, odds are, a familiar image comes to mind. Namely, a spindly tall man smoking a pipe and playing the violin. Say hello to Sherlock Holmes. Below you’ll find what I’ve used to introduce my kiddos and students to this investigator that is almost as shady as the villains he stalks and the man who created the legend. I use one of my favorite short stories to invite my students to enter Sherlock’s world. Then, if they want to dig deeper, I pull out the big dogs with The Hound of the Baskervilles. Get to know the Detective on his official site —> https://sherlockholmes.com/ Meet…
-
To Plan or Not to Plan: 2022
I have a confession to make. I have purchased and filled in hundreds of planners in my adult life. I’ve also paid for and attended numerous webinars, classes, and boot camps to teach me how to plan properly. And yet- somehow- I’m never able to rock my goals. So this year- I give up! Sort of! Maybe you can relate? Of course, I still have goals and dreams and hopes. And sure, I’m still going to prayerfully pursue them- I’m just ditching the color coding and 90-day charting of said goals. Here’s why: GUILT Yup! Guilt. Every missed goal- every slipped my mind deadline heaps another shovel full of stinky,…
-
Christmas Movies: 2021
This is the season for Hallmark and holiday classics. At my house, the movies are nearly as important as the decorations. Here’s a list of the Hualde family’s Christmas movies of 2021, clustered into our homemade categories. Some are old favs, and others are new fads. XXX Be Advised not all movies are suitable for all ages. Use discretion and good judgment. XXX Staples/Old Favorites White Christmas: This one typically makes an early appearance during the season. Usually, even before the chilly weather sets in. It only makes sense. Auntie Mame: Though not truly a Christmas movie, the Christmas scene during the Depression makes me smile every time and gets…
-
Healy & our Homeschool
Using Healy in our homeschool is simple. It’s unexpected and it’s a big help! Here’s what we’ve done in our first month using Healy. Okay, first things first. I am SOOOO NOT a DOCTOR!!! DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DIVING INTO ANY NEW HEALTH CRAZE< FAD< OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS. What the heck is HEALY? The Short Answer: Healy is a wearable, portable microcurrent, and frequency device. It uses programs to promote your health and overall wellbeing The Better Answer- Investigate for yourself by clicking the link below and heading to Healy’s website. So, how is it helping our homeschool? Half answer: Anything I…
-
Halfway
School Year 2020-2021 is half over WHOA!!!! For me, the year can’t end soon enough, and at the same time, I want to hold on tightly to every second. For me, my kiddos age two times a year: on their birthdays and again at the school year’s close. This summer, I’ll say goodbye to the loud, hectic, and heartwarming elementary years, as well as the chaotic and curious middle school years. I’ll leave this school year with a Senior and a Freshman living under my roof. This explains my absence from the blogging world more than the pandemic. I’m striving to savor every morsel of the time I have left- all…
-
Help to Be Still
Panic! Fear! Urgency is the state we’re all living in during this trying time. Telling people to stay calm does little more than display how crazed we all feel. If you’re like me you need help relearning how to be still… And Know He is God. When life gets crazier and crazier and this mama can no longer think I get help from the list below… maybe something I use may help you. Christian Meditation Podcast This is a podcast that does just what it says: it guides listeners through mediation sessions focusing on God’s word. For 15 to 25 minutes I can sit, breathe, and inhale the peace God…
-
Put Your Clothes On
What do you wear, Mama, when you’re leading your homeschoolers through their day? What do you make your students wear? Are you a down to lace-up shoes kind of family? Or are you happy as long as everyone is wearing pants? Whichever it is… you’re welcome here. Let’s toss the clothes in the laundry hamper and put on what really matters. Dive into Colossians with me.
