I swept and scrubbed away fall and winter's organic droppings on my screened patio a week ago. It was clean and inviting and I vowed to spend more time out there.

A week later, spring had staged its own takeover. A fresh layer of yellow dust coated everything. Pollen everywhere. It was as if a bee wedding had erupted on my patio and the guests had tossed pollen instead of rice. The powder left sneaker tracks across the floor and followed me inside, a ghostly trail of gold. It invaded my head too, clogging me with congestion and watering my eyes.

It’s funny how much effort it takes to strip away the old and start again. It rarely happens on the first try. Life works the same way. Every spring offers a chance at renewal, and sometimes that renewal goes deeper than washing the cushions on your patio furniture.

Knoxville BookFest: May 2-3

Nashville Book Fair: May 30th

The Maroon Candle has a release date: June 4, 2026!

I am self-publishing, with a two-month launch strategy to optimize sales and gather new readers and subscribers. This doesn't mean I've given up my search for a literary agent. I will continue that journey, because it's like the best adventure ever! (NOT)

My ARC Team (advanced readers) have provided invaluable feedback on The Maroon Candle, and I have made changes in the book to reflect that, although new readers will not know specifically what changed (I can't even keep track) the changes have provided a much tighter and concise story.

You can preorder the autographed paperback version at the "My Bookshop" button above, and the eBook is available at the "Amazon" button below. In the coming weeks I will be formatting the hardcover, and the audiobook version will be released in July, it is currently in the preproduction stages, with multiple narrators lined up to tell the story of a beautiful castle wedding turned deadly.

As spring ushers in the newness of a new novel, may it also open the door to new beginnings for you.

Ideally without the seasonal frog-in-your-throat impression and pollen-induced misery.

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