Why Shakespeare? When my daughter lived in Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, I attended several plays and fell in love all over again with the Bard. Why not bring Shakespeare to Livermore, create my own fictional theaters and vineyard, and set the scene for murder?

I give a lot of thought to all of my characters, particularly Caitlyn Pepper, my main character in this series. I begin by exploring her background; she had to be from Columbus, Ohio, my hometown. What are her secrets? Does she have issues she’s dealing with? What’s her profession? Who are her friends and business associates? How can I transplant Cait from city life in Ohio to a small town in California?

I’m driven to uncover additional tidbits that might influence the story, and toss stones at her to see her reaction. Once I answer these questions, I have my plot . . . but not enough yet to write a synopsis. I’ve tried outlining, but find myself going off in too many directions. A different murderer than the one I intended shows up, often for the better.

I love it when I’m asked about research. In 2003 I went through Livermore’s Citizen Police Academy to better understand police procedures. In those fourteen weeks, we learned about search and seizure and the justice system, ethics and internal affairs, range training, SWAT, K-9 demonstrations, narcotics, crime prevention, juvenile law, and much more.

I’m still an active volunteer and have a “regular” job tagging abandoned vehicles. I love role-playing with SWAT. I’ve been handcuffed, shot at with rubber bullets and paint pellets, and tossed to the ground. My research is great fun!

Another frequent question: What scenes are hardest to write? I assumed it would be romantic scenes, but, surprisingly, I find them to be the easiest. Words seem to flow from my fingers. But I cheat a little. I put on a romantic CD to set the mood. When the “moment” comes, I close the door and leave the rest up to the reader’s imagination.

Do you have a question? I promise to reply.

In 1985, George Burns made a generous gift to establish the George Burns Intensive Care Unit at the Motion Picture & Television Hospital. He continued his care and compassion through a living trust. It is the benevolent spirit of Mr. Burns that the Motion Picture & Television Fund honors. George Burns’s dedication to the human condition of those in his beloved “show business” is memorialized through the George Burns Legacy Society.

There is a lot to learn from what these famous people have been able to create. “Ordinary” people are also outstanding models of the creative process. With imagination, courage, and commitment, we can rise above doubt, fear, and insecurity to achieve extraordinary levels of personal fulfillment.

My mother, Corelli Watermon, left a legacy through her music. A professional violinist and singer, she graduated from the Harrisburg Conservatory of Music.

How about a legacy of habit? Whatever we do on a regular basis has potential for becoming a “habit” or legacy. For some, eating fast food on a daily basis can be the habit. Others might only make everything from scratch. We all need to be aware that we are teaching our children by our example.

Or a legacy of health? Many people’s ideas of what is “healthy” vary drastically. If you never exercise, your children are most likely not going to envision themselves exercising as an adult. This kind of legacy can be dangerous to their health and to ours. I think of myself as a work in progress, especially in this area of my life.

One of the Legacies I’m most passionate about is Work Ethic. I want to leave a legacy of strong work ethic, which ultimately comes from having a vision for what you are accomplishing and an innate drive to compel you to take action and get it done. I personally believe that work ethic is not something that is taught, but modeled, like the love for reading or writing. What are some practical ways you can leave a legacy?

In 1992, I wrote the following, and was delighted to see it published in the David Winter Guild magazine:

“It was Christmas Eve and all was in readiness. We had recently returned from driving around town to see the beautiful lights. My husband Cliff had settled down in the family room to watch TV, while our daughter Carla was reading in her room. Magic was in the air.

Even though tomorrow would be a busy day, I chose to stay awhile in the living room. I looked fondly towards our Christmas tree, all seven feet of it, surrounded by the snow-covered cottages from my David Winter community. Christmas had worked it magic there, too.

The lovely church, A Christmas Carol, had lights flickering at the windows. Why, I could even hear the church bells. I took a closer look and was filled with warmth. It was alive. Voices were singing. An invisible congregation was singing Christmas Carols. If only I could go inside. Soon the doors swung open and joyful, singing folk from my community poured out. I knew and loved them all. There’s an elderly couple from The Village and, oh, there goes Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the poulterer, with a small lad and, yes, even Scrooge. Guess he’s had a change of heart. Magic is in the air.

Close behind are the Fezziwigs and friends. I’ll bet they will stop at the town square gazebo to watch the iceskaters before returning to Mr. Fezziwig’s Emporium. A group of carolers and musicians followed, passing Snow Cottage and waving to the lamplighter up on his ladder.

Oh look, there’s “Merry Christmas, Uncle Ebenezer,” said Scrooge’s nephew Fred, “and a Happy New Year.” And a little further on, tucked back in the trees, sits Christmas in Scotland and Hogmanay.

I hear sleigh bells. Yes, here it comes, a beautiful sleigh pulled by a lively grey horse carrying a couple with a rug over their lap.

Suddenly, I was brought back to the present and not a bit eager to break the spell. But I know I can visit there again any time I want.”

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

One significant bright spot at the conference was winning the Ebook Giveway Gift Basket at the “Romantic Suspense: Murder, Mayhem & the Mattress Mambo” panel. I won a Nook Color, $25 gift card for Barnes & Noble, and a free book to download. I really hit the jackpot!

On Sunday my niece and her husband picked me up at the hotel and drove me the two hours to their farm in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. I spent a couple of days with them and stayed in what I call “Aunt Carole’s” cabin:

Simply beautiful. This is what the farm looked like very early in the morning:

I spent the next week at a friend’s pig farm in Delaware, Ohio, and then returned to California on the 13th. Can’t wait until my next Buckeye fix.

The final event of my book tour took place Sunday, November 11, at the Livermore Library, with author Staci McLaughlin (Going Organic Can Kill You). It was a great success with a large enthusiastic crowd, and we sold lots of books.

I have a completed first draft of the second book in my Shakespeare in the Vineyard mystery series (SOUR GRAPES). I’ll be doing some serious editing on it before passing it along to Cliff, my husband and fantastic editor. Next comes the dreaded synopsis for my publisher. How do you tell the whole store in five pages? Maybe a little wine will help and more Buckeye candies.

I have an idea for a short story I’d like to try my hand at, and then maybe (gasp gasp) pull the first book I ever wrote from the file drawer and rework it. I still love the plot, the location, and the characters even after those rejections. Stay tuned for more in my life as a mystery writer. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The bookseller is in the front. I am in the bright blue shirt. The crowd was enthusiastic and we all sold books! Of course, I bought books from the store, all about Shakespeare.

I met my new best friend while working my beats for the Livermore Police Department. Her name is Jo, and she has the most beautiful fish pond in her backyard. For the past couple of weeks, she given me a beautiful rose from her garden in a cup of ice. This past Monday, she had my book, Twisted Vines, and asked me to sign it. She also had her camera and took this picture of me in my police car as I signed the book.

Writing and publishing a novel has changed my life in so many positive ways, from the creation process, to the business of promoting myself and my work, and to the friends I’ve met along the way. What a tremendous way to enjoy retirement!

“Is this Caitlyn Tilson Pepper?” a soft male voice asked.
The use of her full name surprised her. “It is. How can I help you?”

“Ms. Pepper, my name is Stanton Lane. I’m Tasha Bening’s attorney. I’m sorry to inform you that your aunt has passed on. As Mrs. Bening’s sole heir, it’s imperative that you come to California immediately.”

Cait retrieved her most current case file. “I don’t have an aunt, Mr. Lane. You have the wrong person.” She was about to hang up when the man continued.

“But you are Caitlyn Tilson Pepper, born at Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, thirty-five years ago?”

“Yes, but apparently not the one you’re looking for.” She flipped open the file she was about to hand over to one of their detectives.

“I understand Mrs. Bening’s sudden death has come as a shock, considering she’d been in excellent health—”

“I told you, Mr. Lane, I don’t have an aunt—”

He ignored her interruption and continued. “However, because of the substantial inheritance involved, decisions have to be made as quickly as possible. The Shakespeare festival she was deeply committed to is already scheduled and the actors are under contract.”

Shakespeare festival? Actors?

“Mr. Lane, you’re assuming I know what you’re talking about. I assure you I don’t. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”

He cleared his throat. “I’m not only Mrs. Bening’s attorney, but a personal friend as well. Unfortunately, she told me only what she thought I needed to know to prepare her trust, not details about her relationship with you.” He paused. “There is a stipulation in the trust that you may find difficult to honor.”

Cait struggled to curb her growing annoyance. She didn’t need this just before her vacation.

“Ms. Pepper—”

“Mr. Lane,” she interrupted. “Apparently, you haven’t done your homework. It’s Mrs. Pepper. And I’m a crime analyst for the Columbus Police Department. You can stop trying to con me into believing I’ve inherited some bogus property in California.”

“I apologize,” he said. “I only meant to save us both time and—”

“As I said, I do not have an aunt. Good luck in finding the bona fide heir.”

Her finger was poised over the disconnect button when she heard him plead, “Wait, Mrs. Pepper. Please. I’ll fax a copy of the trust to you right now. I’ve taken the liberty of booking a flight for you. Your ticket is waiting at the American Airlines counter at the Columbus Airport for tomorrow’s flight to San Francisco. It leaves at twelve fifty-eight p.m. and arrives at SFO at five forty-five. I’ll meet you. So you’ll recognize me, I’ll be wearing a—”

“Let me guess. A single red rose tucked in your lapel? Spare me the drama. I’m not going to California tomorrow, next week, or next month.”

Cait pressed the speaker button and broke the connection. “Unbelievable,” she mumbled.

“What if it’s legit?”

Cait looked up and saw Detective Sergeant Shep Church grinning and leaning against the doorframe. Tall, trim, and almost every female’s dream date.

“And what if this elusive Aunt Tasha did leave you a bucket of money?” he continued. “You could retire and I could inherit your office.”

She shook her head. “In case you didn’t know, today is April Fool’s Day. That call was obviously a joke.”
The fax machine whined and papers began to spit out. Cait glanced over. “You’ve got to be kidding.” She stepped behind her desk and watched as the Lane & Lane Attorneys at Law letterhead spilled from the machine.

Shep walked over and sat on the edge of her desk. “As I said, what if it’s legit?”

“It’s someone’s idea of a joke, Shep. I’m not amused.”

He rose and bent over the emerging document. “I don’t know, Cait. Looks like the real thing. And the timing couldn’t be better. You’ve sold your house, cleared your calendar, and probably have nothing but a haircut and a manicure scheduled for the week.”

She rolled her eyes.

He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “Free ticket to sunny California? With nothing to do but step off the plane, soak up some golden rays, and collect your inheritance?”

“The timing’s too damn convenient, don’t you think? I inherit a fortune just as I’m trying to put my life back together? Not likely.” She ignored the pages from the fax machine, handed him the file folder, and walked to the door. “What I do need is a cup of strong black coffee.”

He waved the fax over the shredder. “Sure you don’t want to read this? Looks like this so-called Tasha Tilson Bening person meant business when she named you her heir.”

Cait froze. “What did you say?” Before Shep could answer, she yanked the shiny paper from his hand and sat back down at her desk. “Tilson?” she mumbled as she scanned the fax. A chill ran down her spine.

Seelig suggests using metaphors and analogies to compare one thing with another to open up a world of new ideas and helps boost your imagination. I think I’ve been doing this unconsciously as I hike the trails of the San Francisco Bay Area. Hikers are happy people, being outdoors reconnecting with nature in a spiritual way. That’s me in the hat.

Give yourself creative space for your work. (I laugh here.) The bookshelves in my den are overflowing with wonderful books, but it’s the fun “knick knack” stuff that fronts those books that my family loves to show off to anyone they can drag in there (much to my dismay). There’s the “normal” stuff: prints from trips, a couple cat bobble heads, a few collectible David Winter cottages, a Crooked Vine wine glass, Amish little people, and so much more. Then there’s the abnormal stuff: skeleton on top of a brown wooden casket (lift the lid and painted eyeballs laugh), a box of rubber bullets, paint pellets, and spent Winchester casings that I gathered off the ground at the sheriff’s shooting range during training for the Citizens Police Academy. My reading material includes such books as Murder and Mayhem, Howdunit, Scene of Crime, the FBI, to name a few. Such is the flavor of “my space.”

A final note to help with your creativity is to work with a group. It will help you gain insight from others. My critique group of six is composed of individuals with different perspectives and who respect different writing styles. Seelig says, “Great teams have a healthy dose of playfulness.” And lots of chocolate!

After a couple of arson attempts at the Elizabethan Theater, blasts of birdshot intended for Cait, and the suspicious nature of Tasha’s autopsy, Cait has a big decision to make: accept her inheritance and move to California or return to the job she loves in Ohio.

Twisted Vines is a novel of suspense. The climax surprises Cait and the police, as it will the reader.

August 15, 2012 is the release date in hardback.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4328-2602-4

There always has to be high stakes in each book that the readers can connect with and care about. When I started writing the second in the series, I thought I knew my characters well, but soon realized I couldn’t remember certain aspects. How old is Cait? Was her degree in English Lit? When did Cait realize that Royal Tanner meant more to her than just a handsome Navy SEAL? I keep a log on most of the characters, but it doesn’t include details about their thoughts, desires, and habits that only occur as the story unfolds.

How much should I repeat in case people didn’t start the series with the first book? Each one should be written as a stand alone, but it’s hard to phrase it without sounding repetitive. I can’t assume readers will have read the first book and are familiar with the setting and main characters. It’s up to me to provide readers with enough details to keep them interested and excited about the story without over burdening them with too much background.

By tying the first book to the second, etc., it’s important to open new questions in the readers mind that will get them eager to read the next, and the next in the series. If I’ve done my job well, they will be eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Cait and RT.

The library is warm and inviting, offering a readers’ room, kids’ place, teen space, meeting rooms and exhibits, and a fine cafe. No matter how filled the parking lot is, when you walk inside you have to wonder where everyone is. It’s that spacious.

The Livermore Public Library encourages the development of a lifelong interest in reading and learning by youth and adults, provides materials and services of popular interest, supports the educational needs of the community, furnishes timely, accurate information, and builds cultural awareness and enrichment. I have attended many events at the library, from musical groups, to readings by actors from Shakespeare Associates, to book signings. This is one of my favorite places to be.