The first book in my Serenity Hills’ Choir Mystery was such a joy to write that it was difficult to imagine how book two would measure up. I had completed the first draft of the book but had the distinct feeling that something was missing. I liked the element of mystery in this book—that someone in Serenity Hills is intent on harming eighty-five-year-old Stan Feldick. But there was just something missing; something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Finally, it occurred to me: cozy mysteries need either food or pets. Not being much of a cook, I chose the latter.
Enter – the lovely Ms. Piper!
I named the puppy Piper because: (1) I love the name; (2) it rhymes with the word ‘hyper.’ If you’ve ever owned a Sheltie, you know exactly what I mean. This breed originated in the UK and is much smaller than a collie dog. The sheep in Scotland are smaller, so this particular breed was used to herd smaller livestock. Those of you owning a Sheltie, know their tendency to bark profusely and herd anything and everything often proves irritating. Still, their good looks make up for all that barking. Jim and I have had five shelties over the years, so there’s a special place in our hearts for this breed.
My good friend, Carole Pickett pointed out to me that the name Piper is appropriate because there is a certain musical quality to that name: bagpipes; pitchpipes, you get the picture. I hope you’ve taken a moment to check out my new website. A huge thanks to my brilliant friend, Sandy McKinney, who was instrumental (another musical phrase) in getting the website off the ground. I love that I’m using my real name for this site! And a huge shoutout to a wonderful lady we met in Europe, Pam Cissel, who purchased six copies of Killer in the Choir to give to friends and family as Christmas gifts. I truly appreciate your support. I’m also very appreciative to all those who preordered the book, KILLER IN THE CHOIR, and posted reviews on Amazon. Those reviews help me gain new readers and are vitally important to those of us who self-publish!
I’ll keep this newsletter brief because it’s a busy month for all of you. But stay tuned, because once winter hits, I’ll be giving you clues about book 2 in the series (RHYTHM OF REVENGE) in my newsletters.
Please consider helping me get new subscribers by forwarding this newsletter to them. I’ll place your name in a drawing, giving you a chance to win either a digital or paperback copy of KILLER IN THE CHOIR. Have a fabulous, blessed Christmas, Hannukah, or whatever else you celebrate.
Gay Ann
Piper is a cutie pie!