It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words…
How about my Sharon Michaels cozy mystery infographic with some of my most popular releases!
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Amazon Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels has been writing and self-publishing non-fiction and fiction books for over thirty years.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
I’m excited to share my new fun animal cozy mystery, Planting Evidence, available on Amazon in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
In the sleepy town of Willow Grove, where flowers bloom and secrets lurk, a delightful group of smart and sassy canines leads an unsuspecting small town on a fun animal cozy mystery adventure in Planting Evidence.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
With that in mind I’ve created 10 affirmations for my author mindset.
I have a different author affirmation written prominently on my “to-do” list each week. I also repeat that affirmation to myself during the day. Working from home, sitting in front of a computer for hours, creating characters, plots and “worlds” takes a positive mindset and consistent inner motivation!
1. I am a talented and capable author, with unique stories to tell.
2. I trust in my creative process and allow my ideas to flow freely.
3. I am dedicated and committed to honing my writing skills each day.
4. I have the ability to captivate and engage readers with my words.
5. I believe in the power of my stories to inspire and influence others.
6. I embrace the challenges and setbacks of the writing journey, as they strengthen my resolve.
7. I am constantly evolving as an author, learning, and growing with every piece I write.
8. I have the courage to share my work with the world, knowing it has value and meaning.
9. I am capable of overcoming writer’s block and finding new inspiration whenever I need it.
10.I am grateful for the gift of writing and the opportunity to touch lives through my words.
Happy Writing!!!
*****
Amazon Bestselling Author Sharon Michaels has been writing and self-publishing non-fiction and fiction books for over thirty years.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
Book 7 in the Tabitha Clive Amateur Sleuth Short Read Cozy Mystery series – Secrets, Scrapbooks, and Strawberry Shortcake
Available on Amazon in Kindle and Kindle Unlimited
When Tabitha Clive is on the case, nothing stays hidden for long.
This is a fun short read cozy mystery series that will have you guessing until the very end.
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2024 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
During the writing of my holiday cozy mystery Poisoned Pudding, I decided to change directions and rewrite some of the scenes. I am sharing the scenes I deleted or changed as Poisoned Pudding Bonus Scenes.
Poisoned Pudding – Holiday Corner Cozy Mystery
Joya picked up her phone on the second ring. “Joya, it’s Joy Holiday here. Arvin Prankish, the owner of The Holiday Times Newspaper and our local historian, will be picking you up at five o’clock. My mother is fixing dinner and then we’ll have a family meeting.” Joy hurriedly conveyed the information to her newly found cousin.
“Thank you. Should I bring anything, maybe dessert?” Joya asked.
“If you have any more papers, or journals to share, that would be helpful,” Joy replied, her voice not giving away her feelings.
“What I gave you is all I have.”
“Then we’ll see you later.” The line went to dial tone.
At five o’clock on the dot, a white SUV pulled up to the apartment behind the Silver Bells Café. Mr. Prankish got out, introduced himself to Joya, and opened the passenger side door for the nervous woman.
“You’ve been a busy woman today and you’ve only been in Holiday Corner a few days.” He tried to lighten the mood as he drove through town toward Claude and Nora Holiday’s home.
“I didn’t kill Chef Merryweather, if that’s what you’re wondering. I don’t really want to talk about that. My stomach is in knots thinking about meeting the Holidays and sharing my story.”
“You’ll find the family quite hospitable.” Arvin kept his eyes on the slushy road.
“WOW! Do they really live here? This is like a Christmas wonderland.” Joya gushed as they parked in front of the old Victorian-style house decorated with colorful lights, pine garland, big red bows and a pinecone wreath on every door and window.
“This home has been handed down from Thadeus Holiday for generations,” Mr. Prankish said, opening the door to help her out of the car.
The front door opened and, in the doorway, stood a petite woman with a slightly rounded figure who looked to be in her sixties. Her soft, hazel eyes twinkled with wisdom and kindness. Her warm smile exuded a comforting sense of motherly calm.
“Welcome. I am Nora Holiday. Come in and let’s get you a warm cup of tea, hot coca, or maybe a glass of wine.” Nora opened her arms and gave her guest a hug.
Joya felt herself relaxing as she stepped into the living room and faced everyone waiting for her arrival.
“Let me introduce you to the family,” Nora guided Joya toward the people standing and waiting to meet her.
“This is my husband, Claude. This handsome man is Nick, Joy’s twin, and the mayor of Holiday Corner. The lovely woman standing next to him is Emily Dear, our town’s designated grandmother. And of course, you know Joy and Arvin. Nick’s wife Melody is away visiting her mother in Florida for a few days.” Nora stood back and watched as they all shook hands with the newest family member.
“Let’s have dinner and then we can get down to family business,” Claude ushered the group into the dining room.
Joya inhaled the aroma of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, with homemade gravy, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie for dessert. The table was set to reflect the holiday season. Candles shaped like Christmas trees, a centerpiece of fresh pine boughs and pinecones, red and green plates with red and green linen napkins. To a chef’s eye, this was cozy perfection.
The group made small talk during dinner, shying away from the reason they had gathered. Joya did notice a few times that Emily would stare at her and smile.
“I must admit, I was a bit nervous cooking for a chef. My granddaughter Crissy is enrolled in a culinary arts program in France and will be home early next year. You both will have a lot to talk about.” Nora made conversation as she cleared the table.
“Your meal was delicious, and the presentation was perfect. May I help you with the dishes?” Joya pushed back from the table and began picking up dessert plates.
“Oh no. You make yourself comfortable in the living room. I’m going to stack the dishes in the dishwasher, and I’ll be right in.” Nora shooed her away.
Joya walked into the next room, her palms sweating. This is what her grandmother had wanted for her.
“My dear, please come sit next to me.” Miss Dear patted the empty spot next to her on the sofa.
Joya took her seat and Miss Dear turned to get a better look at the young chef.
“You look like your Grandmother Noel. She and I were friends before she left Holiday Corner. Someday you and I will have a long talk. I have so many memories and stories about Noel I can share with you. Let’s plan a day when you’ll come to my house for tea, shall we?”
“I would love that. Thank you. My grandmother meant everything to me.” Joya’s eyes filled with tears.
Nick cleared his throat. “Why haven’t you contacted us before? Why wait until you want to begin a new business?”
“Grandma Frost passed away a year ago on Christmas Day. I took care of her for the last months of her life. I promised her I would finish my chef training in New York City before moving here. I was also to use the money from the sale of her home to open a business, but life had other plans. It was her wish that I reconnect with her family.” Joya’s voice shook a little as she spoke about her grandmother.
“I don’t want to sound crass, but do you think we are wealthy and have an inheritance for you?” Nick asked.
“Nick, don’t be cynical. Give your cousin a chance to explain,” Emily Dear scolded.
“Sorry, it is my lawyer curiosity coming out.”
“I don’t expect any financial reward because of my Holiday heritage. I’m looking for a family and a place to live where I can safely build a successful business.” Joya looked each person directly in the eye.
“Welcome to the family!” Claude Holiday got up from his chair and embraced their newest family member.
“Well, after discovering Ava Merryweather’s body this morning, I hope you feel Holiday Corner is a safe place to live,” Arvin spoke up.
“Miss Merryweather was poisoned,” Nick Holiday told the group. “You are still a person of interest. If you’re telling us you had nothing to do with her death, we will be behind you all the way.”
“I had absolutely nothing to do with the death of Ava Merryweather.”
You can find fun books to read on this page:
https://sharonmichaelsauthor.com/cozy-fiction
Copyright © 2023 – SharonMichaels.com – All Rights Reserved
