New Season, New Routine...?

Why do we have such a hard time getting back into a routine every year when fall rolls around? It always seems to creep up on us even though we know it's coming. It's not like it's our first rodeo. Fall has shown up at the same time every year our whole lives. Yet for some reason, many of us have a hard time adjusting and getting back into the routine of what we think is normal after a summer filled with fun in the sun activities.

I think it goes back to our childhood. Even after we've long been out of school and into our adult lives, we tend to treat the summer months in the same manner as when we were younger. As kids we were taught that June, July, and August were built for playtime, so now as adults we bend or even give up our normal routine when the temperatures rise and the sunshine acts like that friend you had back in high school who always persuaded you to do the things you knew you probably shouldn't do. We all throw caution to the wind starting on Memorial Day weekend and we don't take our foot off the gas until the day after Labor Day.

And then out of nowhere, the first leaf falls to the ground and there's a bit of frost on your windshield in the early morning. We all collectively sigh and decide it's time to get back to the way we were before the sun's warmth awakened the let's get crazy for three months gene buried deep inside us the rest of the year.

As hard as it is to accept that summer has ended, we look forward to the new activities, colors and smells that fall brings with it. We can't wait to taste that first pumpkin spice drink or if you're like me, you'd prefer some sweet cider freshly made from crisp apples. It's playoff time for major league baseball and both the NFL and college football are in full swing. And for those who enjoy a good show or musical, the curtain rises on what's considered theater season and continues until May... give or take. And of course, there's Halloween. 

And for many of us, it's hard to beat reading a good book sitting in front of a warm fire on a chilly autumn evening.

Perhaps we're not really trying to get back into a regular routine after all. Maybe we're actually in more of a rhythm. If we are looking forward to the differences each season brings to us throughout the year, then with every change we're simply continuing our yearly rhythm. And that change, or adjustment we make as the seasons move from one to the next is what keeps our lives from being anything but routine.

So, embrace what's next. Enjoy the sights and sounds the fall season has to offer. Because before you know it, the holidays will be here.       

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As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. And of course, your thoughts and comments are always welcome. 😊

Meanwhile, you can find my books here: The Razzman Mystery Crime Files

Until next time...😎

A Great Promotion Makes it a Great Time to Visit Magnolia Bluff!

If you've been wondering what goes on in that little town in the Texas Hill Country but have yet to visit the world of Magnolia Bluff, there is no better time than now. Starting Monday September 25th you can get the first book in the series, Death Wears a Crimson Hat for FREE and all the rest of the books for a mere 99¢ each. That's seventeen books for under sixteen bucks!! But don't procrastinate - this deal is only good through Friday September 29th.

If you've already traveled to Magnolia Bluff a couple of times this is also a great opportunity to grab the rest of the series. So, grab a few or grab them all during this limited time promotion. You can find the link at the bottom of this post.

The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles is a multi-author series written by a group called The Underground Authors. Each author brings their own individual take on crime and how it affects the citizens of this small town in the Texas Hill Country. At the time of this promotion, there are seventeen books with numbers eighteen, nineteen, and twenty being released over the next three months.

The authors have all committed to shaking up that little town again with a third year of mystery and suspense beginning in February 2024.

So, come visit us in the sleepy little town with a penchant for murder. You'll find everything from cozy mysteries to psychological thrillers. And although the authors have written vastly different novels within the core mystery genre, the one common thread tying them all together is that they all take place in the same small town with a mix of new and familiar characters throughout. And I can guarantee they are all entertaining.

You can find and purchase all the books in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series by clicking here: MBCC

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As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. And of course, your thoughts and comments are always welcome. 😊

Meanwhile, you can find my books here: The Razzman Mystery Crime Files

Until next time...😎

My Journey into the World of Magnolia Bluff, Texas

My Journey into Magnolia Bluff, Texas started as a fan. I loved the idea of a group of authors getting together to promote and support each other's work. I was also intrigued with their group name. They are collectively known as The Underground Authors. I'd already had a great experience with this concept as a member of the WolfPackAuthors, another group of talented writers who banded together to promote and support each other's work. As a member of the WolfPackAuthors we branched out from just promoting our individual writing into collectively putting together two short story anthologies.

The Underground Authors did the same thing. They put together a collection of short stories all centered around one theme--a single picture of a boat. Then, of course, came the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. A mystery/crime series that spans several sub-genres within that category. Everything from cozy mystery to psychological thrillers. 

I read every book as soon as it was available. There were nine titles released during the first year. I loved the diversity of the stories and the writing styles that each author brought to the table. And I wasn't alone. There were a lot of other readers who also looked forward to each new book. The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles series was a hit. 

Somewhere along the way, the group decided to expand as they geared up for the second year of the series. I received an email from author CW Hawes asking me if I would be interested in joining The Underground Authors and writing a book for the series. I jumped at the chance. 

And now, my offering for year two of the series is being released this month, September 18th. 

It's currently on pre-order for a limited time price of just 99¢

Second Chances: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, Book 17

You can get your copy here: SECOND CHANCES

You can also get the entire series by clicking here: Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles

Here is the blurb:

Retired New York Police Detective, Brandon Turner wanted to move as far away from the Big Apple as possible.

Pointing a finger at a map, he ends up in Magnolia Bluff, a small town in the Texas Hill Country.

Unfortunately, it's not as easy to retire here as he'd hoped. While exploring a park with his dog and the real-estate agent showing him the property, they discover a body. They report the death and, as far as Turner is concerned, that's where it ends. But it's not that simple.

This body was not the first. There were others and all the evidence points to drugs. The local police are not savvy enough to solve these crimes on their own and ask Turner for help. But the former detective has other ideas. He intends to leave his past life where it belongs... in the past. But he soon realizes that he just can't stay away from the case. Vowing not to work with the local detective, Turner begins his own investigation, putting himself, his dog, and the woman he just met in danger.

Can Turner and the local police set aside their differences long enough to stop a potential drug ring from destroying more lives? The town's residents are counting on it. As for Turner, he just wants to solve the case as soon as possible so he can start enjoying his retirement.

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I hope you'll give Second Chances a try. It's a little bit cozy and a little bit not. I think you'll enjoy it. I know I enjoyed writing it.

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As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. And of course, your thoughts and comments are always welcome. 😊

Meanwhile, you can find my books here: The Razzman Mystery Crime Files

Until next time...😎