Hi there, guys and dolls! My alter egos Andrea and Heather have such a fun time writing my Poppy Cove Mysteries for me. Personally, I really like taking the credit and limelight for it. They let me, so it all works out.

Anyhoo, back to my topic (I do tend to wander in my thoughts), my girls have a good routine when it comes to writing. It has been a little disrupted as of late with some pesky life nuisances, but the light’s at the end of the tunnel on the bigger ones, so they have been able to find creative time and energy again, thank goodness.

Right, back to the writing routine. My girls have set up a really spiffy place to write. They’ve got a room set up where they can leave their work in progress out, place to spread their notes, research and inspirational materials. They also have a library of swinging Sinatra, jazz and classical music to keep just the right vibe to match the task.

That works perfectly when they are setting the words down, going over details and editing. However, when they are working out plot and storylines, they like to be out, and who can blame them, what with all the beautiful parks and beaches, and happening cafés, pubs and restaurants around? So there they sit, out in the unsuspecting public, with all those decent people around, talking about murder, treachery and deceit? Those two can get on a tangent and get rather loud, talking about some unseemly things that they would never actually do in person. Before they know it, they’re getting worried glances from nearby tables. The poor souls move slightly away, with darting eyes and whispered fretting, wondering if the authorities should be called in.

Fortunately, my girls have a sense of compassion and humor for their fellow man and/or woman. They’ll usually make a basic introduction of themselves and what they do before they get taken away to a little room and grilled. The strangers then relax, sometimes become even friends and readers, too.

Good times, this fictional life of crime :-).

Toodles,

Barbara Jean Coast