Monday, October 8, 2012

Bear cakes, books, and babies, oh my!

Ben and a Bear Cake
Nothing I like better than visiting my kids and grandkids. Our family is spread out all over the country, so we can't just jump in the car and show up for dinner. My oldest grandson recently had the honor of being served a bear cake, and I was lucky enough to come away with the best picture ever. I also jumped gleefully off the diet wagon and had a pancake and they were that good.

Donnell Bell and Maggie at Marigold's
On this same trip I had lunch with mystery author Donnell Bell (The Past Came Hunting), and she's on the silent auction committee for Left Coast Crime. Her co-chair is Mike Befeler, so if you're headed to Left Coast Crime next March go ahead and be thinking of items you can donate to the auction. I just had a wonderful idea occur to me for what I'd like to donate.

Mule deer just out for a stroll
I am most pleased to announce a new book contract! HOT WATER, the second book in my seaside series, was acquired by The Wild Rose Press. In this romantic suspense, a small town cop trying to make detective is paired with the state arson investigator. They're on the trail of a serial arsonist who has a habit of leaving dead bodies in his fires. Thanks to fan Martha Carney who kept insisting that Laurie Ann deserved her own story.

Colorado
Because all good things come in threes, I'm working on the final book of that trilogy. The working title is Still Waters, but there are a lot of books with that title out there, so count on it having a different name when I shop it to my publisher. The series started out with MUDDY WATERS, in which Roxie the realtor and Sloan the security expert hunt for a missing inheritance.

Blue skies in Colorado
Last in the great news department is the pending re-release of ON THE NICKEL, the second in my popular Cleopatra Jones mystery series. The first in that series, IN FOR A PENNY, was released in July as an e-book. Both books were hardcover and large print editions for Five Star / Cengage. My publisher for the e-book versions is Muddle House Publishing, my own imprint.

I worked with the most fantastic cover artist ever to develop the new cover for ON THE NICKEL. I found a batch of photos I liked. Polly helped me to pick the picture that had the clearest message, then she went to work on the fonts. She even managed to work the nickel into the cover without it looking cheesy. Hail to Polly Iyer, a great author and cover artist. Check her site at PollyIyer.com to see all the powerful covers she created for herself. I'm awed that she took me on.

Look for ON THE NICKEL to debut in late October. Mama's car killed the church lady, but who was behind the wheel?

Craig in Colorado
Thanks for visiting Mudpies and catching up on my news. Here's one more tidbit: Happy aniversary to me! 35 years ago today I said "I do" to a wonderful man.

Until next time,

Maggie Toussaint
www.maggietoussaint.com
www.facebook.com/MaggieToussaintAuthor#


18 comments:

  1. Your grandson is adorable! Congrats also on the new books coming out and the reissue of the Five Star titles. I admire your energy!

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    1. Thanks, Jacquie! I'm plenty excited to have the opportunity to keep these books fresh and out in the reading world.

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  2. What a wonderful and exciting blog, Maggie. Loved all the pictures. Hey, I know Donnell Bell from an online RWA chapter - Heartbeat - and I loved her debut novel - The Past Came Hunting.
    Congrats on your anniversary and the new contract. Oh, and how exciting to get those new e-books out there. I agree the cover for On the Nickel is great!
    What a fabulous way to start your week. thanks for letting me share in it.

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    1. Hi Lynne,

      It is a small world, isn't it? Seems like the longer I'm out and about the more connections between folks I find. I appreciate your kind comments. Drop by anytime!

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    2. Maggie - I've now dowloaded In for a Penny on my Kindle. Looking forward to a good read. :)

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    3. That's music to my ears, Lynne. Thanks for taking a chance on my book. I hope its right up your alley!

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  3. Great blog, great photos! I want a bear pancake - and I love your new cover.

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    1. Hi Sheila,

      Bear cakes are the best. I'm glad you like the cover!

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  4. So many good news, Maggie. The picture of Ben is as delicious as his bear cake. So glad you had a good time with Donnell. And congratulations on the new book, Hot Water. I'm sure it will be as good as Muddy Waters, and I hope as funny as In For A Penny, and In The Buff.

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    1. Mona,

      Thanks for your visit and kind words. I'm shooting for entertaining in all my books. I hope the e-book version of On the Nickel continues to expand my chance to reach readers.

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  5. Great pictures, Maggie. What an adorable little boy. Congrats on your new contract. Loved the picture of you and Donnell, two of my favorite ladies, and I've had the pleasure of meeting you both.

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    1. Thanks for stopping in, Polly. I'm plenty psyched about this trip to Colorado. We're getting some great comments about your cover art.

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  6. Congratulations on your new contract!

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    1. Thanks, Merrillee. I'm thrilled to be able to bring another romance out. I appreciate your friendship and your comment.

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  7. Congratulations Maggie! So much good news. You must be living right.

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    1. Sandra, I'm happy to have good news, believe me. I don't know about living right, but that's always my goal. All mess ups are self-inflicted...

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  8. Congrats, the cover looks great, & Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate your comment on the cover and the anniversary. Wishing you well!

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