Looking Back on 2024

For the last few years, I’ve been saying I want—no, NEED—to slow down. I’ve been pumping out books as fast as I could. Two or three a year. Now, I know writers who write even more than that, and I’m in awe. But for me, the old cliché “all work and no play” was wearing on me. Back on January 1 of 2024, I announced that I was taking measures to let me slow down. And I am. I’ve cut back on travel, although to be honest, a big part of that has to do with Kensi’s heart issues and the twice-a-day pill she gets. But the key measure I’ve taken involved turning down a three-book contract to continue the Zoe Chambers series.

Okay, don’t cry or send threatening letters. I turned it down FOR NOW. I did not burn bridges. I simply need a break from multiple deadlines one after the other.

Also back on January 1, 2024, I mentioned a book deal sitting on my desk. As you probably already have heard, that was another three-book offer, this one for the Detective Honeywell series. I’ve already written two of those, which are in the pipeline. The first is the book that was supposed to come out last week but is now on hold. The second has been turned in to my editor. I expect both to be released later in 2025. I have one more on that contract and it’s not due until December 1, 2025, leaving me with plenty of time.

I’ll share my thoughts on what I’ll do with that time in tomorrow’s “Looking Forward” post.

As for what else happened in my corner of the world in 2024, I attended Malice Domestic where I received my seventh Agatha nomination and seventh loss. That’s okay. I’ve embraced the nominee role.

Simply the Best Panel: Agatha Best Contemporary
Novel nominees

I also attended and taught at the Pennwriters Conference. 

Dinner with friends at the
Pennwriters Conference

I flew out to New Mexico for the first time since before the pandemic to spend time with my dear friend Leta. I did a lot of local personal appearances, talks, book festivals, panels, etc. 

The Greater Pittsburgh Book Festival
Thrillers Panel

I taught classes. I celebrated the release of What Comes Around, the 13^th Zoe Chambers mystery and the only book I had come out this year.

Personally, as I mentioned, Kensi continues to be a priority. She’s like the Energizer Bunny in that she keeps on going. And I treasure each furry moment with her.

The biggest change was my husband’s retirement. I should say partial retirement. After a month, he went back and continues to work two days a week, which keeps both of us sane.

As for what’s ahead in 2025? To be continued…