Skip to main content

Here we are. The first of May. We made it. We actually survived winter.

I feel like this winter deserves a small ceremony. Or at least a strongly worded letter. It was long, dramatic, and deeply committed to its role. But it’s over now. The light is back. The air smells different. And my soul has finally stopped hibernating like a disgruntled bear.

Growing up in Germany, the first of May was always a holiday. They called it the “Day of Work,” which, to this day, feels like one of life’s great practical jokes. You celebrate work by… not working. Everyone just collectively agreed to stay home, enjoy the day, and not question the logic too deeply.

Lately, I’ve found myself trying to remember the last time I had a proper day off. You know the kind. No writing. No plotting. No characters tapping you on the shoulder whispering, “Just one more chapter?”

And here’s the thing. I don’t actually need one.

I write cozy mysteries. I spin stories filled with small towns, gentle magic, curious secrets, and a very sassy dog who has opinions about everything. I build worlds where intuition matters, kindness counts, and justice always gets a warm cup of tea at the end. This isn’t a job I need a break from. This is the thing that makes me feel most like myself.

If I did take a day off, I know exactly what would happen. I’d sit down. I’d open a notebook. I’d think, “I’m not writing today.” And five minutes later I’d be deep into another mystery, happily ignoring my own rules.

That old saying gets tossed around a lot: do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life. It sounds cheesy. Slightly suspicious. Like something printed on a mug next to a motivational cat poster.

But it’s also true.

Writing cozy mysteries doesn’t drain me. It fills me up. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. When the world feels heavy, I get to create a place where things make sense, where love and humor matter, and where even the messiest situations can be gently untangled.

So on this first of May, I’m not celebrating the day of work. I’m celebrating the joy of loving what I do. I’m celebrating stories that keep me warm long after winter has left. And I’m celebrating the fact that my idea of a day off looks suspiciously like doing the exact same thing I do every day — writing another cozy mystery and smiling while I do it.

Spring is here. The stories are waiting. And honestly? I wouldn’t take a day off even if you offered me one.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Absolute Madness of Naming Characters

  Let’s talk about one of the most ridiculous struggles of writing a book. No, I’m not talking about the part where you stare at the blinking cursor like it personally insulted your ancestors. I’m talking about naming characters. It should be easy, right? Just slap a name on them and move on? Oh, my sweet summer child. If only. See, naming a character is like naming your kid—except worse, because nobody is going to complain if your kid and their cousin both end up being named Liam. But if your main villain is named Liam and you accidentally give the quirky coffee shop owner in book three the same name? Cue the existential crisis. Let’s walk through the madness. The Overthinking Spiral of Doom You start writing, and there’s that moment: your brand-new character walks onto the page, full of potential. All they need is a name. A simple name. Something strong, something fitting, something— Oh no. Nothing sounds right. This one is too complicated. That one is too simple. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

DIY Audiobook. A bit of equipment, good advice and lots of patience

I want to create an Audiobook - should I?  Ever since the release of book one in the "Cannabis Preacher" series of thrillers, that question has been on my mind.  The "Cannabis Preacher" books were quite long. To produce an audiobook from each of the four, including voice actors and audio production with a turn key service, I was looking at around $15,000 per book. Financially, that was a non-starter for me at the time. That amount represented a LOT of books and audiobooks to sell to recover the investment, and I shelved my plan again.  With the popularity of the "Magical Papillon" cozy mystery series, I found myself coming back to the growing popularity of audiobooks. I knew that audiobooks could reach a wider audience and catered to busy readers who prefer listening while multitasking. The idea of bringing my characters to life through narration excited me, as it offered a new dimension to my storytelling.  The cozy mysteries were only 60-65,000...
Post a Comment
Read more

Stories Are Everywhere: The Writer’s Endless Inspiration

As a writer, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How do you come up with your stories?” It’s a question that often makes me smile because the answer is as simple as it is profound: stories are everywhere. Inspiration doesn’t always strike in grand, dramatic moments. More often than not, it emerges quietly, weaving its way into the fabric of everyday life. Conversations with friends, the sights and sounds of a bustling city, or even the stillness of a room can spark the seed of an idea. Writers aren’t just storytellers; we’re observers, collecting fragments of life and spinning them into tales. Let me share a recent example of how a simple evening turned into the genesis of a new story idea. Over two perfectly crafted negronis, I was discussing the schedule for an upcoming event with a friend. Their house, a treasure trove of artwork, surrounded us. Every piece of art seemed to hum with a story of its own. Midway through the second drink, I remarked, “One day, someb...
Post a Comment
Read more