A New Year, and a New Release

2012 is finally a fading image in my rear view mirror.  It's been a tough year, maybe the toughest year I have ever faced.  But today, with the arrival of 2013 I am able to put the old year behind me, and look forward to the new.  Sure, there will be challenges, and I am not 100% just yet, but I am much better than I was a month ago, and miles better than the month before that.  On the 10th of December last year (man, am I glad to be able to say that!) the wound care facility declared me healed, and officially released me from all follow-up care.  Much as I appreciated all they did, I was just as glad to say good-bye.  It was a friendly break-up though, and I took them some lovely parting gifts.

The other good news today is the release of Murder Hooks a Mermaid, the second book in the Haunted Gift Shop series, along with my friend Julie Hyzy's Fonduing Fathers (Thanks, Julie, for the great review posted above).  Here's the cover blurb:

Nestled in Keyhole Bay, Florida, Glory Martine’s souvenir shop, Southern Treasures, is supposed to trap tourists—not ghosts. But a possessed parrot may be just what Glory needs to solve a murder...

Inheriting her great-uncle Louis’s bayside souvenir shop should have been a breeze for Glory. Instead it’s been one headache after another—with a lot of them generated by Bluebeard, a parrot with a mouth like a sailor and a personality a lot like her late great-uncle. But Glory’s troubles pale in comparison to those of her best friend Karen, whose ex may still have the personalized key chain to her heart, but whose brother-in-law is about to get locked up.

A diver has been found with a gaff hook in his chest, and Karen turns to Glory to help get her brother-in-law off the hook for his murder. But casting the net for the real killer won’t be easy. Glory and Bluebeard are about to find out that the secrets in Keyhole Bay run deeper than anyone ever imagined…

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Yep, we get to know Karen's ex, who made a cameo appearance in Murder Buys a T-Shirt, as well as his troublesome brother.  There's more Bluebeard, and more Jake, and especially more of Sly and Bobo.  I didn't know those last two were going to turn into such important characters when I started this series, but once they showed up I knew they had a story to tell.  (And there's also more of Sly's story coming January 15th at Dru's Book Musings.)

I am currently working like mad on Book 3, with a working title of Murder Sends a Postcard, which should be out late this year (Yay, 2013!).  As always, if you want a signed copy of any of my books you can contact my local booksellers: North by Northwest Books and Antiques,  or Bob's Beach Books.

A Cover, At Last! (Plus, Romance for Valentine's Day!)

There it is, in all its glory!  OK, bad pun.  My heroine - the owner of the gift shop, and the parrot - is Gloryanna Martine, Glory to her friends.

Sorry it took so long.  There were a couple changes, and tweaks along the way, but I am delighted to have a real, final, gorgeous cover to share with you.

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and bookstores everywhere.  It's also available in ebook.  And if you want a signed copy, I'll be at Malice Domestic the end of April, or you can order a copy from my local bookseller pal, Sheldon McArthur at North by Northwest Books.

Number-one Fan and husband Steve jumping in here...

The post above was supposed to go out Sunday, but got stuck in the pipes somehow, so Christy asked me to play tech support and knock it loose for y'all.


While I'm at it, I'm going to remind you good folks that Christy (writing under her real name of Christina F. York) has written three contemporary romance novels, Loaves and Kisses, Dream House, and Dory Cove.  And given that it's Valentine's Day, it seemed like a good excuse to give them a quick plug.  All are available in ebook form, from Amazon (links below) and all other major ebook vendors, including Nook, iBooks, Sony, Kobo, etc.  There are also still a few copies of the Five Star print edition of "Dream House" out there too, if you're quick about it!


Enjoy!

The Fall of a Hero

I've been missing from this blog for several months, and from much of the rest of my world.  I apoligize to my fans for disappearing, and I feel as though I owe you an explanation.  This may take more than one post, but I find myself wanting to talk about what happened over the last year.

You see, I lost my hero, the man I have looked up to and admired for more than 60 years.  My dad.  I want to talk about him, about who he was and what he meant to me.

Over the last couple years I have watched dementia slowly steal the man I knew.  It was heart-breaking to watch this vital, larger-than-life man reduced to a confused and debilitated man battling with his private demons.

In the end he slipped away in his sleep on the 17th of August.  It was both a tragedy and a blessing, and brought grief, relief, and guilt for feeling relieved, in equal measures.  I will always miss him, but the man I grew up with would not have chosen those last months of dependency and loss of control.

Dad wasn't a conventional hero.  He didn't fly planes, or charge into burning buildings, or chase bad guys.  But he was my hero.  There are many things I want to say about him, to tell you why he was important.

I thought I was ready.  I had the words in my head to tell you what I want you to know.  But I still can't.  Sometime soon, I hope.

In the meantime, I hold onto one thing: Just a few days before he died, I got a revised cover image for the first book in the new series (it's getting a couple tweaks, and I hope to have it to post later in the week). 

This is the first book under the Fifield name.  My dad's name. 

I was able to email a copy to my mother, and she took it to show Dad - the first time the name he passed down to me appeared on the cover of a book.

I like to think he approved.

Cover Coming!

I've just seen a preview of the cover for MURDER BUYS A T-SHIRT, and I am very pleased with the results!  The art is wonderful, the composition is lovely, and there's a great quote from a writer I like and respect - a lot.

Did I mention that I am pleased?

There's a parrot on the cover - as well there should be - along with the new (old) name of Christy Fifield.  Technically that name is not exactly what my name was; I went by Christi Fifield when I was a child, but I didn't figure anyone would notice the difference.  Heck, it's been long enough since I used that name, no one would even notice, except my family!

Anyway, as soon as I have the okay I will be posting the cover - and the nice quote - here for everyone to see.  I also have a release date of March, 2012, so mark your calendars.

In the meantime, I do have a new short story available now on Kindle and coming soon to Nook, and through most of the other regular epublishing channels.  Here's the description for "Cheer Witches":


Some people think all cheerleaders are witches, which isn't really true. Except at Salem Township Public High School #4 - known to the student body as Witch High.



Regionals are coming, and Cassie wants to win. But not enough to cheat. Magic is strictly forbidden in competition, and by the coach. Still, a little magic seems to be creeping into their routines, and Cassie is worried. She prides herself on using her powers for good, and cheating isn't right.

If she can't find the hidden source of the magic before their next competition, they could be disqualified.

Or worse, in Cassie's mind, they could not be disqualified.

Then even if they win, they lose!


Find it on Amazon at the above link, or in all major ebook forms on Smashwords. Only 99 cents. Coming soon to Nook, Apple, Kobo, and all other major ebook outlets.  And while you're there, take a look at the other titles I have available.  There are two short stories FREE at Smashwords - Food Fight (also free for Kindle and Nook) and Songs of Lesser Voices (available for free on Nook) - and several others at only 99 cents.

I hope to be back here soon to post more recipes and cooking photos, and to share the new cover.  I'm excited to get your reactions to the cover - I'm already happy about it and I hope you'll like it, too!

Schedule Updates, and More News!

New books, fresh from the publisher!  It's like Christmas!!

As you can see from the post below, RT loves the new book.  It got a great review and 4 stars!  Makes a writer happy to see readers enjoying their books.

Things around Christy-land have been a bit discombobulated lately, and this blog was one of the things that got set aside while we worked it out.  But now I can bring you up-to-date a little on what's coming in the next few months - and tell you about TWO special no-longer-secret projects.

UPDATE:  Christy Evans, and DRIP DEAD, are featured on the RT Book Review site!  Read an excerpt, or the review.  And, as a bonus, a letter from Christy should be live this week!

First, the schedule:

February 17, 2011 -  (Man, where did 2010 go?)  Dialogue, blog radio interview with Joshus Graham and Susan Wingate. 10 am.  Also available as streaming audio following the live broadcast.  And, by the way, I also did an episode with them in January, which is available at the blog radio archive.

February 26, 2011 - Signing at North by Northwest Books, Streetcar Village, Lincoln City, Oregon - I don't have a time yet, but they're usually scheduled for 12-2 pm.  If you can't make it but you want a signed book, contact Sheldon McArthur at North by Northwest, 541-994-3087.  He'll be glad to help you out!

June 30-July2, 2011 - North American Mensa Annual Gathering, Portland, Oregon.  I don't have my specific schedule yet, but I have been asked to present, and plan to talk about "The Promiscuous Writer."

August 17-22. 2011 - World Science Fiction Convention - Renovations, Reno, Nevada.  Worldcon is a large, eclectic gathering of fans, writers, editors, agents, and artists.  It promises to be a good time, and we plan to be there for the festivities.

October 28-31, 2011 - Scribes At Sea, where I will be teaching aboard a cruise ship!

So, that's the schedule for now.  There may be additions, and I'll post them as soon as I set them up.

Now, I promised you news about a secret project, right?  OK.  OK.  I promised you news about TWO secret projects.

The first is a collaboration for Story Portals out of Green Bay, Wisconsin.  I just finished my part of a new fantasy series about Bel Thorne, Hedge Witch.  In a world where magic is an accepted part of life, there are those who fear and despise it, a few who abuse it, and those - like Bel - who strive to wield their Power in an ethical manner.  The first book in the series will be completed later this year, and I'll be sure to let you know when the wonderful people at Story Portals release it.

And (drum roll, please) the OTHER big news - a new mystery series, from a new name!!

If you look at the logo at the top of this blog, you'll notice a slight change.  It no longer says "Christy Evans Mystery."  It says "Christy Mystery, the Mysteries of Christina F. York, Christy Evans, and Christy Fifield."  Those are some of the names I write under, and the newest series will be written as Christy Fifield.  I just got the contract for three books, again for Berkley Prime Crime, and I'm stoked!

Glory Martine owns a gift shop in the Florida Panhandle, inherited from her great-uncle, Louis George.  Along with the shop, she inherited Bluebeard, a foul-mouthed parrot.  Bluebeard isn't the only one living in the shop, however.  When things get moved, or displays fall off the walls, Glory finally has to admit the shop is haunted by the ghost of Uncle Louis.

MURDER IN A SHOT GLASS, the first book in the series, revolves around the drunk driving death of a high school football star.  Things are never what they seem, and with Uncle Louis urging her on, Glory can't accept the single-car wreck was an accident.  With the help of her best friend, radio personality Karen Freed, and the rest of her pals, Glory is determined to find the real culprit - even if it puts her own life in danger.

I have books 2 & 3 planned, and will be writing like crazy.  I don't have release dates as yet, but look for the Hauntedd Gift Shop mysteries starting in the spring of 2012.

Well, I think that's enough for now.  I'll try to be better about stopping by here and updating you on my books and stories, appearances, and maybe even a new name or two.  I blame it on being a Gemini - one name just isn't enough!

Coming Events

With the release of LEAD PIPE CINCH in less than a month, I've got a trio of appearances lined up.  I'd love to see all Georgie's fans at one (or all) of them!

On April 3, we'll be doing a Sneak Preview event at North by Northwest Books her in Lincoln City.  Our last event - for the release of SINK TRAP - was a great success, and we're looking forward to a fun afternoon with local bookseller and mystery guru Sheldon McArthur as our host.  Watch this space for the details!

Then on April 17, there's a "meet and greet" event at Murder By The Book in Portland, Oregon, from 1 to 3 pm.  They promise books and snacks, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.  What more can an author (or a reader) ask?

Finally, April 29-May 2 I'll be at Malice Domestic in Arlington, VA.  This is the mack daddy convention for cozy mysteries, and I am delighted to be able to attend this year.  Especially with LEAD PIPE CINCH out just three weeks before the convention!  I'm really looking forward to meeting the fans and the writers, and having a whole weekend devoted just to mysteries.

So there you have it, three coming events that should be lots of fun.

Hope I see you there!

COMING ATTRACTION!!

OK, much celebrating here in Christy-Evans-land. I am loving the cover for LEAD PIPE CINCH, and wanted to share. I don't have final cover copy, but that should come in the next couple days.


In the meantime, here's the blurb from the preliminary Amazon listing:

Georgiana Neverall never pictured herself knee-deep in a muddy trench building a moat-part of a state-of-the-art castle that would soon house a retired Microsoft engineer.


She also never imagined being a murder suspect, but that's exactly what happens when a floater in the moat turns out to be her ex-boyfriend.

Yep, we start digging into Georgie's past as she continues digging the moat for Chad McComb's castle, and dealing with her mother, her current sort-of boyfriend, and her two adorable Airedales.

Stay tuned here for more guest bloggers, upcoming appearances, and some fun surprises as we get ready for the release of LEAD PIPE CINCH on April 6th.

And thank you all for your support of Georgie, and of me.

The Road to the Bookstore - Arrival!!

According to the publisher, today is the official release day for SINK TRAP. I will be reading and signing at North by Northwest Books & Antiques here in Lincoln City on Saturday, October 10, at noon. If you can’t make the signing but you’d like to get an autographed book, contact Sheldon McArthur at North by Northwest (mcarthurca@earthlink.net), or call the store (541) 994-6809.

The release of a book is a milestone – the culmination of that whole Road to the Bookstore that I’ve been talking about. It means that the manuscript you sweated bullets over, the careful cover design, the hard work of artists, designers, typesetters, editors, and copyeditors has finally produced the beautiful volume that’s on the shelf with your name on the cover. It’s a cause for celebration, and an opportunity to stand in the aisle and admire your finished product – and maybe squeal just a little.

But in a larger sense the release itself is anti-climactic for a working writer. The book that appears on the shelf today is a book I wrote last year. I did the revision many months ago. I’ve already seen the cover art, and the finished cover. I checked the copyedits and the galley pages, and distributed advance copies. I’ve even seen a few reviews – the source of the quotes at the top of this page.

For me, the book is history. I’ve moved on to the next book, or beyond. In the case of the Lady Plumber books, I have already written the second and third books in the series. At the moment I am working on the copyedited manuscript for the second book, and squealing with glee over the preliminary cover design. But as far as SINK TRAP is concerned, most of my work is done.

I’ll still promote the book, and I’m immensely proud of what I’ve done. I’m pleased with the story, and happy that the early reviews are favorable. It’s what I call the Sally Fields moment – “You like me! You really, really like me!” – and it’s a wonderful feeling. But writing is my job, and just like everyone else, my job doesn’t end just because one project is complete.

So I’ll be at the bookstore at the end of this particular road on Saturday, and I’ll enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with the completion of the project. I’ve earned that moment.

But come the next day it will be time to go back to work, and start another journey on the Road to the Bookstore.

Who knows where the next one will end?

"Sink Trap" cover

Helper Steve here: While Chris is putting the final touches on book three, here's the cover for book one, "Sink Trap." Doesn't it look great? Click on the image to see it even bigger.

Sink Trap is scheduled for release in early October. You can pre-order by clicking on the smaller image in the sidebar.

The author herself will be along to comment presently.