Greetings from San Francisco! I'm on the road again and wanted to connect with you and fill you in on some big news from Stella's world!
Focus on Deception hit the scene just over three months ago, and I'm thrilled with the reception it's received. As creative people we spend months—even years—conceiving of a story or piece of art before we release it to the public for their enjoyment, and letting go of our babies can feel overwhelming.
We love it, but what will everyone else think?
I'm happy to report the reviews are in and people love Stella and Fiona!
I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to review the book and tell their friends about it—every recommendation means the world to me (and Stella).
I also appreciate friends and family who text me their comments as they read... often as a play by play while they're trying to figure out who the villain is as the story unfolds. I never imagined it would feel this good to see people's reactions to my work. It's truly a new high for me!
I've been taking in readers' comments and requests, and thinking about what's next for me as a writer.
When I originally conceived of this story, I wrote it as a women's fiction novel and envisioned a series of books centered around Stella's thefts.
I'd always believed Stella's story was worth more than one book.
But turning her story into a thriller, with her daughter threatened? I thought I lost the ability to write a series about her. What could she possibly do after her experience in Focus on Deception?
Well, friends, never say never! Readers are unanimous in demanding more of Stella's story (and Fiona's... their love for her is nearly as great as my own) and I am answering the call.
After consulting my muse, spending time with Stella and Fiona, and looking at the million threads running through their lives we could play with...
Apparently, although I made decisions which amped up Stella's life to a terrifying degree and made the stakes personal for her, I also changed enough of the supporting cast to give her a life after "The End" in book 1.
Check out my chat with Rhonda Douglas on The Resilient Writers Radio Show to hear how we made it from a women's fiction series... to a standalone thriller... and back to a series!
That's what's new with me. What's going on with you?
It's February and already 2026 feels ten years long. Are you finding ways to escape and find some joy in your life?
Hit reply and let me know what's making you smile. I'd love to hear from you!
Happy writing. Happy life.
“
Perhaps some detours aren’t detours at all. Perhaps they are actually the path.” — Katherine Wolf
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