WINTER'S COMING...
And although the temperatures here in the Hill Country are dropping and the sky is overcast, the promise of the holidays keep spirits high. Here in the Texas Hill Country, community events are sprouting faster than corn stalks and the cooler weather brings my neighbors out for long walks. After our disaterous flood in July, things are returning to normal, except for ongoing dredging and cleanup. This tragedy has forged our communities into a stronger, solid force. Gratitude abounded at Thanksgiving for all the efforts from both inside and outside the community. A new year looms on the horizon and I pray it's filled with hope and promise for all.

This year has brought its challenges, but also its rewards. My first cozy mystery in the Pine Ridge series, Fowl Deeds, was accepted by The Wild Rose Press for publication. I hope to see it released in the first half of 2026. I'll have a cover release and updates in the upcoming months. I'm excited to introduce readers to my spunky protagonist, Darby Alexander and friends in this book.

Speaking of books, I've been catching up on reading and for those of you who enjoy reading cozies, check out an old favorite author, Joan Hess. Her Claire Malloy mysteries are well-written and keep you guessing who-done-it until the end. I'm finishing up Damsels in Distress today. Also check out Cindy Goyette's series about a probation officer with a talent for investigation.

As far as future projects, I've completed the second book in the Pine Ridge Mystery series and am editing another romantic suspense novel, The Deadly Tide. My first novel in that genre, High Desert Heat, is still available on Amazon.

Wanda J. McLaughlin

Wanda McLaughlin writes mysteries with heart, humor, and a hint of danger. In manuscript form, her debut cozy, Fowl Deeds: A Pine Ridge Mystery, earned Best Cozy Mystery from the Southern California Writers Conference and an honorable mention from the Writers’ League of Texas. Her award-winning short fiction has appeared in multiple library and regional anthologies.

Before turning to fiction, Wanda was a professional résumé writer and published contributor to national career guides. She now calls Ingram, Texas home, where she’s plotting her next Pine Ridge mystery—under the watchful eye of her cat, Tess.

Follow Wanda on Facebook and Instagram; visit her website at www.wandamclaughlin.com

Back in the Lone Star State

Sep 08, 2023 by Wanda J. McLaughlin

Since moving to the Hill Country (yes, we do capitalize that phrase in Texas), last May, I've come to appreciate the weather in San Diego more than I had. Ninety-degree highs there had me cursing the heat. Now, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees for the past 71 days, I look back and laugh at myself. But it's September and a cool front is scheduled in a few days, so I've decided to enjoy the luxury (or necessity) of air-conditioning and get some writing done.

Wanda McLaughlin

Wanda J. McLaughlin

A Writer's Path

Back in the Lone Star State