A Bright New Year Ahead

The good thing about enjoying a cup of tea together is that we can do it any day of the year. It has been wonderful interacting with all of you in 2015, whether talking about new books launched or life events.
     I promised to share a major life shift that occurred over the past two years. It wasn't always easy, but in the end having our son and his family live with us while he earned his degree was totally worth it.
     And if living with the seven of us wasn't interesting enough, after our son got his degree and an amazing job in Frisco, Texas, my husband decided it was time to downsize.
     Okay. Pack up and move. Not an easy task for someone who collects beautiful china, teacups, teapots, floral arrangements, and paintings. Sigh. But as my daddy used to say, "There's nothing more certain than change." How true in this case. We're moving north to a small town where we'll be living out in the country. Literally.
     Being an eternal optimist, I decided to look on the bright side. A smaller home to maintain will be good. A new home is always nice. I'll be getting the cozy cottage I've always wanted and with not much to do living waaaay out in some pastureland, there will be more time to write!
     Some great news! My husband Ted (yes, I named Teddy after him) has carved out some time to join my writing as publicist and marketing manager which will allow me even more time to write. A good thing.
     Look for three new short stories in the poplular Happy Homicides anthologies - the first, a Valentine's tale called "Sweets, Treats and Murder" will be out for pre-order in January. A beach read called "Birthday Bash" launches in Summer, followed by a story for the Fall edition that I've yet to come up with, and then Book 11 "Murder at the Met" due to launch in November of 2016.

     I hope you're as excited about the new year as I am. As always, it's my great pleasure to entertain you with adventures of Jillian and Teddy. 

Cheers! And Happy New Year!

~Nancy Jill

Tea Party Tuesday ~ Happy New Year!

Only $2.99 - Perfect for rounding out the holiday season.

Nancy Jill's Chocolate Cinnamon Torte

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday, dear readers. I hope your holidays have been enjoyable and your New Year's Eve will bring further joy. At our house, we make Beef Bourguignon - a family tradition.  The recipe can be found in this year's issue of "A Cup of Cozy 2" along with other yummy recipes and short mysteries from my fellow authors at Cozy Mystery Magazine. You may also want to try my recipe for Chocolate Cinnamon Torte that I've included- a perfect treat for afternoon tea. 

Cheers for a Blessed 2015!

~Nancy Jill

The One Thing for 2014

By Nancy Jill Thames                                    

Curly from "City Slickers"

Did you ever watch the movie "City Slickers" with Billie Crystal? As they deliver a calf together, Curly tells the city slicker to remember the one thing. No one is sure what Curly was referring to, but that's what I liked about it -- we're free to interpret the meaning.

Looking ahead to 2014 the one thing I want to happen is to better connect with my readers. Being an author can be isolating -- we're alone most of the time with our imaginations rolling out in print. I admire authors like Tonya Kappes who single-handedly publishes books while being an excellent therapist, wife, and mother to three strapping boys. Whew! She even has a new clothing line based on one of her protagonists! Amazing. If you like humorous cozy mysteries with a touch of paranormal you may want to check out her books.

Writing books is one thing -- learning about readership is another. I sincerely hope this year we'll get better acquainted so please join me on this site and leave comments. It's the one thing I'm focusing on in 2014.

Happy New Year! I'll see you in my books.

~Nancy Jill