Hey there happy reader!

For as much as I love the current season, it often brings a flurry of weddings, communions, graduations, and BBQs. Sometimes my calendar fills up so fast that I can’t find a spare minute to sit down, not to mention a solid hour to write!

I’m easily overwhelmed, so I have to remind myself to leave some blank space in my schedule to accomplish the things most important to me. Yesterday, I put away my laundry list of responsibilities and planted some pretty flowers outside in my yard.

I love planting! 

It’s creative, it’s relaxing, and it gives me permission to dig in the dirt for a bit. It also helps me clear my head. I was grappling with a roadblock in my Stonehenge book and by giving myself the opportunity to be outside in the sunshine and allowing my mind the chance to wander while I dug trenches for my pretty flowers, I found a way through the problem. It was a win-win all around!

I remind myself that there’s a good reason why children enjoy being outdoors so much more than being confined inside the house. That sunshine really elevates your mood and makes the whole day better!

A big thank you to all those who grabbed a free copy of my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything.” 

It was a very successful weekend for this title – over 2500 downloads, lots of new readers! And if you’re a member of a book club, this story would make for a lively discussion.

I’d be happy to Zoom with you and your group to chat about this (or any of my books) this summer. You can let me know via email: hilari.mpp@gmail.com.

I already have a number of these fun events on my calendar, but I’d love to add yours to my list!

Hey there happy reader!

To help me celebrate my birthday this month, I’m giving you the chance to download my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything” for FREE this weekend! 

That’s right… for the next three days – today, tomorrow, and Saturday, this title will be available for download on Amazon and The Fussy Librarian for ZERO DOLLARS!

This twisty, spicy tale will take you on a roller coaster ride… 

Mia has a car accident and loses her memory. Kyle has a past that he’d like to forget. When they meet, sparks fly. He’s determined to help her regain her identity, but when all is revealed, the truth may shatter them both!

I had a blast writing this story… honestly, I feel as though I should apologize to you up front. This novel will leave you with a book hangover! All these months later these two protagonists are still living rent-free in my mind…

And spread the word! 

Call your friends and let them know that they can get a free book as well… the more the merrier! The story is as engaging as a good game of tic, tac, toe, lol! Plus, I’m hoping to shatter my own download record. I’ll let you know if that happens.

On a more serious note, I know that Mother’s Day can be tricky for some of us. Just know that whether you celebrate or not, it’s the perfect spring day to do something outdoors. Take a walk, go to the beach, or read a book under a tree. We all do so much for the other people in our lives that we often forget that it’s best to take care of ourselves as well! Whatever you do, enjoy the day…

Hey there happy readers!

I am so excited that beach weather is almost here that I wanted to kick off the season with a gift for all of you. If you haven’t read my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything” yet, you’ll be able to download it for FREE on May 8th, 9th, and 10th on Amazon. It will also be free on The Fussy Librarian site on May 9th as well!

As you may know, the plot for the story came to me in a dream, and I just scribbled it all down! 

I wrote this book in tribute to my dear friend who is suffering from memory loss. For those of us touched by this terrible illness, it can be both heartbreaking and scary for the patient and their loved ones. I wanted to capture the fear a person faces when she can not remember her past, or even her own true name. And while this book does have a happily ever after, I’ve come to understand that we need to live each day of our lives to its fullest; tomorrow is not a guarantee.

And if you’re looking for something to get your mom this Mother’s Day, tuck a digital link to the book you download into her email. I think both you and she will enjoy Mia and Kyle’s twisty, steamy story… and of course I hope you’ll let me know if you do!

In other book news…

I’ve gone back to the beginning of my current work-in-progress, “The Stones” and rewritten the opening. When I attended Joyce Maynard’s writer’s intensive workshop, Joyce offered her opinion on what I’d written. While she was intrigued by the story, she thought I needed a more gripping beginning. After much thought, I have to say that I agree. UGH!

While writing full-out is a creative joy, revising is where the truth happens. It’s so hard to be hyper-critical of your own words, but I’ve learned that one needs to be unsympathetic and ruthless when revising.

Sometimes when I delete full paragraphs, I store them in a file and tell myself that I should save them for future use. It’s like when you clean out your closet. You know that the dress you’ve kept in a size you’ll never fit into again stays tucked into a corner is just mocking you. It’s best to donate it to someone who can resist dessert – and that person isn’t me.

I realize that the sun is just starting to rise over my Stonehenge novel now. Truths are being told. I promise a sneak peek of the new opening very soon…

Hey there happy reader!

I love this time of year. The flowers are budding, the lawn is turning green… and I’m suffering from seasonal allergies!

My eyes are watering and I’m sneezing non-stop… but I guess it’s a small price to pay for the warmer weather, right? I think that for now, I’m going to watch things bloom inside from my picture window. It’s more comfortable that way, lol!

I’ve been so fortunate to have so many book clubs continue to show an interest in my historical novel, “The Wick and the Flame.” 

It’s the story of four brave young soldiers during the Israeli War of Independence in 1947. I’ve been so appreciative of the lively conversations and shared experiences with so many of the people I’ve met since I first published this book four years ago. It’s truly a gift to me to feel the love for this story from my readers.

If you’re a member of a book club in the New York metropolitan area, I’d love to swing by and discuss this novel with your group. If you live further away, I am available to attend your book club via Zoom. I can promise an interesting evening talking about all things book related!

I’m working away at my new novel, “The Stones,” as I write this newsletter. 

I’m going to have the chance to workshop it with some of the women I met at Joyce Maynard’s Writer’s Intensive this coming June. We’re reuniting to share our “work-in-progress” stories at a retreat in Colorado.

Knowing this terrific group of women, shenanigans are guaranteed. I’ll be sure to share photos once I return…

For now, I’m getting ready to celebrate my birthday (early May) with a special book promotion. 

Details will follow, but if you haven’t read my romantic suspense novel, “Question Everything,” you’ll have the chance to download it for free! It’s my way of sharing the love I have for all of you – and it’s the perfect book to tuck into your beach bag this summer. I promise that it will keep you turning the pages until the final mystery is revealed!

I hope that April showers are past and that you’re getting a chance to venture out into the warmer days. Hopefully, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers that are popping up just about everywhere! Stop and smell the roses…

Hey there happy reader,

I love to travel, but I love to be home even more! There’s something about sleeping in my own bed that makes me happy. I have more trips planned in the months ahead, but for now, I’m staying put, keeping my head down and writing!

As I mentioned last week, the after effects of my time in Guatemala has truly affected my new novel. 

I’ve given much thought to the connection women have to the earth and moon. It truly matters as I tell this story. From all I have read about those who lived at Stonehenge right before it was abandoned, they were a civilization of spiritual people who believed in community and tradition.

While they didn’t have the tools (written word) to tell their own stories, my imaginings have led me to a simple conclusion. They would have respected the earth as well as the seasons and the bounty they received from the land they lived on. They would have kept time with the moon and its phases; they would have navigated by observing the constellations in the sky.

I’ve gone back to incorporate all of that into my novel and my ancient main character, Maya, is the window into that world. Part of the problem for my modern character, Miriam, is that she isn’t connected to the earth. Until she finds that vital link, she won’t be able to solve the mystery of who ruled Stonehenge and unlock her own future.

My writing exercise (self-imposed!) this spring is to head outside and spend some more time in nature. 

I don’t know if you follow Catherine, Princess of Wales, but she said recently that while recovering from her cancer treatments, she found that being outdoors helped her both mentally and spiritually. I can absolutely understand that, and I’m committed to trying it for myself! I am hopeful that I can do a whole lot of thinking on my planned walks around my neighborhood. I might even stroll along the ocean every now and then as well!

Hey there happy reader!

Talk about a crazy idea! I’m out in Los Angeles for a few days because I couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing my west coast grandbaby until our family vacation in June. He’s getting bigger and more verbal every day, and when he tells me that I’m in New York and he’s in California, well… I just have to remedy that, if only for a few days.

But here’s where the crazy part comes in… 

I’m having a Passover Seder in LA on Saturday night, hopping on the red eye and sharing the second Seder with my New York based grandson at our house!

I thought I had it all figured out, too. 

I cooked an entire meal and put it in our downstairs freezer. My husband is really the only one to use the basement – he has a gym down there, as well as his video games (!) and virtual reality headset. (Yes, he’s a grown-up. Don’t ask!)

Anyway, he must have grabbed a water bottle out of the refrigerator, slammed the door and popped open the freezer without realizing it. I went to grab a container of milk – what must have been days later – only to find a defrosted mess! Melted ice cream, defrosted chicken, soup, and a variety of other cooked dishes all ruined!

Luckily, I had time to recreate the dinner. Suffice it to say, my husband is banned from opening that refrigerator until after the holiday. Whew!!

In other news…lol… 

I’ve been reflecting on my time in Guatemala and thinking about the lessons I’ve taken home with me. Joyce Maynard is a master teacher and the one thing she said that resonates most with me is the use of your most honest voice.

She stressed bringing a piece of yourself into your characters. That means your struggles, your fears, your insecurities belong on the page because those truths will make the people you write about all the more authentic.

So, this is what I brought home. 

The feeling I got when standing in front of this volcano. There is a pull – it’s almost magnetic – and you sense when in the shadow of this massive life force. The idea that the earth and the moon guide us, that we are all connected as inhabitants of this planet was driven home while I was in Guatemala.

I’m writing about a woman (Maya) who is truly in touch with the earth, the elements, the stars in the sky… she may live in a primitive world, one we truly don’t know the details about, but she was greatly connected to the ground beneath her feet and the constellations above her head. It’s remarkable how that works out, right? I’m taking a moment to rethink the opening of my Stonehenge book. I’ll get back to you with more information soon.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for something to stream, can I offer a suggestion? “Love on the Spectrum” is back with its third season. Your heart will explode with affection for these hopeful romantics. They’ve surely captured mine.

And if you need something to read, don’t miss “Broken Country” by Clare Leslie Hall. It’s a gripping story that kept me up way too late turning the pages.

Spring is definitely here. It’s time to get up, get out and smell the pretty blooming flowers. A walk around the block is in order. You deserve it!