So this is the new cover to BRIDGE TENDER. Much like the previous, but more ominous, don’t ya think. Again, thanks to Connie Pletl and Loggerhead Designs.

quote: And I know Martin Eden’s
           gonna be proud of me
           And many before me
          who’ve been called by the sea.
          –Tom Waits

One of the observation towers from the late 1940s when Operation Bumble Bee was active on the island. The missiles being observed were part of an anti-aircraft, surface to air missile defense system.This ramjet powered design is still used in some technology today. The Navy left in 1948, turning over leased land to land owners, opening the floodgates for developers.

Back in the day, young courageous hearts and souls climbed the rickety stairways and dared each other to jump from the towers. We did, but we had tall, voluptuous sand dunes to land in.

A writing tip-QUOTE-If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.–John Irving.

When I was a kid I used to swim out ten stokes and if I could touch bottom, I’d swim out ten more-and on and on.

QUOTE:  Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go-
 T.S. ELIOT

THESE DAYS, CHARACTER IS LIKE MONEY–SO FEW HAVE IT.

I keep forgetting that this blog is supposed to be about writing tips. Okay, ya want a writing tip-here it is: quit reading other people’s stuff and comparing it to what you think you could be capable of doing. YOU are not THAT person, you are your own-self.-do YOUR thing. It is tough putting yourself out there every day for criticism but that is what being a writer is, quit making excuses for what you think you should be and just be yourself. Because, sweetie pie, it doesn’t matter what size golden eggs you lay, there will always be someone to say they are the wrong shape and wrong size. How’s that for a tip?
Now on to the important stuff, the photo. This was taken after hurricane Donna. I remember coming home from Camp Lejeune (where we stayed that year for the storm) and seeing three houses floating down the Intracoastal. WOW! I thought it was cool. Then before the storm I remember running up to the dunes and walking out as far as I could on this little jetty that the ocean had created and watching the cascade of waves crisscrossing one another, I seems some were even going backward. The wind was blowing ferociously, and I recall fighting against it and loving every second. Yippee! Mother Nature!  Imagine–being exposed to such strength and awesomeness at such a young age. Anyway, I digress–this picture is an example as to what usually happened when a storm came through. Even though it may originate from the south, they always seemed to swirl to the north of the island, knock out McKees, then Paradise-pieces of those piers would move southward to hit the remaining fishing piers (Ocean City, Barnacle Bill’s, Surf City, Dolphin, Jolly Roger-Scotch Bonnet wasn’t built until ’64, I think) I believe this is Surf City Pier. Because of those piers, Topsail was referred to as  THE FISHERMAN’S PARADISE.
I do want to thank those of you who visit my blog. A couple of you have mentioned it to me at the markets. Thanks again and I hope I’m informative.

Below is the old Sea Gull restaurant around 1960 or so. Our family ran it for a couple of years. Of course, it is gone now-a parking lot-yep-it’s a parking lot now. Have to make room for all the tourists who are coming-and they are coming and coming. We love to see the tourists come. We love to see the tourists go. Made some good tourist friends. Flipped off a few too.

I often write about tourists. In fact, I’m working on something sort of touristy now. How to use the so varied personalities is difficult, incorporating them into the story, making them the fabric of a story. But how much fabric? that’s the question. Reminds me of two Hemingway quotes: “The first draft of anything is shit.”    “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit at a typewriter and bleed.”  Good quotes-huh? The last  is probably my favorite-it is oh, so true.

My sister Mary Ellen, Daddy and me in 1967.

Never did like shoes. Liked to feel the tickling grass, the sand beneath my feet. So much easier climbing dunes when you’re barefoot. Downside: stickers-they hurt. You always run the risk of getting hurt when you go barefoot.

QUOTE: Sensuality does not understand why everyone else is disturbed by her. As a young girl, she was often scolded for going barefoot. J. Ruth Gendler.

Well, here she is boys and girls! the second book in my Topsail Island Mystery series. Hope you enjoy the twists and turns-the titillating characters, nefarious bad guys, and the fun of watching their lives unravel.

Bridge Tender is available on Amazon NOW, but I won’t be getting my copies for about a week. If you order from Amazon and happen to come to one of the markets at Topsail, I’ll be glad to sign it for you.

Hope you enjoy this thriller! I love the cover of the book about as  much as I love the story. Wow! what a beautiful place our beloved Topsail Island is.

Searching for pictures for the cover of my new book BRIDGE TENDER. It should be out mid June!!!  I sort of like this one but am going out to take more pics this week. I’d appreciate any feed back from y’all. Thanks — the flood gates are open and here come the summer folk. HAPPY SUMMER  to everyone living on and visiting Topsail. Be sure to visit the market this Saturday in Surf City-just on the other side of Hardees. And starting Tuesday, May 31 the Surf City Summer Market will launch its first market of the year.