Pre tropihcal storm Ana. The sand rolling across the shore is soooo cool.

Around 7 am  today.
Below is an excerpt from my new book, WATERLOGGED. Would love some feedback from my readers. Not sure when the book will be out – still working on some parts.

     It was typical springtime on Topsail Island, the weekend before Memorial Day, so it was relatively quiet.
     One could still make a right turn at the light without waiting for several cars to go through – and one didn’t have to stand in line at a local restaurant until a table became available.
     This time of year was referred to by most locals as the calm before the storm.
     Shop owners sat on the stoops of their stores and waved at passersby and local folks walked along the roadside waving back to the store owners.
     The fishing piers were not crowded either – not yet.
      Fishermen smiled and nodded to one another as they cast their lines into the Atlantic. It was a friendly, wordless exchange – quiet is the mantra for the serious fisherman – even if that means never catching a fish.        
     Everyone knows that fishing isn’t all about catching anyway; it’s about respite from the rush of life – the connection between one’s self and Mother Nature.
     Lines whirred through the stilled air; the clicks of bales being set could be heard among the calm spring day.
     It was if the island was at a threshold – and it was. The weekend before Memorial Day is the last weekend before the flood gates open and tourists from all over the country descend like a multitude of seagulls scrambling for bread crumbs.

It was just too pretty a day

Walking on the beach this morning was fantastic. Always an inspiration for working on my new book WATERLOGGED.  Main characters are Carrie Adams, Detective Don Belkin – Morgan Simpers (what a character!) and other assorted locals living in the Topsail Island area.
Hopefully I’ll have some excerpts out in the next couple of weeks.

Topsail Island is a laid back, easy going beach community eight months out of the year, but when the busy summer tourist season arrives, it’s just plain murder.

This morning the day started sort of gray and dreary but it was bright and sunny.

What a beautiful morning- inspiration for my new book WATERLOGGED. It should be out this June. It is set on Topsail Island – as is most of my stuff, and is a contemporary murder mystery. Look for a few excerpts coming in the next few weeks.

Such a beautiful day today at low tide this afternoon. Sky looks like whipped cream. The island is gearing up for the busy season – Surf City Summer Market will start in May – hope y’all come. Lots of cool stuff and cooler people.

Thanks to all of you who have taken advantage of the “free” promotion for THE DAYS OF HAIRAWN MUHLY.  The response has been fantastic. However; true to form and as my luck would have it – THE TRILL OF THE RED-WING BLACKBIRD has had some glitches and will not be available for purchase for a few days. Please be patient, I am working with Kindle to correct this problem. Thanks again, Carol Ann Ross

This morning it was really foggy outside, still the beauty is overwhelming.