Let's talk about murder!

Those of you who know me well are probably tired of hearing me talk about my murder mystery. But for those who seldom associate my name with murder, no, I'm not "Kiddering" around. I'm happily writing the first in a series of murder mysteries revolving around a young journalist named Maddie, her seriously fun senior neighbor, Lil, and a host of characters from the most beautiful town in Florida, Vero Beach. It all starts with Maddie walking on the beach after work with a large iced mocha latte, a socialite's daughter who believed a lie and ended up dead, and a town that wouldn't be bullied. It doesn't hurt that Lil's handsome grandson, a professor from New York, feels compelled to fly down and solve this case, too.

So why's a Christian writer intrigued with murder? Because real life happens to all of us, Christian or not. I'm delighted to join the ranks of many fellow authors who have jumped into a new genre and found such challenge and delight. You'll find hints and updates, maybe even an excerpt or two, right here on my blog.

Feel like there's a budding writer inside you, too? Check out Jerry Jenkins' Christian Writers Guild website: www.christianwritersguild.com. You'll be amazed at all the new mini courses being designed for those with singular interests. My favorite courses are still the Apprentice and Journeyman courses, designed for serious students. Over the years I have mentored many and watched some go into full time writing careers. How fun is that?

Stay in touch. You'll be hearing from me when you least expect it.

Virelle

Take a Hike with Me!

Here's a fun question:  Where does an elk go for breakfast?

Answer: Anywhere he wants to!

On our recent week-long trip to Estes Park, Colorado, Steve and I awoke daily to many huge elk grazing outside our door. They own the Rocky Mountains, basically, seldom moving for cars, and never for pedestrians. What fun! While I taught writing at 8,000 feet, guzzling water to prevent altitude sickness, Steve trekked down to the Big Thompson River with his new fly rod to catch a big one. In an entire week, he caught nothing, but who cared? It was a great place to spend his sixty-fifth birthday! I had an eager class filled with talented writers and a whole week to enjoy meeting with fellow writers and agents I hadn't seen in a long time.

After Colorado, I had two days to unpack and repack to speak north of Toronto at Women of Grace, held at the beautiful Muskoka Bible Conference Centre on Lake Mary. It was a remarkable time. Not only did a moose swim across the lake, as if on cue, but some amazing women attended whom I will remember for a long time. If you live near there, I've been invited to return in June, 2010. Please come!

May was a busy month, with eighteen days on the road speaking. Apart from doing some radio and television shows now, I'm gearing up to begin work on two novels this year. Pray I can write them with joy and not fear, as this is an entirely new genre for me. 

I'll be giving away several copies of The Best Life Ain't Easy in the next few weeks. If you'd like to receive one, just be one of the first five people to jot me a line with "book giveaway" in the subject line. Write to me at connect@virellekidder.com. 

 May this day bring only God's best to you! 

Virelle