HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oh, my goodness, there are so many stories. And in our book world, so many stories of authors—including debut authors--whose dreams were about to come true. Alicia Kennedy, like her intrepid sleuth Naomi in her Traveler Cozy series, was about to have the trip of a lifetime.
And then, Alicia (writing as AR Kennedy) and the other authors had the rug pulled out from them—devastatingly and irretrievably.
And because we all try to be brave, and loving and embrace our shared situation, we are honored to highlight those authors-and essential employees-who have braved so much.
Alicia Kennedy is a soldier. She’s a debut author during this horrible time. But what did she do? She went to work. And we are so proud to hear her story.
A Dream Interrupted
by
One day in August 2019, I chose March 24, 2020 to release my new series — The Traveler Cozy Mystery Series. I chose March to release the first in the series, Sleuth on Safari, because it was the recommended six months away for marketing. I also chose March because of Spring Break. I envisioned a reader buckling their seatbelt on their flight to their own adventure or laying down at a beach or at a pool, opening their e-reader and beginning to enjoy Naomi’s adventure in Africa.
In August 2019, the only thing I thought of when I heard ‘corona’ was a beer and a lime.
In August 2019, if I typed COVID19, my iPhone would have auto-corrected it.
As the release date approached, the pandemic infected the world. The series is independently published and due to Amazon rules, changing the release date would come with penalties, such as not being able to post pre-orders in the future. So I was stuck with the date of March 24, 2020.
I tried to tell myself it would be all right, that the release would be a success. I tried to assuage my fears by thinking how no one was traveling and that they would want to read a story about a woman traveling to Africa on a safari.
However, few can concentrate to read and so many have lost their jobs.
Many independently published authors are either retired or have full time jobs. I have a full time job.
As a home care physical therapist, in New York, I am considered an essential employee. Typically, I treat people who are considered homebound. Now, basically the whole state is ordered to be homebound.
During most of this unprecedented time, I have been thankful to have a full time job. It helped me maintain a sense of normalcy, ensured a steady paycheck and kept me from watching too much news. Sadly, on Good Friday, I was faced with the harsh reality of my work and this pandemic. On April 9, 2020, one of the physical therapists on my team died. The tragic loss of Mario to COVID19 is one that will be felt by his family, as well as his co-workers and patients, forever.
My goal when I began writing The Traveler Cozy Mystery Series was to have the reader travel with me to international locales I have enjoyed. For the readers who cannot travel due to financial or physical restrictions, I hoped they enjoyed the journey. For the readers who are able to travel, I hoped the book would inspire them to book a trip.
Sometime in the future, I hope many more readers join Naomi on her travels. They are full of fun, adventure and family. It’s what all of us need in our lives.
HANK: Oh, Alicia, you are so brave, and you are so tough, and you are facing so much right now. Our hearts go out to you in so many ways. And I am working hard to be optimistic. But yay for debut authors! And we are giving standing ovations to all authors whose tours have been cancelled. We all become family now, right? And each and every one of us is sending you hugs and gratitude.
So, Reds and readers, let’s pretend. If you could go anywhere right now, safely and happily and no holds barred, where would it be, and why? (And we hope you are all well.)
A R Kennedy lives in Long Beach, New York, with her two pups. She works hard to put food on the floor for them. As her favorite T-shirt says, ‘I work so my dog can have a better life'. She’s an avid traveler. But don’t worry. While she’s away, her parents dote on their grand-puppies even more than she does. Her writing is a combination of her love of travel, animals, and the journey we all take to find ourselves.
SLEUTH ON SAFARI
Naomi and her estranged sister are off on a trip of a lifetime—an African safari, a bucket list trip for Naomi on which she got a last-minute deal. Naomi thinks traveling with her sister will be the worst part of her African safari until she finds one of their fellow travelers, the unlikable Dr. Higgins, dead. She gets more adventure than she bargained for when she starts investigating what she thinks is murder but the luxury lodge says was a tragic accident. She only has a few vacation days, and a few game drives, to find the killer. 
Alicia, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. Thank you for all you do to help others in this crazy, frightening time . . . .
ReplyDeleteA safari story sounds exciting . . . I shall look forward to reading it.
If I could go anywhere right now [aside from visiting the girls and the grandbabies], I think I’d like to go Italy or France, just for the sightseeing . . . .
Thank you for the kind words.
DeleteItaly and France are both amazing. There are so many sights to see.
Gelato was the highlight of my trip to Italy.
All the best
Good morning you too! Yes, we saw some television show set in Paris the other night, and it was just so breathtaking…
DeleteWe had a wonderful time there, and I pray it will be there waiting for you when the world gets back.
DeleteI'd love to go on a safari. And I've always wanted to do a Panama Canal cruise.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the debut. I've bought it already, but haven't read it yet. So many books and all that. But being able to travel right now via books is a gift. Thank you for giving it to us.
Thank you for purchasing Sleuth on Safari!
DeleteI hope you enjoy it.
You are so right, Mark! and Hallie can tell you all about Panama, for now at least.
DeleteCongratulations, Alicia on the debut book. I love to travel solo (and armchair travel) so much through reading. Going on a safari would be a trip I would like to do someday.
ReplyDeleteBut my bucket list trip has been to go to Peru and Ecuador. I had planned to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2018 but I broke my ankle in November 2017 and that trip was postponed. I now have most of my mobility back but would need to train hard to do that 4-day hike.
Instead, to be kind to myself now, I would just enjoy the wonderful food, sights and culture in cities such as Lima and Cusco, and take the train to visit Machu Picchu. Then off to Ecuador for the next leg of the adventure.
I went to Machu Picchu a few years ago and loved it! I've already started thinking about how main character, Naomi, visit to the amazing area.
DeleteI've also been to Ecuador. After my safari, my trip to Galapagos is my second favorite trip of all time.
All the best in future travels.
Yes, adding the Galapagos to the Ecuador part of the itinerary would be wonderful.
DeleteThat sounds perfect, Grace! another potential jungle red excursion , how about that?
DeleteThank you for having me on the blog today. Special thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteIf not for the pandemic, in 2 weeks, I would have been traveling to Japan for my first trip to Asia and for research for an upcoming book in The Traveler Cozy Mystery series.
Japan would be an awesome setting for your third Traveler Cozy Mystery series. All my relatives are in Japan, so I have visited there 3 times as a child, but have not gone back as an adult. I see your second book is set in Reykjavik. I was lucky to travel to Iceland for work in 2015 and for vacation in 2017. Looking forward to reading this book too when it is released later in May.
DeleteIceland is awesome. I've been 3 times. I hope you enjoy R.I.P. in Reykjavik.
DeleteBook 3 is already started and is set in Australia. It should be out later in 2020.
The Japan book will be 6 or later...
Very exciting! This is such a good idea This is such a good idea, Alicia. You two are such world travelers
DeleteOh, wow, that's great to hear that you have that many books in the Traveler Cozy Mystery series written/planned. And book 3 set in Australia would be another fun read for me. And frankly I would love to go back to Iceland for a third time too (in real life). The first two trips were both in the winter so I did get to see the Northern Lights and do the Blue Lagoon spa outing and the Golden Circle tour but I would love to tour the rest of the country in the summer one day.
DeleteI've gone to Iceland 2x in summer and 1x in winter. I went to the Blue Lagoon every time! The last time I stayed at the Blue Lagoon hotel too! I saw the Northern Lights outside Akureyi. Summer in Iceland is glorious with the Midnight Sun.
DeleteAlicia, congratulations on your debut. I love traveling vicariously and Naomi's adventure sounds like the beginning of a fun series!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for being on the frontlines. My heart goes out to you for Mario's loss. I see the 'Heroes Work Here' signs when I scuttle out from the safety of my home to pick up food and medicine. As in any battle, ordinary people step up to perform extraordinary acts of bravery and compassion.
Yes, I think it's a fun series. I have had fun writing it. It allows me to relive my adventures.
DeleteYes, Flora, it is so touching… Alicia, we are so proud of you!
DeleteThank you. I truly appreciate the kind words. As a home care worker, I work on my own. I'm gowned/masked/face shielded/gloved up like the staff in the hospitals with the added stress and difficulty of doing it in the makeshift space of a patient's home.
DeleteAlicia, congratulations on the book! When you travel do you go alone or with a group or what? All of my traveling is done via books, which on the plus side no crowds, but on the minus side I think I am missing quite a lot. So there are many places I'd like to visit in person. I've been thinking of going to England and then taking the train up to Scotland. Maybe stopping for a while in "Veraland" first.
ReplyDeleteI think you are very brave to go into peoples' homes. I've been wishing this week that a physical therapist could come to me and help me with my sciatica pain. You probably don't come upstate, do you?
Nope--I don't travel upstate. That would be some commute! I hope you feel better soon.
DeleteI typically travel solo. Depending on the destination, I'll book a group tour or do the trip truly solo. I've been fortunate that most trips where I've joined a group that I've met nice people. I was extremely lucky for my trip to South Africa, which was a group tour. Sleuth on Safari is dedicated to them!
Oh, I bet they will love that! Did you tell them you were writing a book, or did you know at that time?
DeleteOh Judi, I’m sorry for your sciatica! Our lives just got put on hold, so brutally, didn’t they question
DeleteI've kept in touch with the group I traveled with in South Africa and they all know that 'Sleuth on Safari' is dedicated to them. They were all pleased to see their names on the dedication page!
DeleteCongratulations on the new book Alicia! And also so very sorry about the loss of your colleague. These are the most tragic, bewildering days...
ReplyDeleteEventually those of us who are having trouble reading will get that back, and here's hoping many turn to your new book
Thank you
DeleteWith you, Lucy. I go back and forth about that, I have to say. It’s very difficult for me to focus most times.
DeleteThank you for your work Alicia and sorry for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release of Sleuth on Safari. It is often books reading that brought me to travel. Your book seems fun, maybe will it inspire me to go on safari.
I hope it does inspire you to go on a safari! My safari was the best trip I've ever taken (so far...)
DeleteLucy just came home from that wonderful safari… So thrilled that you all got to go.
DeleteCongratulations on the book! I’ve always been fascinated by African safaris so your book is definitely on my list. Though I would love to visit Africa, I think my first trip once we can travel again will be to northern England and Scotland. Those have been on my list since childhood, and I don’t want to put it off any longer!
ReplyDeleteEngland and Scotland are amazing. I listen to Rick Steves podcasts and he has some great info on planning trips to the region. I enjoyed my trip to Scotland but I'd love to go back to the islands off of Scotland.
DeleteMakes us all the more determined now, doesn’t it, Cindy? We have to believe we will be able to do this again, and I have to believe you will get to northern England and Scotland!
DeleteCongratulations on the book and welcome, Alicia. I know this is a good place to put the word out, and I hope for an uptick in sales for you.
ReplyDeletePhysical therapists are my personal heroes. With surgeries on my right knee approaching double digits, my PTs are the only reason I can walk at all, so I thank you all and am grateful more than you can know. I also am very familiar with home visits from years of community nursing and hospice. There are lovely areas and areas that I woud visit only in the mornings, beautiful homes and hovels. It was, for me, most satisfying, and for a nurse and a PT, so valuable to be able to address patients on their own terrain.
Kudos to you, and thank you.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, I find home care work more fulfilling than me years in nursing homes, hospitals and outpatient centers.
DeleteOn my last trip, to Argentina and Chile in November 2019, a lady on the trip told me, "Please know all your patients hate you." She was recovering from a total knee replacement. I avoided her the rest of the trip. I thought it was such a terrible thing to say!
Oh, Alicia that is outrageous! I am hoping she was saying it affectionately :-)
DeleteAnd Ann is an example of how grateful patients are.
No, she was serious.
DeleteI'm blessed that the majority of my patients are very thankful for my services. So many are genuinely concerned regarding my safety and health. Instead of goodbyes/see you next time, I'm usually told "Stay safe" or "Stay healthy" these days.
Welcome to the Jungle Reds, Alicia. Congratulations on the release of your first book. In spite of the timing, it is still an amazing accomplishment. I just came back from a safari in the late 1930's, thanks to Rhys, and now I am quite ready for a more modern version of travel in Africa. Naomi will be a very welcome travel companion.
ReplyDeleteYour "day job" sounds truly challenging in times like these. It is sad to hear of the loss of your friend and co-worker and probably very scary for you and therapists throughout the city to be doing that job right now.
I have been thinking of ways to help promote new books like yours besides buying them and doing reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. From now on, I will also request the books through my library website. I think that if all of our libraries get requests for these new books, we will be promoting them broadly. There are people who go into my library and only look at the new book shelf!
Alicia, I wish you all the best with your new release.
Stay safe and well everyone.
Thank you for the support and kind words.
DeletePerfect idea! Library requests are so important… It keeps the books in circulation! Brilliant!
DeleteAlicia, take care of yourself. I'm so sorry about your colleague. I do look forward to reading your books.
ReplyDeleteFor our wedding anniversary, we spent three weeks in Egypt and Jordan last fall. It was overwhelming--so much to see and learn. One day, I'll write about the trip. Our plans for travel this year are cancelled. It's a good year to tidy up the garden and clean out the garage and attic.
Egypt and Jordan--how amazing. It's on my travel list.
DeleteYes, Margaret, you are so wise to put this time into good use. I love that you have the motivation to do it! You are an inspiration.
DeleteOur collective perspective has shifted, maybe irrevocably, hasn't it? The calendar on our refrigerator, usually covered in appointments, reminders, and get-togethers with friends, is blank. For the first time in my adult life I have absolutely no plans for the foreseeable future. It's not easy to wrap our heads around what is "normal" any more, I think.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone through 9/11 and its aftermath of chaos and confusion and uncertainty, I think there is a little more ease today than there was then. In 2001 we had Internet, but some still had dial-up, and smartphones were rudimentary, but very expensive--Blackberries, for instance--and most of us did not have one. Isolation was a whole other animal then, and it was not as simple to get up-to-date information as it is now. Also today we can armchair travel more than we ever could before. Authors, in particular, are uniquely positioned at the moment to sell books. At the same time, readers are in a more receptive mood to buying them. Thank goodness for this blog, and other online resources, that are helping those connections happen.
In which African country does your safari take place, Alicia? We were very fortunate to take a 12-day safari in Tanzania a few years ago. It was a privately-led one, just my wildlife photographer husband, me, and another couple. He was at the time trying to build a career in photography, and she still works in the ornithology department at Sea World in San Diego, chiefly working with the flamingos. Our guide was chosen for his especially broad knowledge of natural history, and he was fabulous. It was the trip of a lifetime, for many reasons. There sure would be a lot of opportunity to do away with someone on a safari.
I meant to add, though, that the losses are nearly unbearable. Thank you, Alicia, and be well.
DeleteI saw a story just this morning highlighting the fact that while many of us have that improved communication you mention, there are great areas of the country that do not have access to broadband sufficient to view video, so schools in those areas are printing and mailing paper learning packets every few weeks, then families are mailing them back in. The article highlighted areas in Alaska and in Appalachia, but it affects many rural areas throughout the country.
DeleteMy trip was to South Africa in 2015. I would love to go to many other countries in Africa, including Tanzania. Your trip sounds amazing.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteKaren, your wildlife photographer husband? Did we know this? Would he like to do a blog for us of his photos
DeleteI thought you did. Roberta actually asked me about this a few weeks ago, too.
DeleteI'll ask him, but he's notoriously modest about his achievements and work. Maybe if I do an "interview" type blog with him he would do it.
Alicia, apparently there are big differences in safaris in different countries. In Tanzania, for instance, no one can self-guide in the Serengeti. It's way too dangerous, and there are very strict rules about being out of the parks by dark.
DeleteBut right now I think you are probably exposed to more real danger at your own job. Yikes.
Congratulations on your debut, Alicia, and thank you for staying on the job and making a huge difference to your patients in these troubling times. I am so sorry to read of the loss of your friend and co-worker.
ReplyDeleteIf I could travel right now, I'd go back to Britain and hole up in a bed and breakfast in the Lake District. I lived there for a few months when I was in college and I've not been back. Africa is on my bucket list, but I think I'll travel there first with Sleuth on Safari. You know, to get the lay of the land!
Best of luck with the book, and stay safe.
Thank you for the kind words.
DeleteI've loved my trips to the UK. I took a course at Oxford for one week many summers ago.
Good idea, Kait! Always good to prepare with a good travel guide :-)
DeleteCongratulations on your new release, and may it find its audience in spite of the timing. And I am so sorry for the loss of your colleague. Thank you for your work.
ReplyDeleteIn an otherwise very fulfilling life, my one big regret has been the almost complete lack of seeing the world. I have made it no farther than Canada and the Bahamas. That was finally slated to end this June, with a trip to England and Ireland. My hope was to follow that in a year or two with a trip to Italy and France, and maybe make New Zealand my next stop. Obviously this year's trip will not happen, so I will wait and see what the future holds.
We are all crossing fingers that it will still happen, dear Susan!
DeleteYes, we are all waiting for what the future holds. I can't remember the last time I didn't have my next trip booked. (My May trip to Japan has been cancelled.)
DeleteI've never been to New Zealand but, like so many places, it is on my list.
Welcome, Alicia and congrats on your book release. My heart goes out to you on the death of your coworker. You have the gratitude of an entire world. If I could travel anywhere I'd take a French canal boat trip which has been lurking somewhere in my mind for awhile.
ReplyDeleteEmily, what a glorious idea. And yes, I do see another jungle red expedition… Relaxing, and hugging each other. In person.
DeleteThank you for the support.
ReplyDeleteA French canal boat trip sounds awesome! I've never done one. I went to France for a brief trip in 1999 (or 2000). I found a cheap flight to Paris and booked it!
You are so adventurous! Have you always been so intrepid?
DeleteMy mother would say "YES!" . She says I was born with wings.
DeleteAnd Alicia, do you go to these locations with the thought of writing a book? Or do you get inspired when you travel, and then decided to write books about it?
ReplyDeletePrior to going to South Africa in 2015, I would just travel for the fun of it. The thought of the series hit me while dining outside with my group.
ReplyDeleteNow, when I travel, I still go for the adventure with the added fun of plotting a fictional murder in the locale.
Great question, Hank. Isn't it cool where inspiration comes from with all of these incredible authors. Hats off to you, Alicia, for following through with your "thought for a series" and creating something exciting.
DeleteThank you. This series is a lot of fun to write.
DeleteOh, Alicia - this is so tough and you sound as if you're dealing with it in the most upbeat way possible. And YES people do want to read about travel when they can't. Perfect timing, in that regard.
ReplyDeleteYes, a year ago what's the new "normal" was unthinkable. Barely imaginable. I do not yearn for exotic travels, I just want to be in a cozy spot with a grandbaby in my lap, reading a storybook and inhaling their sweetness.
Thank you--I'm trying :)
DeleteAlicia - Congratulations on your book and your courage. Hang in there! I'm off to find Naomi for my Kindle...
ReplyDeleteI would travel to a beautiful little town in Tuscany to attend a 3-week residential cooking school, where I would meet fascinating people interested in food -- buying it, cooking it and talking about it -- and I would revel in community, meals and conversation. One day, this shall happen. Fingers crossed.
Thank you for checking out Sleuth on Safari.
DeleteFingers crossed for your Italian dream vacation.
AR, my condolences on the loss of your friend. New York has been hit particularly hard, and my heart (and my worry) goes out to you. I would love to know how you protect yourself when you are in immediate, close contact with your patients (If that's not too personal).
ReplyDeleteAlso, my former editor and dear friend travels to Africa every year. She's a wildlife conservationist and her goal is to save the nearly extinct white rhino from poaching. Indeed her entire goal is no more poaching. I tell you this because I'm going to recommend your book to her. I imagine she'd love to read a book so near and dear to her. As for me, we cancelled our hiking trip to Scotland in September. Ideally, we'll get to do it next year. Congratulations on your latest release!
For every patient, we wear a gown, gloves, shoe coverings, and surgical mask. If the patient is COVID+, or presumed positive, we also wear an N95 mask and face shield.
DeleteThank you for recommending my book to a friend.
(Also, thank you for the Crime Scene Writers IO group. I find it a very helpful group.)
Alicia, let me join our other commentors in offering my condolences. Losing a colleague and friend is always hard; doubly so when it comes with the fear that you yourself might be affected.
ReplyDeleteAs for travel, I have been on Naomi's trip, albeit with a husband instead of an estranged sister. And the only dead body we saw was an elephant, felled by poachers, that had become a banquet for a pride of lions. Back in '98, my father-in-law took us along on an 18 day safari to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Luxury "tents," gourmet dining, extraordinary scenery and seeing almost every sort of bird and wildlife native to the region - it really was the trip of a lifetime.
I would urge anyone to do it as well, but since we're all doing our part and staying home, I'll urge them to read SLEUTH ON SAFARI instead!
Julia, one of my favorite things about reading is that I get to "travel" to places in the novel. Have you read SLEUTH ON SAFARI? I want to read the novel. I am going to pre-order a copy.
DeleteDiana
Julia -- That sounds like an amazing safari! I'm glad my own did not include a dead elephant.
DeleteDiana--Slueth on Safari is available now! Book 2, R.I.P. in Reykjavik, is on preorder.
How embarassing-- I misspelled my own book title -- Sleuth on Safari
DeleteHank, thank you so much for introducing us to Alicia! And to a debut author! I have a really hard time finding Debut authors to nominate for the mystery conference awards. So a BIG thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteAlicia, welcome to Jungle Reds! First, my condolences on losing a colleague to COVID-19. Thank you for working on the front line. There are so many people working out there! Regarding book sales, I have seen several independent bookstores having virtual chats online so people can see the interviews with authors online. And I can still order books online. The bookstores have been great about shipping books!
I LOVE to read about people abroad, including travels abroad. I am partial to book settings like a quaint English village / London, England / Scotland / Wales / Ireland / Scandinavia / Europe. I love the Ladies No.1 Detective Agency, which is set in Botswana on the Africa continent.
Look forward to reading your debut novel and Congratulations!
Diana
Thank you!
DeleteAlicia, congrats on the start of this series! I find that I'm really bummed that the damn pandemic has messed up the roll out for this book because the series sounds so interesting.
ReplyDeleteI tried to see if I could purchase it on Barnes and Noble, but they only have it listed as an ebook. Amazon has it as a paperback which is how I'll have to get it. But given their shipping issues right now, who knows when I'll actually get it.
As for where I'd love to go, my first trip option is always Ireland. Why? Well, it's where my grandfather was born and that Irish ancestry has always played a decent role in life for my family.
Ireland is amazing. It was my first solo trip. After college, I went with no itinerary--just a map, vouchers for B&Bs, and a rental car. I must have been crazy!
DeleteSeveral years ago, I visited Northern Ireland. I loved it. I think it'll be the last time I drive in a foreign country though. It's hard!
Welcome to the Reds, Alicia! They will get the word out about your book! I have so many travel wishes it is almost embarrassing. I think a trip down the Nile would be fabulous. Unfortunately some of the first corona virus patients in our area had returned from that very same trip. I've seen some tours in Morocco that also looked wonderful. I could easily return to Spain and see more of it. Lately I've been watching a show on Acorn called Vintage Roads: Great and Small. It stars two of the men who were in All Creatures Great and Small 40+ years ago. They met then and have remained friends. They have 8 shows where they drive a 1930s car, driving the older routes in England, Scotland, and Wales as was done in the 30s. There are plenty of stops involving cars and history. I would love to retrace some of their trips, except there is that slight problem of driving. I don't think I have the nerve to do it now and I know I don't have the nerve to sit in the same car with my husband trying to drive on the left side! I'm looking forward to reading your book. Unfortunately I don't think a safari is in my future although it would be wonderful to witness the great migration.
ReplyDeleteI've driven in Ireland for two trips. I don't think I'll ever do it again! It's stressful.
DeleteA friend went to Morocco last year. She and her husband had an amazing time. It too is on my list.
My cousin had been to Botswana a couple of times. She loved it. She has loved all her trips to places like Egypt, Vietnam, Alaska, Peru. She always traveled with travel groups and seems to have made a group great friends, though they call her Kate. She doesn't like Lynda so goes by a shortened version of her middle name... Sorry, too much information.... Anyway she just tripped while walking her pup and broke her wrist, again, so I think she may be getting an anonymous package in the mail after she gets home from her surgery. I, myself, would love to visit England and Norway. My grandpa Dez is first generation American, his family is from Norway. I have no dreams of finding my long lost family, just curious.
ReplyDeleteI work in an home care office, IN the office. I have no medical training, I'm just an office geek. I have a PTA out until it's safe due to pre-existing conditions and a nurse resign because she is primary guardian for her grandchild. This is tough time and my friends had to make tough choices. You are the eyes on patients in the home and sometimes the only contact for the most vulnerable. Thanks for being able to continue on.
Thank you. Work has been stressful. Furloughs were announced Friday. I'm fortunate to still have a job.
DeleteI've looked at going to Norway several times--just haven't found the right trip or time yet. Soon, I hope.
Alicia, first let me congratulate you on your debut book. What a thrill it must be to have a book you've written out in the world. So much to celebrate. And, of course, there is that bad timing issue that no one could have anticipated. But, in working with what exists, you are here on this amazing blog, Bouchercon award-winning blog, where the exposure is far reaching. And, part of that reach is to other bloggers, such as myself, who will give you attention, too. Sleuth on Safari sounds like a great read, and I'm always interested in a safari setting.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you, Alicia, for being one of brave souls working on the frontlines during this pandemic. Your work as a home care physical therapist is such a vital service, and working in New York is as frontline as it gets. I'm so sorry about your co-worker, and I will keep your safety in my prayers.
If I could go anywhere, as in a trip and not only to see my family, I would love to be on the England trip I've wanted to take for so long and had hopes of taking this year. There are some British authors, such as Elly Griffiths/Dom and Lesley Thomson, who I'm going to hook up with at some point and my Boone family origins I want to visit in Devon and seeing the sights that Debs has made so wonderful in London. With the Sacramento Bouchercon now cancelled, and wisely so, I'm trying to look to 2021 as a hopeful travel year.
Thank you for the kind words and prayers. They are appreciated.
DeleteI do hope Sleuth on Safari gets exposure -- It's a fun read.
Several other commenters have also noted they would like to go to England. I'm blessed to have gone several times. I've studied at Oxford (a weeklong summer program on ghost stories! It's what started me on my writing.), soaked in the waters of Bath, taken themed walking tours on Harry Potter and Doctor Who, navigated 'The Tube' and so much more. I'm planning book 5 in England. Maybe I'll have to go back for some research...
Sorry for the death of your co-worker. Stay safe. My brother loved Africa and went 5 times before he died in 2017. I saw most of the US, the east and west of Canada, Mexico and Argentina (because I loved Spanish), Germany, Austria, and Switzerland because our family has German roots, and England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland because of so many books, TV shows, and history. If they would have actually invented the transporter, I would have gone to Australia and New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteOh the places I would go if there was a transporter!
DeleteLooking forward to this because I particularly enjoyed Kennedy's Saving Ferris. This may be her debut for this series, but she is not a debut author. And I'm a fan.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Delete