Today, I gave mental birth. You’ve heard me talking about the story for so long … I’ve been working on my newest novel for over twenty years – Whoodah Thunket and the girls. I saw a greeting card with three little old ladies on the cover that made me smile (still does) and tripped my creative trigger. Although the dumpy little old ladies aren’t the image of the main characters of my story, I still use them as inspiration.

The true vision for my older two sisters is my three wonderful aunts, Honey* (sorry, I’m not sure how to spell Eulalee!), Mary Ellen and Ethel Marie. They’re amazing. You’d never believe their ages just looking at them. The fact that they still ride bike races, travel and take part in everything is a major inspiration to everyone around them. The third character is based on a combination of a number of people. Aunties! I hope I did you proud!

I’ve worked on the story off and on for so many years that I almost feel like the characters are real. Niddie is the oldest. She is a big crusty marshmallow. Aggie, the middle sister, is the peace maker, as is often the case in families. Poppet is an entity on to herself. Content to remain the baby of the family but a personality that makes others take notice. The problem they have to solve and the way they handle the setbacks make for entertaining reading.

I sent my baby to my beta readers today – thanks in advance to Rayda, Barbara and Eth for your services. I don’t mind telling you that pressing that send button took more than an hour for me to hit! I have several people interested in doing a cover. That’s the next stumbling block. As soon as I get feedback, make the edits and get a cover, I’ll have the tale ready on Amazon. As always, thank you to my first beta reader, MSB. I adore you and wouldn’t be much without your support! Thank you! Thanks for your patience and support, readers! I appreciate you all!   Remember … Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

Update: our beloved Auntie Honey passed away in mid-September. She will be sorrowfully missed. Also, I have added two more books to this one … a fine and funny trilogy.

Update: our beloved Auntie Honey passed away in mid-September. She will be sorrowfully missed. Also, I have added two more books to this one … a fine and funny trilogy.