By Julie, sweating in Somerville (from 55-95 in a week, yikes!)
I am so thrilled to welcome Terrie Farley Moran to the blog today! Terrie is embarking on a new writing adventure–she’s writing the Jessica Fletcher series. How cool is that? She’s also doing a giveaway of her new book to a commenter.
On September 30, 1984 I was sitting in my green arm chair with my feet propped up on the matching ottoman. I had a mug of tea at hand and was about to watch one of the new shows of the television season. Little did I know I was about to meet someone who would occupy an hour of my life every week for more than a decade and also become a book character who hung out with me on long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons. Her name is Jessica Fletcher and she is a mystery writer. She is also strong willed and resolute which comes in handy because dead bodies seem to show up regularly in her cozy home town of Cabot Cove, Maine and in any of the towns and cities she visits. And, of course, she brings the killer to justice. As an avid, lifelong mystery fan, I adore her.
Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: during your routine physical your doctor should always palpate your thyroid while you sip water—fast and easy—just do it.
When I scheduled the surgery followed by treatments that would require me to be in strict isolation for weeks at a time, I decided to (finally!) order cable for my television. And there was Jessica Fletcher waiting for me!
There is nothing like reconnecting with an old friend. Jessica and I hung out every day during my treatments and recovery, laughing at the comedic mysteries like “If It’s Thursday, It’s Beverly” and “Mr. Penroy’s Vacation”, and rolling our eyes through all the mishaps at Grady and Donna’s wedding.
It was around that time that I was fortunate enough to have my mystery short fiction start to be published in various venues, and the short stories were soon followed by my cozy mystery novels. When Jessica was on screen saying she had to meet a deadline or finish edits, I definitely understood the pressure. And so it went, two mystery writers who became great friends.
And then….
On Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2020, I was baking Irish soda bread farls and dancing around the kitchen to Irish music. With the world on lockdown, I had no parade to attend. *sigh* The telephone rang and I assumed it was still one more of my grandchildren calling since we weren’t able to spend the day together, as we usually did. As I reached for the phone, I was deciding whether I would sing “Raglan Road” or Steve Earle’s “Galway Girl” to them. I am super glad I answered the phone with “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day” rather than bursting into song because the caller was my agent asking if I was interested in writing with Jessica Fletcher. I did not hesitate.
Jessica’s fifty-third and my first contribution to the Murder, She Wrote series is Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond. For a chance to win a signed, hard cover copy, please comment below. Giveaway ends at midnight your time Monday, June 14, 2021. (Happy Flag Day, America)
READERS QUESTION:
Are you glad that we live in an era of Streaming, Cable, inexpensive DVDs and huge DVR capability because it allows you to watch your favorite television show over and over again at your own convenience? And what show would that be for you?
BIO:
Terrie Farley Moran is co-author, along with Jessica Fletcher, of the Murder, She Wrote series. Murder, She Wrote Killing in a Koi Pond (June 2021) will be followed by Murder, She Wrote Debonair in Death (November 2021). She is the author of the beachside Read ‘Em and Eat cozy novels, and is co-author of Laura Childs’ scrapbooking mysteries. Her short mystery fiction has been published innumerous venues. Terrie is a recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer awards. Find her online at www.terriefarleymoran.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/terriefarleymoran/