The Mistletoe Mystery, A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch, Invictus, Write Till Christmas, and More

One Writer's Journey: A newsletter about reading, writing, and creativity by Sue Bradford Edwards

I’m Listening to . . .

If you like The Maid books by Nita Prose, here is an opportunity to share a little Christmas with Molly the Maid. Molly grew up loving Christmas because her grandmother made it special. Fortunately, boyfriend Juan Manuel loves Christmas as much as Molly does.

For someone who sometimes misses social cues, Christmas can be stressful. As time draws near for the Regency Grand’s Secret Santa staff party, Molly knows the gift she is giving will be well-received. But what if the one she receives is another cruel trick?

This audio novella is just under three hours long. That makes it an excellent length to listen to while baking, wrapping gifts, or stamping cards.

I’m Reading . . .

I just finished reading A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch, Vol. 1. Torata is a normal city kitty on his home world, but when summoned by the witch Jeanne, he appears in her world as a gigantic cat. When young, Jeanne vanquished the Demon King. Now no one remembers the strange old woman living in the forest is the hero they celebrate. Torata must figure out this world that was saved by magic but despises the woman who can create it.

I love Hiro Kashiwaba’s art, especially Torata. But I also love that this graphic novel is small - only 6 by 7 inches. It’s like a delicious snack! Of to ask my library to buy volumes 2 and 3.

I’m Watching . . .

A fellow author just recommended Invictus to my husband and I. It is about the World Rugby Championship that was played in South Africa immediately following the end of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela. When she was telling us about this, it didn’t click that this is the movie where Morgan Freeman plays Mandela. Of course, we need to see it.

My Work . . .

Type, type, type. Or maybe it should be key, key, key, key. Either way, I’m working away because I have deadlines through two days after Christmas! I’m working on shorter books now so outline or roughing one of these projects is not a massive undertaking.

I’m also working to keep my momentum going on Write Till Christmas. I can’t say that I’m managing a page every day, but I am determined to have a draft done by the end of the year. Type, type, type.

Something More . . .

In addition to writing, I have Christmas preparations to complete. By the time you read this, all of our cards will be done and so will most of the gift wrapping. Next I have to make cookies and fudge. Then there are the gifts I’m crocheting. It’s a good thing I like to work with my hands!

Thank you for reading! If you have any comments or questions or things that you would like to see me include in the newsletter, please let me know. And, if you’ve enjoyed it, please share it with your friends.