What happened to Stormy?

What does happen to Stormy in the new upcoming novel? Why did she not call Lance if she was going to be late? Over two hours late? And where is her niece, Ann? Is she with Stormy, or did she go back to the Base?


What does the news reporter, Chris, think of Ann?


Sound like a soap opera? Not this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and up late at night!


I guess you'll just have to read the upcoming novel and find out!

Placed in National Contest!

I received some exciting news recently. I placed in the top 100 manuscripts out of almost 12,000 entries in the 80th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. I had entered a children's manuscript several months ago, then went on to other writing projects. This month they notified the winners and I found myself one of them. In the December issue of Writer's Digest magazine they will have an article telling all about the competition, with the winners' names, etc.

It pays to keep on trying! As they say, "Write, write, write. Enter, enter, enter!"

Combining Mystery with History

Colorado Springs, Colorado and Austin, TX are wonderful places to visit. And this time of year couldn’t be more fun, with all of the festivals and holidays coming up. In writing the Stormy Winters Mystery series, I have combined my love of history and mystery with that of the excitement of visiting and exploring the wonderful cities, both in the United States and around the world.

The first book in the series takes Stormy and her husband, Lance, to Austin amongst a tour group full of diverse people. (What else would you find in a tour group?)  As they did, I loved touring the Texas State Capital building, the museums, the grand old hotels, and the beautiful gardens. Come enjoy the various flavors of music, or watch the bats come out at night down by the river. And if you’re a football fan, don’t miss a single Longhorn game.

The second book in the series takes places in Colorado Springs. Stormy and her husband visit their niece, Ann, who is soon to graduate from the prestigious Air Force Academy. You will find much to do in this lovely city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, only a little over an hour south of Denver. It was exhilarating to ride the COG railway to the top of the famed Pike’s Peak. What a view from up there! And don’t forget to visit Miramont Castle, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds, and many more of the wonderful places there. And let’s not forget to mention horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods.

I have planned out several more books in the series, each with its own mystery to solve.

I hope you will enjoy each one of them.

Finally...Fall!

Finally, fall has arrived! You can feel it in the air, see it in the stores, hear it in the sounds all around you. It's a breath of fresh air after such a sizzling hot summer. It's a wonderful time of year: Halloween, just around that spooky, treat-filled corner; Thanksgiving, bringing a feast for family and friends; and Christmas, filled with joy and delightful surprises. And don't forget New Years, a time to begin all over again.

And for a writer, it's a wonderful time to stop, listen, and create! So take a moment, get out that pencil, sit down at that keyboard, and let your imagination take you on a wonderful adventure!

Ann Johnson--Niece, Air Force Cadet

You'll meet Ann in my upcoming novel, "Shadowed in the Springs."

Ann is the daughter of Stormy’s youngest brother, Jared.  Following in the footsteps of a family tradition of military service, she joined the Air Force shortly after she’d graduated High School. Scoring exceptionally well on her entrance exam, Ann was accepted to the prestigious Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She is proud to be serving her country in this way. Now in her 4^th year of study, she is ready to graduate the following spring and head overseas to her first assignment.

Ann wears her naturally curly, brown hair shoulder length, which she gathers up to the back of her head when in uniform, as per regulations.  Her blue eyes light up at the prospect of a day out with friends, and her smile will melt the heart of even the coldest character. Though only 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Ann’s classes mates, both male and female, show her respect when she is put in charge.

When not in uniform, Ann prefers dark jeans and a nice, colorful t-shirt.

She is careful about her choices in both her conduct and the choosing of her friends. She loves horseback riding, hiking, and dancing.

News Reporter, Chris Jacobs

You will find Chris Jacobs in my upcoming novel, "Shadowed in the Springs."


A radio news reporter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chris works for News Radio. He is a warm, kind, helpful person. He can handle himself in most any situation, and can get to the heart of the story where others have a harder time doing so. Chris can be tough when the situation calls for it, but is always fair. He is well liked and respected by his co-workers.


Chris prefers his brown hair cut short, while sporting a closely cropped goatee on his rugged chin. He stands about 6 feet 11 inches and weighs a solid 220 pounds. One can usually find him wearing a nice pair of durable slacks and button-down shirt, with his news jacket left unzipped, even in colder weather. On his days off, however, it's polo-type shirts and many-pocketed cargo pants. He is in good shape from all the exercise he gets from his job and enjoys geocaching and wildlife photography on his off time. No matter if it's sunny, pouring rain, or snowing outside, you can usually find Chris out there enjoying himself.

Lance Winters--Part Two

Lance is a thoughtful, caring man. He usually likes to think through a problem before acting upon it and is strong in his convictions.

He served in the US Army for over 40 years, first in the medical corp, then on to communications and IT work before retiring. He was very good at his job and retired a few years ago at the rank of full colonel.

Lance was born on a military base near Anchorage in the beautiful state of Alaska where his father was stationed at the time. He enjoyed playing in the snow, riding on snow mobiles, and racing dog sleds with his friends until his father was transferred to the warmer climate of Hawaii.

His family lineage is traced back to England, with some Irish, German, and a bit of French thrown in for good measure. His wife, Stormy, jokingly claims his occasional flare up of temper must come from the Irish blood in him.

Lance loves football (he played it in High School, but hurt his knee and couldn’t play in college), computer gaming, gardening (grows the best roses in the north Phoenix area), hiking, skiing, bicycling, and barbequing with the family or friends.

Most of all, he loves his wife, Stormy. He would do anything for her and tends to worry about the way she seems to always walk in on danger.