How the Colorado Mystery Merge Anthology Kick-started my Muse
By Donnell Ann Bell
Year ending 2023 was rough for me personally and professionally. I won’t delve into all that. Let’s just say the malaise carried over to
2024 and try as I might, my muse turned its back on me. Although book three of my Cold Case Investigation series was firmly cemented in my head, each time I tried to transfer the story onto the written page, the words came out gibberish. I truly began to question after six published novels whether I had another book in me.
I belong to the National Organization of Sisters in Crime as well as two of its chapters Guppies and the Colorado chapter. Longtime Sisters in Crime Colorado board member and fellow author Becky Clark had approached us members about participating in a mystery anthology in time for Left Coast Crime. It would need approval by Sisters in Crime National, of course. The idea met with excitement by many, but I viewed it as another distraction to keep me from writing book three. I also didn’t feel I was the right fit for an anthology headed up by Becky. Becky Clark writes humorous mysteries and cozies. I write romantic suspense, mystery and police procedurals.
Becky Clark is a force, and hang around her long enough, you’ll discover she always has a plan. Soon the excitement was contagious, and I decided to give the anthology a whirl.
I would soon learn that was the entire point. Becky planned to showcase not only her writing but the contributing authors’ different voices. How weird, I thought. Would cozy readers want to read an anthology outside their preferred genre?
Becky also gave us an August deadline, which was equally motivating and helpful.
As my plot for the anthology unfolded, I discovered something amazing. I was having fun again and couldn’t wait to return to the keyboard. Something else happened. After I submitted my short portion for the anthology, I didn’t want to quit. I started working on book three again (working title Irredeemable) and haven’t stopped since!
Want to hear more about the Colorado Mystery Merge?
One perplexing murder mystery … plus eighteen different short stories containing the clues to solve it.
You’ve never read a short story anthology like this one!
These stories—unrelated, but all set in Colorado during the same week—will each merge for a moment to drop a pertinent clue about an overarching mystery, the news of which is blanketing the entire state that week.
Colorado icon and local celebrity, Doctor Dictionary, is murdered at a fundraiser where he was to be honored for his philanthropy. “Murder at the Twelve Mooses Ballroom” by Becky Clark kicks off the fun.
As you read each standalone short story that follows, channel your inner detective and collect the mystery merge clues to figure out who killed Doctor Dictionary.
What reviewers are saying!
“This wraparound mystery story is a unique way to present clues, and the short stories by the members of the Colorado Sisters in Crime group are varied and interesting.”
“The anthology is a great way to discover authors you may not have read yet. There are 19 distinct voices, and you’ll find links to most of the authors’ websites near the end of the book (along with some darn clever short bios!).”
Ready to get your copy?
Thanks for reading! And remember reviews are always appreciated.
~ Donnell
Donnell, I am so glad you’re writing again! I love your story in the merge and can’t wait to read Irredeemable.
Thank you, Ann, I can’t wait to read yours as well. I’m a huge fan of your medical thrillers!
Ann, I read CALL JULIE BEFORE YOU DIG! What a brilliant short story. But then why am I surprised. Unbelievably clever!
Donnell, thanks for spotlighting the Colorado SIC Anthology! I went to the link (Amazon) and bought it immediately (as well as several of your books and Becky Clark’s books which were linked to the listing) so will enjoy reading those through the Holidays! Thanks again. Love your work.
Thank you so much, Sue! I love writing and am delighted to be doing so again. I owe Becky and my SINCCO a huge debt of thanks! Let me know what your think of mine and my fellow authors contributions 🙂
Does this mean I can stop beating you with an ink-dipped quill? I, for one, am thrilled you’ve been writing again. I’ve been waiting too long to find out what happens next in your series.
Lois, me too 🙂 Please drop the quill and nobody’ll get hurt 🙂
This sounds like so much fun! But with Becky at the helm, how could it NOT be?