That’s the question I’ve been thinking about lately.
I’m at the character-development stage of my new thriller, which means I’m spending a lot of time getting inside the heads of the people who will inhabit this story.
What do they want badly enough to risk everything?
What would they protect at any cost?
And perhaps the most uncomfortable question of all: What could push an otherwise ordinary person to commit murder?
I find this part of writing fascinating because the most interesting villains aren’t necessarily monsters. They can be people with families, responsibilities, routines and perfectly ordinary lives. They can be charming. Successful. The person everyone trusts.
Until circumstances push them past a line they never thought they would cross.
I’m still discovering exactly where those lines are for the characters in this new series—and I suspect some of them are going to surprise me.
And, of course, I’m not going to tell you yet who crosses that line. 😉
Hello, Fall 🍂
Fall has officially arrived, and I have to admit, it’s making a pretty lovely entrance! The weather where I live has been absolutely beautiful lately. Cool, crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and just enough of that autumn chill to remind me that the seasons are changing.
I love this time of year. There’s something about the first hints of colour in the trees, the cooler evenings, and the return to a more comfortable rhythm after the heat of summer. It’s also the perfect weather for getting outside, taking a walk, and letting my mind wander, which, as you might imagine, is excellent for a writer!
I’m enjoying every bit of these early days of fall before the leaves put on their full show. For now, I’m happy with a warm drink, a good book, and the promise of plenty of new stories ahead.
E-Book Trilogy – Sydney Jones Mysteries Books 1-3 now available
I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer so far. The second half of June was fairly busy. Between writing, gardens, completing spring projects, and editing, my days were full. I am now looking forward to spending some more time reading and relaxing at the beach.
What are the things that you love to do in the summer? I would love to hear about your summer plans.
Bookapalooza was a success, and the event had ~250 visitors. I got to see other authors that I hadn’t seen since last year’s event, and meet some new authors too.
On Thursday, July 16th, I will be the opening author for a special event at Smokin’ Hot BBQ in Huntsville, Ontario called “The Lost Art of Storytelling” with Brad Woods. If you are local to the area and would like to experience Brad’s unique way of storytelling, this is something you should come to see. Brad and his team of talented musicians will deliver something you won’t want to miss. Add to this show, one of most creative locations I have ever attended, it is going to be a show to remember.
And, to add the icing to the cake, Smokin’ Hot BBQ will be serving the best smoked/bbq’d meal ever!
I went to Toronto Indie Authors Conference (TIAC 2026) April 18 and 19. It was amazing. I learned so much and met some new people. It was my 2nd one, and I am already planning to go next year. There were so many fantastic presentations and workshops and came back home ready to apply all the new knowledge I had gained. I even won a fantastic price, which included an entire bag of books and a Kobo colour reader!
I also got to see some friends I haven’t seen since last year and meet lots of new author friends too. Below, is a photo of my friend and amazing award winning author. If you like twisty, turny thrillers, you will love her books. I am currently reading my newly gifted Melissa Yi thriller, “Killing Me Slothly”. I have got to tell ya, it is definitely a page turner. I am loving it so far. So thanks Melissa.
A Secret Writing Retreat
It’s finally trailer season. I have a seasonal trailer in a lovely family oriented campground near my home on beautiful Lake Bernard. May is when trailer season begins so it’s not only an exciting time, where I look forward to seeing friends that I only see at the park, and also a busy time, with all that is involved in getting everything opened up after a long cold winter.
One thing I love about my trailer site is that it is such a quiet place to be during the week (except for prime summer holiday time) and I often use it as a place to sit outside and get some early morning writing in, before the park wakes up. My site is quiet and it gives me an alternative setting to work, after the long winter months.
For me, this season also means more visits from grandkids at the trailer, where they can run around with other kids, bike, swim, climb, play, swim, and sit around bonfires at night. So here’s to another season filled with fin, laughter and love.
Grace Bowen Books has a whole new look!
Check out our new logo 🙂 Hope you like it. I know I love it. Please let me know what you think.
Designed by 6SGraphics in the Almaguin Highlands, Ontario, Canada.
For anyone local to the Almaguin Highlands (Ontario, Canada) area, signed copies of all my books are now available to purchase at 89 Main in Sundridge, Ontario. Check them out! They have so many amazing things and online purchasing is available for their merchandise.
This past week, I was visiting with my oldest daughter, husband and grandkids and absolutely loved it. Since they moved to Ohio I have not been able to see them for our weekly pizza nights or have them out at the trailer so I am relieved that I finally got to spend some quality time with them all.
Book #3 in the Sydney Jones Mystery Series Update:
I have been working hard at writing my Sydney Jones Mystery. The working title (originally Campers and Corpses) has been changed to Reunions and Revenge, which I think is much more suitable for the story. In this book, Sydney finds herself in the middle of yet, another murder investigation. Can you guess where this story location might be? I am having fun planning and writing this, however progress has been slower than I wanted, mainly because I have other things on my plate at the moment that are taking away some of my time and energy. And despite the fact that I am sitting fairly still most times that I am writing, I find that it can be a tiring endevour. It requires a lot of brain focused energy. I am not one that can just jot down chapters while sitting in my car waiting, or dictate chapters while hiking, although I really wish I could. I need to sit still and concentrate. Everyone has a different process. I was told by several people, that dictation is a skill that is learnable, but I need to have notes and written down ides at hand while I write, so I have not yet even attempted to try it. Maybe one day.
Book #3 in the Sydney Jones Mystery Series info – Reunions & Revenge takes place at the Lake Bernard campground, on the outskirts of Blueberry Falls.
The focus is on the annual Watt Family Reunion, which is usually an exciting kick off to summer and Canada Day celebration event, however everything does not go as planned. In fact, tragedy strikes, and Sydney finds herself investigating yet, another crime during what was supposed to be a relaxing week long vacation with her dog Beans.
I have added a visual of the Watt Family Tree here because the whole thing gets a little complicated when everyone in the family seems to be on the suspect list.
Perilous Pins Audiobook is Available!
Perilous Pins audiobook is now available on Audible, iTunes, Kobo, Spotify and in libraries.
Drafting book #3 in The Sydney Jones Mystery Series is going well. I am ready to start ACT II (I am using a 4 act structure)
My hope is to release book #3 by the beginning of June 2026 but that may be a stretch, as life keeps getting in the way. I will keep you posted.
My working title for the third book had originally started as “Campers & Corpses, but it will be changed to something else. I don’t want to tell anyone quite yet what that title will be. Once it has been properly decided, I will let you all know.
I have also been working on a temporary cover which I use as a place holder while I am drafting. It helps keep me focused somehow. I will take whatever I can get, as a way to stay fully engaged in the drafting process because it can be hard sometimes when I am staring at a blank page and know I must write a scene before I am done for the day.
Another thing I have been working on is the initial research for a new mystery series. I find it so much fun to develop a brand new character set in a brand new setting. This one will be quite different from the Sydney Jones Mystery Series in many ways.
I will be at Bookapalooza 2026 in Minden, Ontario, on June 20th.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years, or whatever other things one might celebrate during the December holiday season. I still cannot believe it is the first day of 2026. Now I will likely write the incorrect date for the next 2-3 months.
I got to spend lots of time with family and friends, but did not get down to Ohio to visit my one daughter and her family, so I am missing everyone there tons. I am hoping to go in the spring.
I was also able to get a lot of editing time in for my book, Airwaves & Alibis, which will be launched by the end of January. Fingers crossed. 😃 However, I always do expect some delays so it may be February instead. Booo 😟
I have also been busy planning out the year’s book writing goals, which can be exciting. I already have Book #3 of the Sydney Jones Mystery Series, in the very initial planning stages. Basically, I have the basic plotline and location, but I am mulling around the details in my mind while I am still editing Book #2. Once the edits are complete, I will start a more detailed planning process, then move on to making a proper outline. This process usually takes a month or two, before I am ready to actually sit down and write a first draft. Sometimes I get lucky though, and the ideas form quickly and clearly, and I am ready fairly quickly.
Between The Lines Podcast
Back in November 2025, Hunter’s Bay Radio launched my new podcast!
“Between the Lines” is aired on every 4th Saturday morning at 7am on Hunter’s Bay Radio (Muskoka – The Bay 88.7).
Between the Lines is a podcast that brings inspirational interviews, interesting insights and insider information into the cultural practice of storytelling.
[Please note that the podcast does not use my Grace Bowen pen name. but instead uses my real name, yes I use a pen name for my mystery books]
Check out the link to my latest episode on Hunter’s Bay Radio – The Bay 88.7 in Muskoka
I cannot stress enough, the importance of leaving a book review. If you have read Perilous Pins and have not yet left a review, please, please, help me out, and leave one. It would mean the world to me.
On Amazon, I think that if you have purchased $50+ in the last year, you are able to leave a review. I will add the direct link to the review below.
If you don’t use Amazon, a personal email with a review is also extremely helpful. I truly do want your input.
Paperback copies of Perilous Pins are available on Amazon, Lobo, Barns & Noble, Smashwords (and other online retailers) or you can find locally at Riverbowl in Burk’s Falls, and Smokin’ Hot BBQ in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
Grace Bowen’s Cozy Mystery Inner Circle Newsletter
Grace Bowen’s Inner Circle Newsletter
What I’ve Been Up To This Month
This month, I’ve officially started writing Book #2 in the Sydney Jones Mystery Series! It’s always an exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) feeling when the blank page turns into the start of a brand new adventure. Sydney is back with her curious mind and knack for stumbling into mysteries; and yes, there’s plenty of intrigue brewing in Blueberry Falls again.
I’ve also signed up for ProWritingAid’s Novel November event, which is a month-long challenge encouraging writers to set goals, connect with others, and stay motivated through November. It’s a wonderful way to keep myself accountable while drafting the new book, and I’m looking forward to sharing my progress with you along the way.
As for this weekend, it’s Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I’ll be spending it with family and friends; taking some time to rest, enjoy great food, and soak in the fall colours. I’ll also be closing up my trailer for the season at Lake Bernard Campground, which is always bittersweet. It’s been such a peaceful place to relax and gather inspiration for Sydney’s next case.
How about you? What are your Thanksgiving plans or autumn traditions? I’d love to hear about them!
Upcoming Events
On October 16th, 2025, I’ll be reading an excerpt from Perilous Pins at the Huntsville Public Library. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is presented by the Muskoka Authors Association.
If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!
Book of the month
I’ve been balancing writing and Thanksgiving prep this month, so my reading has been slower than usual! I finally finished A Court of Mist and Fury and have just started reading Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarrows.
Hopefully, I’ll have more to report next month!
🎯 Please Leave a Review
If you’ve read Perilous Pins, it would mean so much if you’d take a moment to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads; or even just send me your thoughts by email if you prefer. Your feedback helps others discover Sydney’s adventures and keeps me inspired to keep writing.
Paperback copies of Perilous Pins are available on Amazon (and other online retailers) or you can find locally at Riverbowl in Burk’s Falls, and Smokin’ Hot BBQ in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada
