WHY DO WE WRITE? by Elaine Faber

Few of us pursue writing, expecting to get rich. We write because we must, like an itch that needs scratching. We write because we have a desire to share a message or a story. Maybe we write for the sheer joy of writing to fill a boring life.

My goal is to write books that help the reader forget her day-to-day troubles, spend a few hours in my world, where the good guy wins and the bad guy ‘gets his!’ and there are plenty of chuckles along the way.  Mrs. Odboddy-And Then There was a Tiger is such a book. When Mrs. Odboddy finds a rat-filled shoebox on her front porch and her house is trashed, she knows someone is out to give her grief. When she becomes a suspect in the Wilkey’s Market burglary, she knows she’s in trouble.

Our completely manuscripts may be accepted for publication by a traditional publisher, or we may choose to self-publish in print or Amazon e-book. Along the road to publication, be assured there will likely be discouraging days when it feels like it would make more sense chucking in the towel and taking up professional Tiddly-Winks. When Mrs. Odboddy learns that a five-dollar bill she passed at the Harvest Festival turns out to be a counterfeit, she assumes that once again, she will be suspected as the counterfeiter. And when the war bond money goes missing, she knows for sure she has some responsibility in its loss. Now that’s discouraging!

In spite of rejections or discouragement in our writing journey, it’s important to keep our minds and hearts open to opportunities to expand our talent through skill-building opportunities, through workshops and get involved with a critique group. When Mrs. Odboddy makes a plan of how to recover the lost war bond money, she sets her sights on the goal. As misguided as her plan is, and the inexplicable consequences that follows, at least she doesn’t give up! And let’s not forget about that tiger!

Becoming a successful writer isn’t easy. It takes patience, study, determination, a modicum of luck and a fair amount of talent. But success is measured by many different yardsticks and if God has instilled in us the desire to be a writer, obedience to His calling is the first step toward success. The hard work is up to you.

 About Mrs. Odboddy-And Then There was a Tiger

While the ‘tiger of war’ rages across the Pacific during WWII, eccentric, elderly Agnes Odboddy, ‘fights the war from the home front’. Her patriotic duties are interrupted when she finds a rat-filled shoebox on her porch, her house is trashed and she is suspected of the Wilkey’s Market burglary.

A traveling carnival with a live tiger joins the parishioners’ Harvest Fair at The First Church of the Evening Star and Everlasting Light. When counterfeit bills are discovered at the carnival, and the war bond money goes missing, Agnes is determined to restore her reputation and locate the money. Her attempts lead her into harm’s way when she discovers a friend’s betrayal and even more about carnival life than she bargained for.

Elaine’s Bio

Elaine Faber lives in Northern California with her husband and four feline companions. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, California Cat Writers, and Northern California Publishers and Authors. She volunteers with the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop. She enjoys speaking on author panels, sharing highlights of her novels. She has published seven novels. Her short stories have appeared in national magazines and multiple anthologies. All my novels are available at Amazon for $3.99 in e-book.

Black Cat’s Legacy, With the aid of his ancestors’ memories, Thumper helps pursue a cold case murder.

Black Cat and the Lethal Lawyer, Thumper accompanies his family to a Texas horse ranch where they confront wild horses, embezzling, false identities and attempted murder.

Black Cat and the Accidental Angel, Black Cat and his companion are left behind following an MVA. Taken in by a family facing personal and financial disaster, Black Cat and Angel encounter disaster and a spiritual awakening.

Mrs. Odboddy-Hometown Patriot, As she fights to war from the home front, eccentric Mrs. Odboddy believes there are Nazi spies and conspiracies on every hand.

Mrs. Odboddy-Undercover Courier, Asked to carry a package across country to President Roosevelt, Mrs. O is convinced it contains secret war documents and she will be accosted by Nazi spies.

All Things Cat, Twenty-One short stories by Elaine, all about cats, including cats, and some written BY the cat.

            Website:    http://www.mindcandymysteries.com

A Note from Marilyn: These are delightful mysteries. If you haven't tried one, now's the time.