I’m so bummed. I recently signed a contract for three cozy mysteries in a series set in an Irish tearoom. Seriously. IRISH! A TEAROOM! I mean, how awesome is that? I’m extraordinarily proud of my Irish heritage (my maiden name is Patrick), and the one time I was able to visit Ireland I fell in love with the country and the people. And now, here I am, with a legitimate reason to visit Ireland and write the expenses off on my taxes, and COVID says, “Nope. You can’t go.”

I hate the virus. I hate it.

The only positive thing I see out of this situation is my contract for three books ends in May of 2023. So if COVID does what we all pray it will do and goes away, I might still get there. In the meantime, I’m hoping to make contact with people in Ireland who can answer a gazillion questions about minute details (What is Ireland’s favorite tea? What do Irish people say about trusting strangers? How do the Garda – the police – go about investigating a murder?) Especially in County Cork, in the Blarney Castle area. (Oooh, this series is going to be so good!)

But really – I’m celebrating this series and the books I’m able to write they’re going to be awesome! So have a cup of tea and think about me, and say a prayer I can write them well!