My Support Staff

Everyone says what a lonely profession writing—and editing—can be. Not me. I have an incredible, supportive staff of four, although there are only three in the picture. The fourth is camera shy and went to hide in the backyard.

Clockwise from the top is Rudy, a 14-year-old tabby; Princess Penelope, an 8-year-old chihuaua-whippet rescue; and Eddie, also an 8-year-old chihuahua rescue.

Rudy is featured in my upcoming debut cozy spy mystery novel Deadly Dosage (more on that soon) and used to be in charge of security. He’s now mostly retired but fills in where needed because retirement can get boring. Rudy also makes sure everyone eats regularly. He is a firm believer that you can’t work on an empty stomach.

Princess handles writer morale . . . unless there’s a thunderstorm then I’m on my own. She gives excellent kisses at the end of the workday.

Eddie is current head of security and making sure my heart is pumping at maximum speed. No one dares to step into our yard without a reprimand while he’s on duty.

Each day when I announce that it’s time to go to work, they follow me into the office and take up their posts under my desk. Many thanks to all of them for helping me each and every day.