Stories with a Twist
When the Weekend Plans Go Feral and the Author Keeps Dancing
If you’ve ever watched a weather forecast like it was the season finale of a thriller, you’ll understand my week. One minute, I was calmly preparing for the upcoming Christmas festival on Saturday, and the next, the forecast promised three straight days of rain and thunderstorms, which makes tents sag, vendors, especially authors, sprint, and paperbacks cry.
Cue the pivot.
The organizers shifted the event to the next week on the Sunday because there’s already a Christmas festival happening on that Saturday in a nearby town. Same county. Same crowds. Same readers juggling hot cocoa, handmade crafts, along with the sudden desire to buy another book for themselves, and some additional books to give as presents to their family and for a work or book club secret Santa.
And just like that, my quiet weekend became a double-header challenge. We’ve never done two book events on consecutive days before, but if I can wrangle imaginary murderers, secretive suspects, mobsters, ghosts, cranky sheriffs, and rogue tech moguls on the page, surely Senior Staff and I can wrangle two festivals in one weekend.
Here’s my schedule that is actually a plot twist in action!
Celebrate another successful fall and holiday festival season!
Last year at a festival, a young woman came to my booth looking slightly overwhelmed. She wanted to buy three books; two were gifts for her mom and her grandma, and the third was a treat for herself. We chatted about their hobbies, what kinds of stories they each gravitated toward, and which types of characters hooked them fastest. I paired each one with a Book 1 from a different series.
A few weeks after Christmas, she emailed me. “You nailed it! Even my picky grandma loved her book!”
Moments like this are why I love going to the festivals. The stories may be mine, but the joy of matching the right book with the reader is where the real magic happens!
I may be spinning through a whirlwind weekend with two festivals, one truck, one patient man, and a mountain of books, but I’ll land exactly where I love being: in the middle of conversations that matter, in front of readers who love stories, and in the heart of a community that shows up.
Flexibility isn’t just a fancy dance move; it’s adjusting your footing mid-air and finishing the spin with flair, even if you wobble a little.
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
p.s. Can’t make it to either of the festivals?
Visit Barrett Book Shop! https://barrettbookshop.com
When I meet readers at the arts and crafts festivals, I’m frequently asked where my shop is so they can drop by to chat, browse the shelves, and purchase more books.
More and more readers have discovered and enjoy the convenience of shopping at Barrett Book Shop, online and under a canopy tent at one and two-day arts and crafts events in the spring and fall, but a physical storefront that is staffed by the Barrett Book Shop team? There’s a story for that…
I love the opportunity to explain that they can buy a paperback, ebook, or audiobook from the online Barrett Book Shop anytime. Ebook and audiobook links are instantly emailed, and I’ll sign the paperbacks before we ship them. As a bonus, readers can buy the entire series or trilogies in paperback, ebook, or audiobook format at a bargain price that other retailers can’t match.
Of course, the question about the brick-and-mortar bookshop sent my imagination into overdrive, so I had to have a photo of our Barrett Book Shop. If Barrett Book Shop were physically real with an address on Main Street in a small town in Georgia, this is how I imagine it would look. Wind chimes near the front door, which is always open, and lots of books.
Hang onto your imagination and let’s go inside.
The air smells faintly of coffee, cinnamon, and old paper; a familiar scent that whispers, “Stay awhile.” Sunlight streams in across a row of worn wood tables stacked with paperbacks, each cover promising danger, mystery, a killer or two, and the twist you never see coming.
A small sign by the door reads “Not your typical author; not your typical stories.”
Behind the counter, a tall man, whose official title is Senior Staff, adds more paperback, ebook, and audio books to a shelf labeled “The Rest of the Stories,” which is where the next book in each series lives. The brown dog at his side is the supervisor. The shelf is dedicated to readers who have just finished the first book in a series and are wondering what happens next.
The shelves along the wall are dedicated to the Judith A. Barrett Books. Each series has its own shelf: Maggie Sloan Thriller Series, Jenna Ross Thriller Series, Wren and Rascal Mystery Series, Riley Malloy Mystery Series, Donut Lady Cozy Mystery Series, and Grid Down Survival Series.
In the back is a reading nook with mismatched chairs and a lazy old black and tan lab asleep nearby. There’s a sign overhead, “You keep reading; I’ll keep writing.”
You’ll find me sitting alongside the readers with my feet propped up and a computer on my lap as I alternate furiously writing the next scene in a story and staring into space. You’ll hear the quiet rustle of turning pages, chuckles from e-book readers and audiobook listeners, and then a burst of laughter when someone discovers a new favorite line, which must be shared. And we all laugh.
But for now, Barrett Book Shop exists in pixels and imagination in a cozy corner of the internet where you can still explore the shelves and find your next great read. You can visit anytime, from anywhere, and with your favorite beverage in hand.
So come on in. Browse, shop, enjoy!
See what’s waiting on The Rest of the Stories shelf because the adventure doesn’t end with Book One.
And if you could spend an afternoon at Barrett Book Shop, which shelf would you visit first?
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
The Donut Hole was the name of a donut shop that existed at one time in a small Texas town.*
There’s a story…
Back in the day when I was pregnant with Baby #4, I took the country doctor’s advice literally. “Walk at least a half mile every day.”
After FarmerMan left for work and the two older boys left for school, I strapped my squirmy toddler into a second-hand umbrella stroller (anybody remember those?) and walked, actually waddled, to the edge of town, which was conveniently a quarter of a mile away.
We left as early as possible because even in the spring, the sweltering heat in West Texas combined with the black asphalt road would make a late morning stroll unbearable.
More importantly, The Donut Hole, which was at the end of our road near the highway, ran out of my favorite maple donuts not long after they opened. My goal every morning was to beat the crowd. The competition for maple donuts was fierce, but I was determined.
I frequently arrived before The Donut Hole officially opened according to the tattered sign taped to the door, but the owner always left the front door unlocked for the sheriff or anyone else who wanted to drop by to chat or grab a free cup of coffee while he fried donuts. I think he enjoyed the company.
The shop was small, with only three stools at the counter, and had no tables or chairs for the customers. The Donut Hole’s official business model was carryout, but their true business model was y’all stick around for a cuppa coffee before you leave with your dozen donuts for the office.
The inside of the shop was rustic, but definitely not the rustic glam that people talk about now. Rustic like the walls were ringed by shelves that served as the storeroom for the shop. My favorite part of the inside of the store besides the old fryer was the wooden floor. Footsteps sounded like those made by cowboys in the old Western movies as they strode into a saloon and sidled up to the bar.
I loved to inhale the familiar aroma of warm, deep-fried dough blended with the fragrance of sweet sugar and subtle hints of the flavors for the day, and my toddler squealed in anticipation of his daily treat.
“The maple donuts and plain donut holes are cooling on the rack, unless you two plan on changing your order this morning.” The owner said the same thing every day.
I finally realized years later it was his version of a joke.
Since I’m so literal, I assured him every time. “We might someday, but not today. One maple donut and one donut hole, please.”
Can you see how the Donut Hole and its maple donuts with donut holes for toddlers became the inspiration for Sweet Deal Sealed, Book 1 of the Donut Lady Cozy Mystery Series?
Maple donuts are still my favorite. What’s your favorite donut?
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
* It’s possible this is a photograph of the donut shop, but it could also be a substitute. You can decide.
An extremely rare event and available for only a limited time!
Sweet Deal Sealed, Donut Lady Cozy Mystery, Book 1 is free on the retail book sellers!
Grab your copy now!
I didn’t suddenly imagine the Peach Blossom Retreat; it grew out of years of memories, encounters, and places that stitched themselves into the vision of a bed-and-breakfast that would eventually become the heart of the Jenna Ross Thriller Series.
Years ago when I worked in Washington, D.C., I knew a young married couple whose dream was to own a bed-and-breakfast in rural Maryland. They were determined planners who never took their eyes off their goal. They talked incessantly about their small successes and next steps. Nobody listened to their chatter except me, and I silently celebrated with them from the sidelines. It took them seven years, but they reached their goal. Their managers and coworkers were shocked by their seemingly abrupt departure when the couple pooled their resources, emptied their retirement funds, and walked away with a deed in their pocket and a vision in their hearts.
Their courage inspired me, and because of them, my husband and I enjoyed bed-and-breakfasts in our travels when we weren’t camping. Each inn offered more than just a place to stay; it offered a glimpse into the personalities, the quirks, and the warmth of the people who ran them. Those stays left a lasting impression.
When we were considering moving to Georgia, we inspected a house for sale with a massive barn on the property. The barn was in surprisingly good shape, complete with a loft studio apartment above it. As soon as we saw it, we imagined its potential for wedding venues, family celebrations, community events. If the house itself had been a closer fit for us, we would have jumped at the chance to make that vision real.
Remember the fixer-upper we found that would have been a perfect bed-and-breakfast if it hadn’t been condemned and razed to the ground? (Check the June 27, 2025 blog titled When Life Hands You Peaches. Scroll back in the blogs to read!)
The Peach Blossom Retreat is the culmination of those random touchpoints. It’s the place where all those seeds of inspiration finally found fertile ground. In Jenna Ross’s world, the inn isn’t just a business; it’s a refuge, a gathering place, and a setting full of charm and danger in equal measure.
So while the Peach Blossom Retreat may exist only on the page, it’s built on the foundation of real-life dreams, discoveries, and “what ifs.” That’s what makes writing about it such a joy. It’s both familiar and new; imagined and remembered.
Have you ever stayed at a bed-and-breakfast that left an impression on you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
Hint: Conspiracy Widow
Jenna Ross Thriller Series, Books 1-5!
Have you ever pondered which direction to take when you’re at a crossroads, not because you’re lost, but because every direction looks promising?
We often associate crossroads with a crisis, confusion, or moments of urgent reckoning. But sometimes, the fork in the road is filled with nothing but possibility. Each path is well lit. Each one leads somewhere worthwhile. The challenge, then, is not choosing right from wrong, but choosing among the choices that are excellent, superb, or outstanding.
That’s where I am right now.
In writing and in life, sometimes we stand on solid ground with the luxury and burden of freedom. We’ve built something, grown something, worked through the tough stuff. And now we get to ask: What’s next?
It sounds like a simple question, but it isn’t, especially when every option is calling your name!
Maybe you’ve been there, too, while you considered several job offers, or homes to move into, or projects to start. Or you’ve stood in front of your own dreams: old ones, new ones, half-buried ones, and asked yourself which one deserves your time and heart next.
The truth is, there’s no map for this kind of decision. Sometimes, we’d love to have a flashing arrow, a divine sticky note, or at least a nudge from a talking animal (wouldn’t that be nice?). But more often, we’re asked to trust ourselves, listen closely, and weigh not just what makes sense, but what makes us come alive.
I’m standing at the crossroads of several creative paths. Continue a series that readers love? And which one of the four? Take a leap into a new genre I’ve secretly wanted to explore? Finish a collaboration that’s already in motion? All good. All worthwhile. All tugging at my sleeve, or actually, my heart.
I can easily juggle two projects, but when I expand to three or more, I’m not managing them as successfully as I imagined I would. I’m terrible at matching real time effort with the effort time I conjure up in my head.
So how to choose?
Some people follow logic, and others, their gut. Some make lists, flip coins, listen to their heart, or sleep on it. I’ve done all of them, sometimes even with success. “They say” choosing a direction doesn’t mean abandoning the others; it just means choosing which dream gets your focus first, and maybe that’s right. It just takes me awhile to get there.
I suppose that’s the beauty of a crossroads. It doesn’t mark an ending; it marks a beginning. The good news is I won’t just stand there. I’ll pick one and move on.
So here’s to the good choices. To the full plates and full hearts. To the scary freedom of having options, and the courage to walk forward with the one that is calling out the loudest, which is what I typically do after a bit of moaning over choices.
Have you found yourself at a crossroads lately? I’d love to hear how you navigated it, or what you’re still considering.
As always, thank you for walking a bit of the road with me.
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
After we bought a bit of land in Georgia, we planted peach trees on the property to add a little variety to the acres of pine trees. Next, we decided we wanted to move closer to our property so we could enjoy it more often than once a month.
I found the absolutely perfect fixer-upper that would have been a wonderful bed-and-breakfast!
FarmerMan wasn’t as thrilled as I was, but since he’s such a kind-hearted soul, he’d drive past it occasionally while I explained what its potential was. I even envisioned what its name would be.
PEACH BLOSSOM RETREAT
I was sorrowful the last time we drove past my dream bed-and-breakfast when the house was gone with not even one board left, much less the once beautiful, broken down wrought-iron fence. Condemned and razed to the ground. Alas!
Six years ago we did finally find the house we agreed was for us and moved to Georgia, and then three years ago, we planted peach trees. The following year, we fenced in our peach trees because the neighborhood deer were dining on the leaves.
This year, we have a bumper crop of peaches! When Life hands you peaches, it’s time to celebrate!
I never forgot my Peach Blossom Retreat, though.
Jenna is a young widow, innkeeper, and a most unlikely crimefighter.
Jenna Ross Thriller Series Books 1-4
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
I’m thinking about writing a follow up bonus story for the Maggie Sloan Thriller Series. What story would you like to read about Maggie?
One that I’ve been kicking around is What If Parker had not been ambushed…
Can you think of a story you’d like to read?
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
This was our second year to be at the Strawberry Festival in Reynolds, Georgia. We were excited when we saw we had been assigned a vendor spot that was very close to where we were placed last year: in the middle of the road!
You can see how close the 10’x10′ vendor spaces are. The 10’x10′ canopy tents are snuggled so close together that there is no wiggle room for a bit of expansion at all. My series of books have grown to where I can barely place all the series on the front tables that fill the 10 feet across.
You might notice there are no table signs, and there doesn’t appear to be any way out after we’re inside our canopy fort. Crawling out from under the tables is not an option. Having nice vendor neighbors is a tremendous bonus when the space is tight because they don’t mind if we slip out the sides for an occasional, quick portapotty visit. It sure beats trying to scoot a table a few inches and then putting all the books that we knocked down back into place when we return.
Does that mean I plan to slow down writing and publishing books or take fewer series and books to the festivals? Spoiler alert: No.
Middle of the road typically means dull or even conventional (gasp!), but here’s our twist: middle of the road at the Strawberry Festival is a prime spot because we can set up with a “front” on both sides!
We actually planned for middle of the road with our fingers crossed. We took two banners for our canopy, and enough tables and books to have both sides of our booth set up with all the books and series to catch the eye of a reader who is strolling along either side of the road.
Speaking of neighbors, I always visit surrounding vendors to chat. Vendors are amazing people who love to share what they know. When I visited the vendor behind us (in front of us?), he told me he had googled me earlier in the day because he kept staring at my banner, and I was all over the internet! He bought the book from me that he’d selected online.
Have you heard of king of the hill? We’re Middle of the Road!
p.s.
Did you notice my pink hat? I forgot my writer ball cap but found my pink hat in the camper trailer, so I pretended it was my middle of the road strawberry hat.
You keep reading; I’ll keep writing!
Judith A. Barrett - Author 