Time for another bit of Evie Busk wisdom. For a time my father ran a contracting company. He built and remodeled houses. As for ours? We were a family of nine living in a two-bedroom house. There had been discussions about taking down the block wall between the living room and one of the two sunrooms and closing in the front porch, thus creating a larger living room and turning the second sunroom into a bedroom. But, as they say in Texas, “It was all hat and no cattle.” In other words, nothing happened.
Then one afternoon, when I came home from third grade, I discovered that my mother, dressed in a pair of my Dad’s overalls, had enlisted my younger brother—home from kindergarten—to jumpstart the remodeling project by demolishing the living room’s block wall with a sledgehammer and chisel. When I asked what was going on, these are the words she muttered: “If it is to be, it is up to me.” And she was right. With a gaping hole in the living room, the remodeling project got into high gear. My younger sister and I finally got out of the “kids’” bedroom and into the “girls’” bedroom.
So where am I going with this? Last fall, having submitted the manuscript for the next Ali book, Smoke and Mirrors, I learned that a decision had been made by Simon and Schuster in New York to postpone publication until 2027, meaning that I wouldn’t have a book published in 2026. That potentially put a big hole in our finances.
Shortly before Thanksgiving, I consulted with my editor at HarperCollins. She said that if I could write the next Beau book by the end of January, they could publish it in the fall of 2026. That’s when I went to work—see Evie Busk above. Of course the holidays were coming. I made arrangements for someone else to put up and take down the Christmas decorations. I hired a caterer to handle our family’s big Christmas celebration. My Christmas shopping consisted of buying a whole raft of fancy cards and putting checks in them.
But here’s the thing about writing books—I have to THINK them into existence. The various characters, both good and bad, have to come into focus. I need to know everything about them—who they are, where they came from, how they were raised, where they’re going, and what are their motivations. Not only do I have to think all that stuff up, I have to keep all those details straight in my head. Then I have to see how the action unfolds. Does it follow a reasonably logical path? Where and when will it end? How will it end? And somewhere around the fifty-percent mark, I find myself wondering if it will EVER end!
A lot of those above issues aren’t resolved when I’m sitting in my writing chair with my fingers on the keyboard. No, they come to me in the wee small hours of the morning when, instead of sleeping, I’m wrestling with the story.
Trust me, January has been a marathon. I’ve left the house exactly four times—once to attend a play with my daughter; twice to go to the dentist; and once to go to the hearing aid store. That’s it. The rest of the time, I’ve been here working. I know new seasons of several TV shows have started, but I haven’t seen them. With no football this weekend, maybe I’ll have an On-Demand marathon and catch up with some of those.
But as of eleven PM last night, January 28!!!, The Taken Ones is finally finished, all 93,000 words of it. It’s J.P. Beaumont #27 and Twinkle Winkleman #3, if you count both Den of Iniquity and the separate novella, Girls’ Night Out. (Twink was one of those engaging characters who was supposed to make a cameo appearance in a single book and then refused to exit stage left.)
The Taken Ones has been a challenging book to write but an interesting one, too. It comes with plenty of murder and mayhem with a heaping helping of geography on the side. Right now, though, before I launch off into the editing process on not just one, but two separate books, there are a few other things I need to do—like have my nails done, for instance. They’re a mess. And I also need to get back to the hearing aid store, because the part I ordered has finally arrived.
But this coming fall, when you settle in to read The Taken Ones, most likely in a matter of hours, I hope you’ll remember that creating the story took a big chunk out of my life, and without Evie’s shining example, it might never have come into existence.
Thank you in advance for a book I know I will love.
I am so thrilled for the #27th JP Beaumont book, The Taken Ones, to arrive Sept 2026!! I will “save & savor” it for a long travel trip this fall.
I appreciate the insight you provide in what it takes to produce such brilliance. It is a sacrifice few would ( could) do. It just hit me! You hunkered down and wrote a book in less than 3 months!!!!
Another Twinkie Winkleman book–Hurrah!! I love that character. She reminds me of a great-grand aunt Edna who was a registered nurse in Kansas City during the 1920’s, who threw her husband’s false teeth out of the window when she found he was cheating. She was efficient, compassionate, did not suffer fools, and was a force with which to be reckoned. Lived independently when that was frowned upon for single women. Look forward to your new books-love your writing and share my love for them with friends. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to write.
I`m so glad you wrote it, I read all your books. I was up till 5am this morning with your latest one. Just couldn`t put it down.
You are inspiring. Carry on and keep on keeping on. Editing is not the easy part I know that.
You are fantastic
I am so thrilled for the 27th JP Beaumont book, The Taken Ones, to arrive Sept 2026!! I will ‘save & savor’ the book for a long travel trip this fall.
Reading about the creation of this book is as inspiring as reading the book itself. Writing what is sure to become a bestseller in less than 3 months – while marking the 27th in your series-is a rare display of focus, discipline, and creative brilliance. The spirit of Evie Busk’s words, “If it is to be, it is up to me” resonates strongly here. Your work is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when vision is matched by unwavering commitment. Deep admiration for both the craft and the courage behind it.
May you have a blissful ‘recovery’ albeit you will be editting TWO sure-to-be bestsellers.
I am so thrilled for the 27th JP Beaumont book, The Taken Ones, to arrive Sept 2026!! I will ‘save & savor’ the book for a long travel trip this fall.
Reading about the creation of this book is as inspiring as reading the book itself. Writing what is sure to become a bestseller in less than 3 months – while marking the 27th in your series-is a rare display of focus, discipline, and creative brilliance. The spirit of Evie Busk’s words, “If it is to be, it is up to me” resonates strongly here. Your work is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when vision is matched by unwavering commitment. Deep admiration for both the craft and the courage behind it.
May you have a blissful ‘recovery’ albeit you will be editting TWO sure-to-be bestsellers.
Thanks be to God for Evie’s example! You made it through January and I know I will love the new Beaumont!
In France: “All chapeau, no chateau.”
You are SO tough. Glad you made it
Thank goodness for Evie Busk, for you and her wisdom. Since I have ALL of your books, I am now starting my second re-read of Beau, so #27 should be out just about the time I get there. And, Twink is a favorite, so thanks for typing your fingernails to the nubs.
Blessing to you and Bill.
Delighted that you gave of yourself this month to get the Taken Ones complete!
I so look forward to not only your Friday emails but each new book.
I too am tall ( even having lost two inches, at 5’9, and almost 90, and tho I don’t have hearing aids I have challenges with my eyesight, in that I possibly will begin injections this year in my eye! That will NOT stop me reading your books! Now, rest on your laurels!
Congratulations on getting it done. I look forward to reading it. Did your publisher tell you why they are postponing the book?
I admire your work ethic and want to say thank you ?? As one of your fans I can say we appreciate your determination to give us another story this year! And let’s use this tale about how the book came to be in your upcoming interview. I appreciate you taking care of your readers.??????
I admire your work ethic and want to say thank you ?? As one of your fans I can say we appreciate your determination to give us another story this year! And let’s use this tale about how the book came to be in your upcoming interview. I appreciate you taking care of your readers.??????
JA, for some reason, my emojis using my phone came out as question marks in my comment. Please ignore them!
WordPress does not recognize emojis so I understand
Your attention to detail regarding your characters, environment, etc., I think is one of the reasons I have so thoroughly enjoyed reading all your books – so far twice over. I am so looking forward to new books!!! I have been exploring a new author one of your readers suggested to tide me over until your new books arrive. I think your books have whetted my appetite for reading and now I’m spoiled.
A big “Bravo Zulu” to you. A year without one of your books would be terrible.
I, too, have bionic ears thanks to 4550 hours as a crew member on C-130s and RC-135s during my 30 years in the Air Force. I.m working with the VA to upgrade my six-year-old Phonak aids.
Thanks for your month’s work. I know I’ll appreciate it.
Thank you so much Judy! I, for one, appreciate the time it took you over your holidays to finish your newest Beau book! There has been many times in my life, that I realize I can accomplish something hard because of my Moms example. We are very Blessed we had Moms we respected and loved so much.
Yes, “IF IT’S TO BE IT’S UP TO ME.” as a life directive was an amazing gift from your mother, and crediting your mother at this point in your writing career honors her, yourself, and so many of us who were given wise words through a parent’s example.
In the very early 1900’s, my grandmother, Jessie, struggled to manage with five kids in a very small rented house. Even though my grandmother found larger houses they could afford to rent, my grandfather refused to move. So, she raised chickens, sold eggs, and saved up, and found a larger house to rent. One day, my grandfather came home to find a note on the front door with the address of the newly rented house. She had rented a horse drawn wagon, and throughout the day, over several trips, she moved their belongings to the new house.
Pretty gutsy for a woman at that time. I asked my mother who was telling the story how he reacted…
She said he stayed away for a few days, then, eventually showed up at the new rental, and life went on.
Quite the message to her kids: “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME!” For sure.
You GO, girl!!! Looking forward to the next Beau book!!! Now get some well deserved rest!!!
Can’t wait Beau is my favorite ??!!!!
Why in the world did your publisher decide to postpone issuing Smoke and Mirrors? Aren’t they interested in selling books? I’ve read books from all your series but Ali Reynolds is my favorite!
Can’t wait J.P. is my favorite ??!
OMG! I thought I was busy, but now I see I am idle most of the time. When did you sleep, eat, change clothes, answer a phone call, kiss your husband, look in the mirror, blow your nose, etc, etc.???
You must grit your teeth if anyone interrupts you for some silly or unimportant reason. Or does everyone know when to “Do NOT Disturb!”?
Friend, I am leading the pack in patting you on the back and adoring you all the more for giving us so much to look forward to reading. Thank you, a million times.
I can only imagine the feeling of relief and joy once you have finished this long list of things you have described to us. What an accomplishment!
Janice Molina
When I was a teenager I pulled and Evie. My dad kept talking about replacing a fence (taking down barbed wire and putting up field fence), but never got it started. I took down the barbed wire fence and wooden posts between us and a neighbor. He had to get it replaced.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hard work. Truly. So I will be one of the first on the preorder list. Beau has been on my mind for awhile.
Hi! I’m going to ASSUME that H&C had what they considered a good reason for pushing Ali out more than a year in the future…!!!! (and no, you don’t have to tell us, if you don’t want to, though I’m sure we are all antsy to find out!)
Fred
good job …I appreciate your hard work and dedication. And here I sit in Benson with nothing to do …left knee and back are giving me fits.
What an extra ordinary tribute to Evie. It seems to me that the work you do to produce best sellers, one after the other, is inspired. And at the same time you are writing blogs, reading and answering emails, many inane like mine, and many other daily tasks. Some might say that level of activity would cause burn out, but for you it’s burn on. Thank you, and keep that flame alive, it warms us all.
Jim
I am friends with a few authors and I have great appreciation for the entire process.
You do what you need to do for you. Getting away from the process – even for just a short amount of time – can recharge you.
Take care of you and yours.
That was the best news I’ve heard this week! Yay, another Beaumont book has been written. Thank you for all your efforts and work. I love all your books, have them all in one form or another.
I wish they would publish Girls Night Out in this book. I am not able to read it unless it comes out in print. Love your books.
Thank you for writing such interesting books.
And through it all, the Seahawks are in it again!!
Thank you for working hard to get it done, looking forward to another Beau book! And for the incentives you give me to finish a project!
Thank you, thank you! Can’t wait to read the new Beau and I’m so excited that Twinkle will be making an appearance.
GO SEAHAWKS!!
I envy your steadfast dedication. I wish my life had your motivation in it! You go girl! My mom always wore the big boy pants in our family.
Well, I messed up and my comment disappeared! Anyway…
As a widow with social security income, I’m “it” for getting things done on my older house.
I enjoy doing what I can on the house and yard, but always have the fear of screwing up and making it worse.
Oh well, if I don’t get it done, the next person will.
Your books are such a retreat for me, and a “treat” also, I guess. Thank you!
Have a joyful day, J. A. !!!