Thrilled to learn that Mystery Readers International published my essay, “Old Folks Are Just Neat,” describing why I wrote a book about senior sleuths.

Just discovered a lovely review of THE SILVER FOXES in the British blog, “Promoting Crime Fiction,” another enterprise of Lizzie Sirett, editor of Mystery People. Among reviewer Carol Wetron’s welcome praise: “superb skill in bringing these characters to life…all engaging and beautifully portrayed… thoroughly enjoyable read.”

The final volume of my West Virginia trilogy of mysteries is now available on Kindle. If you go to Amazon and type “nancy swing the silver foxes,” you’ll find a link for both print and electronic versions. I’m on Facebook with an author’s page, and as always, I love to hear from readers. Writers only …

What a happy way to start the holiday week: Readers’ Favorite just gave The Silver Foxes a 5-star review: “…intriguing mystery…interesting cast of characters…If readers find this book first, most likely they will want to read the previous two books!”

What a happy way to start the holiday week: Readers’ Favorite just gave The Silver Foxes a 5-star review: “…intriguing mystery…interesting cast of characters…If readers find this book first, most likely they will want to read the previous two books!”

http://AgileAging.net published a Peer Profile about my starting to write mysteries after retirement from a career as an international consultant. It was a fun interview, covering lots of topics, including building skills, avoiding a roman a clef, the challenges of an indie author, marketing and what comes next after publishing four books in four years. …

Happy to report that the final book in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries has been published in paperback. There’s a direct link on my home page, if you’d like to order a copy.

Manuscript and photos for the cover of THE SILVER FOXES have gone to the publisher. If all goes well, the final book of my West Virginia trilogy of mysteries should be available from Amazon later this month. Fingers crossed.

Turned everything over to the publisher — manuscript, cover art, etc. If all goes well, the final book in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries will be out in mid-late November. Please note: This is NOT how the cover will look!

Just back from a mini-vacation in Lassen National Park in northern California. Helps to walk away from the “final” draft of a book and come back with fresh eyes for a bit of polishing. Now for the push to finish THE SILVER FOXES and turn it in to the publisher October 1st.

All feedback from my “beta readers” is now marked into my print copy of THE SILVER FOXES, each in a different color, so I can keep track of who said what. Now I’m inputing the changes into the electronic copy of the manuscript. Hope to finish that by mid-September, take a week off, then re-read …

Finished second draft of THE SILVER FOXES and sent it off to my “beta readers.” Looking forward to their detailed feedback on this final mystery in my West Virginia trilogy — I know their comments will make the story better. Still on target for late 2019 publication.

This UK website did a fine job of explaining a novel set in the hills of West Virginia to foreign readers: “a most appealing character…a very illuminating depiction of life and attitudes.” One of the reasons I like to read mysteries set in unfamiliar locations is that I learn more about the humanity we share, …

Just passed 45,000 words in the first draft of the final book in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries. Feels like I’m halfway home, and those senior citizen sleuths are right on track to figure out who done it. The lives of Eden, Bethanne and Jimmy Lee continue from the previous books and will also …

So pleased to learn that my essay, “I’m a Hillbilly” has been published in Mystery Readers Journal: Mystery in the American South II. A couple sentences to give you the flavor: “When I was growing up in West Virginia, that was a shameful thing to say…As I moved into middle age, I began to realize …

Thrilled to learn that Lazarus is showing up on the beaches of Tahiti, where it seems more than one reader is following Jimmy Lee’s efforts to solve the murders of loved ones in Lewiston, WV. If you’ve taken Lazarus on one of your adventures, please let me know via Facebook. Authors love it when their …

Back from celebrating husband Russell’s birthday in California’s Gold Rush country. Good to get away and just relax together, exploring Sonora, Columbia and Jamestown. But now it’s back to work on THE SILVER FOXES — 25,000 words of first draft finished, so about 1/3 done with some ideas of where to go next. Looking forward …

Waiting with Joyce Krieg and Brenda Taylor to march with the Central Coast Writers in Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days Parade. After the parade, husband and fellow writer Russell Sunshine and I helped staff CCW’s booth at the Fair. Happy to report that we both sold a bunch of books. These two days (April 6/7 …

Getting ready to help staff the Central Coast Writers Booth at Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days Celebration, April 6-7. The layout of my old card didn’t allow inclusion of my newest titles, so I tried something different. If you have any reactions, kindly visit http://Facebook.com/nancyswingauthor and let me hear from you.

Just celebrated my 75th birthday with ice cream, cake and good friends. Special people for a special day. (By the way, you can’t see the men, but they were there too.)

Took a couple months off after finishing LAZARUS to focus on marketing but also just to rest my brain’s writing cells. Now back at work on SILVER FOXES, the final installment in my West Virginia trilogy of mysteries. Found several versions of the opening 30 pages with different plot lines and characters. So I’m trying …

Thrilled to learn that LAZARUS received a five-star review from Readers’ Favorite. Among the phrases: “Swing’s writing is lyrical and lovely…and her characters are quite unforgettable.” https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/lazarus/1

Excited to see Lazarus available on Amazon earlier than expected. In time for Christmas sales!! This is the second book in my trilogy of mysteries set in the fictitious small town of Lewiston, West Virginia. The story revolves around the renovation of a centuries-old cabin and what happens to the people who try to resurrect …

I’ve been reviewing the text proofs and drafts of the cover for Lazarus, the second book in my trilogy of mysteries set in the fictitious small town of Lewiston, WV. We’ve basically completed revisions of both, so Lazarus is on track to be available on Amazon December 1, in time for Christmas sales, as many …

Working with my publisher to finalize the cover of the next book in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries, available on Amazon in print and electronic formats December 1, 2018. You can read more about LAZARUS on my website. Scroll down the Home Page until you come to “Previews of Coming Attractions.” You’ll find a …

Joining over 30 local authors to sign and sell our books on the veranda of the Pacific Grove Library in celebration of independent authors, October 13. This international observance of Indie Author Day recognizes the work of writers all over the world who are part of the self-publishing groundswell. What used to be called “vanity …

A tide is running in the publishing industry. More and more authors, including famous ones, are choosing to self-publish their books. This year marks the third in which Independent Author Day is celebrated across the country. I’m happy to serve on the local committee organizing events in Pacific Grove, CA on October 13. Participants will …

A great afternoon at the Page Turners Book Fest in Monterey, CA earlier this month. Met lots of readers, exchanged thoughts with other authors and sold books too. Talking with readers really sparks my creativity.

Pleased to be among 44 local authors featured at Page Turners Book Fest, Sunday, July 15, Elks Lodge, 150 Mar Vista, Monterey, CA. 1:00, former Spy D.S. Kane will share ideas on “How to Write a Thriller.” 2:00-5:00, authors will sign and sell books in many genres, including children’s, fantasy, memoir, mystery, poetry, sci fi …

Husband and fellow writer Russell Sunshine and I (second and third from right), assembling with Central Coast Writers to march in Monterey’s 4th of July Parade. The crowd of some 10,000 was very enthusiastic, and we had a lot of fun. CCW marches every year, and we’re already wondering, “What’ll we wear in 2019???”

Sure feels good to be editing the first draft of LAZARUS, the next book in my trilogy of mysteries set in a fictitious small town in West Virginia. Hoping to have it in print in time for Christmas.

50,000 words and counting on the first draft of Lazarus, the second in my trilogy of West Virginia mysteries. Hope to have this draft done in a couple weeks. Then I’ll let it stew for a while and come back to it. I usually do three drafts, asking for trusted readers’ feedback on the second. …

Marching with the Central Coast Writers in Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days Parade. That’s me, way at the back with the sign, “Writers do it literally,” and husband Russell on the right in his Sherlock Holmes hat. Good Old Days is such a special event, running two days, starting with this terrific parade and continuing …

  After a hiatus of six months due to the West Virginia book tour (where I enjoyed a high school reunion picnic with old friends), some health challenges and an unexpected house-move, I’m finally back at work on Lazarus. The first draft is about half-done, and the final draft should be finished by the end …

Recently made an appearance on Kyle Elizabeth Wood’s “Bohemia Live.” You can view the whole thing on YouTube or a short video on my Amazon Author’s Page. The video clip features my response to Kyle’s question about why I write mysteries.

Passing out treats at the annual Booktoberfest of Central Coast Writers. Got to hear some wonderful excerpts as other writers read from their latest works, and many of us offered our books for sale before and after the meeting. CCW and similar organizations are a great way for writers to network and learn from each …

A friend sent this photo of Child’s Play being featured in the South Charleston Public Library. And it’s been checked out! Always nice to know that West Virginians are reading this book set in a fictitious small town in the Mountain State.

The final stop on my book tour: Morgantown, where I attended West Virginia University as an undergrad. The WVU Libraries hosted local friends and me for a tour of the special collections and behind the scenes. Really heartwarming to see all the upgrades in the Downtown Library since my day, especially how well the new addition …

Really had fun doing Gary Bowden’s radio interview, broadcast on WAJR-FM, Clarksburg; WBTQ-FM, Buckhannon and WSWW-FM, Summerville during my book tour of West Virginia. Gary asked thought-provoking questions, and I later heard from listeners that they enjoyed the program. If you like, you can listen to the podcast via the link below. My interview comes …

Spent a week in my home town, Clarksburg, West Virginia. This former mansion from the early 1800s was the library in my day. Now it’s reserved for special collections and meetings while the modern library next door gets lots of multimedia use. I devoted two happy afternoons to signing books in the new library, seeing …

A very special visit to the Elkins Public Library. So many folks stopped by: a troop of Girl Scouts; Kendra Collett, creative writing teacher at the high school; readers who arrived with their own copies of Child’s Play, ready to be signed. Kudos to Stephanie Murphy and her staff, who’re doing such a praiseworthy job …

Spent happy hours in Huntington, WV at Empire Books and News. Met lots of readers, signed lots of books and especially enjoyed time spent with Christine Dargusch and staff. If you’re ever in Huntington, be sure to visit this store, full not only of books, but a wealth of great gifts. Right downtown in Pullman …

Arrived in Parkersburg after a great visit in Shepherdstown with the folks at the Public Library and the Four Seasons Bookstore. And speaking of libraries, what a great new one they have at the South Branch in Parkersburg! I had the pleasure of being there on August 15th, because the main library was closed for …

West Virginia Book Tour lots of fun, starting here, at the Lewisburg Literary Festival, where I met many new readers. Talking with them and fellow West Virginia authors was a real highlight of the two days I spent in Lewisburg. While there, I was invited to speak to the final dinner of the annual meetings of …

Leaving tomorrow to train across America, pick up a car in Pittsburgh and criss-cross West Virginia, the setting of CHILD’S PLAY, on a month-long book tour. If you’re anywhere near or can call in to the Gary Bowden Show, please let me see or hear from you. All dates are August, 2017: 4 Invited to speak at …

Child’s Play is the first in a trilogy of mysteries set in a fictitious small town in West Virginia, where I grew up. Thanks to the efforts of friends and colleagues, I’ll be touring the state during the month of August, starting with the Lewisburg Literary Festival on the 4th and 5th and ending with an …

Had a wonderful time cruising to Alaska and traveling inland to Denali National Park. Lucky enough to see almost all the big mammals, but the most rewarding were really close sightings of a moose with two calves and a bear with two cubs. The only big one missed was a wolf, so this photo is obviously from an exhibit. Scenery …

“a fascinating study of the damage dark secrets can do to an individual, a family and a community…at the same time, a lot of gentle humor…two unusual but thoroughly engaging protagonists…an excellent crime novel but also a story of redemption” – Carol Westron, mystery people.co.uk.

Happy to report that the four scheduled performances of “The Golden Girls of Hollywood” have been such a success that a fifth has been added with inquiries about a sixth. We’ve had a lot of fun doing this staged reading, and the audiences seemed to enjoy it as much as we did. If you’d like to attend the …

Just discovered that someone is using my name on Twitter. Whoever it is, it’s not me. And the often vitriolic, venomous verbiage certainly doesn’t represent my views. So if you get a “Nancy Swing” Tweet, please note: it’s not from me!

Local author Carol Marquart is producing a staged reading of her new play, THE GOLDEN GIRLS OF HOLLYWOOD, and I have the fun of appearing as Dorothy Manners, one of the gossip queens of a long-ago era. The cast of characters includes Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons and Bette Davis. If you’re in the Monterey Bay area, come …

The first book in my West Virginia trilogy of mysteries is ready for purchase on http://amazon.com. Easiest way to find it is to type my name in the Search box and then click on the cover. Set in the fictitious small town of Lewiston, CHILD’S PLAY features Eden Jones, a thirteen year-old girl who’s learned most of …

If you’ve read MALICE ON THE MEKONG, you know that heroine Anjali Rao’s best friend is named Suneeta. But did you know how she came to have that name? India Currents has just published an article Russell and I wrote about how we met and married. In the article, you’ll find some old photos and the answer …

It’s been a long and challenging fall, but CHILD’S PLAY, the first book in my West Virginia trilogy, is ready for Park Place Publications. Here’s a draft of the “blurb” for the back cover: Everything thirteen year-old Eden Jones knows, she learned from watching television. Bethanne Swanson learned her lessons from fifty years in the school …

So pleased to have had a long Thanksgiving visit from Ameerah Haq, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. We first met in Laos, the setting for Malice on the Mekong, while we were all living and working there in the early 1990s. Ameerah was then serving as the UN’s Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative. Lovely chance for …

Met some great people and sold some books at Central Coast Writers’ annual Booktoberfest. Always fun to talk with fellow writers and readers. We learned something from everyone we talked with.

Many thanks to crime mystery author Sally Spedding for crafting such a fun interview and Mystery People Editor Lizzie Hayes for publishing it both on the MP website and on Lizzie’s blog. Sally asked really thoughtful questions, and I had to go deep in some cases to make sure I did them justice. I had fun doing the …

We had a fine time for nearly three weeks in September, exploring southern British Columbia — the city of Vancouver plus Victoria and Tofino on Vancouver Island. We went most of the way from central California by train on the famous Coast Starlight but ended up taking just about every other mode of surface transport — …

I’ve discovered that if you search for Malice on the Mekong, you’ll be sent to websites that offer my book for free. Web experts have informed me that these are probably phishing sites, using my book to get personal information from potential readers. Please don’t click on any of these offers; they’re probably out to get …

So exciting to learn that the Readers’ Favorite Website has awarded Malice on the Mekong five stars! Here are a few excerpts: “Great entertainment…breathtaking language..powerful and evocative..a beautiful tapestry on which the gripping story is masterfully designed…hard to put down…classic story that will be remembered for the beautiful characters, the unforgettable setting, and events so …

Such a lot of fun reading, discussing and signing our books at Old Capitol Books in Monterey, CA on August 20th. We had a good turnout with a wide-ranging conversation and sold at least one book to everyone who came!Thanks to Matthew Sundt and his staff for making it happen.

Thanks to Lizzie Hayes and her blog for previewing Carol Westron’s review which will appear on the Mystery People website in October. Wonderfully encouraging when a teacher of Creative Writing submits such a positive review: “…author shows great skill in drawing the reader into this country, its traditions and its people…clever mystery…Anjali Rao, the chocoholic …

Really gratifying to drive around Monterey Bay to Santa Cruz and find our books featured on their Local Authors Shelf. Bookshop Santa Cruz is the largest and most popular independent bookstore on the Central Coast. You can also see reviews and promotion of our books on their website: Click here to see reviews.

Just got back from traveling by train from California to the East Coast to help my stepsister celebrate her 90th birthday. What a civilized way to travel and what a nice way to get reacquainted with my country after so many years abroad. And boy, did we have a nice time helping Barb celebrate — …

Really a pleasure to read an excerpt of Malice on the Mekong at the July 19th meeting of the Central Coast Writers in Pacific Grove, CA. If you’re a writer, budding or published, this is a great group for you — fellowship, workshops and monthly speakers on topics of interest to folks like us.  Felt good …

http://futureexpats.com Wonderful to read such a nice review of Malice on the Mekong on the Future Expats Website. Lots of good info on this site — including a free book of helpful hints — for folks contemplating a move overseas.

  Consigning some of our international treasures to Conway of Asia, Carmel, California. As we grow older, a simpler life beckons. The bits and pieces are gone, but the memories remain.

Working on Child’s Play, first book in West Virginia trilogy. Just had thought for new plot twist. Still on target for fall publication.