I Should Be Writing

Five Reasons Sunny Days and Cozy Mysteries are the Perfect Pairing

Hey Y’all!

Greetings from Texas! It’s one of those beautiful days that makes you want to grab a book, pour a glass of wine, and soak up the sunshine. But as much as I’d love to be outdoors, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to share why cozy mysteries are the ultimate companion for a sunny day.

1. Sunshine Calls for Escapism
There’s nothing better than letting your mind wander to a charming, mysterious small town. Whether it’s the paranormal shenanigans of Cheese Louise or a trip into vampire-infused urban fantasy, a cozy read adds that perfect dash of adventure.

2. Sunshine and Wine Pair Beautifully with Humor
Cozy mysteries often come with a side of snark and humor. Add a crisp glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a delightful combo. (May I recommend a cheeky Viognier?)

3. The Setting Inspires Exploration
Many cozy mysteries are set in quaint locations that remind us to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. It’s a bit like exploring your own sunny backyard or neighborhood.

4. Quick Reads for Busy Days
On days when sunshine calls, cozy mysteries are just the right length to devour in one sitting. Plus, they’re perfect for Kindle Unlimited readers!

5. They’re Just Plain Fun
At the end of the day, who doesn’t love a light-hearted escape with quirky characters, a dash of danger, and a guaranteed happy ending?

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Ready to escape into a cozy mystery? Check out Cheese Louise on Amazon. It’s on Kindle Unlimited! And if you want even more reading fun, join my newsletter for updates, freebies, and behind-the-scenes tidbits about my writing.

Happy Reading!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Amazon Associates program, so if you end up subscribing to KU or buying Cheese Louise from these links, I will receive a small commission.

Why Kindle Unlimited Is a Bookaholic’s Dream Come True

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Hey Y’all!

It’s a gorgeous day here in Texas, but before I head outside to enjoy the sunshine, I wanted to share a little something for my fellow bookaholics. If you haven’t tried Kindle Unlimited yet, let me tell you—it’s a game changer for readers who love devouring stories faster than I can drink a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

All of my ebooks are available in the Kindle Unlimited subscription program from Amazon.

Here’s the scoop: Kindle Unlimited lets you read as many books as you want for one flat monthly fee. That’s right—unlimited books. It’s like an all-you-can-read buffet, and for those of us who can never get enough cozy mysteries, urban fantasies, or swoon-worthy romances, it’s the perfect way to feed our literary appetites without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re diving into my Cheese Louise series or following Laramie Harper on her latest vampire-filled adventure, Kindle Unlimited gives you access to thousands of books just waiting to be discovered. No guilt, no limits—just pure, unadulterated reading bliss. Many of my favorite authors’ books are included.

So, if you’re the type to finish one book and immediately start the next (you know who you are!), do yourself a favor and check out Kindle Unlimited. It’s the best way to keep your TBR pile full without emptying your wallet. With the monthly subscription option, you can cancel anytime.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s sunshine to enjoy and books to write. See y’all soon!

Happy reading!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Amazon Associates program, so if you end up subscribing to KU from this link, I will receive a small commission.

Finding Adventure in Everyday Life: Embrace the Extraordinary

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Adventure doesn’t always require a passport, a packed suitcase, or a grand plan. Sometimes, the most meaningful adventures happen in the quiet moments when we choose to step outside of our routines and seek something a little less ordinary.

Currently, I’m living in East Texas and won’t be able to travel very much in the foreseeable future. I was worried that I was going to miss out on adventure, so I asked my favorite ChatGPT guru (that’s you, Sunny Sage!) to make some suggestions for finding adventure in daily life. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised with the list it gave me and wanted to share it with my readers. Whether you’re grounded in one place by circumstance or just looking for ways to inject more excitement into your life, adventure is always within reach. Here’s how to live your best life, choose adventure, and find joy in the everyday.

1. Explore Through Taste

Food has the power to transport us across the world without leaving our kitchens. Each week, try cooking dishes from different countries or regions. Pair your culinary creations with a wine or cheese from the same area to create a full sensory experience. You can even start small: pick up a snack or drink you’ve never tried while grocery shopping. Each bite or sip can be its own tiny adventure.

2. Dive Into Armchair Adventures

Travel memoirs and documentaries are windows into new worlds. Authors like Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods) or Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun) bring destinations to life, making you feel like you’re right there with them. Alternatively, explore the hidden corners of the world through documentaries about Norway’s railways, Japan’s cherry blossoms, or cheesemaking in the Alps.

3. Rediscover the Local

You don’t have to travel far to uncover hidden gems. Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town:

Research its history and legends.
Seek out quirky landmarks or offbeat attractions.
Take self-guided walking tours or bring a camera to capture your surroundings with fresh eyes.

Nearby parks, cemeteries, or trails can also offer the thrill of discovery—you’ll be surprised at what you find when you look closer.

4. Start a Mini Quest

Inject excitement into your daily life with a micro-adventure list. Challenge yourself to:

Visit a new coffee shop or diner each week.
Watch the sunrise or sunset from different spots.
Send a postcard to a friend (or yourself) from your town.
Explore new walking routes or scenic roads.

A quest can be as simple as spotting wildlife, collecting local ghost stories, or tracking down roadside oddities.

5. Create Through the Lens of Adventure

Unleash your creativity and let it fuel your sense of adventure. Write stories inspired by places you dream of visiting, where the setting becomes a character. Keep a daily journal of “adventures,” recording even the smallest moments of joy or curiosity. Or grab your phone or camera and photograph the textures, colors, and details in your everyday environment.

6. Virtual Escapes

Technology can transport you to places you’ve never been. Take virtual tours of historical sites, museums, or national parks. Pair the experience with themed snacks or drinks for an immersive touch. You can also join niche online communities—rail travel enthusiasts, wine aficionados, or local history buffs—to connect with others who share your passions.

7. Learn With a Twist

Every new skill is an adventure waiting to happen. Consider learning:

A language for future travels.
Sketching landscapes or urban scenes.
A hobby tied to your interests, like wine tasting or nature photography.

Each step forward can feel like an exploration into uncharted territory.

8. Escape Nights

Dedicate one evening a week to escaping the ordinary. Create a ritual that transports you:

A themed movie night (Under the Tuscan Sun for Italy vibes or Wild for hiking inspiration).
Sampling craft beers or cheeses from another region.
Listening to an audiobook about a great adventurer while enjoying a cozy setup at home.

Living Your Best Life—One Small Adventure at a Time

Living adventurously doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities or always planning grand getaways. It’s about a mindset shift: seeking and savoring the extraordinary moments in your everyday life. From culinary experiments to local quests and virtual escapes, each small step can build a more vibrant, fulfilling life. Adventure is all around us—we just have to choose it.

In 2025, I’ll be looking for adventures big and small. What adventures will you create in the year ahead?

Helena of Constantine and the Quest for the True Cross

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Hey Y’all

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating historical tidbit that’s so rich with intrigue, that it might as well have been ripped from the pages of our favorite urban fantasy novels. Buckle up as we travel back in time to meet the legendary Helena of Constantine, a woman on an epic quest to find the True Cross.

[Read more…]

Sipping Bubbles on National Prosecco Day!

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

This post is by guest wri ter Laramie Harper, Owner of The Whine Barrel

Hey there, fellow wine lovers!

August 13th is National Prosecco Day, and if there’s anything we love around here at The Whine Barrel, it’s a good excuse to raise a glass (or three). Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Laramie, you’re all about Texas wines! What’s with the Prosecco love?” Well, let me tell you—just because Prosecco isn’t from Texas doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it, celebrate it, and maybe even sneak it into our Texas-sized wine collection.

What Exactly is Prosecco?

For those of you who haven’t yet met this bubbly superstar, Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that’s basically the life of the party in a bottle. It hails from the Veneto region of Italy, where it’s crafted primarily from the Glera grape. What makes a wine officially “Prosecco,” you ask? Well, it has to be made in this specific region and must follow traditional methods of fermentation in large tanks (this is called the Charmat method, but don’t worry—I won’t quiz you later).

The Taste of Prosecco

What does it taste like? Imagine a crisp, light breeze on a hot, Texas summer day, only it’s dancing across your taste buds. Prosecco is typically fruity and floral, with hints of green apple, pear, and sometimes a dash of citrus. It’s less yeasty than its French cousin, Champagne, making it a go-to choice for those who like their bubbles a bit on the lighter side. And let’s not forget that refreshing fizz—perfect for pairing with, well, just about anything!

But, What About Texas?

Look, I’m all about Texas pride. We’ve got some incredible wines here—rich reds, crisp whites, and yes, even some stellar sparkling wines. But Prosecco? It’s got that Italian charm we just can’t resist. So, while it may not be a product of the Lone Star State, I’d argue that it still belongs on our shelves. After all, diversity is the spice of life, right? And who says we can’t have a little Italian flair in our Texan wine bar?

Let’s Celebrate!

So, this National Prosecco Day, don’t be shy. Grab a bottle, pop that cork, and let those bubbles fly! Whether you’re toasting with your besties or sipping solo with your favorite dog curled up at your feet, Prosecco is here to make your day just a little bit sparklier.

Cheers, y’all!

From Saint to Sinner – The Evolution of Saint Patrick’s Day

by J.C. Keough Leave a Comment

Ah, Saint Patrick’s Day, the one day a year when everyone pretends to be Irish and wears more green than a leprechaun at a salad bar. It’s a day filled with parades, parties, and more green beer than you can shake a shillelagh at.

But how did this holy day dedicated to Saint Patrick himself turn into a celebration of all things mischievous and merrymaking? Let’s take a little trip back in time and explore the evolution of Saint Patrick’s Day from saintly to sinfully delightful.

The Saintly Start

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (okay, maybe just Ireland), there lived a man named Patrick. Legend has it that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland, which, given the number of Irish pubs I’ve been to, must have been quite the challenge. Legend also has it that he is responsible for the werewolves on the Emerald Isle, too, but that is another blog post entirely. Anyway, Patrick was canonized and became the patron saint of Ireland, and the Irish wanted to celebrate his feast day in a big way.

Green and Serene

The early celebrations of Saint Patrick’s Day were a bit more subdued. People attended church, wore a sprig of shamrock to honor the Holy Trinity, and maybe had a quiet pint or two. It was all very proper and saintly – until someone had the brilliant idea to add more than a sprout of green to the mix.

The Green Invasion

At some point in history, the color green took over Saint Patrick’s Day like a leprechaun on a sugar high. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about wearing a bit of shamrock; it was about looking like a walking, talking lawn. Green clothes, green accessories, green rivers – if you could dream it, you could turn it green. Saint Patrick’s Day became a vibrant celebration of all things emerald, with a side of leprechaun chic.

The Mischievous Turn

As the green craze took hold, so did the mischievous spirit of the leprechaun. What started as a holy day to honor a saint turned into a day of lighthearted pranks, shenanigans, and violent pinching. People started donning leprechaun hats, searching for pots of gold (usually filled with chocolate coins), and reveling in a bit of harmless mischief.

Liquid Rainbows

Of course, no evolution of Saint Patrick’s Day would be complete without mentioning the pot of liquid gold at the end of the rainbow – green beer. Somehow, someone decided that dyeing beer an unnatural shade of green was the perfect way to celebrate the occasion. And you know what? It caught on. Bars and pubs around the world now serve green pints on Saint Patrick’s Day, and we all pretend that it’s totally normal to drink something that looks like it belongs in a science experiment.

The Modern Sinner

Fast forward to today, and Saint Patrick’s Day has transformed into a lively, colorful, and slightly irreverent celebration. It’s a day to embrace your inner leprechaun, don ridiculous green attire, and join the revelry. From parades and parties to green-drenched cities and pubs filled with laughter, Saint Patrick’s Day has come a long way from its saintly roots.

So, whether you’re sipping on green beer, searching for that elusive pot of gold, or simply enjoying the festivities, just remember that Saint Patrick’s Day has evolved from saint to sinner in the most delightful way possible.

Five Reasons Sunny Days and Cozy Mysteries are the Perfect Pairing

Hey Y’all!

Happy Reading!

Why Kindle Unlimited Is a Bookaholic’s Dream Come True

Happy reading!