Today is the day! My new Sloan Krause Mystery Short, Ale I Want for Christmas is a Clue, is officially out! I’m so excited to share this holiday-themed short mystery with you. Grab your favorite holiday beverage, snuggle up with a cozy blanket next to a warm fire, and enjoy some Sloan for the holidays. […]

Happy May Day! I hope the month is off to a great start. Many thanks to Tricia Maniaci for the insightful discussion on how she uses banned books and difficult tops to deepen conversations and understanding in her college classroom. This month we’re going to do something a bit different. Thanks to Rebel Book Alliance […]

As the days grow longer and the smell of blooming jasmine wafts through my garden, I find myself indulging in more outside reading. And what pairs better with a book than a cold, refreshing iced mocha?  This recipe is inspired by everyone’s favorite barista, Andy, who is always keeping the team at Torte caffeinated and […]

I’m thrilled to announce that I have joined Patreon, a platform that will allow me to connect with you in new and exciting ways!  If you’re not familiar with Patreon, it allows creators to share exclusive content with you and create a community around our shared love of whodunits and all things cozy. By joining […]

Are you ready for spring baking? If so, this raspberry pie recipe inspired by the Bakeshop Mystery Series is the perfect dessert for you! In the first book of the series, Meet Your Baker, Jules spends an afternoon making Torte’s signature fresh raspberry jam only to discover her beautiful jars of jam broken around a […]

I am thrilled to announce the release of my new serial mystery, A New Rope, on Amazon Vella. This is a project that has been years in the making and inspired by the two Star Wars guys in my life, The Tech Guy and Sky Guy! I wrote this YA mystery during the pandemic, and […]

Calling all rebel readers! In response to the book banning happening nationwide, we’ve formed our own Rebel Book Alliance, and anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Here’s how it works. Each month we’ll be reading and amplifying banned books. For the month of March, we read a sweet board book And Tango Makes Three […]

It was never in doubt, but this is the most creative and talented group on the planet. You’ll never convince me otherwise. I’ve read through the story showcase submissions, and I’m absolutely over the moon with your entries. Talk about page-turners and plot twists. 🤩 There’s only one con—picking winners. I knew it had to […]

It’s here! My first short story writing contest, where you get to finish the story. There are lots of things to help motivate you like cash, writer candles, stickers, and your story being read live. But the main motivation should be for the simple joys that come with creating. I’m convinced that creativity is the […]

Somebody wants to be part of the book release party… ⁣I’m not the only one in this house excited about Tuesday night’s online release party for LOST COAST LITERARY! Although, I have a sneaking suspicion that all the boxes that have arrived this past week are the real treasure in this one’s eyes. So. Many. […]