Those of you who follow me faithfully know that I’m a big believer in Authors Helping Authors. Much of that is done quietly behind the scenes, and if everything works as it should, it’s also reciprocal. Over the last three years, I’ve had a lot of writing life communications with Arizona author, artist, and artisan, C.J. Shane (Shane to her friends). We’ve shared marketing statistics, promotional opportunities, and personal stories, sent each other pick-me-up postcards, offered advice based on our own experiences, and celebrated book launches. And while we’ve yet to meet (my planned trip to Left Coast Crime Tucson in 2023 was rudely interrupted by an unwelcome return of breast cancer), we’ve become close email buddies.

Recently, Shane crafted a beautiful beaded bracelet for me, and like so many best-laid plans, this one came with more than its share of challenges. First, Canada Post was on strike and had been for weeks. Even when the situation was temporarily settled (a back-to-work order vs. a negotiated deal), USPS wasn’t accepting parcels to Canada until things settled. Finally, in mid-January, Shane was able to mail the bracelet. Two postal services, one recovering from an extended disruption of service, and customs clearance made for a two-week turnaround from her door to mine. But on a frigidly cold, blustery day at the end of January, the parcel finally arrived in my mailbox.

I tore into the parcel. Included was a blank notebook with hand-painted cover and a miniature book filled with inspirational messages.

And the bracelet was even more lovely than I could have imagined.

Until I tried it on. Or attempted to. Because, while I could fasten the lobster clasp, the fit was so tight as to be uncomfortable. How could that be? I’d sent my wrist measurement and Shane had made it to order. I searched for a solution. Asked friends on Facebook if they had any ideas (advice ranged from adding another lobster clasp to restringing). Went to a local jeweller (nice people but they only work with silver and gold). Weighing my options, I decided to try the bracelet on again, see just how much bigger it would need to be.

And guess what? This time it fit. Perfectly. HOW? WHY? I emailed Shane, who told me the string (which is probably not the correct term) she’d used was waxed linen, which actually has a bit of give. Turns out wax freezes at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 4 degrees Celsius). The only explanation? The waxed linen string was frozen when I attempted to try the bracelet on. And then it thawed out.

The moral of this story? Well, there really isn’t one, except to say that writers will write about pretty much anything. And you’ve got to know that waxed linen is going to play a part in one of my books or short stories down the road. It’s just a matter of time.

Find out more about C.J. Shane at www.cjshane.com. (She’s also a talented artist).

Earth Sea,Sky Islands_pastel over monoprint by C.J. Shane

PS: Shane’s fabulous Cat Miranda Mysteries 3-book box set is currently on promo for just .99. Purchase from your favorite e-tailer. Here’s a bit about it:

In “Kissed,” Cat Miranda quickly realizes that she is being targeted by a murderer with links to an 8-foot tall painting in her art gallery titled “Kissed.” Cat finds an ally in Miles Trevelyan, a charming visiting British scholar. Finalist for Best Cozy Mystery. New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards.

In “Fair Play,” Cat and Miles begin a quest to identify and stop the assailant, as well as to seek links to two murders. Miles’s father, retired Sussex police detective Ian Trevelyan, and Cat’s best friend, Amanda Fontaine, find each other irresistible as they help Cat and Miles solve the mystery.

In “The Broken Pot,” a broken ceramic pot and a dead woman’s body on Tombstone Canyon Road pull Cat Miranda and Miles Trevelyan into a mystery that must be solved before anyone else gets hurt.