I'm back from the Killer Nashville conference, and I'm so happy to report that Amaretto Amber won the Readers Choice Award for Best Mystery. I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to vote. You simply can't know how much that means to me.

I had planned to write a fun follow-up post about the conference, but as a Texan and an ex-resident of Houston, I'd like to focus on the rescue and relief efforts underway. I have so many high school buddies, ex-students from the University of Texas, and fellow writer friends who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.

If you can, please donate to the American Red Cross (text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation). And don't forget the pets. For many people, a dog or cat or other animal is the only companion they have—and may quite literally be all they have left. The Humane Society of the United States has a number of ways you can help out.

If you're unable to donate money, consider volunteering your time wherever you live. People everywhere need help, and regardless of what some would have you believe, needing a hand is NOT a crime (as a degree holder in Criminology and a mystery writer, I can vouch for this).

Honestly, it's not up to our politicians to make America great again. It's up to each and every one of us to reach out to neighbors and strangers and do this country proud. But we have to put forth the effort in order for that to happen.

So, I thank you for whatever you can do. And Texas thanks you too.