November in the United States is Thanksgiving time. This year, the US Thanksgiving holiday is Thursday November 26^th.

It may seem to be an unusual time to be thankful with so many across the world being economically fragile, food insecure and with many individuals suffering from COVID-19—and so many mourning the loss of a loved one. Thankful is possibly not the correct word to use this year, but hopeful is definitely on the menu for Thanksgiving.

There is much hope that the science driving the research and testing for meaningful therapies to treat Covid-19 as a less lethal disease will continue to be successful.

I am also hopeful that news of several effective vaccines may truly be on the near horizon, and that widespread administration of those vaccines in 2021 will allow for a more normal life and for prosperity to return to all.

As an author and “an older gentleman,” I’ve spent much of my time this year socially distancing from others and isolated while doing what I love—writing and publishing novels. I did complete a book that I was already working on when the pandemic hit and focused fully on completing The Serial Chemist novel and publishing the book this past August. Amazon Order Link HERE!

After that, the question was, “What to do next?” The answer was obviously to start another book, and I am doing that. It will be another Detective Rosie Young thriller novel and will involve another serial killer. The plot is a bit more playful this time and maybe less dark than the last one. My characters, however, have a habit of taking over my mind and directing the story however they choose. It will be interesting to see how this plot turns out, even though I have already planned the ending.

So, in this month of Thanksgiving, I am both thankful and hopeful. I’m hopeful that next year we can return to a more enjoyable existence, and I’m also so thankful for the gift of imagination to be able to create stories that readers enjoy—and I so much love writing.

Be safe, stay healthy and be thankful for the good that is in your life, now as well as with whatever future possibilities may come your way.

Thoughts? Comments? I’d love to hear them.