How the idea for my first novel came to be …

The idea for The Dead Husband began on vacation at Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore of Virginia in September 2020. The middle of Covid.

How the concept evolved, I have know idea. Inspiration? Imagination? Whim? The original working title was long, On Columbus Missy Aldritch Killed Her Husband. Too long, but nearly a summary. The title was eventually reduced to Columbus Day, only to be changed later.

The idea was simple: Missy a victim of marital abuse. She killed her husband on Columbus Day without immediate premeditation or provocation. But immediately she ponders why, while standing over her husband’s corpse. From there it was simply imagination and writing. What happens next?

The story stayed dormant until this past January (2026) when after a long period creative stagnation, my wife encouraged me to return to fiction writing.
She suggested Columbus Day, mostly because she liked the characters, dialogue, and humor.

Three and a half months later, I finished my first draft. Mind you, the first draft of my first novel ever.

Thanks Deb.

I will soon beginning the editing stage or stages with the goal, eventually to get it out in the world, at least self-published. But also commercially published in two years. Yes, it can take that long.

It’s been a challenge, a joy, and a satisfying reward of accomplishment.

Soon, I will post a 50 excerpt. Free.