Writing a novel is in process. From idea to publication may take many years. The fun thing about writing fiction series is that the plot changes with each book, but the author doesn't need to reinvent the setting and characters. Once a series is established, with a defined world and familiar characters, the writing process may speed up.

The idea for the Rose Creek series began five years ago, in 2019. It took time to develop the world, and settle on the story tone. Then finding a publishing home for the series took more time. The Body in the Cattails was born in May 2023. The Body in the Cornfield followed quickly in November.

Work on Rose Creek Mystery number three began in earnest back in August 2023. Brainstorming the plot started with the birth of the series, but I actually began outlining and writing The Body in the Hayloft six months ago.

At the beginning of a novel, I typically tell myself to pick a plot requiring little research. Then a spark hits me, an idea, and I'm combing the internet for information on interesting technology, potential murder weapons, and in this book, the average age of a hunter-jumper horse in Olympic competition.

Now that I've written The End, The Body in the Hayloft will be reviewed by my critique partners. Whether in a critique group or by using beta readers, authors almost always rely on these early readers to catch everything from continuity mistakes to typos. I return the favor by reading their manuscripts. We provide mutual aid to one another in an effort to make our books the best they can be before approaching agents, editors, and publishers.

Not just the book must be completed. I fill out an extensive document with blurbs, synopses of different lengths, author bio, and other information needed by the publisher.

By March I hope to send my novel to my editor at Encircle Publications. If she recommends it for publication, she will make her own edits and comments. She will catch what my critique partners miss. A publication date will be set.

From there, the book will receive cover art. And we're off to the races! Readers will see the novel pre-release and release notices, unaware of the years that may have preceded the birth of the book. And that the author has most likely already begun work on their next novel!

Mark Baker at Carstairs Considers reviews book two in the Rose Creek Mystery series. ​https://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2023/11/book-review-body-in-cornfield-by.html

"So many cozies focus on one lead character.  I enjoy the fact that this one features a team working together to solve the mystery.  It adds a balancing act, and author Catherine Dilts pulls it off well.  I was also impressed that she was able to spread out motives to investigate to the group."

Today is launch day for The Body in the Cornfield.

Only one day left until the launch of The Body in the Cornfield. 

Staging the musical Oklahoma! in the historic Rose Creek amphitheater seems like a brilliant move, until a feral cat leads Makenzie to a body. The tragedy threatens to halt the Hollywood production, and derails Callie’s plan to evict her husband’s worthless cousin. He has no memory of his night at a cowboy bar, partying with the actors. Callie can’t get rid of him until she proves his innocence. Or guilt. Makenzie suspects half the county of murder. Shanice attempts to eliminate suspects using a mathematical formula, while lawyer Drew wonders if her new client, an understudy with a strong motivation to kill, is telling her the truth. The Rose Creek Reads book club tackles a new mystery with too many suspects and not enough clues. 
​
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Cornfield-Rose-Creek-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CL2QH85X/ ​

Countdown to book release: only two days until The Body in the Cornfield arrives. Amazon / Ebook:
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Cornfield-Rose-Creek-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CL2QH85X/ ​

The Body in the Cornfield will be released November 15th.

​Makenzie sipped her coffee, took a deep breath, then relayed how the mother cat seeking help for her kittens led to the discovery of the body in the cornfield.
“Why is a cat always involved?” Shanice asked.
“Cats and mysteries go together,” Emily said matter-of-factly. ​

In less than a week, The Body in the Cornfield will be released. Book two in the Rose Creek Mystery series brings Hollywood and Broadway to the small town for a production of the musical Oklahoma!
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Cornfield-Rose-Creek-Mystery/dp/1645994988/ 

Only seven days left until the release of The Body in the Cornfield.