Mike Befeler's Blog, page 30
January 23, 2020
Writers Groups
Since I began writing in 2001, I’ve participated in a number of writers groups. This has included in-person and online critique groups as well as formal organizations such as Rocky Mountain Fictions Writers, Pikes Peak Writers and Northern Colorado Writers, all when I lived in Colorado. I have been an attendee at meeting and conferences as well as a speaker and panel member. It was a result of pitching to an editor at the annual Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers conference that I sold my first book, Retirement Homes Are Murder.
On Friday, January 31, I will be presenting to the Whittier Writers Workshop here in Southern California. I look forward to answering questions about my writing journey.
On Friday, January 31, I will be presenting to the Whittier Writers Workshop here in Southern California. I look forward to answering questions about my writing journey.
January 16, 2020
Left Coast Crime Conference
This is the time of the year I prepare of one if of my favorite mystery conferences, Left Coast Crime Conference. This year it takes place in San Diego from March 12 through March 15. Typically, 300 to 500 mystery writers and readers attend.
One of my regular activities is to host the Meet the New Authors Breakfast, where this year I have the opportunity to introduce authors who have published their debut mystery novel between Jan. 1, 2019 and March 15, 2020. Each new author will have one minute to tell the audience the most important thing they should know about the debut mystery. So far we have fifteen new authors who will present.
For those of you attending the conference, come enjoy the enthusiasm exhibited by the new authors.
One of my regular activities is to host the Meet the New Authors Breakfast, where this year I have the opportunity to introduce authors who have published their debut mystery novel between Jan. 1, 2019 and March 15, 2020. Each new author will have one minute to tell the audience the most important thing they should know about the debut mystery. So far we have fifteen new authors who will present.
For those of you attending the conference, come enjoy the enthusiasm exhibited by the new authors.
January 9, 2020
Revisions to a Self Published Book
Sixteen of my books have been published by traditional publishers. Of these, one, The V V Agency, is now self-published after the original publisher went out of business. The Tesla Legacy, a thriller based upon inventions of eccentric genius, Nikola Tesla, was originally self-published. The beauty of self-published books is that the author gets all the royalties and has complete control over the book.
Last fall I taught a fiction writing course through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University at Long Beach. This program is for older adults. I enjoyed the experience of sharing what I have learned about the writing process. A side benefit for me was that one of my students purchased a copy of The Tesla Legacy. It turns out that he is an excellent copy editor and he sent me a number of corrections for the book. Given that this is self-published, I have gone in and made the necessary changes for both the print and e-book editions, a simple process that allows the revised book to be available within days.
Last fall I taught a fiction writing course through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at California State University at Long Beach. This program is for older adults. I enjoyed the experience of sharing what I have learned about the writing process. A side benefit for me was that one of my students purchased a copy of The Tesla Legacy. It turns out that he is an excellent copy editor and he sent me a number of corrections for the book. Given that this is self-published, I have gone in and made the necessary changes for both the print and e-book editions, a simple process that allows the revised book to be available within days.
January 2, 2020
Happy New Year
It’s that time of the decade when the faithful argue over what is the start of a new decade. I’m not a purist for either school of thought. More important to me is remembering to write the correct year on checks. (Yes, I still write checks.) We celebrated New Years Eve with our 4-year-old grandson. He and I were both asleep by 9 PM. Have a Happy New Year.
December 26, 2019
Turkey Sandwiches
We traditionally serve turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas for a small family gathering of about six to eight people. After the camaraderie of the day, I always look forward to the best aspect of the leftovers starting the next day: turkey sandwiches. I don’t care if there is much left of the accompanying potatoes, vegetables, dressing, gravy or cranberry sauce. Just as long as there is turkey and bread. What leftovers do you enjoy?
December 19, 2019
Holiday Season
It’s the time of year for finalizing Christmas and New Years plans. We’ve mailed our annual family newsletter, ordered a turkey breast from Honey Baked Ham, competed much of our shopping with some final touches over the next few days, and our 4-year-old grandson eagerly awaits Santa Claus.
May this be a happy time for you and your family.
May this be a happy time for you and your family.
December 12, 2019
Doing Events with Other Authors
I have done numerous presentations and signings solo, but it’s always more enjoyable to be participating in an author event with a fellow author. This coming Sunday, Jeri Westerson and I will be discussing our latest paranormal mystery novels, interviewing each other and signing books. Come join us for a lively discussion.
December 5, 2019
Library Events
I often visit my local libraries to take my four-year-old grandson to story time and to check out books and audio books. Whenever I’m driving by myself, I’m listening to an audio book. The current one is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
It’s always a pleasure to be invited to speak at a library. My next library event is at Westminster Library, 8180 13thSt., Westminster, CA, on Saturday December 14 at noon. The title of my presentation is, “Becoming an author has no expiration date,” about my experience starting to write later in life and writing about older characters.
It’s always a pleasure to be invited to speak at a library. My next library event is at Westminster Library, 8180 13thSt., Westminster, CA, on Saturday December 14 at noon. The title of my presentation is, “Becoming an author has no expiration date,” about my experience starting to write later in life and writing about older characters.
November 28, 2019
Independent Bookstores
I’ve had the opportunity to sign and present at a number of independent bookstores near where I live in Southern California. One of these is Gatsby Books in Long Beach. Featuring new and used books, Gatsby Books provides the ambiance for true readers, including a bookstore cat. I will be doing an author event at Gatsby Books 5535 E. Spring St, Long Beach, on Sunday December 8, 2019, at 3 PM in conjunction with the release of my paranormal geezer-lit mystery, The Front Wing. With each book release, I develop a new presentation so readers who’ve heard me speak before can be entertained with new material.
November 21, 2019
Use of Promotional Postcards
When a new book of mine is published, I have promotional postcards produced. Over time I have build up a snail mail list of people interested in my books, and I notify them with a postcard that has the cover art of the new book along with a short blurb on the address side of the postcard.
I also take postcards when I do events and conferences so that attendees can pick them up as a reminder of my books.
I am fortunate to have a daughter-in-law who is a graphic artist. I send her the cover art and the written copy so that she can design a professional postcard for me. Then I have them printed.
Here is the result for my just released book, The Front Wing:
I also take postcards when I do events and conferences so that attendees can pick them up as a reminder of my books.
I am fortunate to have a daughter-in-law who is a graphic artist. I send her the cover art and the written copy so that she can design a professional postcard for me. Then I have them printed.
Here is the result for my just released book, The Front Wing:
