Mike Befeler's Blog, page 4

New Year’s Resolutions

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I’ve never reallydone these. I find it interesting that some people make resolutions aboutexercising, join gyms and then quit before February. Resolutions providemotivation for some people and frustration for others.

Left Coast Crime Conference

It’s that time of year again: preparing for the LeftCoast Crime Conference in Denver March 13-16. I will be moderating the Meet theNew Authors breakfast on Friday March 14. I have done this every year since thenew author breakfast was initiated in 2008, except for missing Monterey in 2014and Albuquerque in 2022 and it not being held during COVID in 2021. As of thistime, we have fifteen new authors who will give a one-minute presentation onthe most important thing to know about their debut mystery novel.

Dumb Dad Birthday Joke

I enjoy sharing dumb dad jokes with my grandson. Itold him I celebrated my pirate birthday: “Aye Matey.”

Happy New Year

Reviewing my author year of 2024, I had three publishednovels: Murder in the Museo Kircheriano, a historical mystery; AMystery Yarn, a cozy mystery and third book in the Omnipodge trilogy; and TheAdventures of Sure Luck Holmes, a children’s mystery. For 2025, I havethree manuscripts at two publishers: a geezer-lit thriller, a serial killerpolice procedural, and the second book in the Sure Luck Holmes series.

 

Holiday Season

As a proponent of Dumb Dad jokes, here are two forChristmas:

What did one mouse say to another on Christmas? MerryX-mouse.

What do you say while cleaning up after Christmas? MerryX-mess.

Tis the Season

Our grandson helped us decorate our Christmas tree, Iput up some outside lights, and we’re ready to send out holiday greetings.

Book Club Reunion

I recently attended a reunion for a book club in LongBeach, CA. It was good to catch up with everyone and talk about books. Here’sthe group:

Christmas Tree Lighting

Our grandson participated in a singing group at theChristmas Tree Lighting in Westminster, CA. Here’s a picture of him with hismom.

Book Talks

I enjoy doing presentations and signings for my publishedbooks. Whenever I have a new book come out, I develop a new presentation togive at bookstores, book clubs, libraries and service organizations. This way,people who have heard me speak before don’t have to listen to the samepresentation again. It also helps me stay fresh with new ideas and experiencesto share.

Thanksgiving Coming Up

Thanksgiving is a goodtime to catch up with family. This year we’re going to celebrate on Friday insteadof Thursday because that was the best day to get our local kids together. Therewill be eight of us, which is a manageable size. Bring on the turkey.