Peg Herring's Blog, page 29
August 29, 2011
Hackneyed Plots and Not So Much
They say there are only twenty or so. Plots can be boiled down to certain themes: coming of age, finding love, restoring justice, etc. The devil, as they say, is in the details.
Mysteries tend to be about restoring--or at least seeking--justice, so the reasons we choose and read certain mysteries will often relate to subthemes. Many like mysteries where they learn about a job, a craft, a way of life. I like some of that, too, but I also want some creativity in the way the protag looks for justice.
I just finished a book that was okay. There was a subtheme about a certain job/lifestyle, and there was lots of interesting info about how people operate in that setting. The mystery, however, was so trite as to be irritating, and the human interest part of the story so predictable that I was thinking, "Okay, in this chapter she's going to fight with her boyfriend again, so I'll just skip to the next one and get back to the story."
It's a problem with genre fiction, and the reason I seldom read romances. The reader knows how the story goes as well as the writer, so there isn't any tension.
On the other hand, there are mysteries (and romances, too) that break the mold and make the old search-for-justice theme new and interesting. Finished with (mostly skimming) the book mentioned above, I began a new book where I was pulled into the story right away. I don't know what's going to happen, but I want to know, because I care about the characters and the author has skillfully led me into their lives. I'm liking it a lot, though I'm only about ten chapters in.
You want to know what it is, don't you? It's called AN UNCERTAIN REFUGE by Carolyn Rose.
Now, I might come back next week and tell you I was disappointed in the ending--don't know, haven't got there yet. But I really won't mind, because I'm getting my money's worth along the way. Plots are indeed limited to certain themes, but a good author takes that theme and makes a worthwhile story of it.
And that's what I'm talking about!
Mysteries tend to be about restoring--or at least seeking--justice, so the reasons we choose and read certain mysteries will often relate to subthemes. Many like mysteries where they learn about a job, a craft, a way of life. I like some of that, too, but I also want some creativity in the way the protag looks for justice.
I just finished a book that was okay. There was a subtheme about a certain job/lifestyle, and there was lots of interesting info about how people operate in that setting. The mystery, however, was so trite as to be irritating, and the human interest part of the story so predictable that I was thinking, "Okay, in this chapter she's going to fight with her boyfriend again, so I'll just skip to the next one and get back to the story."
It's a problem with genre fiction, and the reason I seldom read romances. The reader knows how the story goes as well as the writer, so there isn't any tension.
On the other hand, there are mysteries (and romances, too) that break the mold and make the old search-for-justice theme new and interesting. Finished with (mostly skimming) the book mentioned above, I began a new book where I was pulled into the story right away. I don't know what's going to happen, but I want to know, because I care about the characters and the author has skillfully led me into their lives. I'm liking it a lot, though I'm only about ten chapters in.
You want to know what it is, don't you? It's called AN UNCERTAIN REFUGE by Carolyn Rose.
Now, I might come back next week and tell you I was disappointed in the ending--don't know, haven't got there yet. But I really won't mind, because I'm getting my money's worth along the way. Plots are indeed limited to certain themes, but a good author takes that theme and makes a worthwhile story of it.
And that's what I'm talking about!
August 22, 2011
Mysteries Are Junk
That got your attention, didn't it? We mystery readers love our mysteries. We have our favorite authors and wait excitedly for their next book (Yes, I preordered Lee Child's next Reacher novel.) We discuss the plots, characters, et cetera over lunch, by Internet, and at mystery cons (Can't wait for B-con in less than a month!) And we devour them one after another, eyeing the next one in the TBR pile as we finish the current one.
But we know they're junk. Throwaways of the literary world. Genre fiction. Passing fancies. Light reading. Something to pass the time.
Think about older mysteries. They become charming reflections of worlds past, but most of us don't read them anymore. Yes, we recognize that Christie and Sayers and Chandler were groundbreakers, but life has passed them by. They're quaint. Out-dated. There's not a CSI in sight.
Even with mysteries of only a few years ago, problems arise. I was re-reading a MS I wrote in early 2011 and realized that technology has already passed it by. The guy is lugging around a laptop so he can connect to the Internet. Yeah, right.
Themes change, too. What was spooky becomes blase, and what was groundbreaking becomes boring. We're told that vampires are out, now (thank goodness) and mermaids are in (WHAT?). Many writers rush off to chase the current trend, but sooner or later, all the crafts will be covered, all the possible serial killer scenarios will be explored, all the life-problems possible for the protagonist will be examined.
So mysteries, at least the vast majority of them, are trash. They will be tossed into landfills, left unread on library shelves, and inherited in dusty cardboard boxes by heirs who try earnestly to give them to someone, anyone. They're so much alike that we can't recall if we read this one or not, so we put a little mark somewhere inside or list it on Goodreads or try some other way to prevent wasting money re-buying an already read book. (E-readers help us keep track: a bonus for technology.) Most of us will admit that even the books of authors we like become a muddle in our heads, and we play the "Seinfeld" game with each other: "It's the one where Betty has to confront the fears of her childhood when Archibald sends her to the Caribbean to look for pirate treasure."
Oh, yes. I did read that one. Wasn't it great?
What does endure in mystery, as in any genre, is quality writing, the capturing of human interaction at its worst and best. All the clever plot devices and eccentric characters in the world can't replace the drama of man versus man (or human versus human if you prefer). Fifty or a hundred years from now, if people are captivated by any of today's mysteries, it might be to get a glimpse of our times, to chuckle at the primitve methods of crime-solving or the antiquated trappings. But if the writing is excellent, if the struggle for good is presented believably and compellingly, then that mystery will not be junk. That mystery will be a classic.
But we know they're junk. Throwaways of the literary world. Genre fiction. Passing fancies. Light reading. Something to pass the time.
Think about older mysteries. They become charming reflections of worlds past, but most of us don't read them anymore. Yes, we recognize that Christie and Sayers and Chandler were groundbreakers, but life has passed them by. They're quaint. Out-dated. There's not a CSI in sight.
Even with mysteries of only a few years ago, problems arise. I was re-reading a MS I wrote in early 2011 and realized that technology has already passed it by. The guy is lugging around a laptop so he can connect to the Internet. Yeah, right.
Themes change, too. What was spooky becomes blase, and what was groundbreaking becomes boring. We're told that vampires are out, now (thank goodness) and mermaids are in (WHAT?). Many writers rush off to chase the current trend, but sooner or later, all the crafts will be covered, all the possible serial killer scenarios will be explored, all the life-problems possible for the protagonist will be examined.
So mysteries, at least the vast majority of them, are trash. They will be tossed into landfills, left unread on library shelves, and inherited in dusty cardboard boxes by heirs who try earnestly to give them to someone, anyone. They're so much alike that we can't recall if we read this one or not, so we put a little mark somewhere inside or list it on Goodreads or try some other way to prevent wasting money re-buying an already read book. (E-readers help us keep track: a bonus for technology.) Most of us will admit that even the books of authors we like become a muddle in our heads, and we play the "Seinfeld" game with each other: "It's the one where Betty has to confront the fears of her childhood when Archibald sends her to the Caribbean to look for pirate treasure."
Oh, yes. I did read that one. Wasn't it great?
What does endure in mystery, as in any genre, is quality writing, the capturing of human interaction at its worst and best. All the clever plot devices and eccentric characters in the world can't replace the drama of man versus man (or human versus human if you prefer). Fifty or a hundred years from now, if people are captivated by any of today's mysteries, it might be to get a glimpse of our times, to chuckle at the primitve methods of crime-solving or the antiquated trappings. But if the writing is excellent, if the struggle for good is presented believably and compellingly, then that mystery will not be junk. That mystery will be a classic.
August 15, 2011
I'll Make You Famous
I loved that line in YOUNG GUNS, but for authors, it's not so easy. 150,000 books published each year, not to mention the gazillions already out there. How does a writer become famous?
"Write good books," you say. Ah, dear reader, that's a great answer, but it isn't enough. Nor is having a solid publisher, getting good reviews, having enthusiastic fans, or writing a series. All good answers, but not the answer. The world of books is contrary. There are terrible authors who sell millions of books, self-published authors who make tons of money, nasty reviews that actually spur sales, fans who have little effect, and series that start out well and go nowhere.
So how does one become famous? Here's my answer.
I don't. I stop worrying about it. I do what I love. I have fans who think my work is great. They buy enough books to make my publishers happy. I remind myself that Billy the Kid's offer to make someone famous meant killing him. Steig Larsen notwithstanding, I'd rather be writing than that kind of famous.
"Write good books," you say. Ah, dear reader, that's a great answer, but it isn't enough. Nor is having a solid publisher, getting good reviews, having enthusiastic fans, or writing a series. All good answers, but not the answer. The world of books is contrary. There are terrible authors who sell millions of books, self-published authors who make tons of money, nasty reviews that actually spur sales, fans who have little effect, and series that start out well and go nowhere.
So how does one become famous? Here's my answer.
I don't. I stop worrying about it. I do what I love. I have fans who think my work is great. They buy enough books to make my publishers happy. I remind myself that Billy the Kid's offer to make someone famous meant killing him. Steig Larsen notwithstanding, I'd rather be writing than that kind of famous.
August 8, 2011
The "It" Author
No, I don't mean Stephen King, at least not specifically. "It" authors are like the "It Girl" of bygone days-the star that has a quality we can't really define. People just say the person has got "it".
I just finished a book by Tim Hallinan, and I'm pretty sure he's got "it". I didn't like the characters much, not even the protagonist. They're into a world I find distasteful, and they make some really bad choices, to use psycho-speak. There might even have been holes in the plot. However, I read right up to the end, because Hallinan has "it", that vague quality that makes a reader, once she's started, want to read on.
Of course, not everyone likes every author's work. The above-mentioned Stephen King definitely has "it" (pun intended) but not for me. Other authors that readers rave about leave me less than thrilled, too. At the same time, I respond to authors that make my friends look at me funny. ("You LIKE that stuff?")
I recognize personal differences of opinion on what is good reading. Still, there is an "it" quality to the best books that attracts readers and makes them run around telling other people how great an author is. "It" makes fans wait breathlessly for an author's next book and makes them a little sad when they finally get it and finish too quickly, so there's a year to wait for another.
I'm pleased when people tell me that a book of mine grabbed them, kept them reading, and made them anxious for the next one. The best books have got "it", and the best authors seem to find "it" every time.
I just finished a book by Tim Hallinan, and I'm pretty sure he's got "it". I didn't like the characters much, not even the protagonist. They're into a world I find distasteful, and they make some really bad choices, to use psycho-speak. There might even have been holes in the plot. However, I read right up to the end, because Hallinan has "it", that vague quality that makes a reader, once she's started, want to read on.
Of course, not everyone likes every author's work. The above-mentioned Stephen King definitely has "it" (pun intended) but not for me. Other authors that readers rave about leave me less than thrilled, too. At the same time, I respond to authors that make my friends look at me funny. ("You LIKE that stuff?")
I recognize personal differences of opinion on what is good reading. Still, there is an "it" quality to the best books that attracts readers and makes them run around telling other people how great an author is. "It" makes fans wait breathlessly for an author's next book and makes them a little sad when they finally get it and finish too quickly, so there's a year to wait for another.
I'm pleased when people tell me that a book of mine grabbed them, kept them reading, and made them anxious for the next one. The best books have got "it", and the best authors seem to find "it" every time.
August 1, 2011
If You Like It, Tell Somebody!!!
Dear Readers of Books, (any books)
As an author, I will give you a piece of inside advice. The best thing you can do for us if you like our work is TELL it! Two methods are really helpful.
First, you can tell the author herself, in person or online or whatever. (We'd even love a singing telegram if they still had those.) Every author wants to hear someone say, "I loved your book." It never gets old. Yesterday in church, two people said that to me, and I can't tell you how much it lifted my spirits. It's book #5, and some of my friends are starting to think it's old hat that I write mystery novels. But on a day when life is getting me down, on a day where the things stacking up in front of me are overwhelming and not-fun, those two people in church were golden. They didn't make a big deal out of it, just said, "I read the new book. It's really good." One added the often-heard, "When's the next one coming?"
The other thing readers can do, so valuable that it can't be measured, is tell others about a book they like. Word of mouth is better than anything a publicist can come up with. A former coworker liked THE DEAD DETECTIVE AGENCY, so she took it to her sister, who was recuperating from surgery. She liked it too and is going to present it to her local library and recommend that they look into my work. Another acquaintaince was disgusted that a local bookstore isn't carrying my books. She asked them why and said she'd come there specifically to buy one. See how those ripples move outward and get bigger?
Don't be shy about writing reviews on Amazon. They don't have to be scholarly or in-depth. A simple "I liked this book because..." is great. Readers unfamiliar with an author want to know that someone liked the book, and often another "plain old" reader has as much influence as a professional reviewer.
So when you like a book, say so. I'm going to take my own advice now and write to Michael Orenduff, whose book, THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PYTHAGORUS, is both well-written and fresh. I recommend it.
As an author, I will give you a piece of inside advice. The best thing you can do for us if you like our work is TELL it! Two methods are really helpful.
First, you can tell the author herself, in person or online or whatever. (We'd even love a singing telegram if they still had those.) Every author wants to hear someone say, "I loved your book." It never gets old. Yesterday in church, two people said that to me, and I can't tell you how much it lifted my spirits. It's book #5, and some of my friends are starting to think it's old hat that I write mystery novels. But on a day when life is getting me down, on a day where the things stacking up in front of me are overwhelming and not-fun, those two people in church were golden. They didn't make a big deal out of it, just said, "I read the new book. It's really good." One added the often-heard, "When's the next one coming?"
The other thing readers can do, so valuable that it can't be measured, is tell others about a book they like. Word of mouth is better than anything a publicist can come up with. A former coworker liked THE DEAD DETECTIVE AGENCY, so she took it to her sister, who was recuperating from surgery. She liked it too and is going to present it to her local library and recommend that they look into my work. Another acquaintaince was disgusted that a local bookstore isn't carrying my books. She asked them why and said she'd come there specifically to buy one. See how those ripples move outward and get bigger?
Don't be shy about writing reviews on Amazon. They don't have to be scholarly or in-depth. A simple "I liked this book because..." is great. Readers unfamiliar with an author want to know that someone liked the book, and often another "plain old" reader has as much influence as a professional reviewer.
So when you like a book, say so. I'm going to take my own advice now and write to Michael Orenduff, whose book, THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PYTHAGORUS, is both well-written and fresh. I recommend it.
July 25, 2011
Is Reading Really Fundamental to Growing as a Writer?
Welcome, Guest Blogger Joanne Troppello! Here's what Joanne has to say about reading as a writer. And take a look at her inspirational book, MR. SHIPLEY'S GOVERNESS, described below.
I have always loved to read ever since I was a little girl when I first discovered books. Reading fueled my appetite to learn to write and the rest is history—well, almost. For a while I was focusing so much on writing my current WIP’s that I didn’t read any new books for over six months. Of course, that’s not beneficial to my writing and I finally realized that.
I recently started doing some book reviews and that has whet my appetite again to reading and why I love it so much. It’s also reminded me how much (as a writer) I need to read other books, both fiction and non-fiction.
Reading how other authors write is beneficial to sharpening your own writing skills. If you’re looking closely enough, you’ll see what works for other authors and what doesn’t. Your skills will be honed. That’s the point, right—we should always want to do what is necessary to sharpen our skillset and write better novels. At least that’s my goal.
I know with my first book, I did not know what I was doing other than basic grammar skills and that I really, really wanted to be an author. However, wanting to be a real author and truly being one—two totally different stories. Being a successful author takes hard work and determination and you always need to take the good with the bad. Are you able to handle constructive criticism from editors, publishers, book reviewers and even readers…without getting offended? It takes me time to process the criticism, but usually I can get a handle on it and use that to make my writing better.
Now that my second novel has been published and I’m working on my third and fourth, I’m excited that I’m still learning more on how to write better and get a truly polished novel that readers are waiting with bated breath to read. Starting to read other books again has truly assisted in that journey.
There are different levels of writing and I want to strive to make it to the highest level that I can write. Reading more books can open your mind to those different levels of writing skills and you can compare that to your own set of skills and figure out where you need to improve. Obviously, your end goal is not to copy another author’s work. That would be plagiarism and wrong! My point is that reading good, quality work can inspire you to see where your writing skills are lacking and open up your eyes to see where you can improve.
I recently received a Kindle and let’s just say that I LOVE it!! I never thought I would enjoy reading on an eReader since I was an advocate for print books, but after my mom got one (and she was more against the eReader than I was)…she convinced me that I would love it. I’ve only had the Kindle for a month and I’ve fallen in love—I’ve been kindle-fied!
So, just curious what other people think on the subject of eBooks vs. print books. Do you think print books will become obsolete? If you have an eReader, which kind and what do you like about it?
Bio: Joanne Troppello is an author of mystery and inspirational romance novels. Her second novel, Mr. Shipley’s Governess, was recently released by Wild Horse Press. She is at work on her next novel, a romantic suspense. She is married and loves spending time with her husband and family. Blog: http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blo...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JoanneTroppello
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joanne.kerzma...
Book Blurb: MR. SHIPLEY'S GOVERNESS
Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her.
Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective.
When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.
Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
I have always loved to read ever since I was a little girl when I first discovered books. Reading fueled my appetite to learn to write and the rest is history—well, almost. For a while I was focusing so much on writing my current WIP’s that I didn’t read any new books for over six months. Of course, that’s not beneficial to my writing and I finally realized that.
I recently started doing some book reviews and that has whet my appetite again to reading and why I love it so much. It’s also reminded me how much (as a writer) I need to read other books, both fiction and non-fiction.
Reading how other authors write is beneficial to sharpening your own writing skills. If you’re looking closely enough, you’ll see what works for other authors and what doesn’t. Your skills will be honed. That’s the point, right—we should always want to do what is necessary to sharpen our skillset and write better novels. At least that’s my goal.
I know with my first book, I did not know what I was doing other than basic grammar skills and that I really, really wanted to be an author. However, wanting to be a real author and truly being one—two totally different stories. Being a successful author takes hard work and determination and you always need to take the good with the bad. Are you able to handle constructive criticism from editors, publishers, book reviewers and even readers…without getting offended? It takes me time to process the criticism, but usually I can get a handle on it and use that to make my writing better.
Now that my second novel has been published and I’m working on my third and fourth, I’m excited that I’m still learning more on how to write better and get a truly polished novel that readers are waiting with bated breath to read. Starting to read other books again has truly assisted in that journey.
There are different levels of writing and I want to strive to make it to the highest level that I can write. Reading more books can open your mind to those different levels of writing skills and you can compare that to your own set of skills and figure out where you need to improve. Obviously, your end goal is not to copy another author’s work. That would be plagiarism and wrong! My point is that reading good, quality work can inspire you to see where your writing skills are lacking and open up your eyes to see where you can improve.
I recently received a Kindle and let’s just say that I LOVE it!! I never thought I would enjoy reading on an eReader since I was an advocate for print books, but after my mom got one (and she was more against the eReader than I was)…she convinced me that I would love it. I’ve only had the Kindle for a month and I’ve fallen in love—I’ve been kindle-fied!
So, just curious what other people think on the subject of eBooks vs. print books. Do you think print books will become obsolete? If you have an eReader, which kind and what do you like about it?
Bio: Joanne Troppello is an author of mystery and inspirational romance novels. Her second novel, Mr. Shipley’s Governess, was recently released by Wild Horse Press. She is at work on her next novel, a romantic suspense. She is married and loves spending time with her husband and family. Blog: http://joannetroppello.weebly.com/blo...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JoanneTroppello
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joanne.kerzma...
Book Blurb: MR. SHIPLEY'S GOVERNESS
Sophie Baird is looking for a way to escape the painful reality of her parents' deaths. Unable to live in their home any longer, she takes a job as a live-in tutor to Anastasia Shipley to remove herself from her painful memories and the feeling that God has abandoned her.
Anastasia has an illness that has prevented her from ever attending school and makes her father, Sebastian, over protective.
When Sophie first meets Sebastian, she cannot deny the intense attraction she feels toward him. When an unexpected romance begins between them, she starts to rebuild her relationship with God, with the help of a certain little girl.
Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/produ...
July 18, 2011
What Was I Thinking?
Some time ago, my editor at LL asked when I might be finished with the second book of the Dead Detective series. After a pseudo-scientifi process, I told her June.
Wrong. Here's why.
First, I am an incurable optimist. I tell myself that I will write for four hours/day, five days/week. That never happens, of course. Life intervenes.
Second, creativity does not like being forced. Even if I could sit before my computer for four hours a day, five days a week, much of that time would be spent cursing an unmoving cursor.
Finally, I'm just a tad anal. I can't just write it and say, "There it is." I have to read it over and over, making it better. Then I have to get people I trust to give me feedback. Then I read it again. More than once.
So I started telling myself that July starts with the same two letters as June, and the editor might not notice. But July is fading fast, so it might be...well, it won't be January. I hope.
Maybe I should have told her from Day One that I am a cockeyed optimist.
Wrong. Here's why.
First, I am an incurable optimist. I tell myself that I will write for four hours/day, five days/week. That never happens, of course. Life intervenes.
Second, creativity does not like being forced. Even if I could sit before my computer for four hours a day, five days a week, much of that time would be spent cursing an unmoving cursor.
Finally, I'm just a tad anal. I can't just write it and say, "There it is." I have to read it over and over, making it better. Then I have to get people I trust to give me feedback. Then I read it again. More than once.
So I started telling myself that July starts with the same two letters as June, and the editor might not notice. But July is fading fast, so it might be...well, it won't be January. I hope.
Maybe I should have told her from Day One that I am a cockeyed optimist.
July 11, 2011
Research--a Mini-Vacation
Hubby and I traveled to the Mackinac Bridge this weekend. It's something we've seen lots of times before, but I found that as I reached the closing scenes of the second Dead Detective Mystery, I needed to look at the bridge with a new purpose. The book is already past the date that I gave my editor for submission, but I needed to answer some specific questions: can a person get from the water onto the bridge, would the bridge workers be aware of a pedestrian, and could she get up onto the bridge structure from the deck.
We examined the south end of the bridge carefully, taking notes from directly underneath, in the visitors' center, and from each side. We discussed how a climb could be made from the ground to the bridge deck. Then we drove across the bridge, as slowly as possible, much to the chagrin of others on the bridge. (There's no stopping, so we had to do what we could.) Now I'm guessing Homeland Security was aware of us by this time, but they probably concluded we were just another loony older couple, not a real threat.
I also needed to look at boats, so hubby took me to a marina when we got into the Upper Peninsula. Now we owned several boats in the past, but I was not really paying attention back then. I listened carefully as he told me the parts of several different boats, how the parts work, what they're used for, etc. As we talked, a man came along, looking at us rather oddly, and got onto the boat we were discussing. My clipboard and note-taking clearly made him nervous, so I explained what we were up to. His face lit like a candle, and he gladly told us all sorts of details. Later, we heard him telling other boaters that his vessel was going to be featured in a new mystery novel, DEAD FOR THE MONEY.
Research complete, we enjoyed our weekend in the U.P., wandering around Sault Ste. Marie as we talked over plot points and solved little knot-lets. Hubby seemed happy to be able to help, and I returned home with a new enthusiasm, ready to add details that will make the story resonate with readers.
I've already decided, however, that my next book will be set in Alaska, Italy, or maybe Australia. Somewhere I've always wanted to visit.
We examined the south end of the bridge carefully, taking notes from directly underneath, in the visitors' center, and from each side. We discussed how a climb could be made from the ground to the bridge deck. Then we drove across the bridge, as slowly as possible, much to the chagrin of others on the bridge. (There's no stopping, so we had to do what we could.) Now I'm guessing Homeland Security was aware of us by this time, but they probably concluded we were just another loony older couple, not a real threat.
I also needed to look at boats, so hubby took me to a marina when we got into the Upper Peninsula. Now we owned several boats in the past, but I was not really paying attention back then. I listened carefully as he told me the parts of several different boats, how the parts work, what they're used for, etc. As we talked, a man came along, looking at us rather oddly, and got onto the boat we were discussing. My clipboard and note-taking clearly made him nervous, so I explained what we were up to. His face lit like a candle, and he gladly told us all sorts of details. Later, we heard him telling other boaters that his vessel was going to be featured in a new mystery novel, DEAD FOR THE MONEY.
Research complete, we enjoyed our weekend in the U.P., wandering around Sault Ste. Marie as we talked over plot points and solved little knot-lets. Hubby seemed happy to be able to help, and I returned home with a new enthusiasm, ready to add details that will make the story resonate with readers.
I've already decided, however, that my next book will be set in Alaska, Italy, or maybe Australia. Somewhere I've always wanted to visit.
July 4, 2011
The Flag, Pie, and...Mystery Novels
I just finished three pies for our church ice cream social, held on the Fourth every year. I like making pies. They require a little expertise, they look pretty if they're done well, and they get you all sorts of compliments from people who hope you will make more.
On this Fourth, the pies reminded me of my novels. They, too, take some expertise, and I've worked many, many years, days, and hours to get to the point where I know that I will need to work many more years, days and hours. You never arrive as a writer, in my opinion: you just keep working at it.
Mysteries are pretty when well done, despite a few bloodstains here and there. With characters the reader can root for, a plot that is intriguing and not too obvious, and all the other literary elements considered and polished, a writer creates art.
And the compliments! Nothing makes a writer happier than to have a reader say, "When will there be more?"
I'm working on it. Have another piece of my pecan pie while you wait.
On this Fourth, the pies reminded me of my novels. They, too, take some expertise, and I've worked many, many years, days, and hours to get to the point where I know that I will need to work many more years, days and hours. You never arrive as a writer, in my opinion: you just keep working at it.
Mysteries are pretty when well done, despite a few bloodstains here and there. With characters the reader can root for, a plot that is intriguing and not too obvious, and all the other literary elements considered and polished, a writer creates art.
And the compliments! Nothing makes a writer happier than to have a reader say, "When will there be more?"
I'm working on it. Have another piece of my pecan pie while you wait.
June 27, 2011
Life and Death in Publishing
Checking my email last evening, I learned that Martin Greenberg has died. He was a man I never met, knew nothing about, and would not have recognized if we'd passed on the street. But he had a huge influence on my career.
Greenberg was in charge of Tekno Books, which publishes for Five Star, where my first book appeared. That book led to others, which led to attention from reviewers, fans, and other publishers.
It's an odd business. I have never met anyone from Five Star, never met either of the agents I've had, never met most of the people I interact with everyday on-line. Yet we work for and with each other to stay alive in the business. We send each other breezy little notes and official-looking notifications. We call each other by our first names, because it's the way of the Net. Books are submitted, edited, formatted, and published by people I'll never see who only know what I look like from the photo at the end of the finished product.
It works, and because of people like Martin Greenberg, I'm a "real" author.
Thanks, Marty, and rest in peace.
Greenberg was in charge of Tekno Books, which publishes for Five Star, where my first book appeared. That book led to others, which led to attention from reviewers, fans, and other publishers.
It's an odd business. I have never met anyone from Five Star, never met either of the agents I've had, never met most of the people I interact with everyday on-line. Yet we work for and with each other to stay alive in the business. We send each other breezy little notes and official-looking notifications. We call each other by our first names, because it's the way of the Net. Books are submitted, edited, formatted, and published by people I'll never see who only know what I look like from the photo at the end of the finished product.
It works, and because of people like Martin Greenberg, I'm a "real" author.
Thanks, Marty, and rest in peace.
