Dave Vizard's Blog, page 3
January 10, 2021
Reviews strong for 'Murder, Key West Style'
When I published “Murder, Key West Style at the end of October, I knew from previous experience that REVIEWS of the book would be slow to register because so many of them would be wrapped and looking pretty with a bow, sitting under Christmas trees.
Well, the wrappings have come off, folks are reading their gifts and the REVIEWS are starting to roll in. I’m delighted to report that they are strong and paint a picture of a pretty darned good book. Every author needs REVIEWS, which are basically independent recommendations that can fuel sales. They help prospective readers decide if a book is something they might enjoy.
Of my five novels, this is the fastest I’ve reached the 20-review range. Five Stars is the top rating for REVIEWS. My average rating is 4.8 out of 5.
Below, you will find five of my top REVIEWS and my lowest rating, which is 4 Stars.
I hope you find the commentary helpful.
A Terrific Read – 5 Stars
Once again, my Christmas break has been enhanced by a well-spun yarn by Dave Vizard. Murder Key West Style is a very well done murder mystery investigated by journalist Nick Steele, who is a composite of several reporters I remember from the hey day of the Bay City Times. Dave does a great job of setting up a believable plot of murder for profit in the homeless community of Key West, Florida. Steele is relentless in pursuing clues surrounding the disappearance and death of a Bay County war hero, who spent may years homeless. The suspense is well crafted and the ending a surprise. This is a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to you.
– Harry Gill
Can’t wait until the net book is released – 5 Stars
I find it fun to read a good book and come upon familiar places as I read it. It makes the story even more interesting! I’ve read all of the Nick Steele books and have really enjoyed them and they held my interest to the end. They also give you pause to think of life situations mentioned in the books. No offensive language a plus. The author lives in my community, which makes his books even more special to me.
– Gary Schroeder
Murder Key West Style is a Winner – 5 Stars
Dave Vizard has mastered the art of storytelling. This is the fifth Nick Steele mystery and with the previous novels, I couldn’t put them down. The character development will have you feeling like you have met them before. Dave also brings forward topics that are relevant with a depth of understanding that gives the reader a perspective that can only be rooted out by years of investigative reporting. Great job, Mr. Vizard.
– Brenda Kretzschmer
Fantastic read!!!! – 5 Stars
I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. The story line really makes you have a different perspective about our homeless population, and I loved the details about the Key West area. After reading the book, I want to make a trip to the Keys again. Dave does a great job of describing the Key West vibe and the area. The characters are fun and I feel like I’m starting to know Nick Steele.
– Lynn Hunter
A wonderful read that also highlights an important societal issue – 5 Stars
This is the fifth in a series from a writer I feel is one of the best at “whodunits.” Each one of them follows the exploits of a newspaper reporter that is a bit of bloodhound, finding clues along the way in what appears to be a mundane story … or is it? They all feature an eccentric mix of secondary characters that never fail to disappoint as well. His books are fast-paced reads that often have a surprise ending. Key West Style is one of his best books! 5 Stars!
– Tom Glide
The author obviously knows the subject – 4 Stars
Great view of life on the streets. Hadn’t thought of the danger the homeless face I their carefree, not give a darned lifestyle. It was an eye opening, mind-jarring picture of life by the moment.
– Donna McCormick
For more information about Dave and his books, go to davevizard.com.
Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
Well, the wrappings have come off, folks are reading their gifts and the REVIEWS are starting to roll in. I’m delighted to report that they are strong and paint a picture of a pretty darned good book. Every author needs REVIEWS, which are basically independent recommendations that can fuel sales. They help prospective readers decide if a book is something they might enjoy.
Of my five novels, this is the fastest I’ve reached the 20-review range. Five Stars is the top rating for REVIEWS. My average rating is 4.8 out of 5.
Below, you will find five of my top REVIEWS and my lowest rating, which is 4 Stars.
I hope you find the commentary helpful.
A Terrific Read – 5 Stars
Once again, my Christmas break has been enhanced by a well-spun yarn by Dave Vizard. Murder Key West Style is a very well done murder mystery investigated by journalist Nick Steele, who is a composite of several reporters I remember from the hey day of the Bay City Times. Dave does a great job of setting up a believable plot of murder for profit in the homeless community of Key West, Florida. Steele is relentless in pursuing clues surrounding the disappearance and death of a Bay County war hero, who spent may years homeless. The suspense is well crafted and the ending a surprise. This is a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to you.
– Harry Gill
Can’t wait until the net book is released – 5 Stars
I find it fun to read a good book and come upon familiar places as I read it. It makes the story even more interesting! I’ve read all of the Nick Steele books and have really enjoyed them and they held my interest to the end. They also give you pause to think of life situations mentioned in the books. No offensive language a plus. The author lives in my community, which makes his books even more special to me.
– Gary Schroeder
Murder Key West Style is a Winner – 5 Stars
Dave Vizard has mastered the art of storytelling. This is the fifth Nick Steele mystery and with the previous novels, I couldn’t put them down. The character development will have you feeling like you have met them before. Dave also brings forward topics that are relevant with a depth of understanding that gives the reader a perspective that can only be rooted out by years of investigative reporting. Great job, Mr. Vizard.
– Brenda Kretzschmer
Fantastic read!!!! – 5 Stars
I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. The story line really makes you have a different perspective about our homeless population, and I loved the details about the Key West area. After reading the book, I want to make a trip to the Keys again. Dave does a great job of describing the Key West vibe and the area. The characters are fun and I feel like I’m starting to know Nick Steele.
– Lynn Hunter
A wonderful read that also highlights an important societal issue – 5 Stars
This is the fifth in a series from a writer I feel is one of the best at “whodunits.” Each one of them follows the exploits of a newspaper reporter that is a bit of bloodhound, finding clues along the way in what appears to be a mundane story … or is it? They all feature an eccentric mix of secondary characters that never fail to disappoint as well. His books are fast-paced reads that often have a surprise ending. Key West Style is one of his best books! 5 Stars!
– Tom Glide
The author obviously knows the subject – 4 Stars
Great view of life on the streets. Hadn’t thought of the danger the homeless face I their carefree, not give a darned lifestyle. It was an eye opening, mind-jarring picture of life by the moment.
– Donna McCormick
For more information about Dave and his books, go to davevizard.com.
Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
December 30, 2020
Ever see a homeless wedding? Check out Murder Key West Style
Every year, thousands of people flock to the Florida Keys to get married. Who doesn’t want to get hitched in paradise, right?
Sugar-sand beaches, fabulous sunsets over big water, palm trees gently swaying in tropical breezes, and terrific weather year around make Key West one of the top destinations in the country for weddings.
A Key West wedding can also be budget friendly, believe it or not. You can select a wedding package offered by any of the big resorts and pay the high buck for it, or plan your own event at one of several public beaches or parks.
That was the plan for Nick Steele and Tanya Johnson, two of the principle characters in my new novel, “Murder, Key West Style.”
The lovebirds planned a low-key, low budget wedding on a public beach then a week long honeymoon before heading back to reality.
Sound heavenly? Well, not so fast. Like many well-made plans, things go haywire for the couple as soon as they arrive on the island.
Nick, a news reporter from Bay City, Michigan, gets a call from his newspaper. His boss wants him to check on the unusual circumstances surrounding the recent death of a war hero from Bay City who dies alone and homeless in Key West.
Nick starts digging in the homeless community and unearths a complicated murder-for-profit scheme. The wedding plans get pushed to the backburner while Nick & Friends develop the story and expose the scandal.
The homeless, delighted that their new friends from Michigan helped them by reporting the murder-for-profit scheme, put together an impromptu wedding on the beach for the couple.
Hundreds of homeless, as well as curious members of the public, attend the exchange of vows on a Key West beach.
The wedding becomes a visual and emotional spectacle that hometown folks talk about for years. Get all the delicious details when you pick up your copy of “Murder, Key West Style.”
For more information, go to www.davevizard.com.
Sugar-sand beaches, fabulous sunsets over big water, palm trees gently swaying in tropical breezes, and terrific weather year around make Key West one of the top destinations in the country for weddings.
A Key West wedding can also be budget friendly, believe it or not. You can select a wedding package offered by any of the big resorts and pay the high buck for it, or plan your own event at one of several public beaches or parks.
That was the plan for Nick Steele and Tanya Johnson, two of the principle characters in my new novel, “Murder, Key West Style.”
The lovebirds planned a low-key, low budget wedding on a public beach then a week long honeymoon before heading back to reality.
Sound heavenly? Well, not so fast. Like many well-made plans, things go haywire for the couple as soon as they arrive on the island.
Nick, a news reporter from Bay City, Michigan, gets a call from his newspaper. His boss wants him to check on the unusual circumstances surrounding the recent death of a war hero from Bay City who dies alone and homeless in Key West.
Nick starts digging in the homeless community and unearths a complicated murder-for-profit scheme. The wedding plans get pushed to the backburner while Nick & Friends develop the story and expose the scandal.
The homeless, delighted that their new friends from Michigan helped them by reporting the murder-for-profit scheme, put together an impromptu wedding on the beach for the couple.
Hundreds of homeless, as well as curious members of the public, attend the exchange of vows on a Key West beach.
The wedding becomes a visual and emotional spectacle that hometown folks talk about for years. Get all the delicious details when you pick up your copy of “Murder, Key West Style.”
For more information, go to www.davevizard.com.
December 27, 2020
Key West Cemetery - a natural place for a murder
One of the important early decisions I had to make in the development of “Murder, Key West Style” was where to locate the main murder in my story.
I picked the Key West Cemetery for several reasons.
First, and foremost, the place just looks cool and creepy.
When gazing across the sea of grave markers and monuments, Hollywood movie set flashes to mind. The view is that cliché.
All of the vaults in the 19-acre parcel are above ground because most of the island sits below sea level and is prone to flooding. The site is the highest ground in the city.
The distinct shapes and sizes of the vaults, headstones, and grave markers make the cemetery visually stimulating. It catches and holds your eye when walking or driving by. I visited the cemetery several times while researching my novel. It seemed to me to be a great place for Sarge to call home.
Sarge is the main murder victim in my story. He’s an American war hero originally from Bay City, Michigan. Sarge’s war experience in Vietnam left him shattered emotionally. He prefers being alone. He and his pooch, Scout, avoid the locals and the tourists at night by sleeping in the cemetery.
Key West Cemetery also has a rich history. Many of the island’s most notorious citizens – including pirates, swindlers, bankers, land barons, sailors and killers – can be found in this final resting place. Sarge, a colorful representative of the island’s homeless population, seemed like a good fit.
And, of course, with a wild cast of characters as inhabitants, legends and myths abound. Some maintain the cemetery is haunted and that makes it a tourist destination.
Additionally, making the cemetery part of my story gave me the opportunity to create another villain. The Key West Cemetery Sexton I created is a career public servant who spends most of his time protecting his pension and avoiding work. He becomes a reliable conspirator in the novel’s horrifying murder scheme.
A good murder mystery can always use another villain.
For more info, visit www.davevizard.com.
Dave Vizard
I picked the Key West Cemetery for several reasons.
First, and foremost, the place just looks cool and creepy.
When gazing across the sea of grave markers and monuments, Hollywood movie set flashes to mind. The view is that cliché.
All of the vaults in the 19-acre parcel are above ground because most of the island sits below sea level and is prone to flooding. The site is the highest ground in the city.
The distinct shapes and sizes of the vaults, headstones, and grave markers make the cemetery visually stimulating. It catches and holds your eye when walking or driving by. I visited the cemetery several times while researching my novel. It seemed to me to be a great place for Sarge to call home.
Sarge is the main murder victim in my story. He’s an American war hero originally from Bay City, Michigan. Sarge’s war experience in Vietnam left him shattered emotionally. He prefers being alone. He and his pooch, Scout, avoid the locals and the tourists at night by sleeping in the cemetery.
Key West Cemetery also has a rich history. Many of the island’s most notorious citizens – including pirates, swindlers, bankers, land barons, sailors and killers – can be found in this final resting place. Sarge, a colorful representative of the island’s homeless population, seemed like a good fit.
And, of course, with a wild cast of characters as inhabitants, legends and myths abound. Some maintain the cemetery is haunted and that makes it a tourist destination.
Additionally, making the cemetery part of my story gave me the opportunity to create another villain. The Key West Cemetery Sexton I created is a career public servant who spends most of his time protecting his pension and avoiding work. He becomes a reliable conspirator in the novel’s horrifying murder scheme.
A good murder mystery can always use another villain.
For more info, visit www.davevizard.com.
Dave Vizard
December 18, 2020
Murder, Key West Style" may make you uneasy, but it's an uplifting story with a touching ending
My buddy, Hal, says I'm crazy.
"Why in the world would you write a whole novel about something nobody gives a damn about," he declared, leaning back on his stool to drain the final suds from the first beer he'd downed on a recent afternoon. "People give homelessness a lot of lip service, but nothing ever gets done – nobody really cares."
I protested. Hal is a friend who doesn’t mind sharing his thoughts about my novels. He weighs in whether I’ve asked for his critique or not. Usually, he’s right on point. I defended my work.
I'm a writer. Because no one cares is precisely why I decided to focus on the homeless and their plight. I wanted to shine a light on their lives. I place a social issue at the center of each of my novels. I'm hoping to provoke insightful thinking about homelessness.
“Hmm, how about shining a light on your Kegerator? I don’t see it in your garage. I’m not homeless, but I am beerless and that’s something I care about.”
I wasn’t about to give in to Hal.
Timely, I insisted. “Murder, Key West Style” is very timely. Because of the devastation caused by Covid-19, more people than ever are facing homelessness. People are out of work. Many can’t pay rent or make their mortgage payments. Evictions are skyrocketing.
"Yeah? Well, kiss your book sales good-bye. Homelessness is depressing. Who is going to spend money on something they don't give two hoots about?"
Hal's words, though probably filled with wisdom and truth, were like daggers stabbing around my heart.
"The only thought you've provoked in my head is growing curiosity about whether you've got another cold beer around here," he said, scratching his round belly and looking around my garage for a fridge.
Hal might be right, but the novel I've written looks at what happened to Sarge, a war hero from Bay City, Michigan, who dies under mysterious circumstances while being alone and homeless in Key West.
"Strike two!" Hal bellowed, bent at the waist and pawing through my beer cooler. "People don't give a shit about the homeless, but they especially don't care when the homeless are Veterans. Nobody wants to be reminded of how much Vets have sacrificed."
I had to push back on my buddy. I know lots of Vets who could use more help, which is another point I make in the book. Hundreds of homeless veterans roam all over the country, carrying around more than their share of demons. We've been fighting wars for decades and we’ve got thousands of war survivors who are still hurting. Everyday, a dozen Vets take their own lives.
"Sounds to me like you’ve hit the Daily Double," Hal said, licking foam from his finger after it squirted up from the aluminum can he discovered. "Your book has got a twofer – homeless and vets, which means double no book sales."
I wasn’t giving up on Hal. Well, there's much more in this novel. It's also romantic and humorous. It's really quite a touching love story. It would probably make you weepy.
"I doubt it, and that, my friend, is Strike Three," Hal said, tipping the can of beer back until the lid smashed the tip of his nose. "Homeless plus Vets plus romantic comedy is like the Tri-Fecta of dud subjects for a book. Think Ryan Reynolds and a cast of misfit bums. How depressing."
Hal tossed the empty in the recycle bin. I asked if he wanted a copy of the book to take home and read.
"Nope, I took a look at my sister's copy. Stayed up all night and finished it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down – but it's still a dog that won't hunt."
I think that’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received from Hal.
For more about Dave and his novels, visit davevizard.com. You can reach Dave by email at davidv1652@gmail.com.
Dave VizardMurder, Key West Style
"Why in the world would you write a whole novel about something nobody gives a damn about," he declared, leaning back on his stool to drain the final suds from the first beer he'd downed on a recent afternoon. "People give homelessness a lot of lip service, but nothing ever gets done – nobody really cares."
I protested. Hal is a friend who doesn’t mind sharing his thoughts about my novels. He weighs in whether I’ve asked for his critique or not. Usually, he’s right on point. I defended my work.
I'm a writer. Because no one cares is precisely why I decided to focus on the homeless and their plight. I wanted to shine a light on their lives. I place a social issue at the center of each of my novels. I'm hoping to provoke insightful thinking about homelessness.
“Hmm, how about shining a light on your Kegerator? I don’t see it in your garage. I’m not homeless, but I am beerless and that’s something I care about.”
I wasn’t about to give in to Hal.
Timely, I insisted. “Murder, Key West Style” is very timely. Because of the devastation caused by Covid-19, more people than ever are facing homelessness. People are out of work. Many can’t pay rent or make their mortgage payments. Evictions are skyrocketing.
"Yeah? Well, kiss your book sales good-bye. Homelessness is depressing. Who is going to spend money on something they don't give two hoots about?"
Hal's words, though probably filled with wisdom and truth, were like daggers stabbing around my heart.
"The only thought you've provoked in my head is growing curiosity about whether you've got another cold beer around here," he said, scratching his round belly and looking around my garage for a fridge.
Hal might be right, but the novel I've written looks at what happened to Sarge, a war hero from Bay City, Michigan, who dies under mysterious circumstances while being alone and homeless in Key West.
"Strike two!" Hal bellowed, bent at the waist and pawing through my beer cooler. "People don't give a shit about the homeless, but they especially don't care when the homeless are Veterans. Nobody wants to be reminded of how much Vets have sacrificed."
I had to push back on my buddy. I know lots of Vets who could use more help, which is another point I make in the book. Hundreds of homeless veterans roam all over the country, carrying around more than their share of demons. We've been fighting wars for decades and we’ve got thousands of war survivors who are still hurting. Everyday, a dozen Vets take their own lives.
"Sounds to me like you’ve hit the Daily Double," Hal said, licking foam from his finger after it squirted up from the aluminum can he discovered. "Your book has got a twofer – homeless and vets, which means double no book sales."
I wasn’t giving up on Hal. Well, there's much more in this novel. It's also romantic and humorous. It's really quite a touching love story. It would probably make you weepy.
"I doubt it, and that, my friend, is Strike Three," Hal said, tipping the can of beer back until the lid smashed the tip of his nose. "Homeless plus Vets plus romantic comedy is like the Tri-Fecta of dud subjects for a book. Think Ryan Reynolds and a cast of misfit bums. How depressing."
Hal tossed the empty in the recycle bin. I asked if he wanted a copy of the book to take home and read.
"Nope, I took a look at my sister's copy. Stayed up all night and finished it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down – but it's still a dog that won't hunt."
I think that’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received from Hal.
For more about Dave and his novels, visit davevizard.com. You can reach Dave by email at davidv1652@gmail.com.
Dave VizardMurder, Key West Style
November 3, 2020
Marine takes center stage in "Murder, Key West Style"
Received a copy of SGT GRIT, a Marine Corps novelty magazine, in the mail today. It's the Christmas 2020 edition and it's chock full of all things Marine. The web site for the mag is GRUNT.COM. Go figure.
So why am I suddenly on the mailing list? I am a proud Marine Corps veteran, having served my country in 1972 and 1973 at the end of the Vietnam War. But I popped up on the SGT GRIT radar when I went online to buy a Marine Corps cap to use as a prop in a photo illustration for my new novel, "Murder, Key West Style." Take a good look at the book cover and back and you'll see the red ball cap with the familiar Globe & Anchor emblem.
It's fitting because one of the main characters in my story is Sarge, an American war hero from Bay City, Michigan, who dies alone and homeless in Key West, Florida. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the passing of Sarge ends up launching an investigation by news reporter Nick Steele, who just happens to be in the Keys to get married.
Nick, who is a Marine Corps veteran like me, has a soft spot for old Leathernecks, especially war veterans. He jumps onto the story with passion and purpose, hoping to find justice for Sarge and closure for his family, who lost track of their favorite son when he dropped out of society and started roaming the country aimlessly for the last 25 years of his life.
Of course, Sarge's homeless story is not unique. War veterans, many suffering the effects of PTSD and self-medicating with all the alcohol and drugs they can get their hands on, make up a significant portion of the homeless population.
Sarge is like many homeless in Key West when he gets entangled with murderous conspirators who see him only as a way to make money.
While digging into Sarge's life among the homeless, reporter Steele unravels a shocking and horrifying plot. Pick up a copy of "Murder, Key West Style" to learn how Sarge died and why he was killed.
When all is said and done, Nick proves to Sarge's family that he is "Always faithful" – Semper Fidelis!
Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
So why am I suddenly on the mailing list? I am a proud Marine Corps veteran, having served my country in 1972 and 1973 at the end of the Vietnam War. But I popped up on the SGT GRIT radar when I went online to buy a Marine Corps cap to use as a prop in a photo illustration for my new novel, "Murder, Key West Style." Take a good look at the book cover and back and you'll see the red ball cap with the familiar Globe & Anchor emblem.
It's fitting because one of the main characters in my story is Sarge, an American war hero from Bay City, Michigan, who dies alone and homeless in Key West, Florida. The mysterious circumstances surrounding the passing of Sarge ends up launching an investigation by news reporter Nick Steele, who just happens to be in the Keys to get married.
Nick, who is a Marine Corps veteran like me, has a soft spot for old Leathernecks, especially war veterans. He jumps onto the story with passion and purpose, hoping to find justice for Sarge and closure for his family, who lost track of their favorite son when he dropped out of society and started roaming the country aimlessly for the last 25 years of his life.
Of course, Sarge's homeless story is not unique. War veterans, many suffering the effects of PTSD and self-medicating with all the alcohol and drugs they can get their hands on, make up a significant portion of the homeless population.
Sarge is like many homeless in Key West when he gets entangled with murderous conspirators who see him only as a way to make money.
While digging into Sarge's life among the homeless, reporter Steele unravels a shocking and horrifying plot. Pick up a copy of "Murder, Key West Style" to learn how Sarge died and why he was killed.
When all is said and done, Nick proves to Sarge's family that he is "Always faithful" – Semper Fidelis!
Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
October 30, 2020
Scout, character in "Murder, Key West Style," came to me in a dream
When I'm in full writing mode and laser focused on a story, I regularly dream about different aspects of the story.
In fact, the story never leaves my mind when I'm writing. Like a clothes dryer, the story tumbles around in my head no matter what I'm doing. Round and round, up and down, back and forth – all while I'm doing every day tasks or sleeping.
The dryer action often results in new dialogue, scenery, background, descriptive detail, plot twists, or character development.
Sometimes, the dreams are so profound, they wake me up. That's why I keep a pen and notepad on my nightstand. If I wake with inspiration, I jot it down. When I review the notes later, it's either brilliant or a load of crap.
In the case of Scout and "Murder, Key West Style," it turned out to be very good stuff, which added a key element to the story.
Here's the dream I had that produced Scout: Blurry, but sunny beach setting where I could see two figures sitting in the sand, side-by-side. As I walked toward the figures, they came into focus. Figure on the left turned out to be Sarge, an American war hero who died homeless in Key West. He's one of the main characters in the story. It's his mysterious death that launches reporter Nick Steele's investigation into how the Marine really died.
The figure to Sarge's right turned out to be his faithful companion, a scraggly German shepherd. When I was within a few feet of Sarge and the pooch, the dog turned his head sideways and licked Sarge's face, who patted the mutt's head and said, "You're a good boy, Scout."
The action shot me out of slumber. I sat on the edge of my bed and made a note of what I remembered. I finished the note by jotting down Scout's name.
The dream hung with me all the next day. I felt like I should add Scout to the story, which was already through it's second re-write. Before I added Scout, however, I wanted to find out how prevalent pets were with the homeless.
Google revealed a ton of photos of homeless folks all over the world with a wide variety of pets, including a high number of dogs. An article I found on the subject said studies indicated about 5 percent of the homeless kept pets.
That research told me Scout was a plausible fit for my novel. But before I added the pooch to the story, I bounced the idea off my oldest son, Michael, who is a lawyer as well as a writer. He liked the idea of adding Scout to "Murder, Key West Style."
That sealed the deal. I went through the second draft of my manuscript and added the mutt.
To top it off, my editor said she believed Scout made the story stronger.
Really glad Scout came to me in a dream, and delighted he's part of the story.Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
What do you think?
In fact, the story never leaves my mind when I'm writing. Like a clothes dryer, the story tumbles around in my head no matter what I'm doing. Round and round, up and down, back and forth – all while I'm doing every day tasks or sleeping.
The dryer action often results in new dialogue, scenery, background, descriptive detail, plot twists, or character development.
Sometimes, the dreams are so profound, they wake me up. That's why I keep a pen and notepad on my nightstand. If I wake with inspiration, I jot it down. When I review the notes later, it's either brilliant or a load of crap.
In the case of Scout and "Murder, Key West Style," it turned out to be very good stuff, which added a key element to the story.
Here's the dream I had that produced Scout: Blurry, but sunny beach setting where I could see two figures sitting in the sand, side-by-side. As I walked toward the figures, they came into focus. Figure on the left turned out to be Sarge, an American war hero who died homeless in Key West. He's one of the main characters in the story. It's his mysterious death that launches reporter Nick Steele's investigation into how the Marine really died.
The figure to Sarge's right turned out to be his faithful companion, a scraggly German shepherd. When I was within a few feet of Sarge and the pooch, the dog turned his head sideways and licked Sarge's face, who patted the mutt's head and said, "You're a good boy, Scout."
The action shot me out of slumber. I sat on the edge of my bed and made a note of what I remembered. I finished the note by jotting down Scout's name.
The dream hung with me all the next day. I felt like I should add Scout to the story, which was already through it's second re-write. Before I added Scout, however, I wanted to find out how prevalent pets were with the homeless.
Google revealed a ton of photos of homeless folks all over the world with a wide variety of pets, including a high number of dogs. An article I found on the subject said studies indicated about 5 percent of the homeless kept pets.
That research told me Scout was a plausible fit for my novel. But before I added the pooch to the story, I bounced the idea off my oldest son, Michael, who is a lawyer as well as a writer. He liked the idea of adding Scout to "Murder, Key West Style."
That sealed the deal. I went through the second draft of my manuscript and added the mutt.
To top it off, my editor said she believed Scout made the story stronger.
Really glad Scout came to me in a dream, and delighted he's part of the story.Murder, Key West StyleDave Vizard
What do you think?
October 28, 2020
New novel is published!
My fifth novel, "Murder, Key West Style," is available as an e-book and paperback via Amazon, or you can order a printed, signed copy through me.
As the title indicates, this story takes readers to southernmost reaches of our country to follow the adventures of news reporter Nick Steele, who heads to the Keys with longtime love Tanya to get married and honeymoon.
Sounds wonderful, right? The makings of a delightful, romantic story? Well, not so fast. Nothing is ever easy for Nick & friends. Pick up your copy of the book and jump on board for a wild ride.
I wrote the first draft of this book in 30 days, most of it from my sister's place in Largo, Florida. Sassy Sister Sharon gave me her lanai to work from and I cranked out the first take of this story, while, unbeknownst to us, Covid-19 was creeping silently across our country.
Since March, lots has happened to our country and the development of my story. I've been doing re-write on the book, working with my editor to fine-tune it, and earning a living as a Realtor while luckily dodging the effects of the pandemic.
But the makings for this novel actually started several years ago. When I first came up with the idea for the plot, I knew I had to travel to Key West for in-depth study of the locale, it's rich and colorful history, and its very diverse population, which also includes the homeless.
I ended up making three visits to Key West (tough duty, right?) and I interviewed hundreds of people to develop the storyline, craft the plot, and create a lively, interesting cast of characters.
The result is a wild and interesting tale that I believe will entertain and enlighten you. I hope you enjoy!
Murder, Key West Style
Dave Vizard
As the title indicates, this story takes readers to southernmost reaches of our country to follow the adventures of news reporter Nick Steele, who heads to the Keys with longtime love Tanya to get married and honeymoon.
Sounds wonderful, right? The makings of a delightful, romantic story? Well, not so fast. Nothing is ever easy for Nick & friends. Pick up your copy of the book and jump on board for a wild ride.
I wrote the first draft of this book in 30 days, most of it from my sister's place in Largo, Florida. Sassy Sister Sharon gave me her lanai to work from and I cranked out the first take of this story, while, unbeknownst to us, Covid-19 was creeping silently across our country.
Since March, lots has happened to our country and the development of my story. I've been doing re-write on the book, working with my editor to fine-tune it, and earning a living as a Realtor while luckily dodging the effects of the pandemic.
But the makings for this novel actually started several years ago. When I first came up with the idea for the plot, I knew I had to travel to Key West for in-depth study of the locale, it's rich and colorful history, and its very diverse population, which also includes the homeless.
I ended up making three visits to Key West (tough duty, right?) and I interviewed hundreds of people to develop the storyline, craft the plot, and create a lively, interesting cast of characters.
The result is a wild and interesting tale that I believe will entertain and enlighten you. I hope you enjoy!
Murder, Key West Style
Dave Vizard
October 6, 2020
'PILZ' a fast-paced Michigan thriller
The title of this book could easily have been: "Please Pass the Pills." That's because the novel says so much about America's love – and demand – for prescription medications.
The demand is so great that people will happily steal and kill for the wide array of heavy drugs that are readily available to just about anybody if you can get a prescription for them, which merely depends on the amount of money and connections you have.
In "PILZ," Julie Royce weaves a story oozing realism. I had to keep checking to see if I was reading fiction or nonfiction. Her two decades as a Michigan Assistant Attorney General working in the medical field, makes this story ring true. The author, who is originally from the Thumb of Michigan, obviously knows her way around the Lansing area. Loved the familiar feel of the story because I've frequented so many of the places in multiple scenes.
Colorful characters, lively dialogue (sometimes a little salty but not gross), and a smart tale of murder, betrayal, and prescription drug trafficking, make this a fast-paced thriller.
Very clever and sharp writing throughout. I was hooked from beginning to end. Protagonist Casey Lawrence is lively and full of spice. Follow her as she sorts out this lively, twisting story.
If you like a page burner, this book smokes.
The demand is so great that people will happily steal and kill for the wide array of heavy drugs that are readily available to just about anybody if you can get a prescription for them, which merely depends on the amount of money and connections you have.
In "PILZ," Julie Royce weaves a story oozing realism. I had to keep checking to see if I was reading fiction or nonfiction. Her two decades as a Michigan Assistant Attorney General working in the medical field, makes this story ring true. The author, who is originally from the Thumb of Michigan, obviously knows her way around the Lansing area. Loved the familiar feel of the story because I've frequented so many of the places in multiple scenes.
Colorful characters, lively dialogue (sometimes a little salty but not gross), and a smart tale of murder, betrayal, and prescription drug trafficking, make this a fast-paced thriller.
Very clever and sharp writing throughout. I was hooked from beginning to end. Protagonist Casey Lawrence is lively and full of spice. Follow her as she sorts out this lively, twisting story.
If you like a page burner, this book smokes.
October 1, 2020
New novel coming soon
I've got the jitters – big time.
Every time I get ready to publish, the last big push is always the hardest. I'd say it's like giving birth – except it really isn't, and that's way too cliche'.
It's the details. Finishing the final edit and proof reading. Settling on a book cover that I like and will be proud of. Writing the synopsis for the back cover. Making sure I've included everyone in the credits and acknowledgement who deserves recognition for sharing their talents, skills, knowledge, and experience.
But, maybe even more than that, is overcoming and beating back the gnawing self-doubt. Is anyone really gonna read this crap?!?! More importantly, is anyone gonna slap down their hard-earned dough to buy it?!?!
And, just like when I was a news reporter, I believe the work has got to be top-notch if I'm going to put my name on it. So, the question that haunts me continuously in these final days is simple: Is the story good enough?
I will answer that question very soon. Keep watching for novel #5: "Murder, Key West Style"
Every time I get ready to publish, the last big push is always the hardest. I'd say it's like giving birth – except it really isn't, and that's way too cliche'.
It's the details. Finishing the final edit and proof reading. Settling on a book cover that I like and will be proud of. Writing the synopsis for the back cover. Making sure I've included everyone in the credits and acknowledgement who deserves recognition for sharing their talents, skills, knowledge, and experience.
But, maybe even more than that, is overcoming and beating back the gnawing self-doubt. Is anyone really gonna read this crap?!?! More importantly, is anyone gonna slap down their hard-earned dough to buy it?!?!
And, just like when I was a news reporter, I believe the work has got to be top-notch if I'm going to put my name on it. So, the question that haunts me continuously in these final days is simple: Is the story good enough?
I will answer that question very soon. Keep watching for novel #5: "Murder, Key West Style"
April 12, 2019
Scene from Zookeeper's Wife inspired sequence in A Place for Murder
One of the questions I am frequently asked when meeting with readers is this: Where do the ideas come from for developing your stories?
It happened again during Books for Lunch at the West Branch District Library on March 19. I had been invited back to the library for a fourth time to make a presentation on my newest novel, A Place for Murder.
The question came from an older man who had finished reading the story and was dying to know how I came up with the idea of using a manure tanker as means of transportation for smuggling migrant workers between farms where they were illegally employed and housed.
“Where did that come from,” he asked. “I’m always amazed at how these ideas are developed. That’s really why I’m here. Just had to find out.”
I could tell he was genuinely curious, and by the looks on the faces of the other 40 people in the library Community Room I knew he was not alone. So, I tried to answer the question in two ways – generally and specifically.
Ideas for stories come from everywhere. I run across them all the time – night or day. It’s the reason I never go anywhere without a pen and notebook or my cell phone in one of my pockets.
Whenever I experience or observe something I find intriguing, I make a note of it – even if I don’t know where it might fit into a story at the time. Some ideas pan out and wiggle their way into scenes or passage in my stories right away. Others do not, and they go into my tickler idea file.
In this particular case, the idea came from a note I had made while watching The Zookeepers Wife, a movie that showed the horrors of life in the Warsaw Ghetto after Germany had overrun Poland in World War II.
If you saw the movie, then you will recall the very inventive way in which Jewish leaders were able to smuggle some of their people out of the hellhole right under the noses of Nazis.
Jews were smuggled out by being hidden under huge piles of garbage while lying flat in the bottom of trash trailers routinely pulled from the ghetto. Once into a safe zone, the Jews jumped out of the trailers and scampered to safety while the garbage continued to farms where it became hog feed. Fattened, the hogs became feed for German soldiers.
Ingenious, I thought, and made a note of it. I didn’t use the idea right away so I stuck it in my tickler file, which is where it remained until I was in the process of rewriting the first draft of A Place for Murder, a story that vividly reveals the dark and sordid world of human trafficking.
In my novel, I needed to come up with a way for human smugglers to effectively transport workers while being observed by the law – ICE, state police, and county sheriff’s deputies. The note I’d made after watching The Zookeepers Wife inspired the idea for A Place for Murder.
Instead of using garbage to conceal Jews in the bottom of a trash trailer, I came up with the idea of using a converted 10,000 gallon manure tanker – a very common piece of equipment in rural farm areas – to conceal workers, who were crammed butt to bellybutton in a hidden compartment of the tanker underneath a smaller compartment that held a few hundred gallons of raw manure.
In both cases, when authorities poked and prodded in either rotting garbage or raw manure to check the cargo, they were repulsed and sickened, allowing the Jews and illegal immigrants to go on undetected.
In my novel, the search of the manure tanker by federal agents is a critical scene – full of tension, apprehension, surprise and nail-biting energy. Readers almost always comment on it.
The reader at the West Branch Books for Lunch discussion said he found it captivating and it's what hooked him into the story.
His question prompted many others along the same lines. My 40-minute presentation in West Branch ended up lasting two hours. Great discussion, and that's what I call fun.
A Place for MurderDave Vizard
It happened again during Books for Lunch at the West Branch District Library on March 19. I had been invited back to the library for a fourth time to make a presentation on my newest novel, A Place for Murder.
The question came from an older man who had finished reading the story and was dying to know how I came up with the idea of using a manure tanker as means of transportation for smuggling migrant workers between farms where they were illegally employed and housed.
“Where did that come from,” he asked. “I’m always amazed at how these ideas are developed. That’s really why I’m here. Just had to find out.”
I could tell he was genuinely curious, and by the looks on the faces of the other 40 people in the library Community Room I knew he was not alone. So, I tried to answer the question in two ways – generally and specifically.
Ideas for stories come from everywhere. I run across them all the time – night or day. It’s the reason I never go anywhere without a pen and notebook or my cell phone in one of my pockets.
Whenever I experience or observe something I find intriguing, I make a note of it – even if I don’t know where it might fit into a story at the time. Some ideas pan out and wiggle their way into scenes or passage in my stories right away. Others do not, and they go into my tickler idea file.
In this particular case, the idea came from a note I had made while watching The Zookeepers Wife, a movie that showed the horrors of life in the Warsaw Ghetto after Germany had overrun Poland in World War II.
If you saw the movie, then you will recall the very inventive way in which Jewish leaders were able to smuggle some of their people out of the hellhole right under the noses of Nazis.
Jews were smuggled out by being hidden under huge piles of garbage while lying flat in the bottom of trash trailers routinely pulled from the ghetto. Once into a safe zone, the Jews jumped out of the trailers and scampered to safety while the garbage continued to farms where it became hog feed. Fattened, the hogs became feed for German soldiers.
Ingenious, I thought, and made a note of it. I didn’t use the idea right away so I stuck it in my tickler file, which is where it remained until I was in the process of rewriting the first draft of A Place for Murder, a story that vividly reveals the dark and sordid world of human trafficking.
In my novel, I needed to come up with a way for human smugglers to effectively transport workers while being observed by the law – ICE, state police, and county sheriff’s deputies. The note I’d made after watching The Zookeepers Wife inspired the idea for A Place for Murder.
Instead of using garbage to conceal Jews in the bottom of a trash trailer, I came up with the idea of using a converted 10,000 gallon manure tanker – a very common piece of equipment in rural farm areas – to conceal workers, who were crammed butt to bellybutton in a hidden compartment of the tanker underneath a smaller compartment that held a few hundred gallons of raw manure.
In both cases, when authorities poked and prodded in either rotting garbage or raw manure to check the cargo, they were repulsed and sickened, allowing the Jews and illegal immigrants to go on undetected.
In my novel, the search of the manure tanker by federal agents is a critical scene – full of tension, apprehension, surprise and nail-biting energy. Readers almost always comment on it.
The reader at the West Branch Books for Lunch discussion said he found it captivating and it's what hooked him into the story.
His question prompted many others along the same lines. My 40-minute presentation in West Branch ended up lasting two hours. Great discussion, and that's what I call fun.
A Place for MurderDave Vizard
