Les Edgerton's Blog, page 23

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOB STEWART

Hi folks,

I just heard from Dr. Bob Stewart III, Bob's son, as to the funeral arrangements and other details.

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Services are Friday morning, November 14 at the mausoleum chapel. Viewing at 9:00 am and service at 10:00 am. Services will be at:New Klein Chapel-Mausoleum
& 50 Acre Memorial Park
F.M. 2920, Klein Texas, 77379
(281)320-2674 Flowers are definitely appropriate and appreciated. Or a plant that can live on his memory!Delivery address is
Klein Funeral Home
16131 Champion Forest Drive
Klein, Texas 77379
(281)320-2674 If one is interested, contributions in Bob Stewart's name will be gladly accepted by the American Diabetes Association for charity.

Thanks, everyone.

Blue skies,
Les


P.S. If anyone has any photos of Bob, his son, Dr. Bob III would greatly appreciate them. Just send them to me and I'll make sure he gets them and who they're from. Thank youl

My dear friend Bob Stewart has passed on--sad, sad day.

Hi folks,
One of my dearest friends, writer Bob Stewart, passed away last Thursday. I’ve spent the past two days struggling with how I could best pay my respects to him and keep finding myself without the right words. So, instead of writing some kind of effort at great prose, I thought I’d just talk about what he meant to me. Author Grant Blackwood and Bob at the WRW event at the Purple Sage Dude Ranch (I was taking the picture)


There are people we meet along the way that make an immense impression on us. People that are truly bigger than life. Such a person was Bob. A hugely gifted writer, he befriended me several years ago and we became instant friends on the spot. A fellow Texan, it was immediately evident when you first spoke to Bob that he was a man who had a heart as big as his home state. And, although possessed of a huge talent, he was totally without an ego. I can’t even begin to list his accomplishments—he wrote bestselling true crime books, wonderful novels, even wrote award-winning scripts for the television show that was a staple of my childhood—Gunsmoke. He wrote for national magazines such as People, Time, Lifeand Latina. There wasn’t a single thing he couldn’t do and do well in the writing world. He even invented a new genre—“feline noir.” At is passing, he had just finished cowriting a new novel with our mutual friend, Carl Brush, titled The Yellow Rose of Texas.
This past spring, I was asked to be a presenter at two Texas events, the DFW Writer’s Conference and the nine-day retreat at the Purple Sage Dude Ranch outside of San Antonio, presented by Writers Retreat Workshop, with whom I’ve worked before, led by Jason Sitze and Gail Provost (widow of Gary Provost who began the retreats). I asked if Bob could join me in presenting and both directors gladly agreed. We spent the days in between at Bob’s home in San Antonio. Later, I found out that he had planned to sell the house months previously, but decided not to until after I left Texas so we could stay there and hang out together. I only found that out by accident when a neighbor of Bob’s told me what he’d done. Typical of Bob, when he did something for someone he never sought out any credit.We had an absolutely wonderful time. I went through a really bad bout with my health. Texas was at the height of their allergy season and that, plus the intense heat, sapped all of my energy. When I got back home, my doctor told me if he’d seen me there he would have immediately put me into the hospital. I lost over 20 pounds in a week and could barely walk. Bob got me through it. Although suffering himself from diabetes and heart problems, he wouldn’t let me lift even my luggage, would drop me off at the entrances of places we went to and found parking places and walked back rather than allow me to. I didn’t really know how bad of shape he was in himself, as he never complained with a single word, but just went out of his way to assist me.
At the DFW Conference, Bob was a huge hit with his own presentations with a completely-filled up meeting room. After the conference, we went to his home and just hung out, telling each other war stories. Mostly, Bob talked about his late wife Martha, his son Bob III, his daughter-in-law Kim and his grandkids, and his current girlfriend Dixie. He wasn’t a guy to ever talk about himself, but I learned so much about Bob just from listening to him talk about his family. And his religion. He was an intensely religious, God-fearing man and he gave testimony to that faith in his every utterance as well as his very example of how he lived his life. Myself, I don’t know if I believe in the same God as Bob did, but if He exists as Bob firmly believed He did, Bob’s in a good place and where he deserves to be.
We talked often on the phone before my Texas trip and about every week thereafter. And then, he didn’t call for a few days. Now I know why. He’d passed away in his hotel room doing what he loved doing—attending a writer’s conference in Massachusetts. A mutual writer friend of ours, Scott Morales, emailed me that he had passed away. I called up Carl to see if he’d heard anything and he hadn’t either. We eventually were able to get in touch with Bob’s son, Bob III, and found out that it sadly was true.
That was one of the darkest days of my life. But, I started remembering Bob’s indomitable spirit and knew what he’d say to me if he saw me grieving for him—I could hear his booming laugh as he’d grin at me and tell me to get off my butt and start writing. That he was fine and in the home he’d planned all of his life to be in when his days ended and to simply celebrate life. After all, that’s what he’d done all of his life—celebrated being alive and on earth and at work in the grandest calling of all—being a writer.
So, here’s to you, old friend—you may be temporarily gone from the physical plane, but you’re alive in our memories—your family and your many, many friends--and always will be. You made the world a much, much better place because of your presence and I’m a very lucky man to have been blessed to have known you as my friend.
Rest in peace—you’ve earned it.
Blue skies,Les Me sitting on a rock, Mr. Spender, and... Bob! At the dude ranch just before we went in to chow down.

Eric Beetner's Noir at the Bar at Bouchercon

Hi folks,

Eric Beetner just sent the poster for his event at Bouchercon 2014, the Noir at the Bar, that I'm very proud to be invited to participate in. It's like a Who's Who of crime and noir writers. For those going it'll be held on Thursday at 5:30 in the Regency C room.


Can. Not. Wait!
Blue skies,Les

Bouchercon and Fayetteville, NC

Hi folks,
Just got back from an appearance at the public library in Fayetteville, NC and had a truly magical weekend! Robin Deffendall was my gracious and wonderful hostess and I met so many truly nice people—writers and readers—while there. I’d go back in a heartbeat! Found out they have the best barbecue, hands-down, in the universe. Weather was a bit hinky, but…
When I got ready to come home, I found out they’d overbooked my flight and the ticket guy said I was so nice about it he was going to issue me a check for my inconvenience. I was bowled over when I saw the amount--$1300! I told the guy if he’d just bought me a cup of coffee I’d be fine… You can bet I’m going to fly American Airlines every chance I get!
Resting up now and getting ready for Bouchercon 2014 in Long Beach, California. For those who are going to be there, I thought I’d post my appearances. When I’m not at those events, you can probablyfor sure find me in the bar at the host hotel… Bring bail money…
On Thursday, Nov. 13, I kick off my appearances by doing a signing of my books at the Down&Out Books booth from 12:00 to 12:30. Be there or be square! And, remember… Christmas is just around the corner so I’d stock up and get at least 10 copies of each book—they make great stocking stuffers for presents—especially The Rapist and The Bitch for Granny and Aunt Edna… Later that day, I get to participate in a reading with a bunch of other noir/crime writers at Eric Beetner’s Noir at the Bar event at Regency C from 5:30 – 6:30. Gonna be dark up in there!
Friday’s a full day! First, I get to read some of my stuff at Dana King’s flash fiction event, called “Author Focus” in Harbor A from 9:00-9:20 am. Got a wicked story to read here…

I go from there over to Regency C where I’ll be participating in a panel titled “The Crime Novel as Social Novel, with Hilary Davidson, Joe Clifford, moi, Sara J. Henry, Bill Loehfelm, and Tim O’Mara. These are high cotton folks! That’s from 11:30 to 12:30 am and then I run over to Regency EF to do a signing from 12:30-1 pm.
For a handy print-out form, here’s my schedule:
Thursday, Nov. 1312:00 – 12:30 Book signing at the Down&Out Books booth.5:30 – 6:30 Noir@Bar reading at Regency C – author readings with Eric Beetner
Friday, Nov. 149:00 – 9:20 Author Focus Breakfast@Noir at Harbor A with Dana King and others—reading our flash fiction.11:30 – 12:30 The Crime Novel as Social Novel panel in Regency C with Hilary Davidson, Joe Clifford, Les Edgerton (thas’ me…), Sara J. Henry, Bill Loehfelm and Tim O’Mara.12:30-1 pm – Book signing in Regency EF
And, I get to room with one of my best buds, writer Jack Getze--I'm bringing the Jack and he's bringing... Jack...
Hope I see lots of you folks there!Blue skies,Les

FAYETTEVILLE, NC PUBLIC LIBRARY... AND HALLOWEEN

Hi folks,

Well, in a few hours, I'm going to climb onto a plane and wing my way east to Fayetteville, NC. I'm really excited about this. I've been invited to speak at the Cumberland Public Library and they've promised me the best barbecue in the country! I'll also get to see a couple of my students and colleagues from my online novel-writing class--Mary Edelson and Jeff Meyer--can't wait!

And, almost as good, I get to skip Halloween. Just not my favorite holiday... But, I have prepared treats for the neighborhood kiddies. This year I've opted for triple shots of expresso and a brand-new puppy to give to each of the tykes. I will miss my favorite trick-or-treaters--these guys...


(Can't wait to see what the PC contingent has to say about this...)

See ya in the funny papers!

Blue skies,
Les

Jack Bruce just passed. My favorite group of all time. The Very Best of Cream - Cream (Full Album)

New Review for THE GENUINE, IMITATION, PLASTIC KIDNAPPING

Hi folks,

My new novel, THE GENUINE, IMITATION, PLASTIC KIDNAPPING just snagged a terrific review over at author Carl Brush's review blog.



LOVE, LAUGHS, AND CRIME IN THE BIG EASYPosted on October 22, 2014 by carlrbrush


No novel ever deserved the “couldn’t put it down” label more than Les Edgeton’s The Genuine, Imitation, Plastic Kidnapping. This black comedy thriller will keep you laughing your way through your fear from first page to last. Your guide through the amazing set of cons and mishaps is Pete Halliday, a major league pitcher (for a moment) fallen on hard times and looking for a score. Pete is earnest and funny and likable, but a more than a tad gullible. His partner/buddy keeps dreaming up new capers. Pete keeps falling for them. Complications ensue, and the results are both life-threatening (to the characters) and hilarious. The biggest caper of all is referenced in the title, and I’m not saying a word more about it for fear of spoiling everything. Read it to find out, and I’ll guarantee you’ll be ever and always glad you did. Pete’s cup of coffee in the majors happens with the Giants back a ways. It helps a bit if you’re a fan, as I am, so that when you get references to such as “Dusty” and “Kurt Manwarring,” you’ll know what ‘s up. However, it’s not at all necessary for understanding when and how the team dumps him nor will it dampen your laughs over the couple of the incidents leading up to the rejection.


The opening sequence that occurs on “A Streetcar Not Named Desire” is an unparalleled original, even for Edgerton. Throughout, we get how deeply both narrator (and, we suspect, the author) understand and care about the wonders of New Orleans. Again, I will say nothing more about the events and characters for fear of spoilage. In fact, it seems almost impossible to comment on Plastic and still keep the way clear and fresh for the uninitiated. I can comment on how deftly Edgerton integrates a reference to his most excellent, must-read work, The Rapist, into the action. Again, you don’t have to have read The Rapist to love Kidnap, but if you have–and you should–you’ll enjoy it all the more. I can–and will–also say that if you’re up for a love story between a witty, low-level crook and a loveable prostitute who together get involved in slapstick felonies beyond any pale whatsoever, you need to get this one. You really, really do.  


Made my day!

Blue skies,
Les

GREAT LETTER!

Hi folks,

Sometimes, one receives a letter or an email that just plain makes their day. I received such a letter this ayem that did precisely that. She's given me permission to reprint it here and I think you'll see why I was so stoked when I read it. Doesn't really need much amplification. Just to note that it's one of the chief reasons I write and is worth more than money to me. Without further ado...

Dear Les Edgerton,

I am re-reading Hooked, and it occurred to me that I owe you a big thank you. I have been writing for years, went to grad school and several writing conferences. I wrote three novels, but I never felt that anything I wrote was ready to send to an agent. I knew that was true, but I didn't know why.

At one point, I decided that it was time to go back to basics. To actually learn the tools, which it turned out I had never learned! Which is kind of shocking, but there it is. I don't actually remember where I heard of Hooked. I may have just seen it at the library. Now of course, I own a copy.

I realized quickly that the novel I was working on would never sell. There was no inciting incident, no story worthy problem--just people doing things and acting generally grumpy. I rewrote it, found an agent, and my first novel will be released in February. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22010134-when-my-heart-was-wicked)
I hope to give lots of author talks, and I will probably tell every aspiring writer I meet to buy your book. But before I tell others about how your book taught me how to write, I felt that I should tell you.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tricia Stirling

Ain't that somethin'! I've just had a glow on all day. Thank you, Tricia!

Blue skies,
Les

New Review!

BIG AL'S BOOKS AND PALS Monday, October 13, 2014The Genuine, Imitation, Plastic Kidnapping / Les Edgerton
Reviewed by: Keith Nixon
Genre: Crime / Humour
Approximate word count: 65-70,000 words
Availability     Kindle  US: YES  UK: YES  Nook:YES  Smashwords:NO  Paper:YESClick on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords store
Author:
Les Edgerton is the author of sixteen books. He is an ex-con and served two years for a single charge of burglary, reduced from 182, two strong-arm robberies, an armed robbery, and a count of possession with intent to deal. Today, he's completely reformed. Prior to this Les served in the U.S. Navy as a cryptographer during the Cuban Crisis and the beginning of the Vietnam War.

After making parole, Les obtained a B.A. from Indiana University and then received his MFA in Writing (Fiction) from Vermont College. He teaches workshops nationwide on writing. Born in Texas, Les now lives in Indiana with his family.

You can learn more about the author at his blog.
Description:
Pete Halliday’s gambling addiction costs him dear – his baseball career is over. So Halliday heads to New Orleans to find his fortune, hustling. But five years later he’s failed again and is in debt to a bookie and in deep with Tommy LeClerc, a man with a pool of luck as shallow as Halliday’s.
LeClerc comes up with another can’t lose scam, to kidnap the Cajun Mafia King and hold him for ransom. To demonstrate they’re serious LeClerc says the King’s amputated hand will be the proof they need to get a sack of cash. Halliday wants out of the seamier side of life so he can open a restaurant.
But as the payoff comes in Halliday is double crossed by LeClerc. Halliday has to run for his life as the mob chases him and his girlfriend, hooker and waitress Cat Duplaisir, wanting their money returned and to deliver a whole heap of revenge.
Appraisal:
There’s a large degree of ying and yang in Les Edgerton’s stories – the known mixed in with the unexpected and Plastic… is no exception to the rule.
I’ve previously reviewed a number of Edgerton’s novels including Just Like That, The Rapist and The Bitch. As you may guess from the titles alone the author isn’t afraid to make a point. They are typically noir in nature and heavy on crime (big, smiley face from this reviewer). They’re blunt, yet subtle. And there’s no glamourizing the crime either, in fact quite the opposite. But with each work the author throws a curve ball at the reader – these are by no means your usual crime fare.
Plastic… fits into this mould, but Edgerton has produced a rip-roaring story of back stabbing and screw ups laced with plenty of black humour - Halliday couldn’t make more mistakes if he tried his damndest. And because the novel is written in the first person with Halliday in the driving seat we really see what the narrator has thrown away and continues to do so. The guy just can’t help himself. With the kidnap of The King and LeClerc’s subsequent betrayal it seems like Halliday has reached the end of the road.
The characterization in Edgerton’s novels are always strong. Halliday, and in particular Cat, are excellent. But the supporting cast are in there too, holding up their end. The author, an ex-con, often draws on personal experience (read Just Like That if you don’t believe me) which gives an extra level of reality to events. As Halliday blunders through the novel by turns I winced and laughed out loud. As usual the author has produced some writing that’s a little bit different to the rest of us.
FYI:
Some swearing.
Format/Typo Issues:
None.

Rating:  ***** Five StarsPosted by BooksAndPalsat 8:00 AM0 comments
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestLabels: 5 Star, Crime Fiction, fiction, Humor

I'M APPEARING AT THE FAYETTEVILLE, NC PUBLIC LIBRARY

Hi folks,

Next month, I get to go to North Carolina and eat some of the best barbecue in the world! Also, I get to appear at the Fayetteville, NC public library on November 1-2 and talk about writing. Here's the article that appeared in the Fayetteville newspaper about the event.

At Your Library: Aspiring authors, don't miss writers workshop
iStockAt Your Library: Aspiring authors, don't miss writers workshop Posted: Saturday, October 11, 2014 12:00 am  Writers' Workshop @ Your Library 2014 returns to Headquarters Library on Nov. 1-2 with two days of learning and networking for aspiring authors.
Building on the resounding success of last year, the second annual conference boasts a faculty of 10 authors, who will present a variety of topics of interest to emerging and established authors.
The workshop is still free, but this year participants can either purchase boxed lunches, bring their own lunches or walk to any of the area eateries.
This year's featured speaker, Les Edgerton, is the author of two noted writing books, "Finding Your Voice: How to Put Personality in Your Writing," and "Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go." He has written 18 books, including the recently released crime novel "The Genuine, Imitation, Plastic Kidnapping."
Edgerton will speak once during the concurrent sessions Saturday and in a marathon 5 1/2 hour talk Sunday, when he will show - and deconstruct - the 1991 Oscar-winning screenplay about two average women whose simple weekend getaway goes horrible awry. The presentation, "A Fiction Writer's Workshop @ the Bijou," the subject of his next craft book, will show how an author can use action and screenwriting techniques to build character, theme and plot.
The workshop will also include these presenters:
Suzanne Adair (Michael Stoddard American Revolution Thriller series) will talk about plotting your work using Joseph Campbell's model of the Hero's Journey.
Annette Dunlap ("The Gambler's Daughter: A Personal and Social History'' and "Frank: The Story of Frances Folsom Cleveland, America's Youngest First Lady'') reprises her popular talk from last year's conference on writing nonfiction. If you missed it last year, you'll have plenty of opportunity this time. She's doing it twice this year.
Craig Faris ("The Spectrum Conspiracy") discusses "The Subtle Art of Suspense."
Marni Graff (the Nora Tierney mystery series) explains "The Challenges of Setting Your Novel in Another Country."
Clay and Susan Griffith (the Vampire Earth series), noted for their steampunk vampire novels and work in graphic novels, talk about character and action.
Chris Roerden ("Don't Sabotage Your Submission'') shares her editorial experience with "Showing and Telling." Later she teams with Susan Sloate ("Stealing Fire" and "Forward to Camelot: 50th Anniversary Edition") for an examination of the editorial process from the point of view of an editor versus an author.
Susan Sloate again shares her marketing secrets for creating an Amazon best-seller and adds a new presentation on how to use screenwriting techniques in fiction.
Sam Wazan ("Trapped in Four Square Miles"), who impressed us all at Book'em NC, discusses memoir and using it to find your voice.
Registration is required by calling 483-7727, ext. 1339. For more information and a tentative schedule, visit cumberland.lib.nc.libguides.com/WritersWorkshop2014.
This project is funded by the Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library and the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County, which is supported in part by contributions from businesses and individuals, and through grants from the city of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Robin Deffendall is an information services librarian.


I'm really excited about this. Not only will I be able to escape Ft. Wayne's early winter for a few days, I'll get to hang with a bunch of writers and readers. I'm especially excited because two of the writers who take my online novel-writing class are going to attend. Can't wait to see Jeff Myer who lives in Fayetteville and Mary Edelson, who lives in Virginia.

I'll have to keep my excitement level toned down a bit over today's victory by my Irish over the Tarheels... Naw... I'll have to crow just a little...

Blue skies,
Les