Susan Lynn Solomon's Blog: Retirement Journal, page 2

Wow!

Laissez le bon temps rouler! I've just learned that Dead Again, my second Emlyn Goode Mystery novel is a 2018 Book Excellence Award finalist. Dead Again

Interview

For those who read, this is what writing is about; what it takes.

Interviewed by Linda Lingle whose questions get to the bottom of me (and that’s a long way down). My fellow author got me to show things I’ve learned, some things I’ve unlearned… and at times my loose grip on sanity.

This is what I told Linda:
https://www.lindalinglebooks.com/susa...

A haunted house... another murder in Niagara Falls

Do I want to write another Emlyn Goode Mystery novel? With reviews saying this about Writing is Murder I just have to.

“Complicated, compelling, and entertaining—Emlyn is at it again, jumping headfirst into a murder investigation aided and abetted by her witchy ancestress, Sarah Goode (with the reluctant participation of friend Rebecca and their police-connected beaus.) She really can't help it, though, since the deceased was one of her writing friends and the rest of the group--including Emlyn, who discovered the body--are the obvious suspects. The convoluted plot includes revelations of past skulduggery that tie in to the current mystery. Solomon leads us on her usual merry chase, with an abundance of clues but plenty of misdirection to keep the reader guessing. There are many hair-raising moments as Emlyn tends to leap before she looks, putting herself and her friends into danger, but it's all good fun for the reader who's watching the excitement from a safe distance.”
https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Murder...

Kindle Version FREE

Learn for FREE how Emlyn Goode began to sold murders—and drag her friends into the morass.

Starting today, for 5 days get the Kindle version of the Magic of Murder for FREE—and see why so many people love this story.
https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Murder-S...

Kindle Version FREE

Learn for FREE how Emlyn Goode began to sold murders—and drag her friends into the morass.

Starting today, for 5 days get the Kindle version of the Magic of Murder for FREE—and see why so many people love this story.
https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Murder-S...

Success as an Author

This wonderful review of my Emlyn Goode Mystery novelette, “The Day the Music Died,” put a big grin on my face. In part the reviewer said: “Great book with references to western New York! Susan Lynn Solomon is a native of Niagara Falls, NY as I am from the WNY area myself. It was refreshing to read a book and recognize local landmarks that you are familiar with. Sure some authors mention Buffalo in passing. However, she took you to actual streets and places.”

Yes this reader loved the novelette, but that’s not why I smiled. What warmed me is that she noticed the actual places and streets I mention in the story. I’ve worked hard to have my readers see what my characters see, and hear and even taste what they do. I want a reader who visits my small city to find the places I’ve written of. That this reader recognized this tells me I’ve accomplished what I’ve worked for. This is what I look for in books I read.

www.amazon.com/Day-Music-Died-Emlyn-M...

Here's Where the Buzz Began

The Emlyn Goode Mysteries continue to receive 5-Star reviews (28 so far and counting). With the new novel scheduled for release, here’s a chance to learn what started the buzz about these stories. This is what a new reader said about the first Emlyn Goode story.

“Block out some reading time—it’s hard to put down I love the way Emlyn uses her ancestor's book to spark her already over-active imagination and tap into subconscious conclusions. Like any good writer, Emlyn's nosy and pays attention to details. Her new-found talent for magic supplements her compulsion to solve puzzles, even though she puts herself and friends in danger in the process.”
\The Magic of Murder

A gift from Christmas

Christmas has passed, yet I’m receiving gifts from readers of ’Twas the Season. This is what one review said:

“Good light reading and well-plotted. I only read mysteries occasionally, but saw this one mentioned on Facebook and thought it might be interesting. It was my first book from this author. I enjoyed the book very much, although I got a little lost in the abundance of names and had to back-track. I'll be looking at more of Solomon's books.”
'Twas The Season: An Emlyn Goode Mystery

This Keeps A Writer Writing

The weather outside is frightful. A perfect time to sit snug inside and read. This is what one reader had to say about The Day the Music Died.

I can only think of one word. One word that best describes this book, its characters, and this story. Charming. This entire book struck me as so charming, I couldn't help but think of my late mother as I read it. Why? Because she loved a mystery. She was always watching shows like Murder She Wrote, Cagney and Lacey, and the like. This Emlyn Goode mystery would have fit right in. The meddlesome citizen, friends with the police, and seemingly better at solving murders than the pro's are. It's such a great read. It grabbed me on the first page, and made me curious about the other books in this series that I haven't read.

This novelette is well worth the read, and I highly recommend it if you like a good mystery. Hell, even if you don't, pick it up. I'd bet that you would still enjoy this book.

The Day the Music Died: An Emlyn Goode Mystery

A Wish for the Season

Snow falls as the end of another year nears. In the large chair in which I rest from a day of writing, snuggled under the afghan my grandmother knitted a century ago, through my French door I see those perfect crystals float down. Watching them, I think of how they resemble my years. One unlike any other. Yet, fallen on the one before they have brought me surely, inevitably, to this seat in which I now rest. The years have brought tears, certainly, regrets for words unsaid, misspoken, and things left undone. For each tear shed, though, I have known a moment’s laughter, and from a family’s embrace I have learned to love. Now as I look out at the falling snow, I realize that when it has melted in the warmth of tomorrow, still will I know my wishes for today have been granted.

For you, my friends, I pray that today and in the year ahead you realize that which you wish most for.