M.L. Doyle's Blog, page 10

Winter storm survival kit – Don’t forget a good book

As a native of Minnesota, I know how to get through a snow storm. The main thing is to ensure you have all the supplies you need including food and medication. You don’t want to run out when the roads become impassable. Next, ensure you’re prepared for a power outage. Fill your bathtub with water, make […]

Cindy Young-Turner made a tough decision

When Cindy Young-Turner finished her first book, Thief of Hope, she did what most authors do. She wrote query letters in search of an agent and was thrilled to find one. A few years later (yes, it can sometimes take that long) she found a publisher. The excitement of hearing from your agent that you […]

An interview with author Gale Deitch

I’ll remember 2014 as the year several writer friends I know and respect published or republished great books. Mark Willen’s smart and poignant mystery, Hawke’s Point, Cindy Young-Turner’s republication of her engrossing fantasy, A Thief of Hope and the second book in Gale Deitch’s popular culinary cozy mystery series, Fine Dining. Gale Deitch developed an […]

What a year!

Facebook does this thing where, whether you want them to or not, they make a little compilation of the posts you’ve made throughout the year. Either in a groovy little video with canned music, or through a series of stills, they give you a look back at the most important posts that marked your year…or […]

I’m Baaaaack!

It’s good to be home from the hospital and even good to be back at my day job. When I knew I would be out of commission for a while, like most people who write as a passion, I figured sick leave would be a good time for getting some words on paper. It wasn’t. […]

A brief pause

I should be posting something profound about Veteran’s Day. Something that reflects my pride of service, my pride for all the men and women, including my family members, who have served. Instead, I need to post a brief pause. Had to spend some time in the hospital for a procedure, I’m told, is the most common of […]

The differences are obvious

Last year, if someone had asked me what a book festival was like, I could only comment from a visitor’s perspective. Now, after having three of them under my belt (she says as she polishes her nails on her chest), I’ve got a few things to compare and contrast and an opinion as to what […]

Things I learned from the Baltimore Book Festival

My writer friends and I have had multiple conversations about book festivals. The bottom line question is, are they worth it? We toss around questions like, can you sell enough books to cover the cost? Is it worth it to invest in banners, posters, cards and other give-aways? Does participation result in readers who look […]

Baltimore Book Festival 2014

What a weekend! The Baltimore Book Festival was a bit overwhelming and a lot exhausting. As crazy as it was to get past the massive crowds and find a place to park, it was amazing to see so many talented authors of every genre imaginable all in one place. I loved the opportunity to meet […]

Always cool

Man, it just never gets old. The box arrives. Your heart clacks like a freight train with a gazillion cars. You cut the box open, take out the stuffing and there. You get that first glimpse and have to pause for a second…is that really it? Is it really here? You pick it up, run your hand […]