Alan Orloff's Blog, page 26

My Personal Publishing Equinox

Today is October 1, the halfway point between my debut novel and book number two.

Exactly six months ago, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD was released.

In exactly six months from now, KILLER ROUTINE will be released.

In preparation:

I'm working to give my website a facelift (see image above). I'm getting ready to develop a marketing plan. I'm planning out my 2011 conference/event calendar. I'm revising the sequel to KILLER ROUTINE (so I'll have more time to promote later). I'm trying to catch up on my sleep.

How can you prepare for the upcoming release? Easy! You can pre-order KILLER ROUTINE today!

More Boob Tube Talk

I'm not sure why, but I seem to be a little more interested in the new TV season this year.

I blogged about TV crime shows yesterday at InkSpot, but I thought I'd continue the discussion here.

When I judge a new series, I have a simple test: Will I watch another episode?

So far, I've seen The Whole Truth (yes, I'll watch another), Blue Bloods (yes), Hawaii 5-0 (probably not), Outlaw (yes). Still unseen on the DVR: Detroit 187, Terriers, and Lone Star (did that already get cancelled?)

What new shows look especially interesting to you?

Drastic Reduction

I had this idea a couple years ago for a novel, and I even went as far as outlining it, scene by scene. For some reason, I didn't start working on it. Something just wasn't right about it, although I couldn't put my finger on the problem. So I put it aside to work on other—more pressing—things.

For two years, this idea festered in my mind. Not everyday or anything, just every once in a while, the idea would burble to the top of my idea stack. I'd bat it around a while and then toss it...

Bad Aftertaste

I've heard it called many things: percolation, marination, steeping, aging, letting it rest, stuffing it in a drawer, putting it out back under the woodpile so critters can gnaw it to shreds. (Okay, I made the last one up.)

No, I'm not talking about any process to enhance the taste of food or wine. I'm talking about what to do with a first draft before you begin rewriting it.

For many, the temptation to begin revising five minutes after typing "THE END" is strong (of course, others want to ...

Turn Off, Turn On

Right now, I'm reading a very good mystery. Not an unusual occurrence, but here's the thing: I know I've picked this book up before (it's a few years old) and put it down, thinking I wouldn't like it. But, obviously, I do.

So what turned me off before?

The title? Probably not. The author? No. The cover art? Doubtful, cover art won't usually make me put a book down. Back cover copy? No. The first page? Nope.

Maybe I had something to read that I thought I'd enjoy more. Maybe ...

Friday Links

Two sites to visit:

If you want to know what BICFOK is, go here to read an interview I did yesterday for Linda Faulkner's Author Exchange Blog.

And go here, to see 50 Blogs for Mystery Readers on the website, Best Online Colleges. It's a good list, and I'm not just saying that because this blog is mentioned! (Bonus points if you know the connection between mystery blogs and Online Colleges, because I sure don't.)

Ah, Youth

Topic: The Future of America
Your assignment: Compare and contrast the two situations

 

Situation A:

As a summer reading project, a group of students at a local high school read DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD. Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of leading the book discussion. The students were engaged and enthusiastic, and they asked some good questions and answered lots of mine. They were polite, respectful, and fun to interact with. (Thanks for the invite, and thanks for choosing my book...

SUSPENSE-Full

Thanks to SUSPENSE MAGAZINE for including me in their September issue (the Special Debut Author Edition). It's an honor to be mentioned alongside such talented writers!

Ahoy, Readers!

This year, the family vacation consisted of a week-long cruise. It was great, except for about seven hours when I felt a tad bit queasy (and by "tad bit" I mean I was in severe discomfort—I believe my quote was, "I wish I were dead.").

During the cruise, I saw dozens and dozens of people reading books. All kinds. Saw a few Mockingjays, a few Stieg Larssons, Sandra Brown, James Patterson, and a host of other bestsellers.

But I only saw two e-readers.

Which completely surprised me. I'd...

A Million Blogging Vampires

It's my pleasure to welcome fellow Midnight Ink author and InkSpot blogger to the blog today. Her latest book, MURDER IN VEIN, was just released in trade paper and in limited edition hardback. Sue Ann is the hardest-working writer I know, writing THREE series (Odelia Gray and ghost Granny Apples, in addition to this new one). Not only that, but she's also a real sweetheart. Take it away, Sue Ann!

I love the title of this blog – A Million Blogging Monkeys. Makes me think of an old...