Beth Groundwater's Blog, page 52
April 13, 2011
A Sad Day When a Publisher Goes Under
Virtual Tales was the publisher of my science fiction novella, The Epsilon Eridani Alternative. I chose them for this one-off project because, even though they were small, they had a good reputation and put out quality products in trade paperback and ebook formats. I was extremely pleased with everyone I worked with there during the process of getting the novella published, and I thought the cover art they produced absolutely rocked!
My good experience with Virtual Tales made it even harder to bear when I heard the sad news that after five years of struggle, with no profits, the board has decided to close the company's doors. I can certainly sympathize with the principal players who want their life back, so they can work on their own writing projects, after toiling for years with no pay. I'm sad to see it happen, nonetheless.
And, in keeping with their solid, ethical reputation, Chairman Dave Law and Director of Marketing & Promotions Sheri Gormley, are trying their best to soften the blow of the closing for their editors, cover artists, authors, and everyone else involved. They've contacted other small presses to arrange for them to accept resumes from staff and manuscripts from authors for consideration. They've provided signed Return of Rights letters and final manuscript files to the authors in a timely manner. They promise to pay royalties on book sales made in the final royalty period, even though they personally are volunteering hours and hours of unpaid labor to close the company gracefully.
All I can say, Dave and Sheri, is that it was a tremendous pleasure working with you both, and I wish you huge success in your writing projects. You are definitely a class act!
And for those of you reading this, The Epsilon Eridani Alternative is currently still available for sale from on-line vendors in ebook format, and in select places, in trade paperback. Those few paperbacks could become collector's items in the future--you never know!
April 12, 2011
From Cyberspace to Real Space
I spent most of March in cyberspace, promoting the March 8th release of Deadly Currents on a virtual book tour. I've switched gears in April, coming out of my basement writing office to conduct signings and other appearances in real space. I have one or two events every weekend except Easter weekend. I took that weekend off and scheduled an event the Thursday prior to it instead.
April 28th, I step on a plane to head for the east coast and a whirlwind week and a half of appearances. In the meantime, for those of you who live in Colorado, here's what I have to offer in the way of signings:
Saturday, April 16, 2011, 1–3 PM
Beth Anne's Book Corner
1532 North Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Beth Anne will bring out her chocolate fountain, and I'll bring the goodies to dip into it. For chocoholics, this is an event not to be missed! And as a chocoholic myself, I have to admit that it's the one I'm looking forward to the most. :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011, 1–3 PM
Meet the Faces Behind the Books
Englewood Public Library
1000 Englewood Pkwy., Englewood, CO 80110
If you click on the link, you'll see a list of the dozens of authors who are coming to this event. I sure hope the authors don't outnumber the patrons. Seriously, though, you'll find books for every age and taste imaginable. You could knock off your whole birthday gift list for the year in one afternoon!
Thursday, April 21, 2011 4:30–7 PM
1 Hour Signing followed by open-to-the-public Book Club Discussion
The Book Haven
128 F Street, Salida, Colorado 81201
For those of you who don't live in Salida, make a day trip of it, come early and tour the setting for Deadly Currents. If you haven't seen the inside of Victoria Tavern, that's a must-see, as is the downtown whitewater park. You may even see a kayaker in the river, working on his or her moves.
And, if you like to discuss books with other thoughtful readers, this is the event for you. After the one hour signing, I'll be sitting down with the store's book club and anyone else who wants to join us for a discussion of Deadly Currents. Have you seen the list of book club discussion questions I prepared for the book? Go HERE. If you are in a book club and would like me to visit your club, either remotely or in person if you meet within an hour's drive of Colorado Springs or Breckenridge, contact me at my website.
PS. Don't forget that I'm running a photography contest. I'm looking for photos of Deadly Currents in its "natural setting" (eg. bookstores and libraries). Please enter! The odds of winning are very good. :)
April 11, 2011
Repeat of "Justice is Served"
I posted the blog below at Inkspot, the blog for Midnight Ink authors, but some readers told me they had trouble reading it with the black background, so I repeated it here for them. Enjoy!
Readers of mysteries, like those of romance novels, expect a certain type of ending. Romance readers expect the hero and heroine to be together in the end, living "happily ever after." In mysteries, readers expect justice to be served. The killer meets a fitting end, be it death itself, arrest and conviction, or some other suitable punishment for taking a human life. In that way, readers experience closure and its accompanying sense of satisfaction.
Closure is a psychological term. In the European Review of Social Psychology, cognitive closure was defined as "a desire for definite knowledge on some issue and the eschewal of confusion and ambiguity." So, people have an innate desire for a firm solution as opposed to enduring ambiguity. People's need for closure varies. Those with a high need for closure prefer order, clear rules, and predictability.
I know that I personally have a strong need for closure, and I suspect the same is true of most mystery readers. This need is what drives us to solve the puzzle of "whodunnit" along with the sleuth. We're struggling to close the gaps in our understanding of the situation by looking for clues, interpreting the behavior of suspects, etc.
Sometimes that driving need for closure can cause us to reach a conclusion too early that is erroneous, as described in this article in Psychology Today. And there are plenty of mystery authors that use that to their advantage in devising plots. They plant "twists in the tale" in their stories to drive readers into make one or more false conclusions before finally revealing some new information that leads to the real killer or the real explanation of what's going on.
But knowing "whodunnit" isn't enough for those of us who love reading mysteries. The murderer also has to be punished for their misdeed(s) so justice is served. That is true closure. We understand what happened and the characters receive their rewards and punishments as they deserve them. As I said before, sometimes a punishment is delivered within the legal system, and sometimes it occurs outside the legal system, but it's always fitting. And most mystery authors I know spend a lot of time devising an ending that is fitting and satisfying for their readers.
In my recent release, Deadly Currents, my protagonist, whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner, is faced with a decision near the end. She has discovered who the killer is and has a choice on how justice should be served. She makes that choice based on her character--her upbringing, ethics, beliefs, and training. Her choice brought a satisfying closure to me, and I hope it does for my readers, too.
What about you? Do you have a strong need for closure, to not only understand what happened and who the killer was, but also to see that justice is served? Have you ever been disappointed in the ending of a mystery that didn't provide that satisfying closure to you?
Readers of mysteries, like those of romance novels, expect a certain type of ending. Romance readers expect the hero and heroine to be together in the end, living "happily ever after." In mysteries, readers expect justice to be served. The killer meets a fitting end, be it death itself, arrest and conviction, or some other suitable punishment for taking a human life. In that way, readers experience closure and its accompanying sense of satisfaction.Closure is a psychological term. In the European Review of Social Psychology, cognitive closure was defined as "a desire for definite knowledge on some issue and the eschewal of confusion and ambiguity." So, people have an innate desire for a firm solution as opposed to enduring ambiguity. People's need for closure varies. Those with a high need for closure prefer order, clear rules, and predictability.
I know that I personally have a strong need for closure, and I suspect the same is true of most mystery readers. This need is what drives us to solve the puzzle of "whodunnit" along with the sleuth. We're struggling to close the gaps in our understanding of the situation by looking for clues, interpreting the behavior of suspects, etc.
Sometimes that driving need for closure can cause us to reach a conclusion too early that is erroneous, as described in this article in Psychology Today. And there are plenty of mystery authors that use that to their advantage in devising plots. They plant "twists in the tale" in their stories to drive readers into make one or more false conclusions before finally revealing some new information that leads to the real killer or the real explanation of what's going on.
But knowing "whodunnit" isn't enough for those of us who love reading mysteries. The murderer also has to be punished for their misdeed(s) so justice is served. That is true closure. We understand what happened and the characters receive their rewards and punishments as they deserve them. As I said before, sometimes a punishment is delivered within the legal system, and sometimes it occurs outside the legal system, but it's always fitting. And most mystery authors I know spend a lot of time devising an ending that is fitting and satisfying for their readers.
In my recent release, Deadly Currents, my protagonist, whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner, is faced with a decision near the end. She has discovered who the killer is and has a choice on how justice should be served. She makes that choice based on her character--her upbringing, ethics, beliefs, and training. Her choice brought a satisfying closure to me, and I hope it does for my readers, too.
What about you? Do you have a strong need for closure, to not only understand what happened and who the killer was, but also to see that justice is served? Have you ever been disappointed in the ending of a mystery that didn't provide that satisfying closure to you?
April 9, 2011
First Entry in my Photography Contest
On April 1st, I announced my photography contest, awarding an autographed copy of Deadly Currents to the person who could take the best photo of the book in its "natural setting," such as a bookstore or library. I've received the first entry in the contest from Michelle Auffant of Scottsdale, AZ, and it's shown below.
As you can see, it's very creative. Michelle used the sketch setting on her camera to take an artistic photo of Deadly Currents in a virtual bookstore on her Nook, on her desk at work. I had suggested in my contest announcement that entrants let their imagination run wild. Props, costumes, characters (people or animals), interesting lighting, etc. were all encouraged. Michelle not only did that, she made a creative interpretation of what constituted a bookstore.
What do you think of her photograph? Can you top it with one of your own? If you think so, take a photo of Deadly Currents in your local library or bookstore and send it to me at my website.
Click on "Contact Me" and please provide the following information in the email:
- your name (First name only is okay, if you want.)
- your email address (This won't be shared. It's for me to contact you if you win.)
- the name of the bookstore or library where the photo was taken
- the city and state where the photo was taken
- the photo in a .jpg file
- permission to post the photo on my blog
Hurry! The deadline for the contest is midnight MST on April 15th.
As you can see, it's very creative. Michelle used the sketch setting on her camera to take an artistic photo of Deadly Currents in a virtual bookstore on her Nook, on her desk at work. I had suggested in my contest announcement that entrants let their imagination run wild. Props, costumes, characters (people or animals), interesting lighting, etc. were all encouraged. Michelle not only did that, she made a creative interpretation of what constituted a bookstore.
What do you think of her photograph? Can you top it with one of your own? If you think so, take a photo of Deadly Currents in your local library or bookstore and send it to me at my website.
Click on "Contact Me" and please provide the following information in the email:
- your name (First name only is okay, if you want.)
- your email address (This won't be shared. It's for me to contact you if you win.)
- the name of the bookstore or library where the photo was taken
- the city and state where the photo was taken
- the photo in a .jpg file
- permission to post the photo on my blog
Hurry! The deadline for the contest is midnight MST on April 15th.
April 8, 2011
A Guest Post about "The Outdoor-oriented Mystery Subgenre"
Today I am a guest on The Stiletto Gang, a blog by women writers on a mission to bring mystery, humor, and high heels to the world. My article is about the outdoor-oriented mystery subgenre and how my recent release, Deadly Currents, fits into that subgenre. I hope you'll read it and comment on the post. Do you enjoy reading outdoor-oriented mysteries? Are you an outdoor enthusiast yourself, or do you prefer to just read about the challengers of the great outdoors?
April 7, 2011
Deadly Currents in a Top 20 List, a Review, and a Giveaway
I'm absolutely thrilled that on-line book reviewer Giovanni Gelati has included my new Deadly Currents release on his list of Top 20 Novels of the First Quarter of 2011. The company my book is in includes Harlan Coben's Live Wire, James Patterson's Tick Tock, and Robert Crais's The Sentry, among others. Very heady company! You can see the whole list HERE.
A complimentary 4-star review for Deadly Currents has appeared on Once Upon a Romance. Reviewer Mary states, "Getting to the end of the book is like riding the whitewater, many ups and downs."
Also, the Mystery Writers of America is having its April book giveaway contest for readers, and my Deadly Currents is included in the prize pile. To enter, go HERE.
April 6, 2011
Justice is Served
Today is my day to post at Inkspot, the blog for Midnight Ink authors. My article, titled "Justice is Served" is about the search for closure in mystery novels. Please read it and comment. Do you have a strong need for closure, to not only understand what happened and who the killer was, but also to see that justice is served? Have you ever been disappointed in the ending of a mystery that didn't provide that satisfying closure to you?
April 4, 2011
Mountain of Authors
Last Saturday, I participated in the 5th Annual Mountain of Authors program put on by the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) at the East Library branch in Colorado Springs. The event began for us authors at 11:00 am, when check-in opened up. For that first hour, we registered our books with the Friends of the Library volunteers who would be handling book sales, set up our tables, helped ourselves to the author and staff lunch buffet, and schmoozed with each other. I ran around during this hour and took as many photos of the participating authors as I could (see below).
Alice Scott and Bev Sninchak, with guest.
Jeanne Stein and Rod Summitt.
Stewart Green and Mario Acevedo.
DeAnna DeAngelo and Rebecca Dunning.
Richard Gibson and me.
Nancy Mills and Terry Odell.
Carol Hightshoe and K. D. Huxman (Karin Huxman).
Evangeline Denmark and Donita K. Paul (daughter and mother).
M. J. Brett (Margaret Brettschneider) and Jim Ciletti, the Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak region.
Doris Baker and Parker Blue (Pam McCutcheon).
Mike Hamel and Barry James Hickey.
Then at noon, the doors opened to the public. Three writer friends served on the 12:30 - 1:30 PM Panel on Paranormal Fiction: Mario Acevedo, Parker Blue (Pam McCutcheon), and Jeanne Stein. Kirk Farber moderated. The panel is shown below.
From 1:30 - 2 PM was the Author Showcase, when each attending author took 2 minutes to talk about their books, and the Golden Quill Award was presented to Stewart Green. After a half hour break, when attendees could visit the author tables, the second panel was held from 2:30 - 3:30 PM on Publishing. Moderated by Tim Blevins, the panel included Doris Baker, owner of Filter Press, Teresa Funke, owner of Victory House Press, and Nancy Mills, President of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Doris and I serve on the Mountain of Authors planning committee, she as a publisher representative and me as an author representative, so we've gotten to know each other well. The panel is shown below.
After another half hour break for schmoozing, selling, and signing, Keynote Speaker Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series, spoke from 4 - 5 PM. He's shown in the photo below. The event finished up with a final book signing and reception, complete with sparkling cider and treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, decorated cupcakes, cannoli, cheesecake and more. Yum!
The hard-working library staff put on a well-attended and well-run event. I'm already looking forward to next year's Mountain of Authors!
Alice Scott and Bev Sninchak, with guest.
Jeanne Stein and Rod Summitt.
Stewart Green and Mario Acevedo.
DeAnna DeAngelo and Rebecca Dunning.
Richard Gibson and me.
Nancy Mills and Terry Odell.
Carol Hightshoe and K. D. Huxman (Karin Huxman).
Evangeline Denmark and Donita K. Paul (daughter and mother).
M. J. Brett (Margaret Brettschneider) and Jim Ciletti, the Poet Laureate of the Pikes Peak region.
Doris Baker and Parker Blue (Pam McCutcheon).
Mike Hamel and Barry James Hickey.
Then at noon, the doors opened to the public. Three writer friends served on the 12:30 - 1:30 PM Panel on Paranormal Fiction: Mario Acevedo, Parker Blue (Pam McCutcheon), and Jeanne Stein. Kirk Farber moderated. The panel is shown below.
From 1:30 - 2 PM was the Author Showcase, when each attending author took 2 minutes to talk about their books, and the Golden Quill Award was presented to Stewart Green. After a half hour break, when attendees could visit the author tables, the second panel was held from 2:30 - 3:30 PM on Publishing. Moderated by Tim Blevins, the panel included Doris Baker, owner of Filter Press, Teresa Funke, owner of Victory House Press, and Nancy Mills, President of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Doris and I serve on the Mountain of Authors planning committee, she as a publisher representative and me as an author representative, so we've gotten to know each other well. The panel is shown below.
After another half hour break for schmoozing, selling, and signing, Keynote Speaker Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series, spoke from 4 - 5 PM. He's shown in the photo below. The event finished up with a final book signing and reception, complete with sparkling cider and treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, decorated cupcakes, cannoli, cheesecake and more. Yum!
The hard-working library staff put on a well-attended and well-run event. I'm already looking forward to next year's Mountain of Authors!
April 1, 2011
New Contest!
I am announcing a new contest! If you missed out on my virtual book tour contest and my Goodreads giveaway, and have already subscribed to my email newsletter to enter my subscriber contest, here's a new one for you.
This is a photography contest. The prize is a free autographed copy of my new release, Deadly Currents, the first book in the RM Outdoor Adventures mystery series starring whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner.
I want to amass a collection of photos of the book in its "natural setting," meaning bookstores and libraries. So, I'm asking you, my blog readers, to take a photo of Deadly Currents in your local library or bookstore and send it to me at my website.
Click on "Contact Me" and please provide the following information in the email:
- your name (First name only is okay, if you want.)
- your email address (This won't be shared. It's for me to contact you if you win.)
- the name of the bookstore or library where the photo was taken
- the city and state where the photo was taken
- the photo in a .jpg file
- permission to post the photo on my blog
That's it! As I receive the photo entries for the contest, I'll post them on my blog and ask for reader comments.
I'm looking for the most creative or original entry, so feel free to let your imagination run wild. Props, costumes, characters (people or animals), interesting lighting, etc. are all encouraged. I'll weigh reader comments on the photos in my decision, but the choice of the winner will be all mine.
There are just a couple more rules. I want to give the book away soon, so the contest will end at midnight MST on April 15th. And, there will need to be at least 10 entries for me to give away the prize. So, encourage your friends to enter (the ones who have less photography talent than you, that is ;-) ).
Good luck!
March 31, 2011
A Winner in my Virtual Book Tour Contest!
I have randomly selected a winner in my virtual book tour contest for a free autographed copy of Deadly Currents, the first book in my RM Outdoor Adventures mystery series featuring whitewater river ranger Mandy Tanner. Her name is Heidi Thomas, and she is from Mount Vernon, Washington. Heidi is a writer herself. Check out her website! Congratulations to Heidi and many thanks to everyone who commented on the different stops along my virtual book tour.
Now, get ready for another contest! I'll announce it Friday, and it's NOT an April Fool's joke!
