Gigi Pandian's Blog, page 3
November 11, 2014
Book Deadlines & Bouchercon
Yesterday I gave a draft of my latest novel to my critique readers (woo-hoo!), and tomorrow I head to Bouchercon to hang out with mystery readers and writers. I already shared my 5 Tips for Getting the Most out of Bouchercon, so I'm just popping in to share my schedule.
Surrounded by notes of all kinds as I wrapped up a draft.
Here's what I'm up to at the convention: Thursday, Nov 13 at 8:30am: “Author Speed Dating” breakfast, table hopping to chat with readers. Thursday, Nov 13 a...
Surrounded by notes of all kinds as I wrapped up a draft. Here's what I'm up to at the convention: Thursday, Nov 13 at 8:30am: “Author Speed Dating” breakfast, table hopping to chat with readers. Thursday, Nov 13 a...
November 3, 2014
Tea with Amelia Peabody: A Tribute to Elizabeth Peters
I'm a huge fan of Elizabeth Peters, so I was incredibly happy to see that the Northern California Chapter of the American Research Center in Egypt was planning an event celebrating Elizabeth Peters and her indomitable heroine Amelia Peabody, the Victorian era Egyptologist in 19 of Peters' mystery novels.
A few dozen fans and scholars gathered on Sunday afternoon for a lovely tea, similar to what Amelia would have been served at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo. Following the tea service, several sch...
A few dozen fans and scholars gathered on Sunday afternoon for a lovely tea, similar to what Amelia would have been served at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo. Following the tea service, several sch...
October 31, 2014
Halloween in Hardcover!
For the past month I've been so focused on finishing my latest novel that I neglected to blog about the exciting news that the Jaya Jones treasure hunt mystery series is now available in hardcover!
Henery Press is still publishing all the titles in their original trade paperback format (as well as in all eBook formats), but these hardcover editions are an additional buying option. They're aimed at libraries in particular, since hardcover books last the longest in circulation. If your local lib...
Henery Press is still publishing all the titles in their original trade paperback format (as well as in all eBook formats), but these hardcover editions are an additional buying option. They're aimed at libraries in particular, since hardcover books last the longest in circulation. If your local lib...
September 25, 2014
A Book Cover for Quicksand (Jaya Jones Book 3)
Here's the fantastic book cover the Henery Press team created for the third Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery:
I love how the new cover is perfectly suited to the new story (isn't the illustration of Mont Saint-Michel gorgeous?) but also has the same style as the first two books in the series.
Here's a teaser from the Henery Press email blast that went out this morning:
Art Thieves & Adventure
Take a trip to Paris this spring where you'll find an art thief, a con man, and an ancient treasure....
I love how the new cover is perfectly suited to the new story (isn't the illustration of Mont Saint-Michel gorgeous?) but also has the same style as the first two books in the series.
Here's a teaser from the Henery Press email blast that went out this morning:
Art Thieves & Adventure
Take a trip to Paris this spring where you'll find an art thief, a con man, and an ancient treasure....
September 22, 2014
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read, Sept. 21-27, 2014
Each year, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read. Launched in 1982 in response to an increasing number of challenges to books, Banned Books Week shines a light on the shocking number of books that are still being censored in the United States.
I'm an author who writes pretty inoffensive books and stories. Family-friendly adventure mysteries with no graphic violence, sex, or swearing (at least not stronger than the occasional "damn"). So why should I care about Banned Books Week? ...
I'm an author who writes pretty inoffensive books and stories. Family-friendly adventure mysteries with no graphic violence, sex, or swearing (at least not stronger than the occasional "damn"). So why should I care about Banned Books Week? ...
September 19, 2014
Talk Like A Pirate Day
Ahoy! September 19 is "Talk Like A Pirate Day."
Yes, it's a real day! Sort of. As the official website says, "a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon that shows no sign of letting up." In addition to a virtual presence, people organize everything from fundraisers to pub crawls in honor of the day.
It's true I love fictional pirates, as evidenced by my mystery novel Pirate Vishnu . But that's not the reason I find Talk Like A Pirate Day so...
Yes, it's a real day! Sort of. As the official website says, "a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon that shows no sign of letting up." In addition to a virtual presence, people organize everything from fundraisers to pub crawls in honor of the day.
It's true I love fictional pirates, as evidenced by my mystery novel Pirate Vishnu . But that's not the reason I find Talk Like A Pirate Day so...
September 3, 2014
My First Audio Book Sale!
I signed the contract last week and the announcement went out in yesterday's Publishers Lunch, so it's official: I've signed my first audio book contract! In addition to The Accidental Alchemist hitting bookstore shelves and eReaders in January, it will now also be an audio book. Special thanks to the Sisters in Crime Guppies for spotting the announcement. Thanks for all the congratulations yesterday!
August 28, 2014
My Stowaway Gargoyle in Portland
Dori is a sneaky little gargoyle. He's gotten into the habit of stowing away in my bag when I go out of town. Earlier this month I visited Portland, where my new Accidental Alchemist mystery series is set, and Dori came along for the ride.
Dori at Powell's Books, finding Juliet Blackwell's books.
(The character Oscar in Juliet's witchcraft series is half gargoyle.)
Dori with mystery authors Lisa Alber and Cindy Brown.
Confused by all the coffee in Portland.
Book research at River View Cemeter...
Dori at Powell's Books, finding Juliet Blackwell's books. (The character Oscar in Juliet's witchcraft series is half gargoyle.)
Dori with mystery authors Lisa Alber and Cindy Brown. Confused by all the coffee in Portland. 
Book research at River View Cemeter...
July 30, 2014
The Accidental Alchemist: a gorgeous book cover, plus Alchemist mugs
My next book, The Accidental Alchemist, comes out in January, 2015. This month, the fun has already begun -- check out the gorgeous book cover!
The Accidental Alchemist is the first book in a new series, and I'm working with a new publisher (Midnight Ink), so I didn't know what to expect. Therefore I was absolutely thrilled when they hired one of my favorite illustrators (Hugh D'Andrade) to design the cover. Isn't it awesome?
Here's the book jacket text:
A modern tale of ancient intrigue f...
The Accidental Alchemist is the first book in a new series, and I'm working with a new publisher (Midnight Ink), so I didn't know what to expect. Therefore I was absolutely thrilled when they hired one of my favorite illustrators (Hugh D'Andrade) to design the cover. Isn't it awesome?
Here's the book jacket text:
A modern tale of ancient intrigue f...
July 18, 2014
Book Events: Much Better With Friends!
When I decided to throw myself into my writing after the whole stupid cancer thing got my priorities in order, I made a promise to myself that I'd keep it fun, rather than get stressed out by things beyond my control. One of the things authors often worry about is whether or not people will show up for their book signings. Well, I've got a secret to make sure people show up: I do joint events with author pals! It's a great excuse to hang out with friends, and it often brings in a larger group...
