Annette Dashofy's Blog, page 10
February 9, 2018
Pre-Orders, Hollywood, and Agathas, oh MY!
I delivered my 7th Zoe Chambers Mystery (Cry Wolf) to my publisher earlier this week, which means I've been freed from Book Jail. At least for the moment. There has been a lot going on so let me catch you up.
Old news, but in case you missed it, Uneasy Prey (Zoe Chambers #6) is available for preorder! Depending on your preference, you can order it on Amazon, through Barnes and Noble, Kobo, or iTunes.
In addition to the usual business of writing and selling books, I received an interesting email last month. A Hollywood film company has expressed interest in adapting my Zoe Chambers Mysteries for a series of TV movies! Once I determined that it wasn't April Fool's Day and indeed, none of my jokester friends were pulling a prank on me, I did a little squealing and happy dancing! Now though, my feet are firmly back on the ground. Most likely, nothing will come of this, but it's a heckuva lotta fun imagining who would play Zoe and Pete. Who do you see in those roles? My personal preference for Zoe is Beth Riesgraf (Parker from Leverage)
And topping off the month of January, No Way Home has received an Agatha Award nomination for Best Contemporary Novel of 2017!
I'm ecstatic! I already bought a dress for the banquet (black velvet and lace)! The awards will be presented at Malice Domestic on Saturday, April 28. Considering the competition--I'm up against the fabulous Allison Brook, Ellen Byron, Margaret Maron, and Louise Penny--expectations are low, and I'm THRILLED to be nominated and in their company!
2018 is definitely starting off gangbusters!
Old news, but in case you missed it, Uneasy Prey (Zoe Chambers #6) is available for preorder! Depending on your preference, you can order it on Amazon, through Barnes and Noble, Kobo, or iTunes.
In addition to the usual business of writing and selling books, I received an interesting email last month. A Hollywood film company has expressed interest in adapting my Zoe Chambers Mysteries for a series of TV movies! Once I determined that it wasn't April Fool's Day and indeed, none of my jokester friends were pulling a prank on me, I did a little squealing and happy dancing! Now though, my feet are firmly back on the ground. Most likely, nothing will come of this, but it's a heckuva lotta fun imagining who would play Zoe and Pete. Who do you see in those roles? My personal preference for Zoe is Beth Riesgraf (Parker from Leverage)
And topping off the month of January, No Way Home has received an Agatha Award nomination for Best Contemporary Novel of 2017!
I'm ecstatic! I already bought a dress for the banquet (black velvet and lace)! The awards will be presented at Malice Domestic on Saturday, April 28. Considering the competition--I'm up against the fabulous Allison Brook, Ellen Byron, Margaret Maron, and Louise Penny--expectations are low, and I'm THRILLED to be nominated and in their company!
2018 is definitely starting off gangbusters!
January 25, 2018
A Book Jail Tale: STRANDED
The 7th Zoe Chambers mystery is due to my editor February 6. Less than two weeks to pull this mess of a story together into something publishable. So of course, there are distractions going on in my life. Some potentially good and exciting. And then there's my husband's car.
It went into convulsions when he started it to come home from work yesterday. He phoned me at 3:00 saying he was waiting for a tow truck and could I pick him up at his mother's house (walking distance from the garage and 25 minutes from here). Answer: YES. But, he told me, wait until he called back, which he would do once they were on the road. By 5:15, I'd heard nothing and wondered if I'd misunderstood. I phoned him back--and let's just say he didn't sound happy. Still waiting for the tow. 7:15. Still nothing. Apparently, AAA (whom we LOVE, by the way) had taken down his phone number wrong. No call-back, no tow. Then they went to the wrong town. Obviously, they couldn't locate him. Finally, they showed up--in the next business' parking lot--at 7:30. Anyhow, the car is in the garage. I brought Hubby home in time for him to catch the end of The Amazing Race. And he is using MY car until his is diagnosed and fixed. A roundabout way of the Universe insisting I stay locked up in Book Jail and get this novel finished.
It went into convulsions when he started it to come home from work yesterday. He phoned me at 3:00 saying he was waiting for a tow truck and could I pick him up at his mother's house (walking distance from the garage and 25 minutes from here). Answer: YES. But, he told me, wait until he called back, which he would do once they were on the road. By 5:15, I'd heard nothing and wondered if I'd misunderstood. I phoned him back--and let's just say he didn't sound happy. Still waiting for the tow. 7:15. Still nothing. Apparently, AAA (whom we LOVE, by the way) had taken down his phone number wrong. No call-back, no tow. Then they went to the wrong town. Obviously, they couldn't locate him. Finally, they showed up--in the next business' parking lot--at 7:30. Anyhow, the car is in the garage. I brought Hubby home in time for him to catch the end of The Amazing Race. And he is using MY car until his is diagnosed and fixed. A roundabout way of the Universe insisting I stay locked up in Book Jail and get this novel finished.
January 5, 2018
So It Begins
There are a lot of "moments" in the creation of a new book. From the flicker of an idea to the index cards, sticky notes, and legal pads full of scribbles to the setting up the document and typing "Chapter One" to the rush of months later typing "The End." There are editorial note and revisions. There's the moment you first see the artwork that becomes the cover. There are galleys to be proofed.
But somehow, that moment when the latest title goes up online with the "Pre-order" button live, it all becomes real. We shift from creative mode to marketing mode because now there's something to sell. It's more than a vision. It's a novel soon to be in our readers' hands.
That's where I am right now. Uneasy Prey, the sixth (SIXTH!!!) Zoe Chambers Mystery is now available for pre-order from Amazon and from Barnes & Noble.
And so it begins.
But somehow, that moment when the latest title goes up online with the "Pre-order" button live, it all becomes real. We shift from creative mode to marketing mode because now there's something to sell. It's more than a vision. It's a novel soon to be in our readers' hands.
That's where I am right now. Uneasy Prey, the sixth (SIXTH!!!) Zoe Chambers Mystery is now available for pre-order from Amazon and from Barnes & Noble.
And so it begins.
January 1, 2018
2018: Looking Ahead
Happy New Year! We made it! There were times in 2017 when I wasn't so sure. But here we are with a fresh year ahead of us.
I'm excited about 2018! I have two (yes, TWO) new Zoe Chambers Mysteries coming out this year. Uneasy Prey will be available later this week for pre-orders and the official cover reveal will be Thursday on Dru's Book Musings Blog! The release is scheduled for March 27.
The 7th Zoe Chambers Mystery (working title: Cry Wolf ) should be coming out sometime in September if all goes according to plan.
This will be the first time since 2014 that I've released two books in the same year. Back then I had no clue what I was doing or what I was in for. Not sure I do now either!
I always start out the year thinking I'm not going to travel as much as I did last year. This year is no different. I do know I'll be making my annual treks to Bethesda, Maryland, for Malice Domestic and to Aztec, New Mexico. I have a road trip planned in early April to Virginia to teach at the Writer's Project Runway Conference. And I'm looking forward to going back to Florida for the first time since...1984?...to attend Bouchercon in St. Petersburg in early September! I've even planned to arrive there early so I can enjoy a few vacation days to take in the sights and maybe connect with some family members who live in the area.
You can keep track of my appearances on my website.
During the time I'm not traveling, I have more books to write. And I have the usual on-going goals to eat healthier (darned chocolate addiction!) and exercise more and spend more quality time with my dearest Hubby.
I also hope 2018 brings opportunities to meet more of my readers in person. That's always ALWAYS the best part of this job.
Wishing you all compassion, love, and grace in the New Year. And lots and lots of good reading!
December 31, 2017
2017: Looking Back
It's been a long, busy year, so I thought I'd share some of my photo memories from 2017.
The year started on a low note with the passing of my mom.
After laying low over the winter, I came out from grief-induced hibernation for a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia where I had a fun book signing for No Way Home ...
...and got another hug from my favorite TV cowboy and
Emergency!
doctor, Robert Fuller. It's always great to see him!
Back home, we launched
No Way Home
officially at Mystery Lovers Bookshop.
And I joined my pals Joyce Tremel and J.J. Hensley for an author panel.
In April, I traveled to Bethesda, Maryland for Malice Domestic.
(Yes, that's Anne Hillerman at my left! I got to sit on a panel with her! Squee!)
(Agatha Award Banquet fun with my Henery Press editors and friends)
May brought a cross-state road trip for my first ever visit to Philadelphia.
From the big city, I headed to the small town of New Hope for a group author event.
I fell in love with the place!
Back to Pittsburgh where I had the honor of being the Saturday keynote speaker at the Pennwriters Conference.
And I got to dress up like a pirate! That doesn't happen every day!
In June, I made the trip across the state again for a writing retreat at the Franciscan Spiritual Center for a week of peace and quiet, during which I finished my next book,
Uneasy Prey
!
With the manuscript turned in, it was time for a vacation AKA my annual trip west to Colorado and New Mexico.
In August, I headed west again, but NORTH west to Green Bay, Wisconsin and Lee Lofland's Writers Police Academy. Research has never been so much fun!
And being me, I found and fell in love...with a horse.
I had several opportunities this year to be Fangirl.
Lisa Scottoline:
And then I got to introduce one of my absolute favorite authors, Craig Johnson, to my Pittsburgh crowd!
Not everything was about writing though. I attended my class reunion, hanging out with some folks I haven't seen in decades!
In October, I returned to the annual Writer's Road Trip Conference as an instructor with a fabulous crowd attending my workshop!
And in November, my pal Anne Slates and I participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
As 2017 ticks down, I have to say it's been a wonderful year for me in spite of its rocky start.
Happy New Year!
The year started on a low note with the passing of my mom.
After laying low over the winter, I came out from grief-induced hibernation for a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia where I had a fun book signing for No Way Home ...
...and got another hug from my favorite TV cowboy and
Emergency!
doctor, Robert Fuller. It's always great to see him!
Back home, we launched
No Way Home
officially at Mystery Lovers Bookshop.
And I joined my pals Joyce Tremel and J.J. Hensley for an author panel.
In April, I traveled to Bethesda, Maryland for Malice Domestic.
(Yes, that's Anne Hillerman at my left! I got to sit on a panel with her! Squee!)
(Agatha Award Banquet fun with my Henery Press editors and friends)May brought a cross-state road trip for my first ever visit to Philadelphia.
From the big city, I headed to the small town of New Hope for a group author event.
I fell in love with the place!
Back to Pittsburgh where I had the honor of being the Saturday keynote speaker at the Pennwriters Conference.
And I got to dress up like a pirate! That doesn't happen every day!
In June, I made the trip across the state again for a writing retreat at the Franciscan Spiritual Center for a week of peace and quiet, during which I finished my next book,
Uneasy Prey
!
With the manuscript turned in, it was time for a vacation AKA my annual trip west to Colorado and New Mexico.
In August, I headed west again, but NORTH west to Green Bay, Wisconsin and Lee Lofland's Writers Police Academy. Research has never been so much fun!
And being me, I found and fell in love...with a horse.
I had several opportunities this year to be Fangirl.Lisa Scottoline:
And then I got to introduce one of my absolute favorite authors, Craig Johnson, to my Pittsburgh crowd!
Not everything was about writing though. I attended my class reunion, hanging out with some folks I haven't seen in decades!
In October, I returned to the annual Writer's Road Trip Conference as an instructor with a fabulous crowd attending my workshop!
And in November, my pal Anne Slates and I participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's.
As 2017 ticks down, I have to say it's been a wonderful year for me in spite of its rocky start.Happy New Year!
December 20, 2017
A New Short Story is Coming!
For the second year in a row, I'm giving away a short story for Christmas. Last year, I shared the very first Pete and Zoe mystery, a short story published in 2006 in Mysterical-E Magazine. This year, I've written an original Christmas story about the night Zoe met Pete. It's set eight years prior to
Circle of Influence
and was a lot of fun to create.And yes, it's free. But there is a catch. It will be posted on a members-only page on my website and the only way you can get the password is by subscribing to my newsletter. I'll send an e-blast containing the password out to subscribers on Christmas Eve.
A week or so later, Uneasy Prey goes live for pre-orders, so I'll send another newsletter with the buy-link and with the new cover art! And then I won't bother you again until spring, so don't be worried about me spamming your inbox.
If you're already a subscriber, thank you. If you haven't joined my mailing list yet, click here to sign up.
Happy Holidays!
December 18, 2017
Writer's Retreat December 2017
I spent all last week in Book Jail again. On Monday, I traveled to Aston PA, south of Philly to meet up with Ramona Long and Kim Gray for a weeklong writing retreat. Wendy Tyson joined us for a couple of nights too.
The house is old but feels like home, reminding me a bit of my grandparents' farmhouse.
My writing space there was small but comfy.
Deer came to greet us at dawn and at dusk.
But most importantly, I managed to write "The End" not once, but twice! I finished the first draft of Zoe Chambers Mystery #7. And I started and finished a Zoe Chambers short story, which will be posted on my website on Christmas Eve.
The short story is free but there's a catch. The page it'll be on is password protected and the ONLY way to get the password is to subscribe to my newsletter. You can sign up here.
I promise I won't swamp your inbox with newsletters. But you will get the short story and you'll get a sneak peek of the cover of Uneasy Prey. Then you'll get another newsletter right the New Year to announce when Uneasy Prey goes live for pre-order. Good stuff!
The house is old but feels like home, reminding me a bit of my grandparents' farmhouse.
My writing space there was small but comfy.
Deer came to greet us at dawn and at dusk.
But most importantly, I managed to write "The End" not once, but twice! I finished the first draft of Zoe Chambers Mystery #7. And I started and finished a Zoe Chambers short story, which will be posted on my website on Christmas Eve.
The short story is free but there's a catch. The page it'll be on is password protected and the ONLY way to get the password is to subscribe to my newsletter. You can sign up here.
I promise I won't swamp your inbox with newsletters. But you will get the short story and you'll get a sneak peek of the cover of Uneasy Prey. Then you'll get another newsletter right the New Year to announce when Uneasy Prey goes live for pre-order. Good stuff!
November 15, 2017
A Step Closer
After roughly a year of looking at the story in the form of a Word document, I now get to see the pages as they'll appear in the final product. For the uninitiated, these are called galley proofs and they're the final step in the editorial process before the next Zoe Chambers Mystery hits the bookstore shelves in March! I get one last chance to pick over the words, searching for typos, spelling, and punctuation errors.FYI, I hate proofreading!
But it's still a thrill, even six books in, to see another novel become something more than voices in my head.
Release date: March 27!
November 10, 2017
Henery Press Giveaway
My fabulous publisher, Henery Press is having a giveaway now through November 14. Grand Prize is 32 awesome e-books and a Kindle Fire on which to read them. First Prize is 32 awesome e-books. And there will be FOUR second-place winners of 8 awesome e-books!
One of the 32 books is my Lost Legacy (Zoe Chambers #2) so that you haven't read it yet, you'll have a chance to meet Pete's dad Harry before Uneasy Prey comes out in the spring.
Click HERE to enter!
And good luck!
November 7, 2017
Lost Legacy and the Walk to End Alzheimer's Update
I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, either through my page or individually. My team raised $650 this year for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is a personal high, one I hope to top next year. Part of that donation came from my pledge to give a portion of my royalties from the sale of Lost Legacy to the Alzheimer’s Association.
For those of you who don’t know why this is my pet charity, I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s over ten years ago and lost my mom to a nasty cousin of Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, almost a year ago.
Speaking of Lost Legacy, in it I created the character of Harry Adams, Pete’s father. He was a labor of love since Harry has Alzheimer’s and I infused him with bits of my own dad. Creating a character with a disease that touches so many was a huge risk. I wanted to be true to the illness, but I also wanted a character that readers would want to spend time with. I guess I succeeded because I’ve been getting requests to bring Harry back. And guess what! He will be returning in the next Zoe Chambers Mystery!
For those of you who don’t know why this is my pet charity, I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s over ten years ago and lost my mom to a nasty cousin of Alzheimer’s, Vascular Dementia, almost a year ago.
Speaking of Lost Legacy, in it I created the character of Harry Adams, Pete’s father. He was a labor of love since Harry has Alzheimer’s and I infused him with bits of my own dad. Creating a character with a disease that touches so many was a huge risk. I wanted to be true to the illness, but I also wanted a character that readers would want to spend time with. I guess I succeeded because I’ve been getting requests to bring Harry back. And guess what! He will be returning in the next Zoe Chambers Mystery!
