Judith Post's Blog, page 17
March 2, 2023
Does each country have a different tone?
HH and I watched the first episode of an Italian mystery, Inspector Ricciardi, with subtitles. So much drama. So much emotion! Really interesting. We’ve tried the Swedish Wallander series. Gloomy. Depressing. The Australian series, Doctor Blake. Very practical, no nonsense. And a French mystery that was a romp and really entertaining but a bit disjointed. And lots of lots of British mysteries that range from tongue in cheek like Tommy and Tuppence and Shakespeare and Hathaway to serious like Lewis and Hathaway and Poirot. We’ve started watching the American Hallmark mysteries and enjoy those, but a lot of American crime shows don’t do it for us. We’re not CSI fans. It’s just not what draws us in.
The thing is it almost feels like each country has a certain undertone that defines its stories. And I find that interesting. I’ve only noticed it recently so intend to think about it more and try a few more series from each country. But if it’s true, I think it’s wonderful. Countries have their own personalities, their own voices. And differences make the world a better place.
When I read, I haven’t branched far outside American, English, Scottish, or Irish mysteries, but I tried Arsenic and Adobo, a Filipino mystery, and it was fun. It had its own voice, its own uniqueness. Which made it interesting. Every once in a while, this next year, I want to try to branch out and try something out of my comfort zone. I’ll either expand my choices of good mysteries, or I’ll retreat back into what I know and love. But it will be fun to find out.
February 26, 2023
Plotting
I always plot. Always. I’m too insecure to be a pantser. I don’t trust myself to come up with enough clues, suspects, and plot twists if I don’t plan them ahead. That said, if I think of something better along the way, so much the better.
I got really sick last Wednesday. I can’t remember when I’ve felt so bad, but some good came out of it. I had more dreams than usual, and some of those dreams were about my book. And each time, the dream was better than what I had in my plot points. I think my subconscious was bored with the chapters I was writing and let me know.
Usually, Jazzi learns something new about a case and is anxious to share it with her friend, Detective Gaff. This time, she meets someone she really likes, learns something she wishes she hadn’t, and she doesn’t want to pass along the information. Even if the person is the killer, she doesn’t want him to be caught. It’s a moral dilemma that causes her grief. If she tells Gaff, he and Caden will interrogate the person, and everyone will know she’s the one who tattled on him. If he really did it, he’ll go to prison, and it will be her fault. Well, not really. But she feels that way. And she’ll make enemies, probably for life.
I’ve never put her in that position before, and as I wrote her into the corner, I felt sorry for what I was doing. But boy, did it add some tension. Usually, she’s digging for clues. This time, she wants to bury one of them. A nice twist from the usual. Now, I have to come up with a great last quarter to the book. Wish me luck!
February 25, 2023
For Writers
I belong to a writers’ club, and I happen to think most of us are pretty darned good. But so many of my friends have gotten discouraged because they try to find an agent or publisher, and it’s so hard, they give up. This isn’t a cop-out, but Ilona Andrews (who has a lot more experience than I do) is sharing her ideas on how to go about it, so I’m just passing along her blog posts on it. She’s so practical, I hope they help someone. She’s also taking questions from readers right now and intends to answer quite a few of them, so if you have a question, you might send it to her.
Agent Queries and Rejections
Agent Query and Rejection Follow UpI hope some of this information is helpful to someone. And like I said, Ilona Andrews is answering questions on her blog right now, so you might want to check to see what she’s up to. And, also, if any of you would ever like to ask me questions, please feel free to. But I’m not all that brilliant:)
February 23, 2023
I love short stories!
I love to read and write short stories, so I’m excited to welcome my fellow writing friend, Joan Hall, to my blog to tell you about her latest collection of short stories. Please make her feel welcome and press the share buttons to help other people find her book, MENAGERIE.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Joan!
Seven Days
Hi, Judi. Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m delighted to be here to talk about my latest release, Menagerie, a mixed-genre compilation of thirteen short stories. Each tour stop features a different title and I tell how the story came about. Today’s story is Seven Days, a contemporary fiction piece.
I retired from public work last August. The last six months on my job were probably the hardest. Maybe it’s because I knew my time there was short, but I was also trying to finish this collection in hopes of publishing it in October.
No matter how I tried, there were days when I couldn’t write. The ideas were in my head but getting them into my writing software was impossible. Strange, because I had previously written and published five novels while holding a full-time job.
Several months earlier, the idea of writing a story that took place over a seven-day period came to mind. I had no idea what the story would be about. One day, it dawned on me. A writer is desperately trying to finish a manuscript. She’s also addicted to social media. We authors know the importance of marketing, but sometimes it’s hard to find a balance between writing and social media.
In Seven Days, Mindy Jarvis is an author of historical fiction. The story begins when she’s late for a planned lunch with her best friend Andrea (and it’s not the first time). Andrea recognizes Mindy is addicted to social media.
When Mindy confides she’s having a case of writers block, Andrea suggests she get away for a week. No writing, no texting, no phone calls, no social media. Andrea has the perfect place—a lakeside cabin.
The story encompasses Mindy’s week at the cabin. She goes through withdrawals, but in the end will she find peace and contentment?
Excerpt:
“You’re addicted,” Andrea said.
“What are you talking about?”
“To technology. You can’t carry on a conversation without looking at your phone. It’s with you everywhere you go. You constantly check social media updates and read emails. How many times do you wake up during the night to check messages?”
Mindy didn’t want her friend to know the truth. “Having my phone nearby is essential. I am an author. Interacting with fans is part of marketing. I’ll bet you use yours at work.”
“Yes, but there are limits. When was the last time you took a selfie?”
She bristled. “I don’t take selfies. You know I think that’s a sign of narcissism.”
“Isn’t it also narcissistic to interrupt a dinner conversation to answer a text or call?”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
A server appeared with Andrea’s quesadilla. Mindy ordered nachos and iced tea.
“You need a break.”
“I can’t afford the time. I’m behind on my newest manuscript. Can’t seem to make it come together. Unless I find a condo or someplace with an Internet connection so I can continue to work, a trip is out of the question. This time of year, finding one available would be next to impossible.”
“I’m talking about a complete break for say, a week. No writing and no social media. I bet a few days of relaxation will clear your mind, then you’ll be able to finish that manuscript.”
“Maybe you’re right, but where would I go?”
“I have the perfect solution.”
Blurb:
King’s. The Tower of London. Glass. What do these have in common?
Each is a famous menagerie.
While this Menagerie doesn’t focus on exotic animals, it does contain a collection of stories that explore various trials people face and how their reactions shape their worlds.
Survivors of a haunted bridge. Women who wait while their husbands fight a war. Former partners reuniting to solve a cold-case murder.
These are just three of the thirteen stories in this compendium, encompassing past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality. The genres and timelines are varied, but there’s a little something for everyone who enjoys reading about simpler times and small-town life.
Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/jh-menagerie
About the Author
Social Media Links
Website | Blog | BookBub | Goodreads
My 5-star review of Menagerie:
I love short stories, and this collection by Joan Hall provided great entertainment night after night. Most of the stories happened in the past, and the time periods gave them more of a personal, small-town appeal. Each story was clever with an emotional ending. I got involved in the characters and their lives. Every story was good, and some were memorable and will stick with me for a while. If you’re a short fiction fan, like I am, these were well done.
February 21, 2023
Off Schedule…Again.
Sunday was a beautiful day, so instead of sitting at my computer like a good girl and writing my blog, HH and I took off to go shopping. I’ve turned into a horrible shopper. The heavens have to align, the skies have to be blue, and I have to be desperate to find what I need. And if I don’t find it fairly quickly, I lose patience and return home without it.
When I was young, I loved window shopping, browsing in the mall for an afternoon, and visiting the food court. These days, we’re retired. Only good friends usually see me. If I have a few decent outfits to go out in public, I’m happy. I wear exercise pants and a sloppy top most days while I stay home. Comfort is key.
If I can’t find something in a store, I’m an online shopper. But that’s tricky, too. Too many times, the item I order isn’t exactly how I pictured it, and I put off sending it back. The shopping I do most these days is for online groceries and cat food. Pitiful. Nothing glamorous for me, and it’s my own fault:)
This trip out, instead of buying new pajamas that I really need, I ended up buying a new set of pots and pans for our grandson when he moves into his new apartment. I can’t resist the kitchen area of any store. But today, I go online and won’t let myself write until I find new PJs and new socks. Yes, it’s a must. And then it’s back to Jazzi and Ansel–my happy place.
February 15, 2023
Super Bowl Sunday
My daughter called to tell us she was coming up on Sunday to watch the Super Bowl with us. HH isn’t that much into sports. Once in a great while, he watches LeBron James play basketball and occasionally, he’ll watch a golf tournament, but that’s about it. I don’t even know the teams that are playing in this year’s Super Bowl. Neither does he. But we used to faithfully give a big get-together for the boys and their friends for the Super Bowl, and I cooked tons of food. Teenage and early 20 boys can wipe out a tabletop of goodies.
We hadn’t expected to see anyone this year. Both of our grandsons live in Indianapolis now, and I’m guessing they’ll do their own thing. But all of a sudden, our daughter’s coming, and I feel like I should do something to make it special. We had my sister over for a visit last weekend, and I made one of her favorites–tons of little meatballs with caramelized onions in toasted hot dog buns. And I don’t want to look at another meatball right now. Since Holly’s coming, I invited my sister over for the evening, too, and she won’t eat any meat that has bones in it. Don’t ask, but that means buffalo wings won’t do it for her. I’ve decided to make buffalo chicken flatbreads instead and air-fryer beef satays, along with tzatziki sauce and a spinach/artichoke dip with pita. That should feel a little party-like without being tons of work.
I’m scheduling this post now which means it will come out AFTER Super Bowl, but I hope if you’re a football fan, you had a great time!
February 13, 2023
Happy Valentine’s Day
HH and I have been married for over fifty years, so romance isn’t what it used to be. Actually, it might never have been. Once you have kids, and you’re tired, or it’s been a bumpy year, it’s more about endurance and commitment than romance, but whatever makes it work is worth celebrating. So we’ve always celebrated the day by making a really special meal or going to a really special restaurant.
This year, we fiddled around too long and couldn’t get reservations at our favorite restaurants, so HH has decided to cook for me. He’s a good cook. When I taught, before kids, he’d cook the supper every Wednesday night while I went to the grocery store for the week’s order. Once I stayed home with the girls, that ended. But when he HAS to, he’s pretty handy in the kitchen.
For Valentine’s Day, he’s planning on roasting a whole duck, making a spinach salad, and baking a black walnut cake–one of my favorites. If he hits a snag (which I’m pretty sure he will), we’ll cook together, but it’s going to be fun.
Hope you have a nice Valentine’s Day, too, no matter who you’re with, even if you’re alone. My sister celebrates being single every year. Enjoy yourself!
February 11, 2023
Shame on Me
I had an entire day free, and I meant to write. Honestly, I did. But then yesterday, a friend told me about clips he’d watched and enjoyed on YouTube. I don’t watch that much TV and hadn’t really paid much attention to that channel. But HH loves Linda Ronstadt songs, and Les told me that there was a video of all of the places where Ronstadt had lived in California, and I knew HH would enjoy that, so when he got up this morning and was drinking his coffee, I played it for him. And he DID love it. A lot. So he asked if I could find a few more singers he liked, and after that, we ended up watching Derek Hough’s top 20 dances on Dancing with the Stars, because HH and I both love dancing. We used to travel to any place close by to watch live performances of Bob Fosse’s productions. And before we knew it, the morning was shot. No work done. No work at all.
Am I sorry? Not one little bit. Sometimes, change of pace is exactly what I need. Yesterday, I attended writers’ club. This morning, I watched YouTube. My brain had been getting tired and a little sick of me pushing it for hours a day. Today, the little grey cells feel perkier, happier. I must have needed a break.
Now, I’m sitting at my keyboard again. And I’m in the mood to spew out some words.
Hope you’ve had a good week, too!
February 8, 2023
Magpie Murders
HH and I found Magpie Murders on TV to watch. We REALLY have to concentrate, but we LOVE this series! It’s an interesting premise.
A famous, best-selling author has finished a book that will immediately sell tons of copies. He’s looking over the manuscript before he sends it to his editor and a narrator reads the words on a few of the pages. They’re brilliant. I can see why he’s a best-seller.
In the book, the author’s famous detective finds out that he has cancer and doesn’t have much longer to live. When the editor reads this, she can’t believe it. The author’s killing off his famous detective. But before she can confront him about it, she learns that the author is dead. He’s fallen off the high tower in his expensive home. Or was he pushed? Or was it suicide?
And this is where everything gets especially interesting. She finds out that the author just learned that HE had cancer. And the more she digs, the more she discovers that the author based his characters on real people in his life. And then, the characters in his books walk on stage, looking like people the author knew.
If HH and I don’t concentrate, we’re not sure if we’re listening to characters in the author’s books discuss his death, or if we’re listening to real people in his life–because the same actors play both parts. For instance, the author based his famous detective’s young sidekick on the young man he’s having an affair with. So when that actor walks on stage, who is he? The fictional character or the real-life lover? There are clues, but it took HH a minute to recognize them.
And then there’s the subplot of the editor and her significant other. Something mysterious is going on there.
This is no frivolous hour of entertainment. If I don’t pay attention, I have to rewind and watch a scene again. I love it! A series that’s clever and challenging. And unique. I’m going to watch another episode tonight!
February 4, 2023
February
I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t like my mirror in February. The furnace air has made my skin look parched, and the many, many gray days has my coloring look like paste no matter how much crap I’ve smeared on my face. I love the MIdwest. I really do. But in February, sun and heat grow really appealing.
Our #2 daughter lives in Florida near St. Pete’s. We love her husband. She loves to send pictures of a beautiful beach with a message, “We have a guest room here.” Sometimes, it’s too much. We fly down to see them. But they’re busy. We’re busy. We usually only stay a long weekend or a week. And I’ll be honest. It’s more wonderful seeing the kids than the sun and beach. But this year, we’ve been hit with more expenses than usual–our furnace died, the roof on the dormer bedroom leaked, a chipmunk made a nest in our dishwasher and ate through the wires, our oven fizzled, and our car needed repairs. We’re being a little more careful with our money right now. So, we’ll probably stay home and dream of sun and water.
We have friends who ditch Indiana every year to go to Florida or Arizona for a few months to miss winter. I’m not ready for that. I’d miss our house, our friends…. Grandson #2 just moved back to Indiana, and I hope to see more of him. I’m more of a homebody than HH. He could gladly travel more than stay home. I like roots. Family. Friends. My office. My computer. Routine.
Yes, routine. It grounds me. A two-week vacation makes me restless. Too much fun gets on my nerves. But a week? I can handle that; I even enjoy it. But not this February.
