Arlene Kay's Blog, page 6
February 28, 2013
“Empty-Nest Nuttiness”
I try not to overreact. Truly, I do. But when I see yet another publication lament about “bereft empty-nesters” (always women, may I add), I go CRAZY! Today’s Boston GLobe waxes on about women, “even those who worked full-time” who feel desolate when in the natural course of events, their children strike out on their own. It implies–hell, it outright states–that these unfortunate females have no more purpose in life now that their maternal duties have waned. I recognize that PARENTS may indeed long for and miss having their children close at hand.That’s a good thing, and not exclusively the domain of a female. But stable families forge bonds between parent and child that will never be eroded. I’ve heard far more grumbling about the “boom-erang” generation that returns to the nest.
Face facts: life has stages. That means change, growth and evolution. Don’t fight it–embrace it. And don’t consign all mothers to the group of aimless souls who bemoan the “Empty nest”. While you’re at it, please pledge never to use that absurd, essentially sexist phrase ever again.
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February 21, 2013
Middle-Age Crazy
What makes men of a certain age lose control of their senses and behave like callow youths? Since 60 is the new 40, I’m covering a lot of territory here. At the risk of sounding sexist, I contend that women are far too sensible to engage in pathetic, mirth-inducing attempts to recapture their youthwith a far younger partner. Leering, flirting and fantasizing may be fine in fiction or in private, but when exposed to the merciless light of day it is sad and potentially dangerous. Some not so innocent young women, from the Zumba instructor to the liquor clerk, draw a bead on vulnerable men with everything to lose.What follows may lead to humiliation, ruination, & occasionally, tragedy. Here’s my advice for guys seeking to recapture their lost youth. FORGET IT!
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February 15, 2013
Tedium and Triumph-A Mixed Bag
, February 15, 2013ByArlene Kay (Cape Cod Massachusetts)
This review is from: Gone Girl: A Novel (Hardcover)
I was eager to read GONE GIRL, the fabulously successful novel by Gillian FLynn. Frankly, as a writer myself, I find there is much to learn from most best sellers, even ones outside my own genre. The verdict on GONE GIRL is decidedly mixed. Flynn’s descriptive powers and character building are excellent as is her dialogue. She infused both Nick and Amy (the POV stars) with strong voices and provides enough details about their proclivities and flaws to hook the reader. Initially. Midway through this novel (not really a mystery, folks), I felt restless and wanted it to end already. GONE GIRL is at best a psychological study, an intense and overlong look at the implosion of a marriage.
Although neither character was perfect (who is?), my sympathies resided with Amy. Nick is the type of smug bounder who populates both fiction and true crime accounts. There’s a very Scott Peterson-ish tinge to this superficial, essential stupid fellow who has been indulged by women all his life. I also found Amy’s passivity unconvincing in a woman who spent her life on the upper fringes of Manhattan society. Move to MISSOURI? Come on, no man is worth that. Better to do hard time in an east coast prison.
For the reader who enjoys wallowing in the mind of a protagonist, GONE GIRL should be a satisfying read. I fail to see how any mystery reader could be satisfied with a plot that is so trite you can see it coming early on in the book.
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February 14, 2013
Social Media
Is using Social Media optional or obligatory for authors? Check out the NYTimes article 2/13/12 for some sobering facts. Like it or not, Twitter, FB, Goodreads, Amazon, etc. are permanent guests for anyone trying to market books. Naturally, a website and blog are also de rigour. I liken it to granite countertops–once only seen in high-end properties, now an expectation even in the most humble homes. Most publishers now demand that you have and ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE in social media.They are considered to be sales vehicles even though the metrics lag far behind. I say get with the program. If the Renaissance greats had access to our communication devices, just consider what Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Machiavelli and their peers would have produced!
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January 27, 2013
Pride And Prejudice
Today marks 200 years since one of the truly great literary romances was published. I re-read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE every year, just to remind myself what inspired writing sounds like. N.B.–All your frustrated novelists–several publishers turned Jane Austen down when she submitted this masterpiece. There’s hope for us all!
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January 20, 2013
Die Laughing – Guest Post For Laurence O’Brien – Crime and Mystery Writer
This is all about, DIE LAUGHING, a cape cod mystery.
I’ve been a mystery buff since birth. I cut my teeth on Christie, sashayed through Sayres and worshipped at the well-shod boots of The Great Detective.
Small wonder that I’m a mystery writer! My first published novel (INTRUSION) combined romantic suspense with a medical mystery.
I switched to a third person cozy for my latest, DIE LAUGHING, and back again to first person for my next two. Odd as it may seem, my characters dictate which point of view best fits them.
As a reader, I adore unearthing clues, evaluating motives and finding the murderer. Any author who deprives me of that pleasure is guilty of foul play! Each of my novels allows astute readers to unmask the culprit. In the process, I want them to enjoy the ride while keeping their tongues firmly in cheek. Droll observations and wry humor are my weaknesses and strength.
In the Christie tradition, I set DIE LAUGHING in a small Cape Cod town. It’s not St. Mary Mead but passion, greed and jealousy still abound. Now picture this:
A Cape Cod village, a grisly murder, and a priceless comic book collection. Mix these ingredients, stir in a side of romance, and serve a cozy mystery that thriller author C.E. Lawrence calls, “a rollicking good story.”
Die Laughing presents a cast of intriguing characters with secrets to hide and motives for murder.
Author Kevin Symmons had this to say about Die Laughing, “Agatha Christie meets Susan Isaacs … on steroids!”
I hope you enjoy it. A visit to Cape Cod is always interesting.
Author web site & blog: http://arlenekay.com
Author blog site: http://www.mysteryminx.com
Author twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AKMysteries
View video Die Laughing – YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh-YgdzxBW0
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Thanks Arlene for being our second guest post writer. Your story is very interesting. I want to visit Cape Cod, but they only way that will happen in the near future will be by reading one of your books!
This guest post is the second in a regular series in 2013 where I will be showcasing emerging writers on this blog.
You can help by clicking through to their sites, buying their books, sharing this site on Twitter or Facebook and coming back, or by Following this site (click the button above right), to see who is next in a few days.
And if you are a writer and want to be featured send me an email lob@yourasms.com and I will send you the submission guidelines.
The post Die Laughing – Guest Post For Laurence O’Brien – Crime and Mystery Writer appeared first on www.arlenekay.com - Write and Wrong.
January 11, 2013
Discretion Before Profit
I’m not a complainer–not really. But MUST advertisers fill the airways with pitches for erectile dysfunction (trendily repackaged as ED), female sanitary products, catheters, canes and the like? And must these canny purveyors of merchandise always do so at DINNER time? I’ve learned to accept ads for funerals (final expenses, if you please), even though they typically suggest that the inconsiderate sod (usually a husband) saddled his poor family with disposing of him when the GOVERNMENT should pay. I mourn the demise of propriety and mystique–too much candor may be damaging to my health.
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January 9, 2013
Everything’s Material
Did you ever meet someone and wonder if he/she was a potential killer? This morning found me in a Salon, minding my own business, trying to improve myself, and contemplating the homicidal impulses of another patron. She was a mystery fan, this odd stranger, so naturally I flogged my novels to her, despite the fact that the state of her hair (& her conversation) seemed a bit off. The clues added up the more we spoke: no car, no job, compulsive smoker.When she described a bad hair day at a Newbury St. Salon, and said she wanted to attack the stylist & kill her, I glanced at her oversize purse with some alarm. Most of us have experienced an occasional blip in the path to beauty, but homicidal thoughts do seem like an over-reaction. When she finally left, everyone in the place sighed and rolled their eyes. Probably not dangerous but certainly medicated or should be. Not to worry. For a writer EVERYTHING is material. This person’s aberrant behavior will show up in my next novel.
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January 7, 2013
‘Silent Girl’ Book Review
Fans of the execrable “Rizzoli & Isles” television show go no farther. Tess Gerritsen’s deftly crafted plots and characters bear no resemblance to the cartoonish portrayals and cringe-worthy dialogue on the small screen. She masters the intelligent police procedural and keeps readers turning every page with her. Gerritsen masters the big 3 of mysteries: engaging characters, lively pace and a cracking plot that only the most astute crime buff will solve. (I did).
SILENT GIRL seamlessly blends the raucous streets of Boston with the often unknowable mystique of China town. Maura Isles is a secondary character here, yielding center stage to a resurgent Jane Rizzoli and an intriguing protagonist and Sifu named Iris Fang. In tackling the coldest of cases, Jane probes a heinous mass murder that may be related to the disappearance of young girls. The author does a fine job with strong, flawed female leads whose qualities mesmerize us. The males in the mix are also captivating including her loyal partner Frost, the amorous Korshak, and an intriguing new detective named Johnny Tam.
I enjoyed this novel and recommend it to anyone (regardless of genre preference) who values a quality read.
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January 5, 2013
On AGE
Imagine my surprise when she told me she was ninety years old, and not as sharp as she used to be!
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