Kate Collins's Blog, page 318

'TEEN MOM' Reality Show – Really?

By Kate Collins

'Teen Mom,' on MTV, has become a major hit, drawing 5.5 million viewers for last season's finale. The show is supposed to portray the hardships of life as a teen mom and, as I understand it, should discourage teens from wanting to endure similar circumstances. But does it really?

Here are a few facts I learned by searching on line:

Paparazzi follow the teen moms everywhere, turning them into minor celebrities.
Teen magazines put their photos on the cover and write about them in their gossip columns, further creating the "celebrity" image.
Amber Portwood, one of the show's four "star moms," made $280,000 for being on the show and now wants to be a model.
Amber has been arrested for the domestic abuse of her baby's father, spent time in jail, then later partied with her cellmate and paparazzi until she was drunk, all of which were covered in detail by most Internet news we bsites. I could go on, but you get the picture.

Seriously, is that supposed to discourage teens?

What this show, and other reality shows of the same genre, seem to do is to portray dysfunction in a way that makes it seem glamorous. But it's still dysfunction, and it's sending out the wrong message. That's my opinion anyway.

What message do you think teenagers are getting from this show? Do you know teens who watch it? Are you a reality show junkie? (I'm not judging. My kids are, too.)

Insomniacs Unite-and Help Me!

by Leann

As I write this, I could fall asleep. Problem is, the time is six-thirty PM. If I close my eyes now, I am guaranteed another night of waking up at one AM, two AM, three AM, or maybe even all of those AMs. So, I will take my chances, stay up as late as I can and hope I fall into a dreamless slumber that lasts for --gosh, I'd take 6 hours in a row. Even 5.

Last night it was the dog. First the neighbor's dog, left outside to bark his head off. Cute dog, not so cute noise. My dog sleeps in the utility room and she heard that dog barking and joined in. I turned up the volume on the book I was listening to and that helped for about an hour. I did fall asleep. But then I had to go to the bathroom. And what happens? I open the bathroom door off my bedroom--no, I didn't smack myself in the face with the door, not this time anyway--and was jumped by my own happy, rambunctious ADHD labradoodle. She got a get-out-of-jail-free card and she was thrilled. And she nearly knocked me on my butt.

Why was she in the bathroom? Oh. My husband couldn't stand her barking at the outside barker and decided to put her farther from the noise. In the bathroom. Sheesh. So I round up the dog and bring her water and her pillow back to the bathroom (husband neglected to do that) because outside barker was still going incessantly strong. Couldn't those people HEAR THEIR FRIGGIN' DOG????????????? Sorry. Apparently not.

Now, I have to add that Rosie the labradoodle loves, loves, loves my husband. And since she was now close to us, every time my husband sighed, snored or even turned over, she woke up and started whining and scratching at the door. Unlike my human children, who at this point would have been swept up and tucked between my husband and me so we could all get some sleep, the ADHD labradoodle thinks any time with us is playtime, chew time, eat time, any time but sleep time.

Besides a hefty dose of Benadryl (for the dog, maybe BOTH dogs, even for me) got any suggestions on how I might get a decent night's sleep? I suppose I should offer up all the things I have tried: drugs (prescription and non-prescription, including hormone replacement, valerian, melatonin, chamomile, antihistamines--if it says anything on the bottle about sleep, I've tried it.) I've given up coffee. I've done deep breathing. Played relaxation music. Used masks that block out every sliver of light. I wear a night guard. I have a regular bedtime. I've even had a sleep study and guess what they found? I DON'T SLEEP. Duh. Knew that. But the CPAP mask woke me up twice as much as whatever is making me wake up anyway. And the plastic seal gave me a rash all over my face.

I can fall asleep, for the most part, especially if I listen to a book being read by someone with a British monotone. But how do I STAY asleep? Or am I asking too much of the universe?

Dru's Cozy Report: January Reading List

Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report. I will be sharing, on a monthly basis, my views on current cozy mysteries. The first entry is a debut series featuring a home contractor with a ghostly encounter; the next four entries are about apple orchards, home renovation, preparing meals for the first family and a radio talk show host, all in an on-going series.

[image error]If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell is the first book in the new "Haunted Home Renovation" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2010

Since she took over her father's construction business, Melanie Turner has made quite a name for herself remodeling historic houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. But now her reputation may be on the line. At her newest renovation project, a run-down Pacific Heights mansion, Mel is visited by the ghost of a colleague who recently met a bad end with power tools. Mel hopes that by tracking down the killer, she can rid herself of the ghostly presence of the murdered man. Mel's only clue is an odd box she discovers inside a wall at the job site. If she can make sense of its mysterious contents, she might be able to nail a killer—before she herself becomes the next construction casualty.

What a great new series. The ghostly presence of a recently deceased colleague and vandalism to her workplace and home spurs Mel into action. When she looks into the murder and the history of the home she is renovating, she wonders if the two are connected. The surprising revelation that she discovers not only enhances the mystery, but sparked my interest more as I quickly turn the pages. This well-written mystery with likable characters, fascinating insight into home renovations and great conversation is a very entertaining read.

Visit Juliet Blackwell's website at http://www.julietblackwell.net/

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.

[image error]A Killer Crop by Sheila Connolly is the fourth book in the "Orchard" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, December 2010

When Meg Corey's mother arrives unannounced in Granford, Massachusetts, Meg's sure it's not just to pay a surprise visit to the apple of her eye. The timing is terrible—it's harvest season and Meg is understaffed in the orchard. Plus Elizabeth Corey is clearly hiding the real purpose of her trip from her daughter. After an English professor from Amherst—who is an old friend of her mother—is found dead on the floor of a cider home, Elizabeth is interrogated by the police, and then grilled by her daughter. She is indeed keeping a secret—but could Meg's own mother really have committed murder? One thing is clear; someone decided to teach the professor a lesson. And the key to unlocking the mystery may lie with a poet who could not stop for death.

I adore this book. When Meg's mother is questioned by the police for an old friend's death, Meg fears her mother is the only suspect and both Meg and her mother set out to clear her mother. Between harvesting the apples, entertaining her mother, and her relationship with Seth, Meg has a lot on her hands. The current storyline held my interest as history was intertwined with the present as Meg and her mother picked through the clues. The characters were more defined and I enjoyed the interaction between Meg and her mother. The dialogue between the main characters was very comfortable, and I felt I was a part of the conversation. I don't know much about Emily Dickinson, but this story increased my interest in learning more about her life. This is, by far, the best book in this likable series.

Visit Sheila Connolly's website at http://www.sheilaconnolly.com/

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.

[image error]Mortar and Murder by Jennie Bentley is the fourth book in the "Do-It-Yourself" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, January 2011

Avery and her boyfriend, Derek are renovating a magnificent 225-year-old Colonial on Rowanberry Island, just off the coast of Maine. The DIY is going great even if the neighbor, a reclusive thriller writer, seems as strange and mysterious as his fiction. But his reputation seems in perfect keeping with what Derek and Avery discover next. The body of an unidentified woman with a piece of paper in her pocket bearing the address of Derek and Avery's Realtor is found floating in the sea near the island. Then a second woman is retrieved like jetsam from the harbor. But it's not until Avery discovers a secret room in the house and learns about Rowanberry Island's long tradition of smuggling, that a bizarre link is made between the dead women—and if it foretells anything, it's that things on the island are only going to get deadlier.

What a great story. When bodies turn up dead in the water, Avery can't just leave it to the police. The inquisitive nature of Avery has her searching for reasons as to why. When a secret is discovered, Avery nudges her way into the investigation, but she better hurry because secrets exposed can be dangerous. I found myself devouring this book as I wanted to see what happens next. A brilliant plot, amusing dialogue and an island locale creates an intriguing mystery where fixing up can be risky business.

Visit Jennie Bentley's website at http://www.jenniebentley.com/

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.

[image error]Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy is the fourth book in the "White House Chef" cozy mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, January 2010

With a new First Family moving into the White House, executive chef Olivia Paras can't afford to make any mistakes. But when a mysterious box of take-out chicken shows up for the First Kids, she soon finds herself in a no-wing situation. No way is Ollie handing over a suspicious box of barbecue chicken wings to Abigail and Josh Hyden, children of the country's new commander in chief and her new boss. With no clue who provided the culinary gift for the kids, Ollie's not about to put them at risk. With the First Lady giving her the cold shoulder for her decision, and the family's personal chef being brought in, Ollie starts to fear she may be plucked from the White House staff. When it turns out the chicken was poisoned, Ollie realizes the First Kids are targets—and she'll need more than a wing and a prayer to keep them out of harm's way.

Ollie just can't help herself and ruffles some feathers when she refused to serve undocumented chicken wings to the First Kids, which later is proven to be tainted. Ollie's primary concern is the safety of her kitchen and the food she prepares and when that is threatened, Ollie wants answers and in this caper, it's Ollie's heroic measure that kept the pot from boiling over. What a tailspin of emotions contained within the walls of this book. I was rooting for Ollie as she adjusted to the demands of the new inhabitants of the White House, the uncertainty of her job and the promise of new beginnings. The writing was superb as was the mystery which kept me turning the pages. The character's relationships were more defined and explored. I enjoyed how easy the conversation was between all the characters with a bit of humor to whet your appetite. But mostly I love the White House and D.C. setting which made me wish that I was there with Ollie. This fabulous read will leave your hunger delectably satisfied.

Visit Julie Hyzy's website at http://www.juliehyzy.com/

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.

[image error]Stay Tuned For Murder by Mary Kennedy is the third book in the "Talk Radio" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, January 2011

Maggie Walsh is a natural on the radio, but she's still learning how to play the ratings game. Her big guest star is self-proclaimed oracle Madame Chantel, whose on-air "chats" with the dead are the talk of Cypress Grove—until Chantel makes some grim predictions at a seance and one of the town's most beloved citizens is found murdered. Meanwhile, WYME is busy promoting the opening of a fifty-year-old time capsule. But the more Maggie learns about what might be unearthed, the more she suspects that the timing of the murder was no coincidence. The appearance of another body has Maggie rushing to find the killer—and wondering if there might be something to Chantel's ghost stories.

When Maggie's talk show guest, psychic Chantel, invites her to a séance and makes a dire prediction, Maggie is stunned when a friend is found murdered. When another person dies, Maggie questions if their deaths are connected either to the opening of the time-capsule and the secrets that may be contained within or something more troubling. The plot and tone of this book kept me glued to the pages as I tried to fit the pieces to the mysterious puzzles in Cypress Grove. I loved the interaction among this great cast of characters and I especially like when Maggie stepped out of character and talk to the reader, being both humorous and quirky. The insights on the art of deception also enhanced my reading pleasure. I look forward to reading the next book in this fun and entertaining series.

Visit Mary Kennedy's website at http://www.marykennedy.net/

FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it.


For more of my book musings, visit my website here.

Ring, Ring

By Heather

Lately I've noticed that I have a common theme in most of my books--my characters usually have funny or meaningful ringtones. Nina Quinn, my first mystery protagonist, started the trend. She has all kinds of interesting ringtones, usually set by her stepson or her cousin Ana. "Like a Virgin," for instance. Ana set that one for Nina after Nina swore off men (very appropriate!).

Lucy Valentine also uses funky ringtones. Mostly Christmas music, since she's a sucker for Christmas.

I started wondering why I use this particular theme, and I finally realized that it not only can be used for humor, but it also usually reveals a layer of the character. And I'm all about layered characters.

Personally, I've had the same cell phone ringtone for years now (the same phone, too). It's the first few strains of  "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder. I love it, but as I listened to the Grease soundtrack today, I started thinking the first strains of "Grease" might be in my cell phone's future.

I'm sure I'll continue using unusual  ringtones in my books, but for now I want to know what ringtone you use. Is it a song? Or a traditional ring?

Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest!

It's that time of the month again - your chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Mystery Lovers Bookshop.
I'll give you one line from a contemporary cozy and you have six days to email me the title and author at elleryadams@comcast.net
Please DO NOT POST the answer. You can certainly post a comment, but no title or author name in the comments, okay?
Here's the line:"Yes, that's right," Lola replied, returning to Planet Earth.
"I'm going to have to wiggle into my Spanx if I want to squeeze into my outfit. I told the wardrobe mistress I was a size four, what was I thinking?"
Ellery's hint: The heroine's profession involves mass communication. :)

Helicopter Authors

I work for Berkley Prime Crime. That means every nine months I have a new baby. September, May, February...So far I've had eight little darlings, with another one on the way. Mind Your Own Beeswax 's due date is May 3rd. I can't wait! And like every new parent, I want my baby to succeed.

The difference between human babies and these new additions, though, is that they arrive already grown up, with all their beauty fully realized. Right along with all their flaws. No time left to mold and shape. That parts done. So we launch our newest into the world.

We authors want them to succeed. Really, really bad we want that. So we become helicopter authors, hovering, ready and willing to sweep away every obstacle that gets in the way. Helicopter parents use cell phones to accomplish their missions. Helicopter authors use the internet. It's our umbilical cord.

And we work hard. Surf for reviews. Attempt to head off the bad ones. Sing our newborns praise on every social network, every forum, every blog we visit. Every single second that we aren't creating our next baby, we're protecting this baby in every way we can. We watch sales numbers at book sites all day, every day. And we keep track of our peers' sales, too, because we want our offspring to be better, do better.

The thing we miss is that, at this point, our baby's future is really out of our hands. We've raised them the best we could. We infused them with all we had. Gave it our best shot.

Now it's up to them.

We have to learn to let go. To realize that some of them will meet our expectations (and more). And some of them will disappoint us. But no matter how they turn out, they will always be our babies and we'll always love them.

So tell me, are you a helicopter (fill in the blank)?

Colonial Retreat

Many of you expressed interest a few weeks ago when I posted that my daughter Maria and I planned to visit Colonial Williamsburg for a few days after the Christmas holiday. So, I thought I'd describe a few of the highlights of the visit while the memories are still fresh.


The snowstorm that dropped over a foot of snow along the Northeastern seaboard areas also deposited about 8 inches of snow in Williamsburg. Both Colonial Jamestown and nearby Williamsburg are located near the James River which runs directly to the Atlantic Ocean by way of Norfolk/Virginia Beach at the mouth. So, the seacoast is not far away---hence the 8 inches of snow. Now, that area is not used to snow, so the grounds people were busily at work getting it moved away. Maria and I, however, are Colorado-hardy and know how to dress for cold weather & snow---snow boots & layers to keep warm. Consequently, the first day we arrived (right after the storm stopped), we were warm & dry and tromped all over in the sunny weather. And we certainly weren't alone. There were many, many visitors already. Some folks spend their Christmas holidays at the Colonial area. Temps quickly rose to the mild upper 40's by the next day & the sun kept shining, so the crowds grew as Maria and I traipsed all over the historic areas, visiting shops and museums and listening to the historical re-enactors detail life in the Colonial era of late 1600's through the late 1700's.

As a love r of history and someone who spent over a decade writing historical novels before I wrote mysteries, I loved every minute of visiting with the costumed re-enactors and walking the picturesque streets and poking into shops. There were so many events scheduled for each day, it is impossible to see or hear everything that's going on: concerts, presentations, theatrical events, family participatory events. Truly, something for everyone. Two of my favorite events were the "Conversations" with some of our famous Americans from that period---one with George Washington and another with Patrick Henry.

Washington's event is held every week, even so, Maria and I had to sign up in our hotel and get tickets the day before. And believe me, the theatre was packed. Firebrand Patrick Henry's gathering was more casual since it was in the Palace West Garden, but it too was crowded. Since I'd missed Thomas Jefferson's conversation the day before when the garden filled up, I made it a point to get to Patrick Henry's nearly an hour early. Both re-enactors that portrayed Washington and Henry were fantastic. Clearly, these men have had to study for ages to be able to portray these men so authentically. Plus, they have learned their speeches and absorbed their philosophies so well that after speaking for nearly 30 minutes, they then take questions on any question the audience asks. Fascinating. In costume, of course, their mannerisms and demeanor are completely authentic as well. I was entranced, of course, and stayed after to listen to Washington's questions. Patrick Henry, known for his talkative nature & passionate political discourse, talked for over an hour and 40 minutes of which half was spent answering questions in that sunny courtyard. All of the visitors and children were spread around, standing, sitting on benches or the ground, mesmerized.
And of course, let's not forget the wonderful assortment of cafes and restaurants. Maria and I had fun meals in each tavern because the policy is open seating, so if you're a party of two at a table, then two more diners will be placed with you. We enjoyed it immensely, because we met some great people that way. And for those of you who might be tempted to visit but are not real history buffs, take heart. There's a beautiful golf course down the road and a luxurious spa right between two of the lovely hotels: Williamsburg Lodge and the Williamsburg Inn. So, the history fans can traipse through the historic areas to their heart's content and the other family members can relax other ways.
Have any of you visited historic areas with historical re-enactors? Who were the characters portrayed?

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF . . ?

by Kate Collins

Have you seen the TV show entitled, "What Would You Do?" It's a fascinating psychological study that is at times uplifting and at other times frightening. For instance, a young woman collapses on a sidewalk near where paramedics are taking their break. They're all actors, of course. But to people passing by, it looks like they won't help her. Sadly, many people mere walked around her while others stepped forward to help. In some cases, they chewed out the paramedics. The scenario was based on an actual event where the person actually died because she didn't get help in time.

My son recently witnessed a real life incident where a woman in her mid-to-late thirties, obviously drunk, fell down five cement steps onto the sidewalk below. Her companions were too drunk to be of much assistance, and my son reported that most people stepped around her with looks of disgust. Only one bystander stopped to ask if she was all right or needed assistance.

I've always been the kind to rush in (where angels fear to tread?) It might be the Irish in me, but I'm not shy about speaking up. I can't stand to see unjust behavior. That's why I created a main character in my books who fights injustice. Abby Knight goes boldly where I'm not always able to tread. I'm hoping this TV show encourages people to step forward. It is often said that good karma comes back to the person tenfold. I'll go for that!

What type of person are you? Would you stop to help a drunk woman? Would you stop to help an old man who was being harassed by teen bullies? Have you ever witnessed an event where people refused to get involved?

A Sad Day

by Leann

I didn't plan on writing a serious post for today, but my heart is heavy after the tragic shooting on Saturday. Nothing light or funny seems appropriate. I'm all for crime fiction, but the non-fiction variety makes me sick to my stomach. Fake guns make for a good story. Real guns make for sad endings.

We will learn much about a misguided and no doubt troubled young man in the coming week. His almost incomprehensible youtube "manifesto" was still on the internet hours after the shooting. It will be gone, probably by the time you read this. I read it, or tried to, and I can say he speaks of terrorism and that politics played a part in his senseless attack on innocent people, one of whom was a nine-year-old child.

I won't be spouting my own politics here. This is not the forum. I am only left with questions. Will we be as outraged about this as we are about airport scans? Will we examine this tragedy with a commitment to find solutions? Will our politicians quit worrying about getting re-elected long enough for this wake-up call to sink in? Or will we be quick to dismiss this incident as just another nutcase who turned violent--something that happens all the time. My thought? The fact that it "happens all the time" is pretty darn scary.

Right now, a lot of families are mourning, worrying and asking questions themselves, the biggest one being "Why?" My thoughts are with them. One thing remains without a doubt. This man who had issues with his government will not hesitate to use all its benefits for his own protection.

I Love Trains

By Lorna/Lorraine
My love of trains began  when I was six years old.  That was when we got up in the middle of the night to catch a train to New York City where we boarded the Queen Mary for a sea voyage to England.  It was not a pleasant trip in march on the North Atlantic.  I was seasick for days, longing once again for that long train trip through the dark night.  Because of strong winds, we arrived a day early and missed the tide so we docked in Cherbourg, France.  We had four hours off the boat and what do I remember?  A small black train with a steam engine, engulfing everything in puffy clouds.

While in England, we road a miniature train.  I seem to remember it was painted green and it, too, had a steam engine.  What a great day that was.  I remember my Grandad rode with us on that mini-scale train, and he smiled and laughed a lot.

When I was 11, we returned to England. This time we were to go from Rochester to New York by plane.  We'd land at one airport and take a helicopter to JFK.  Just one problem.  A blizzard.  Our flight to NY was canceled and we again hopped a train.  A very crowded train.

I loved it.  Our family of five staked out 2 seats facing one another, ate sandwiches that came encased in plastic, and endured nasty looks from students returned from Syracuse to NYC who ended up standing or sitting on their luggage for most of the journey on that overbooked, overcrowded train.  When we got to Grand Centrals station, it was dark.  The taxi to JFK cost a whopping $40 (a fortune to me) and as we'd missed our flight, got rebooked on a red eye to London.  Ugh.  My first experience with jet lag. I felt dizzy and weird for days, like I was floating.  (I've never enjoyed flying since--and, these days, won't fly at all.)

While in England, we took a trip to Scotland to visit relatives and we went by train.  We left at night and my younger brother nestled comfortably in a luggage net over the seats.  The clickity-clack of the rails lulled us to sleep.  (We would go to the bathroom and flush the toilets over and over again because when you did, they emptied right on the tracks and you could see the ground whoosh past.  Bet that doesn't happen any more!)

Days later, we headed south again on the train.  It was a sad trip.  It was the first time I ever saw my father cry.  He was leaving behind a much-loved, elderly uncle who he knew he would never see again.  (It broke my heart.  Remembering that day still can bring me to tears.)  We also passed a ship yard as saw the hulk of a ship that was being dismantled.  It was the ship that had brought my parents to the US some twelve years before.  It made them both sad to see it.

Somewhere along the line, I made a trip from Rochester to Syracuse with my local Girl Scout trip.  (Honest, I don't remember how hold I was or when it occurred . . . except it was springtime when I was in elementary school.

We arrived at the train station a some ungodly hour (like 5 or 6 a.m.) and made the hour or so trip via train.  Once there, we were met by a bus.  The driver was an older man, and quite a character, who told wonderful stories to a bus full of giggly girls. He drove us all over the Syracuse area, but I haven't the faintest idea where we went.  I sat on the seat directly behind him, and he paid special attention to me and my seatmate (don't remember who that was, either) and kept us entertained the entire say.

We had supper at some not-very-interesting place (a church basement perhaps?) and my Girl Scout leader choose me to invite the bus driver to eat with us.  I was very nervous, but swallowed down my fear and asked and his eyes lit up and he said he would love to join us.  In fact, he opened the cargo area in the bowels of the charter bus and hauled out an accordion case.  Before and after supper, he entertained us all with songs everybody knew and fast ones, bouncy ones (Irish perhaps?) everyone could laugh and dance to.

I seem to remember I cried when our bus pulled back up to the train station and the bus driver gave me and my seatmate a huge.  It was dark when we boarded the train, which had sleeping compartments all made up.  Of course, we didn't need them, for we would be back in Rochester in just over an hour.

Since then, my train rides have been short hops--not grand adventures.  But I still have this not-so-secret desire to travel across the country by train.

During December I watched White Christmas, which is one of my favorite holiday movies.  I admit it, I watched the train sequence a couple of extra times because it's my favorite part of the movie.

I love trains and I think I always will.

Do you have any train stories to share?