Kate Collins's Blog, page 7
May 24, 2020
THE SUMMER I ADOPTED A GARRISON IN IRAQ
By Mary Kennedy
A few summers ago, I adopted the "389th Renegades," an amazing division in Iraq. I like to post my article from Publisher's Weekly every Memorial Day to celebrate these amazing soldiers and their sacrifice. Pictured is Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein and Corporal Eric Cooke vising an Iraqi school, bringing books and toys.
I'd never met Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein, yet I was intrigued by her story.I knew Lisa was half a world away, doing a tough job in a gritty, remote location. As the garrison commander of the 389th "Renegades" division in Iraq, she was stationed at a desert outpost, with 90 soldiers under her command. The heat was appalling, the conditions were rugged, and danger was ever present.
RELATED STORIES:PW issue ContentsMore in Opinion -> Soapbox[image error]Want to reprint? Get permissions.FREE E-NEWSLETTERS PW Daily Tip Sheet
More NewslettersEven though my life is incredibly cushy by comparison (a nice psychology practice in Delaware, a second career as a mystery novelist), when I saw a photo of Lisa—in full body armor—visiting a one-room Iraqi schoolhouse to bring books to the children, I knew right away we had something in common: a love of books.We began to e-mail each other, and I got a glimpse of her day-to-day life. When I learned that the 389th was a sustainment division, offering food and snacks to American convoys passing through, I decided to send boxes of books and homemade goodies every two weeks.Then Carolyn Hart, author of 44 mysteries, heard about the project and made an interesting offer: "Let me send 20 pounds of coffee, snacks, and books to celebrate the publication of Laughed 'Til He Died. It's the 20th release in my Death on Demand series, and this would be a nice way to commemorate the event."Nice? It was fabulous! Carolyn was as good as her word, immediately sending more than 20 pounds of treats and books to the troops.
But it didn't stop there. We received such a positive response from the Renegades that we kept going. We had to—the soldiers said they loved these boxes from home.Carolyn told me that when she packed up the boxes for the soldiers, she "pictured young Americans—and some not so young—far from home, beset by horrendous heat and dirt, lonely, tired, and always in danger. The boxes held so little, but they were sent with love to say, ‘Thank you for all that you are and for all that you do. God Bless.' I sent candy, tuna fish, instant coffee, and books. I wished I could send safety and peace." Bestselling author Caridad Pineiro, who writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels, said to me, "As an immigrant to this country, I value the liberties in America every day. I try to regularly help our soldiers as they protect our nation. Whether it's sending books, candy, or basic necessities, I know those small things mean the world to them."
Other writers heard about the project and joined us. Kate Collins, J.B. Stanley, Julie Hyzy, Beth Ciotta, and Robin Burcell are just a few writers who donated autographed books and food. Jill Cesa-Teneyck, Lisa's best friend, insisted on sending a dozen copies of my own mystery, Dead Air, to the Renegades.
To date, we've sent more than 200 pounds of home-baked sweets and books to Iraq.What does the military think about the project? Kim Adams, SOS Military Liaison and an Air Force spouse in Honolulu, said, "As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I know firsthand what difference mail makes to deployed personnel.... But that war was short-term, and our troops came home. Today, our military personnel are facing longer and repeated deployments. While e-mail and Skype are available, nothing can replace the warmth of a personal letter, the excitement of a care package, and the thrill of receiving books hand-selected by readers who support our deployed personnel."
I wish everyone reading this piece could adopt a soldier and send books, candy, snacks, and, sure, homemade cookies or brownies. It's easy to do and it really means the world to our brave men and women in the military forces. As Janet Evanovich told me, "If Stephanie Plum could meet the Renegades, she'd give them a high-five and say, 'Well done!' "Mary Kennedy is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries. Signet published the latest installment, Reel Murder, in June. To learn more about helping the Renegades, visit www.marykennedy.net.A version of this article appeared in the 09/27/2010 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Books and the BattlefieldALSO ON PW
A few summers ago, I adopted the "389th Renegades," an amazing division in Iraq. I like to post my article from Publisher's Weekly every Memorial Day to celebrate these amazing soldiers and their sacrifice. Pictured is Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein and Corporal Eric Cooke vising an Iraqi school, bringing books and toys.
I'd never met Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein, yet I was intrigued by her story.I knew Lisa was half a world away, doing a tough job in a gritty, remote location. As the garrison commander of the 389th "Renegades" division in Iraq, she was stationed at a desert outpost, with 90 soldiers under her command. The heat was appalling, the conditions were rugged, and danger was ever present.
RELATED STORIES:PW issue ContentsMore in Opinion -> Soapbox[image error]Want to reprint? Get permissions.FREE E-NEWSLETTERS PW Daily Tip Sheet
More NewslettersEven though my life is incredibly cushy by comparison (a nice psychology practice in Delaware, a second career as a mystery novelist), when I saw a photo of Lisa—in full body armor—visiting a one-room Iraqi schoolhouse to bring books to the children, I knew right away we had something in common: a love of books.We began to e-mail each other, and I got a glimpse of her day-to-day life. When I learned that the 389th was a sustainment division, offering food and snacks to American convoys passing through, I decided to send boxes of books and homemade goodies every two weeks.Then Carolyn Hart, author of 44 mysteries, heard about the project and made an interesting offer: "Let me send 20 pounds of coffee, snacks, and books to celebrate the publication of Laughed 'Til He Died. It's the 20th release in my Death on Demand series, and this would be a nice way to commemorate the event."Nice? It was fabulous! Carolyn was as good as her word, immediately sending more than 20 pounds of treats and books to the troops.
But it didn't stop there. We received such a positive response from the Renegades that we kept going. We had to—the soldiers said they loved these boxes from home.Carolyn told me that when she packed up the boxes for the soldiers, she "pictured young Americans—and some not so young—far from home, beset by horrendous heat and dirt, lonely, tired, and always in danger. The boxes held so little, but they were sent with love to say, ‘Thank you for all that you are and for all that you do. God Bless.' I sent candy, tuna fish, instant coffee, and books. I wished I could send safety and peace." Bestselling author Caridad Pineiro, who writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense novels, said to me, "As an immigrant to this country, I value the liberties in America every day. I try to regularly help our soldiers as they protect our nation. Whether it's sending books, candy, or basic necessities, I know those small things mean the world to them."
Other writers heard about the project and joined us. Kate Collins, J.B. Stanley, Julie Hyzy, Beth Ciotta, and Robin Burcell are just a few writers who donated autographed books and food. Jill Cesa-Teneyck, Lisa's best friend, insisted on sending a dozen copies of my own mystery, Dead Air, to the Renegades.
To date, we've sent more than 200 pounds of home-baked sweets and books to Iraq.What does the military think about the project? Kim Adams, SOS Military Liaison and an Air Force spouse in Honolulu, said, "As a veteran of the first Gulf War, I know firsthand what difference mail makes to deployed personnel.... But that war was short-term, and our troops came home. Today, our military personnel are facing longer and repeated deployments. While e-mail and Skype are available, nothing can replace the warmth of a personal letter, the excitement of a care package, and the thrill of receiving books hand-selected by readers who support our deployed personnel."
I wish everyone reading this piece could adopt a soldier and send books, candy, snacks, and, sure, homemade cookies or brownies. It's easy to do and it really means the world to our brave men and women in the military forces. As Janet Evanovich told me, "If Stephanie Plum could meet the Renegades, she'd give them a high-five and say, 'Well done!' "Mary Kennedy is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and the author of the Talk Radio Mysteries. Signet published the latest installment, Reel Murder, in June. To learn more about helping the Renegades, visit www.marykennedy.net.A version of this article appeared in the 09/27/2010 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Books and the BattlefieldALSO ON PW
MOVIE TITLES, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE TRULY AWFUL
By Mary Kennedy
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog on book titles, listing some of my own and how they came to be. If you missed that blog and would like to read it, just click here.
And now (as promised) on to movie titles. Movie titles come about the same way book titles do--the idea is to sell as much product as possible. If a title is confusing, doesn't reflect the subject matter, or is just plain boring, it has to go!
Here are a few examples. I've always been a fan of playwright David Mamet. When I heard his play Sexual Perversity in Chicago was going to be made into a movie, I was intrigued. I wondered how it would translate to the big screen. But first I was in for a surprise,. His unusual and somewhat unwieldy title was changed to About Last Night. Was the original title considered too explicit? Off putting? Who knows. The new title is racy, but subtle.
Another shocking change was the film (originally titled) Pacific Flight 121. Movie execs couldn't agree on a name. In case you haven't seen the movie, it's about a plot to kill a witness on a flight from Honolulu to LA by unleashing snakes into the cabin of the plane. After much ado, they changed the title to Snakes on a Plane. If you don't like that title, you're in good company. Samuel Jackson said, "that's the stupidest damn thing I ever heard."
If you liked the film Pretty Woman, would you have liked it as much if the title was 3000? Yes, that was the original title, reflecting the main character's nightly fee.
Another big change was the film Hitch, starring Will Smith. It was originally titled The Last First Kiss, but the powers that be decided that sounded like a rom-com and wouldn't appeal to guys.
Sometimes it's wise to leave well enough alone. Back to the Future was an enormously successful movie, with an intriguing title. But The head of Universal Pictures, Sid Sheinberg, didn't like the title and wanted it changed to Spaceman from Pluto. He sent around a memo to this effect and was mortified when everyone thought it was joke. He was too embarrassed to admit it was real, and the original title stayed. It reminds me of that quote by screenwriter William Goldman, on Hollywood. He said, "Nobody knows anything."
Occasionally a title has to be changed because a similar title is already being used. For example Goodfellas was originally titled Wiseguys. based on the Nicholas Pileggi book of the same title.( If you haven't read Wiseguys, it's terrific, by the way.)_ Then someone realized there was a TV series in the works called Wiseguys so Goodfellas was quickly substituted.
One of the most unintentionally hilarious title changes involves the hit movie Field of Dreams. The title evokes images of ghostly baseball players. You would be shocked to know that the original title (based on the book) was Shoeless Joe. Even Kevin Costner wouldn't be able to overcome that one!
Hope you enjoyed this quick look at movie titles. If you noticed the top left of this blog, the Mary Kennedy is underlined, meaning all you have to do is click on it and it will take you to my website.
My current books (about 14) are listed there, with covers, buying options and brief descriptions. If you're on social media, you can find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mary.kennedy.948
on Twitter at https://twitter.com/marykennedybook
on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/catmagnet1234
and of course here at the www.cozychicksblog.com where I blog every Monday.
You can go to my author page at Amazon, be sure to click the YELLOW rectangular button on the left to FOLLOW me. That way you'll be notified every time I have a new book out. https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Kennedy/e/B001HCS6OW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1590960648&sr=1-3
You can go to my Book Bub author page and the FOLLOW button is on the right. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-kennedy-ea0ccd32-5fa6-411e-a9b0-6a98dc93b615 If you follow me, you will be notified of new releases.
Did you know you can join Book Bub for free? Just choose a few categories you like and Book Bub will send you a small selection every day (usually 5 or 6 books) at wildly reduced prices. Some are free, some are 99 cents, $1.99 or $2.99. Authors do receive a small royalty from Book Bub so you are also helping authors.
Thanks again and stay safe, Mary Kennedy
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog on book titles, listing some of my own and how they came to be. If you missed that blog and would like to read it, just click here.
And now (as promised) on to movie titles. Movie titles come about the same way book titles do--the idea is to sell as much product as possible. If a title is confusing, doesn't reflect the subject matter, or is just plain boring, it has to go!
Here are a few examples. I've always been a fan of playwright David Mamet. When I heard his play Sexual Perversity in Chicago was going to be made into a movie, I was intrigued. I wondered how it would translate to the big screen. But first I was in for a surprise,. His unusual and somewhat unwieldy title was changed to About Last Night. Was the original title considered too explicit? Off putting? Who knows. The new title is racy, but subtle.
Another shocking change was the film (originally titled) Pacific Flight 121. Movie execs couldn't agree on a name. In case you haven't seen the movie, it's about a plot to kill a witness on a flight from Honolulu to LA by unleashing snakes into the cabin of the plane. After much ado, they changed the title to Snakes on a Plane. If you don't like that title, you're in good company. Samuel Jackson said, "that's the stupidest damn thing I ever heard."
If you liked the film Pretty Woman, would you have liked it as much if the title was 3000? Yes, that was the original title, reflecting the main character's nightly fee.
Another big change was the film Hitch, starring Will Smith. It was originally titled The Last First Kiss, but the powers that be decided that sounded like a rom-com and wouldn't appeal to guys.
Sometimes it's wise to leave well enough alone. Back to the Future was an enormously successful movie, with an intriguing title. But The head of Universal Pictures, Sid Sheinberg, didn't like the title and wanted it changed to Spaceman from Pluto. He sent around a memo to this effect and was mortified when everyone thought it was joke. He was too embarrassed to admit it was real, and the original title stayed. It reminds me of that quote by screenwriter William Goldman, on Hollywood. He said, "Nobody knows anything."
Occasionally a title has to be changed because a similar title is already being used. For example Goodfellas was originally titled Wiseguys. based on the Nicholas Pileggi book of the same title.( If you haven't read Wiseguys, it's terrific, by the way.)_ Then someone realized there was a TV series in the works called Wiseguys so Goodfellas was quickly substituted.
One of the most unintentionally hilarious title changes involves the hit movie Field of Dreams. The title evokes images of ghostly baseball players. You would be shocked to know that the original title (based on the book) was Shoeless Joe. Even Kevin Costner wouldn't be able to overcome that one!
Hope you enjoyed this quick look at movie titles. If you noticed the top left of this blog, the Mary Kennedy is underlined, meaning all you have to do is click on it and it will take you to my website.
My current books (about 14) are listed there, with covers, buying options and brief descriptions. If you're on social media, you can find me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/mary.kennedy.948
on Twitter at https://twitter.com/marykennedybook
on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/catmagnet1234
and of course here at the www.cozychicksblog.com where I blog every Monday.
You can go to my author page at Amazon, be sure to click the YELLOW rectangular button on the left to FOLLOW me. That way you'll be notified every time I have a new book out. https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Kennedy/e/B001HCS6OW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1590960648&sr=1-3
You can go to my Book Bub author page and the FOLLOW button is on the right. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-kennedy-ea0ccd32-5fa6-411e-a9b0-6a98dc93b615 If you follow me, you will be notified of new releases.
Did you know you can join Book Bub for free? Just choose a few categories you like and Book Bub will send you a small selection every day (usually 5 or 6 books) at wildly reduced prices. Some are free, some are 99 cents, $1.99 or $2.99. Authors do receive a small royalty from Book Bub so you are also helping authors.
Thanks again and stay safe, Mary Kennedy
May 22, 2020
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MY TEEN SERIES
by Mary Kennedy
Not everyone knows that I write for teens, and I'd like you introduce to two teen series. The Crazy Love Diaries is for younger teens...
And the Hollywood Nights is for older teens.
Why do I love writing for teens? That's easy. The teen years are filled with drama and angst, everyday problems take on epic proportions. For those of you who have a teenager in the house, you know exactly what I mean. (and if not, think back to your own teen years!)Happy reading and I hope you enjoy these series!
Mary Kennedy
To paint, or not to paint?
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Lately, I've been following an Instagram page called Indoorsystore. (Full disclosure: I've been watching their YouTube channel for about two years. It's called Knorp and South.) They've recently gone into the business of upcycling used furniture and reselling it. Some of the pieces Megan does are really quite beautiful (like the ones where she adds large floral decals), but some of them are just (IMNSHO) hideous. (See the picture at right).
I've got a project I've been wanting to do for some time. It's a dresser that belonged to my parents. They bought it in the early 1960s and it was part of a "blonde" bedroom set. (I have no idea what happened to the other pieces.) My brother had this dresser when he first got married and he stained it a dark brown. (Ick.) Now it's mine (and has been for many years) and that brown has got to go. But what color should I paint it?
The room where it resides is a calming celadon green. I was thinking maybe I'd paint it yellow to have it make a statement, but then I thought...white goes with EVERYTHING. I have one of my mother's quilted wall hangings above it, but it's not my favorite and I'm going to climb the step stool today or tomorrow and change it to one that has more pastel greens in it.
After all these years (maybe 20?) I've got to change the color. Of course, to change it, I need to get some paint and during these scary times, I'm not really willing to go to a big box hardware store. I may just order a can of satin paint off the Internet.
So, what color do you think I should order?
Lately, I've been following an Instagram page called Indoorsystore. (Full disclosure: I've been watching their YouTube channel for about two years. It's called Knorp and South.) They've recently gone into the business of upcycling used furniture and reselling it. Some of the pieces Megan does are really quite beautiful (like the ones where she adds large floral decals), but some of them are just (IMNSHO) hideous. (See the picture at right).I've got a project I've been wanting to do for some time. It's a dresser that belonged to my parents. They bought it in the early 1960s and it was part of a "blonde" bedroom set. (I have no idea what happened to the other pieces.) My brother had this dresser when he first got married and he stained it a dark brown. (Ick.) Now it's mine (and has been for many years) and that brown has got to go. But what color should I paint it?
The room where it resides is a calming celadon green. I was thinking maybe I'd paint it yellow to have it make a statement, but then I thought...white goes with EVERYTHING. I have one of my mother's quilted wall hangings above it, but it's not my favorite and I'm going to climb the step stool today or tomorrow and change it to one that has more pastel greens in it.After all these years (maybe 20?) I've got to change the color. Of course, to change it, I need to get some paint and during these scary times, I'm not really willing to go to a big box hardware store. I may just order a can of satin paint off the Internet.
So, what color do you think I should order?
May 20, 2020
How Do YOU Deal With Distractions?
So much to do...by Gayle LeesonToday, it's rainy and quiet. It's a perfect time to get work done. And, patting myself on the back just a little bit here, I feel I've been productive. I'm satisfied with the amount of work I'm getting done.
Yesterday was another story. I was distracted by everything.
Distraction 1: I needed to work on social media posts, which made me decide I wanted a social media planner and tracker, so I spent at least an hour (probably more) looking for the perfect planner that would meet at least most of my needs and that I could have on hand right this instant. I found one on Etsy for $2.99 and downloaded it. Then I printed it out, three-hole-punched the pages, and loaded them into a binder. Do I adore binders and workbooks and planners with forms I can fill out to make me more organized? You'd better believe it! Do I often forget I have them and/or neglect to use them? Another resounding yes! But this one, I actually worked in, so that's a plus...right?
Distraction 2: My daughter let me know her best friend's cousin had her baby. Sweet! The cousin's poor mom (best friend's aunt) sat in the parking lot for hours! She couldn't go in because of the Coronavirus rules. I don't know if she ever got to go inside to see her grandbaby or not. Feeling all the feels for a woman and her daughter who I've only met on two occasions but who are very nice, I wondered if there was anything I could do to help. There wasn't. :(
Distraction 3: Finally got around to working on social media. Yay, me! Went to find funny images to post because I love making my readers smile or laugh (that's even better). When I'm distractable, though, I can sure spend a lot of time finding funny things. And giggling.
Distraction 4: Whew, I'm ready for a break...and that game I've been playing will reward me if I win the next level... Yeah. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I do that. I tell myself I'm helping to keep my brain sharp.
Distraction 5: Watching TV with my family. Who IS that actress? I know I've seen her somewhere before. What have we seen her in? Nobody knows. I grab my phone and look her up. I learn she was in Criminal Minds. I make an announcement to the room. No one else cares.
Distraction 6: Email. I'm deleting all this mail that isn't absolutely necessary. Wait. Goodreads wants me to be aware of a book recommended by an author I like? Well...I should at least check it out...see what it is. I mean, I liked his book. Maybe I'll like this one too. Minutes later, I order the book from Audible.
Distraction 7: A (former?) reader was angry with me on social media. He claimed he sent me a card and that I marked it Refused. I never received a card from this person. Did he send it to the wrong address? Was it delivered to the wrong address by the mail carrier? I didn't do anything wrong. Why am I letting this person upset me? I keep apologizing for something I had nothing to do with and that is out of my control. Why do I even care that he refuses to accept my apologies?
So, tell me, what distracts YOU? And how do you overcome the distractions to continue working or whatever it is you're doing?
A new twist to DIY
Hi Everyone, Duffy Brown here. Today is Pick Your Own Strawberries Day. That’s a bit early for those of us in Ohio and with all the rain the strawberries around Cincy are probably swimming for their lives. But even if I can’t pick ‘em yet and who knows if any of the farms around here will reopen to picking I sure used to partake. Sure is something to look forward to if they do. I can space and wear a mask, no problem.
Mostly for us it was blueberries. Had a farm right up the road that opened for U-pick. Let me tell you there is nothing like picking fruit right off the vine and eating it. It hasn’t been chilled but warmed by the sun and the juice just bursts in your mouth.A few times we did peach picking and that was the best of all. A
warm ripe peach right off the tree! Holy cow, now that’s some terrific eating. And we did apples for years. That was so much fun with the kids and the orchard where we picked had apple cider pressed right there on the farm.
So what about you? Have you ever picked your own fruit or veggies? Eaten they right off the vine or tree? Wasn’t it the best fruit and veggie you ever had?Here’s hoping we can all partake again some time soon.Be safe and wash your hands.Hugs, Duffy
May 18, 2020
UNEXPECTED CHANGE OF PLANS
by Maggie SeftonGoodness, I had no idea we folks here in Northern Colorado would still be wearing warmer clothes in May this year. You folks might be living in Florida or the Southern states or Florida and already have switched out your wardrobe. Not here in Northern Colorado. Not yet. I'm still wearing slacks and long-sleeved warmer shirts. Of course,
I do feel cold weather faster than a lot of people, but, really, I'm getting tired of this.
W still have our gorgeous sunny, sunny days and our Colorado Blue skies every day now, but we've been spoiled over the years. We've gotten used to warm days in the 80s during the month of May. The chillier 60 degree days and chillier nights have become more than annoying, and they bring back all the annoying comments about the weather we've heard over the years.
But to be completely honest, the most annoying thing going on now is the CORONA VIRUS EPIDEMIC that has taken control of everyone's daily routines. I don't know how you folks feel, but I feel like a prisoner whose sentenced to serve time in my home. Now. . .don't get me wrong. My home is very nice indeed. But all of us have been used to spending time in our homes AND in various other places during the day----like grocery stores, gyms and fitness centers, shopping centers, as well as visiting friends, family, and others who brighten our days. AND---most important, that awful virus has taken away the majority of most people's travel plans.
Now. . .you folks know how much I love to travel. Plus, I have all of my family back East in Northern Virginia. Three of my four daughters plus all seven of my grandchildren are there. And I definitely miss them. Thank goodness Daughter #2, Melissa, came to Northern Colorado last Fall and rented an apartment. My daughters won't admit it, but I'm sure Melissa was assigned the "Watching Over Mom" assignment. :) It's been great to have her here.
But both Melissa and I are addicted traavelers, and we're marking time with this Corona Virus epidemic. Of course, I'm graateful that I'm very healthy and have no physical conditions which would make that Virus hazardous to my health. I certainly hope all of you are healthy as well. This virus is supposed to have run its course by September-----or that's what the medical professionals say. Le'ts hope they're right.
Let me know how you're doing on Facebook. And send animal photos if you have them.
May 17, 2020
TITLES: WHY WE CAN'T HELP JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER
By Mary Kennedy
Can book titles and movie titles make or break a project? Yes! After 47 books, I've had some winners and losers. (naturally, I'd rather talk about the winners). When I first wrote MOVIE STAR, above, it was published as Confessions of an Almost Movie Star. In spite of the playful title (or who knows, maybe because of it) it won an award and $6.000 stipend from The National Endowment for the Arts for "artistic excellence in literary fiction." I used the money to cross the country, speaking at schools, libraries, military bases and Indian reservations. When it went out of print, I reclaimed the rights and published it as an e-book. But I shortened the title to MOVIE STAR so a tiny version of the cover would fit in sales catalogues.
Secrets of a South Beach Princess was changed to GOLDEN GIRL. I hated to lose the South Beach angle but the title was just too long!
Coming up with a book title is a collaborative effort and the editors and sales teams at Penguin/Random House have terrific ideas. For my current mystery series, the Dream Club Mysteries, they decided that "dream" and "murder or death" should appear in every title. Not easy to accomplish!
I came up with the first one, NIGHTMARES CAN BE MURDER and the third one, A PREMONITION OF MURDER. My editor stepped in with DREAM A LITTLE SCREAM when I drew a blank on a title for book 2.
A lot of metrics go into coming up with a title. When I wrote LOVE SIGNS, a "young teen" novel, I learned that books with the word "love" in them sold 30 percent better than books without the word. Since the book is about a girl who is fascinated by astrology and charts her relationships by the alignment of the stars, LOVE SIGNS was a good choice.
Titles for my Talk Radio Mysteries have followed the same pattern. The trick was to come up with titles that reflect the content. How to describe the series? Frasier Meets Murder She Wrote. Dr. Maggie Walsh, a New York psychologist, closes up her Manhattan office to become a radio talk show host.(like Frasier) And she solves a murder in every book (like Jessica Fletcher.) The covers have a south Florida feel and the titles usually include "talking" and "murder." If you're doing a series, it's good to have the covers consistent. It reminds the reader that there are other books in the series and they can enjoy them all. DEAD AIR, REEL MURDER and STAY TUNED FOR MURDER are the first three in the series.
Book 4, A DEADLY FUNDRAISER has the same south Florida colors on the cover Also, there's a fun video about the book. Just click here to enjoy the video. And be sure to have the volume turned up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFhPc6NzmF8 .
If you would like to subscribe to our Cozy Chicks newsletter, just click here and fill out the form. My fellow Cozy Chicks and I post one day a week, my day is Monday. And we never (never!) share your information with anyone! Here is the link for the form. http://oi.vresp.com/?fid=44f9edaeeb
Have a good week, everyone! Next Monday we'll talk about movie titles, the good, the bad, the ugly!
Mary Kennedy
Can book titles and movie titles make or break a project? Yes! After 47 books, I've had some winners and losers. (naturally, I'd rather talk about the winners). When I first wrote MOVIE STAR, above, it was published as Confessions of an Almost Movie Star. In spite of the playful title (or who knows, maybe because of it) it won an award and $6.000 stipend from The National Endowment for the Arts for "artistic excellence in literary fiction." I used the money to cross the country, speaking at schools, libraries, military bases and Indian reservations. When it went out of print, I reclaimed the rights and published it as an e-book. But I shortened the title to MOVIE STAR so a tiny version of the cover would fit in sales catalogues.
Secrets of a South Beach Princess was changed to GOLDEN GIRL. I hated to lose the South Beach angle but the title was just too long!
Coming up with a book title is a collaborative effort and the editors and sales teams at Penguin/Random House have terrific ideas. For my current mystery series, the Dream Club Mysteries, they decided that "dream" and "murder or death" should appear in every title. Not easy to accomplish!
I came up with the first one, NIGHTMARES CAN BE MURDER and the third one, A PREMONITION OF MURDER. My editor stepped in with DREAM A LITTLE SCREAM when I drew a blank on a title for book 2.
A lot of metrics go into coming up with a title. When I wrote LOVE SIGNS, a "young teen" novel, I learned that books with the word "love" in them sold 30 percent better than books without the word. Since the book is about a girl who is fascinated by astrology and charts her relationships by the alignment of the stars, LOVE SIGNS was a good choice.
Titles for my Talk Radio Mysteries have followed the same pattern. The trick was to come up with titles that reflect the content. How to describe the series? Frasier Meets Murder She Wrote. Dr. Maggie Walsh, a New York psychologist, closes up her Manhattan office to become a radio talk show host.(like Frasier) And she solves a murder in every book (like Jessica Fletcher.) The covers have a south Florida feel and the titles usually include "talking" and "murder." If you're doing a series, it's good to have the covers consistent. It reminds the reader that there are other books in the series and they can enjoy them all. DEAD AIR, REEL MURDER and STAY TUNED FOR MURDER are the first three in the series.
Book 4, A DEADLY FUNDRAISER has the same south Florida colors on the cover Also, there's a fun video about the book. Just click here to enjoy the video. And be sure to have the volume turned up! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFhPc6NzmF8 .
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Have a good week, everyone! Next Monday we'll talk about movie titles, the good, the bad, the ugly!
Mary Kennedy
May 15, 2020
Spotlight Saturday - PERILS AND LACE
by Gayle LeesonA murderer outwitting a quirky flapper ghost? Seams unlikely!
Budding retro fashion designer and entrepreneur Amanda Tucker is thrilled about making costumes for Winter Garden High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast. But when the play’s director Sandra Kelly is poisoned, Amanda realizes there’s a murderer in their midst. She’s determined to keep herself and the students safe, so when her ghostly fashionista friend Max suggests they investigate, Amanda rolls up her sleeves and prepares to follow the deadly pattern…
If you're not so sure this book would be your cup of tea, please feel free to download a three-chapter preview at BookFunnel.
Happy Saturday! I hope you enjoy your weekend!
May 13, 2020
Another Dolphin Tale
by Gayle LeesonIf you read last Thursday's post, you might recall that my husband is a Miami Dolphins fan. Well, many years ago, I was working as a freelance writer when I learned the Dolphins would be playing a pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Since Charlotte was only three hours from our home, we decided to take the kids down for an overnight trip to watch the game. Prior to the trip, I arranged to get press credentials and interview a couple of the players about their charities.
We were set. On game day, we checked into our hotel, picked up the tickets we'd bought, and then set off for the stadium. The Panthers have an impressive stadium [image used is not intended to infringe upon any copyright]. After getting my husband and the children settled in their seats, I went to the press box to pick up my credentials and to find out what I was supposed to do next.
The press box was amazing. Lots of food and cushy seats...oh, yeah, and a birdseye view of the game. Plus, there were television sets inside the press box--and some were not showing the game. Sorry for that digression, but I thought that was odd. The press box also led to the private suites.
I went down to the locker room area to wait outside for some of the players to emerge. As I waited, I joked with the security guard, and I told him about the cake that was in the press box. I promised to bring him a piece if I could sneak it out [I did!]. The two players I needed to speak with for my article wanted to wait and talk after the game, so I went back to check on my family.They were fine, but my daughter needed to use the bathroom. I took her to one in the press area. On our way back, two tall men came down the hall.
I recognized one, gasped, and said, "Dan Marino!"
He turned and smiled. "Yes."
His friend told my daughter and me to "get over there, and I'll take your picture." This was when we used cameras to take photographs rather than phones. I handed him my camera, and we stood on either side of Dan Marino.
After taking the photograph, my daughter and I returned to the guys. Before we got there, I asked, "Do you know who that was?"
She shook her head. "Nope."
I laughed. "Well, you just go tell your daddy that you've been hugged up to Dan Marino and see what he says."
Well, I'll have you know, he did not believe my sweet baby girl! He thought we were pranking him.
Fast forward to after the game. Somehow in all the excitement, my camera was knocked from my hand. It came open. I quickly closed it but lamented the fact that my film was likely ruined. Now my husband would never know we hadn't been playing a joke on him. Luckily for me, an Associated Press photographer took my camera into a dark room and removed the film. [Most of the photos were fine, including the one of us with Dan Marino. I'd include it here, but it's in a photo album packed away.] I put a new roll of film into the camera, thanked the photographer for coming to my rescue, and went outside the darkroom.
I came out and looked around for my family. My daughter was standing with her dad. When I frantically scanned the area for my son, my husband proudly pointed. There he was standing with Dan Marino--and getting a football signed. I asked if I could take a photo of the two of them together. Mr. Marino said sure. I urged my husband to get over there, but he said he was fine where he was at.
On our drive home the next day, we stopped at a little shop where I bought some perfume. I regretted buying it an hour or so down the road because I felt it was too expensive.
"Honey, you made it possible for me to meet Dan Marino," my husband said. "You could've had anything in that store that you wanted."
"Well, turn around!"
He didn't. Notice he didn't tell me that before I went into the shop. He's no fool.
