Edith Maxwell's Blog, page 248

Wicked Wednesday–What Did the Wickeds Learn at Bouchercon?

Last week, three of the Wickeds, Julie, Edith and Sherry were at Bouchercon (along with Accomplice Sheila Connolly). Jessie, Liz and Barb had to miss it this year, so we’re dying to know–what did you learn? What surprised you, or informed you? What was the precious nugget you’ve carried home?

Edith: I learned I could make writing about murder in villages pertinent to a panel called Crime in the Metropolis! Seriously, that was my panel assignment, and we made it work. This year I didn’t get to very many sessions, though, because I was catching up with people, attending meetings (like the Sisters in Crime chapter officers’ meeting), or working in my room, with the occasional nap thrown in, too. And that was fine. It was also delightful to see both Julie and fellow New Englander Michele Dorsey on their first panels as a published author, and to eat some fabulous southern food.

Dinner with friends! L-R starting at the top, Cheryl Hollon (another new author!), Sheila Connolly, Sherry Harris, and Leslie Budewitz, new president of Sister in Crime. Edith joined us shortly after this photo was taken.

Julie: What a whirlwind weekend! I am on the national board of Sisters in Crime, so I had a couple of meetings while I was in Raleigh, and went to the SinC breakfast to see the passing of the presidency. It was a great reminder about the importance of this organization in my life. Thrilling that Writes of Passage won the Anthony and the Macavity. I also participated in a panel EARLY Sunday morning, but Edith, Sheila and Sherry were still there, cheering me on.

Sheila Connolly with an Appletini–what else do you expect from the author of the Orchard series?

The New Authors breakfast required a one minute pitch, but Sherry and I practiced, and got it down. When I got up there, I looked up and saw Edith and Dru Ann both standing along the wall, give me big smiles and thumbs up. I had a little bit of a line at my signing, which was also great. Loved seeing so many writing friends, but also meeting so many readers. It was both humbling and invigorating, and reinforced the fact that I am a very fortunate woman.

Sherry: What I learn over and over at conferences is how generous authors and fans are. It is always a thrill to meet readers who are so excited to meet authors. And it is always so wonderful to run in to so many authors who want to hear about what you are working on and are willing to share their experiences with you.

I never think I’m very good at doing pitches and I ended up doing two — one at Speed Dating and one at the New Authors Breakfast. The Speed Dating one (authors move from table to table full of readers) was three minutes long so I had time to talk about Tagged for Death and The Longest Yard Sale and the New Author event was one minute

Ray Daniel, Julie Hennrikus, and Michele Dorsey holding a photo of the Wickeds who couldn’t make it to Bouchercon.

so I concentrated on Tagged. I learned I’m better at doing a pitch than I thought I was.

Part of going to conferences like Bouchercon is getting to see writer friends who live far away — whether it’s a quick hi and hug or a long conversation — it’s one of the best things about attending.

Readers: Share a favorite conference (it doesn’t have to be Bouchercon) moment with us!

Filed under: Bouchercon, Conferences, Wicked Wednesday Tagged: Bouchercon 2015, Just Killing Time, Michele Dorsey, No Virgin Island, Raleigh, Tagged for Death, The Longest Yard Sale

Interview with Beverly Allen

Susannah/Sadie/Jane here, just back from a walk in the October sunshine.

Please give a Wicked Welcome to Barbara Early a/k/a Beverly Allen, the author of the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries!

Tell us about your series and your new book, Floral Depravity.

The Bridal Bouquet Shop series features a floral designer (and amateur sleuth) named Audrey Bloom. She creates lovely bridal bouquets based on the language of flowers, and all of the brides who have carried one of her signature bouquets down the aisle are still happily married. (One sad twist of this is that not everyone has survived until the wedding day.) FLORAL DEPRAVITY is the third in the series, and we find Audrey preparing the flowers for a medieval themed hand fasting ceremony. Fortunately for this couple, as they literally tie the knot, both bride and groom survive. However, in short order three things happen: an unfortunate dove release incident, the father of the groom bites the dust, and Audrey recognizes the friar performing the ceremony as…well, spoilers.

Sounds intriguing! What actor would make the best Audrey Bloom?

That’s not something I thought about when writing. I know she’s tall. (She’s not exceptionally thin, however, so I don’t know that many actresses would clamor to play the part.) Personality-wise, I suspect Anne Hathaway would probably be a very good choice (but isn’t she always!), in that she plays the idealistic, but slightly sarcastic heroine well, especially one that marches to the beat of a different drummer. And that’s what I think of Audrey.

Do you have any quirks?

Quirks. I have plenty, but which would I want to admit to? I am a bit of a book hoarder, but many readers are. (I have learned how to build my own book shelves.) I suppose the quirkiest thing about me is that I like to learn new home skills, anything from beginning carpentry to canning to cake decorating. A lot of new skills, so I guess you could say I’m a dabbler. I also love campy television, and am a recent, but somewhat obsessive, Doctor Who fan.

My TBR pile continues to grow. Maybe I should invite you over and you can build ME some bookshelves! Who’s your favorite mystery writer of all time?

I guess the simplest answer is Agatha Christie. But if I had to pick a second, it’s a close tie between Rhys Bowen and Victoria Thompson. With Julie Hyzy and Alan Bradley somewhere in the mix.

Excellent choices! Favorite book (not necessarily a mystery) of all time?

After the Bible, I might say LORD OF THE FLIES. It’s not a pleasant read, but I recall it shaping the way I think of people—and also the way I write mysteries. I think the most interesting (and scariest) villain isn’t the psychopath or serial killer. It’s the person next to us, who, given the right circumstances (or I guess I should say wrong circumstances), rejects law and morality and the fear of punishment to take the life of another person.

Interesting analysis. I may have to reread that one. However, see prior comment about TBR pile, LOL! Who is your most-loved book boyfriend?

Adrian Monk. Yes, another quirk, and I know most people know him from the television show, but I read all the tie-in books too, and couldn’t get enough.

I love Adrian too. What is your writing process like? Early bird or night owl? Do you require special drinks or snacks?

I write best in the morning, but only after I’m sufficiently caffeinated (current Keurig obsession: Southern Pecan, with added chocolate soy milk) and awake. I try not to eat while I write, but on deadline I’ve been known to favor chewy things, like jelly beans and Tootsie Rolls. Or a huge bowl of popcorn, if I have to bribe myself.

Beverly’s naughty cat, Nicola

Best writing advice you ever heard or read?

Write every day. Just plant your butt in the chair and do it.

Or in the case of your cat Nicola, plant your butt in a box! Tell us about your pets. 

We have four cats. A black cat, two gray tabbies (brother and sister from the same litter), and an orange tabby whose family had to give him up when they moved. They are all very naughty, but survive only because they are equally adorable. Their real-life hijinks inspire my fictional cats to get in all kinds of trouble.

 

Looking a bit guilty there, Willy…

Thanks so much for being here, Beverly! Here’s where you can connect with her:

Web: http://www.barbaraearly.com

Facebook:  Beverly Allen

Twitter: @BarbEarly

Filed under: Book Birthday, Book Release, Guest posts, Jane's posts, Sadie's Posts, Uncategorized Tagged: agatha christie, Barbara Early, Beverly Allen, Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries, cozy mysteries, Floral Depravity, language of flowers

Please Welcome Author Brenda Buchanan

by Barb. Still mostly at home with the whole knee thing. But then, being stuck at home is good for the writing.

I first met Maine author Brenda Buchanan at Crime Bake, though I’d known who she was for awhile before that because she was on the board of the fabulous Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. In April, Brenda’s first Joe Gale Mystery, Quick Pivot was released. And just two weeks ago, Cover Story , the second in the series debuted. So we thought it was time to have Brenda around for a visit here at Wicked Cozys World HQ.

Here’s the skinny on Cover Story:

Maine newspaper reporter Joe Gale is at his best when covering the crime beat for the Portland Daily Chronicle. In the dead of winter he heads Downeast to cover the murder trial of fisherman Danny Boothby, charged with burying a filleting knife in the chest of politically well-connected social worker Frank O’Rourke.

O’Rourke held a thankless job in a hard place. Many locals found him arrogant, but say he didn’t deserve to die. Others whisper that O’Rourke got himself killed through his own rogue behavior.

After Joe’s hard-nosed reporting provokes someone to run him off an isolated road, he realizes his life depends on figuring out not only who committed the murder, but who’s stalking him—O’Rourke’s prominent brother, friends or enemies of the dead social worker or members of Boothby’s family. As he digs deeper, Joe uncovers enough secrets and lies to fill a cemetery. He’ll have to solve this one fast, or his next headline may be his own obituary

Barb: All the Wickeds write at least one series set in New England. I’m very interested in the idea of a New England voice. How do you think being a New Englander and writing a series set in Maine where you now live influences your writing?

Brenda: Being a New Englander has enormous influence on my work. I grew up in the central Massachusetts mill town of Fitchburg. I studied journalism at Northeastern University, and was fortunate to be able to spend my co-op terms learning about journalism in the newsroom at the Boston Globe. I’ve lived and worked in Maine for the past 35 years, twelve of them year-round on an island in Casco Bay. So the New England cadence comes through in my writing. That’s true both with my narrative voice, and the voices of my characters.

For example, in Cover Story, my newspaper reporter protagonist Joe Gale is covering a trial in Machias, 40 miles from the Canadian border. He shares the courtroom’s front bench with a pair of elderly spectators, twin sisters Arlette and Truelette Peabody. After a few days, they’ve become friendly enough for the Peabody sisters to invite Joe for after-court refreshments at their home:

I headed back toward the courthouse with the intention of finding a sheriff’s department clerk to dig the police report about the May 22 bait truck accident out of the files, but was intercepted by the Peabody sisters, who had tea on their mind. Tea with me.

 

“We understand you need to meet a deadline, but our house is right around the corner, and the judge did adjourn early today,” Trulette said.

 

“It will be a little civilized break,” Arlette added. “And I make a potent cup of Darjeeling.”

 

I was caffed out, but court had adjourned at three twenty, leaving plenty of time before my deadline, so we proceeded to the Peabody ancestral home. From the outside it murmured old New England. Center chimney. White clapboards. Black shutters flanking six-over-six windows.

 

As was local custom, we entered through the side door. After shucking our shoes onto a plastic boot tray, we shuffled in stocking feet into a large square kitchen with an antique stove radiating steady heat in the corner. While Trulette put the kettle on to boil, Arlette shoveled two scoops of pea coal into the stove’s top hatch, then bent and shook the accumulated ash into the bottom pan, moving with the easy rhythm of someone who’d fed a coal stove her whole life.

If you’re a New Englander, you know these women. Perhaps they’re your aunt, or maybe your high school English teacher. They are as Maine as a Moxie ice cream float, and an important part of the emotional architecture of Cover Story.

In Quick Pivot, the first in the Joe Gale series, every third chapter takes the reader back to 1968. Those chapters are written in the third-person voice of Paulie Finnegan, Joe Gale’s now-deceased mentor, who was a young reporter in the sixties. I had a great time writing the dialogue in those chapters, because I worked with reporters like Paulie when I was a journalist in Boston and Maine. Smart and savvy, working class, a bit of a wiseass, but sentimental beneath the surface. In this scene Paulie’s on a jaunt with a source named Jay Preble to Old Orchard Beach (a place I understand is near and dear to the Wickeds):

They drove south as far as Old Orchard, a beachfront town that oozed fryolator grease from its pores. The main drag was lined with tourist emporiums—places that sold sweatshirts, cotton candy and inflatable balls—many of which were open but doing little business. Not so the bars.

 

Preble steered them to a waterfront joint where they ate fried clams and drank beer for a couple of hours before moving to a bar where a rougher crowd was pounding down booze as though it were Saturday instead of Sunday. They switched from beer to whisky while Paulie worked his way up the list of guys waiting to take on the resident darts champ, a scrawny man named Bo with hard eyes and a cigarette dangling from his lip.

 

Neither Preble nor Bo knew that Paulie held the all-time darts title at the South Portland Coast Guard base, capable of throwing with either hand, dead drunk or Sunday school sober. But they found out. By the time Preble dumped Paulie at his doorstep in Riverside, it was after eleven and he still had thirty fresh bucks in his wallet. Their bar bill had eaten the rest of what he’d won.

Barb: Your protagonist, Joe Gale, is a reporter and you were once a journalist as well. I’ve always wondered, how are the skills journalists develop applicable to writing a novel, and how are they a hindrance that must be unlearned or overcome? What was the best, most important thing you learned as a journalist?

Brenda: Most important? Not to fear the blank page. When I settle in to write I’m kind of like a musician sitting down at the piano. I tap out a few words, riff around a little, and pretty soon I’m pounding out a tune. It’s not always good music, mind you, but I’m not one suffer blank page paralysis. For better or worse, my experience as a reporter taught me to jump right in.

It was important to break myself of the notion that I was writing to deadline. A journalist must submit to her editor the best story she can write in the time allowed. A novelist needs to take however much time is necessary to write a story worthy of submission. Big difference there.

One habit I had to resurrect was the daily writing routine. When you’re a reporter, that’s a given. It took me a little while to realize that writing fiction was going to demand the same daily commitment to the keyboard. When I decided eight or nine years ago to take a crack at writing a novel, my routine varied with my energy level. If I’d had a hectic day at work, I’d give myself a slide on writing that night. That meant I never got in the groove, and found myself endlessly fussing around with the first chapter. It was only when I committed myself to write two pages a night minimum, no matter what, that my first book began to take shape. That book, by the way, was Cover Story, the second book in the Joe Gale series. Like many first efforts, it needed a lot of cooking time.

Barb: In April, you crossed the line from unpublished to published author when, Quick Pivot, the first book in the Joe Gale series, was released. What is the most surprising thing that’s happened since then?

Brenda: I have been delighted by how much I enjoy going to libraries and book groups to talk about my books and crime writing in general. I thought that would be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s turned out to be the opposite. A colleague offered some wise advice before my first appearance—folks who go out of their way to meet authors make for a dream audience. They’re dedicated readers, she said. They want to like you and your work. Those words were like magic. They set my mind at ease.

Because my publisher is digital-first, the many wonderful bookstores in Maine are not available venues for me at this time. But libraries and book groups are a great fit. If any readers of this blog would like me to visit their local library or come (in person or by Skype) to hang out with their book group, they can contact me through my website, http://brendabuchananwrites.com

Barb: What are you working on now?

Brenda: I’m in the middle of copyedits for Truth Beat, the third book in the Joe Gale Series. It’s about the suspicious death of a Catholic priest who was well-known as a tireless advocate for victims of clerical sexual abuse. Set in the imaginary town of Riverside with scenes in Portland, Bangor and Bethel, Truth Beat will be out in February, 2016.

Thanks for inviting me to chat with the Wickeds today, Barb. I hope we can keep the conversation going in the comments.

What do you think, readers? Is there a New England regional voice? Is there a particular voice in your corner of the country or the world?

Filed under: Guest posts Tagged: Brenda Buchanan, Cover Story, Joe Gale Mysteries, New England, Quick Pivot

Opening Lines

We continue with our time theme in honor of the debut of Just Killing Time by Julianne Holmes, by offering an exotic locale, Prague, an astronomical clock, and a crowd. Wickeds and readers, give us your best opening lines.

Liz: The clock chimed noon, and suddenly mayhem erupted, with people running everywhere. It took me a minute, within the mass of people, to realize a dead body had dropped from the top of the church balcony.

Sherry: I chased after the guy who’d snatched my backpack filled with money I’d just stolen. He strolled so casually through the crowd. But when I caught him I’d be doing more than just killing time.

Edith: That wisp of a thing in the black dress? Looks innocent, doesn’t she? Nope. One of the most elusive professional assassins in Europe. Two more clicks of the clock and we’ll have her in our net.

Jessie: Tourists felt safe milling around the plaza in the shadow of the clock tower by day. But by night, something warned them not to linger. Perhaps it was the fact that the iconic building served as a perfect perch for hungry vampires scouting for a meal.

Julie: “What time is it?” he asked. I shot him a look, and pointed here, there, everywhere. No wonder he didn’t notice my new jacket. He didn’t notice anything. Not even the guy with the knife, coming right toward him.

Barb: “Be under the clock at 5:00 pm,” the voice had whispered. “Bring the gems if you want to see your husband alive again.” So there she was, milling among the happy, carefree tourists, feeling the weight of the Blaze Diamond necklace in her tote bag.

Filed under: Opening Lines Tagged: astronomical clock, Julianne Holmes, Just Killing Time, Prague, Vampires

An Author is Born!

Well, it finally happened. I’m a published author. It’s been two whole days. After over twenty years of dreaming of this day.

I had a wonderful launch party at the New England Mobile Book Fair, and am in Raleigh at Bouchercon continuing to help Julianne Holmes arrival in the publishing world be a successful one. I’m still pinching myself. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time. But you know what’s interesting? Dreams coming true are actually a bag full of complicated emotions, and a lot of introspection. I’ve been thinking a lot about my path to publication, about how I got from there to here.

Writing is solitary, but getting published is a community effort. If I hadn’t joined Sisters in Crime, I never would have met my tribe. I wouldn’t have met the mentors in my life, including Hallie Ephron, Kate Flora, and Hank Phillippi Ryan. I wouldn’t have gotten the email from Sheila Connolly, opening up an opportunity to pitch a cozy series to an agent. I wouldn’t have sat next to him at Crime Bake because Edith Maxwell told me I was going to sit next to him and talk. My series proposals didn’t sell, but if he hadn’t met me, when Barb Ross suggested me for a project, he may have moved on to another writer. If I hadn’t gone to every Crime Bake but the first one, I wouldn’t have become friends with Barbara Ross. All of these moments, and dozens of others, forged my path.

I am lucky, when you define luck as preparation meeting opportunity. Luck is hard work, and it doesn’t always work out the way you expect it to. I realize that there are a lot of people who work hard, and never have this moment in their lives. I am truly, truly bless ed.

I’ve mentioned Barbara Ross and Edith Maxwell. Let me mention three more names. Liz Mugavero, who also has a crazy day job, but has shown me that writing a series can be done while maintaining a career. The wonderful Sherry Harris, who I met at Malice right before she moved to New England, and who joined Sisters in Crime once she moved here. Jessie Crockett, the powerhouse in New Hampshire who some how knows exactly the moment I need a “how’s it going, how can I help” email. We not only blog together, but we check in, support, and care about one another. These friendships, and this blog, are great gifts of this journey.

I have made a career working in the arts. I am grateful that I have my theater experiences to help me understand the fluidity of all of this. I have seen friends realize their dream of being on Broadway, and then the show closes, and they move on to the next gig. They are grateful for that moment, but they have to keep hustling to stay on the ride. Working in the arts is hard work. But it makes life Technicolor.

JUST KILLING TIME is book one of the clock shop series. I can’t wait for you to meet Ruth Clagan, the Reed family, Ben the handsome barber next door, Ruth’s step grandmother Caroline, and Chief Paisley. I also can’t wait for you to visit Orchard, where every store looks different, and crime lurks just around the corner. This paperback book represents a lot of work, and a lifetime of dreams finally coming true.

Thank you all, dear readers, for your support for me during this journey. What a great group you all are. Hopefully we can meet in person at some point. If not, you’re another reason I am so grateful for this blog.

Filed under: Julie's posts Tagged: Julianne Holmes, Just Killing Time, writing

Wicked Wednesday–Where Does the Time Go?

Today, we continue our celebration of Just Killing Time by Julianne Holmes by talking about…time. It seems like each of us has an individual relationship to it. I (Barb) often feel that a lot of the conflict in families has to do with everyone’s different sense of time. One person has an elaborate calendar and needs to know what she’s going to be doing six months from now, while another is completely spontaneous and isn’t willing to make commitments about tomorrow, much less six months from now.

What about you, Wickeds? Do you show up early, right on the dot, or fashionably late? What is your own peculiar relationship to time?

Barb: Can I say…it’s complicated? My husband and I have regular meetings where we sync our calendars and I have a pretty good idea, big picture, of what I’m doing and where I’ll be at least from now through the New Year. I have to-do lists and I love checking things off. However, it must be said, I feel like all those scaffolds are compensating for something. I need that frisson of panic to really focus on a task, particularly a writing task. It’s annoying and college-sophomorish, but given my age, I doubt it will change. This is why I always describe myself as an overachiever trapped in a procrastinator’s body.

Liz: I try to live by the Louise Hay affirmation that goes like this: There is plenty of time for everything I want to do today. Still, I find myself slipping into the panicked place of checking the clock every five minutes, convinced there will never be enough time to finish whatever book I’m working on, never mind all the other books I want to write. But since I do always manage to get everything done, I hope that it’s all just in my head.

Edith: I am chronically early for scheduled events. I hate arriving late, or even rushing to get there on time, so I usually allow way too much extra time and arrive early. But that’s fine, because I bring something to read or work on, or go for a walk, or find somewhere for a glass of wine. And I’m a scheduler. I really like knowing what’s going to happen way ahead of time, and I like planning for things. I keep lists and calendars and spreadsheets. That said, I’m happy to drop what I’m doing and go out for an impromptu dinner or walk on the beach, too. Call me!

Julie: Liz, I love that quote! I am wrestling with time a lot these days. I’ve come to realize that I can’t, in fact, do everything I need to do. I am also trying to schedule in “commute” “workout” etc. on the list. Like Barb, I also feel like a deadline is really helpful for me. Trying to break that habit as well, but it’s a hard one! Edith, I really need to get into the early habit. Hopefully owning my schedule a little more will help with that!

Sherry: I’m a contrast in styles when it comes to time. I hate being late to appointments, movies, or meetings. On the other hand I’m not much of a planner and tend to procrastinate. One of the questions authors are often asked is: Do you have a specific time you write? I don’t. Sometimes I write in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon. I’d like to be more organized time wise but…

Jessie: In a day-to-day way I’m like Edith; I’m almost always early for scheduled events. I bring a notebook, novel or some knitting and squeeze in a few moments of fun whilst waiting. I do keep a calendar synced between my phone and my home computer and I fill in a Daily Docket on paper each morning so the usual life stuff gets done. But, I like to look at time with a long view as well. Every Sunday morning I take about a half hour to write in my gratitude journal and to examine my long range goals. I structure my year around 12 week goal plans and break each one down into manageable bites on a weekly basis. That’s the only way I know to ensure the important doesn’t get shouldered out of my life by the urgent.

Readers: What’s your relationship with time? Are you a planner or not? Like to be early or are a relaxed somewhat-late arriver?

Filed under: Wicked Wednesday Tagged: Julianne Holmes, Just Killing Time, time management

Happy Book Birthday–Julianne Holmes!

The Wickeds are all a-twitter today as a member of our happy band hits a major milestone. Writing as Julianne Holmes, our own Julie Hennrikus is celebrating her novel debut with Just Killing Time. HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, JULIE!!

Isn’t the cover great? Here’s the blurb.

Ruth Clagan may be an expert clockmaker, but she’s always had a tendency to lose track of time. And when trying to solve a murder, every minute counts…

Ruth’s beloved grandfather instilled in her a love of timepieces. Unfortunately after her grandmother died and he remarried, Ruth and Grandpa Thom became estranged. She’s wanted to reconnect after her recent divorce, but sadly they’ve run out of time. Her grandfather has been found dead after a break-in at his shop—and the police believe he was murdered.

Now Ruth has been named the heir to Grandpa Thom’s clock shop, the Cog & Sprocket, in the small Berkshire town of Orchard, Massachusetts. As soon as she moves into the small apartment above the shop and begins tackling the heaps of unfinished work, Ruth finds herself trying to stay on the good side of Grandpa’s bossy gray cat, Bezel, while avoiding the step-grandmother she never wanted. But as old secrets and grudges start to surface, Ruth will have to kick into high gear to solve the killer case before someone else winds up dead…

What say we, Wickeds?

Barb: I’m so excited about this release. I was lucky enough to score an advance copy, so I know what a treat the rest of you are in for. Congratulations, Julie!

Liz: Julie! I think I’ve been awaiting this as anxiously as you! So very happy for you, my friend. Congrats.

Edith: Julie may be the last of the Wickeds to get a book out, but she’s sure not the least. I also read an early copy and LOVED the story. Readers, run out and get your copy now. And if you’re in New England, come on out to the New England Mobile Book Fair (it’s not mobile, and it’s not a fair…) tonight (Oct 6) at 5:30 for Julie’s launch party!

Jessie: For those of you who may not know her personally, Julie is one of the world’s most generous cheerleaders. She goes above and beyond in supporting the people, organizations and causes she cares about and it is such a pleasure and a privilege to be able to do the same for her. Hip, hip, hooray Julianne Holmes! It couldn’t happen to someone more deserving.

Sherry: I’m bursting with excitement for Julie. As Jessie said Julie loves to help others. We met by chance in 2005 and that meeting has led to so many things — having Julie as a friend is at the top of the list. This book debut feels extra special to all of us. Just Killing Time is a great book and you will fall in love with Ruth and her clock shop.

Julie: Friends, I would not be on this path without you. And it sure wouldn’t be nearly this much fun. Love you all, and thank you!!

Filed under: Book Birthday Tagged: Julianne Holmes, julie hennrikus, Just Killing Time, New England Mobile Book Fair, Ruth Clagan

Shorthand:15

by Sheila Connolly

Readers (and some authors) may think we’re writing sparkling new original stories from our own imaginations, but in fact most of us writers borrow a lot from other people’s subconscious perceptions. That’s a good thing, because in a way it saves the writer time. Use a particular phrase or a setting, and it becomes a kind of shorthand for a lot more.

This shorthand plays a role when we decide where we want to set our books. Take Philadelphia: what do you see when I say “big city”? Noise and crowds and museums? Ireland is a very different case: rainbows and green hills and cottages. These cues let the reader “see” the stage before we start adding characters.

My fictional Granford, Massachusetts, the home of the Orchard Mysteries (including the latest book, A Gala Event, to be released tomorrow!), is a typical cozy small town. Now, don’t stop to think: what do you visualize when someone says “New England town?”

The quick answer is: a town green ringed with old maple trees, maybe blazing with fall colors, surrounded by a large white church with a steeple, a couple of stores, and the big old houses built a century or two earlier by the rich folk in town who wanted to show off. Drive through most New England states and you’ll see a lot of them. It’s imprinted in our collective memories.

That’s what Granford looks like. That’s also what the real town of Granby looks like—a place I know and have been visiting since before I started writing. Just about everything in the Orchard Mysteries is real—the library, the historical society, the church, the police station, the feed store, the high school, etc., etc. (Although the real town has opened both a new library and a more modern police station since I started the series—so I moved them in the books too.)

There was one other critical element, though: apples. I always knew I wanted to set the series in the town, in a colonial house built by an ancestor of mine (also real), but the publisher wanted a “hook.” I thought about it, and rejected some ideas such as organic farming (I’ll leave that to Edith, since I know nothing about organic farming!), but then I hit upon apples. Everybody knows and loves apples—so there’s an instant identification with the idea. I’m sure you all can call up a mental picture immediately when I say “apple orchard.” And then suddenly you’re plugged into Johnny Appleseed and the “apple a day keeps the doctor away” idea of healthy eating and wholesome gifts for first-grade teachers and “Mom and apple pie,” and so on.

See? I don’t have to put all this on the page, but I’ve connected with a lot of readers who already know about all this, consciously or unconsciously. Just mention “apple” and suddenly you’ve tapped into a whole backstory for your book.

What particular bit of shorthand on the cover or in a review makes you pick up a book in a bookstore (or click online) when you see it? Which ones one would make you avoid a book?

A Gala Event

And one small bit of promotion: A Gala Event, to be released tomorrow. Available everywhere in most formats you can think of. Yes, there really are alpacas in Granby, er, Granford.

Thanks, sister Wickeds, for featuring it last week!

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: A Gala Event, apples, Ireland, Orchard Mysteries, Philadelphia, sheila connolly

Where are the Wickeds?

It’s time for our monthly post about our appearances this month.

Julie:

6 October 5:30-7 PM. Book launch party for JUST KILLING TIME. New England Mobile Book Fair, Newton Highlands, MA.

Edith:

9 October 1 PM. On “Crime in the Metropolis” panel, Bouchercon, Raleigh, NC.

27 October 8-10 AM. At SINC-NE table at New England Library Association meeting, Manchester, NH.

30 Oct – Nov 1. Magna Cum Murder conference, Indianapolis, IN.

Sherry:

8 October 8-10 AM. Author Speed Dating, Bouchercon, Raleigh, NC.

10 October 7 AM. New Authors Breakfast, Bouchercon, Raleigh, NC.

Barb:

24 October 2-3 pm. Sisters in Crime New England Booth at the Boston Book Festival.

26 October 12:30- 2:30 pm Sisters in Crime New England booth at the New England Library Association Annual Conference.

Jessie:

8 October 10 AM Meredith Public Library, Meredith, NH

20 October 7PM, Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick, ME

26 October 10:00-12:30 PM Sisters in Crime New England booth at the New England Library Association Annual Conference.

Filed under: Where Are the Wickeds? Tagged: Bouchercon 2015, Magna Cum Murder, NELA

A Gala Event Book Birthday

Today, due to an embarrassment of riches, we’re celebrating a Wicked Book Birthday a few days early. Congratulations to Wicked Cozy Accomplice Sheila Connolly whose ninth Orchard mystery, A Gala Event, releases on Tuesday! Can’t wait to read this installment. Here’s the blurb from her web site:

“The fall harvest may be just about over, but orchard owner Meg Corey is busier than ever planning her wedding to Seth Chapin. Who knew picking apples would be less work than picking out rings and a dress? And even though the happy couple has invited most of Granford, Massachusetts, to the ceremony, they might have to make room for one more guest…

Ex-con Aaron Eastman has unexpectedly reappeared in his hometown, searching for answers to the tragic fire in his family’s past that put him behind bars twenty-five years ago. Moved by his sincerity, Meg vows to do everything she can to help him solve the cold case. As she cobbles together the clues, it becomes increasingly clear that Aaron may have been considered the bad seed of the family, but someone else was one bad apple…”

Liz: Congrats, Sheila! Sounds fun as usual! Thanks for keeping my TBR pile large and looming…

Sherry: Wow! Ninth in the series! What an accomplishment and boy do I love weddings so I can’t wait to read this. I’m not sure how you do it — I just finished the fabulous Privy to the Dead — but keep them coming.

Barb: Ninth! How did this happen? I’ve fallen behind. Off to order A Gala Event right now. Congratulations, Sheila!

Julie: I hear it is going to be a bumper crop for apples this year. May the same be said for book sales about apple orchards! Congratulations Sheila!!

Edith: So exciting. And a wedding, to boot! I’ve loved this series since the start.

Jessie: I’ll bet this title is the pick of the crop, Sheila! Congratulations, once again!

Congratulations, Sheila! You inspire all of us.

Readers: Any questions for Sheila about apples, long-running series, or how it’s going to be having a married sleuth?

Filed under: Book Birthday, Sheila's Posts Tagged: A Gala Event, Book birthday, Orchard Mystery, sheila connolly