Art Taylor's Blog, page 63

Thanks to Suffolk & to Deadly Ink

Events on back to back weekend mean a lot of traveling but also some great satisfaction and fine rewards!

I appreciate Katie Kelley and Theresa Earles inviting me to another Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival in Suffolk, VA (and the crazy nice poster in the picture above!) and to Debby Buchanan, Nikki Bonanni, and Roberta Rogow for inviting me to my first Deadly Ink.

Highlights of my time in Suffolk included interviewing festival guests of honor Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner, and at the top of my list for Deadly Ink was taking part in the Writers Academy where I led a short workshop on plotting and pacing.

But overall the greatest pleasures came from interacting with readers and writers—in some cases old friends (hey, hey, LynDee Walker, for example, who first introduced me to the Suffolk festival in the first place) and in other cases new ones. Up in New Jersey this past weekend, I met lots of new folks I’d only known from their work or from social media, including guest of honor Meg Gardiner as well as R.G. Belsky, Christine Bush, Bob Daniher, Jack Getze, Teel James Glenn, Carol Gyzander, Jeff Markowitz, James McCrone, L.A. Preschel, Christopher Ryan, and Al Tucher, among others—and old friends here too, including the great T.J. O’Connor, who was at Suffolk as well. We’ve been on the road a lot these last ten days, T.J.!

Great to connect with these writers and with our readers. Back home now—and already gearing up for the next batch of events ahead too:

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Roundtable Discussion: “What Makes a ‘Great’ Book?” with John Gilstrap and D.A. Spruzen, part of the Great American Read, Reston Regional Library, 11925 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston, VA • 2 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday, September 6-9, 2018

Bouchercon, Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort, 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL

Opening Ceremonies, including presentation of Macavity Awards • Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m.
Panel, as moderator: “Fear Factor: Threatening Family in Thrillers,” with Jordan Harper, Michael Koryta, Karin Slaughter, Wendi Corsi Staub, and Lisa Unger • Friday, September 7, 10 a.m., Majestic
Panel, as panelist: “Anthony Nominated Short Stories,” with Susanna Calkins, Jen Conley, Hilary Davidson, Barb Goffman, Debra Goldstein, and moderator Tara Laskowski • Friday, September 7, 1 p.m., Royal 1AB & 2AB
Bouchercon Speed Dating Breakfast • Saturday, September 8, 8-9:30 a.m., Vinoy Grand
Anthony Awards • Saturday, September 8, 7 p.m.

 

 

Read the Anthony Finalists for Best Short Story

Thanks to Bouchercon for posting links to all of this year’s finalists for the Anthony Award for Best Short Story. I’m honored to have my own story, “A Necessary Ingredient,” included on this slate and to be among such a fine group of writers, such a fine group of friends.

You can find all the stories linked at Bouchercon’s website, and I’ve pasted them below as well. Happy reading!

“The Trial of Madame Pelletier” by Susanna Calkins, Malice Domestic 12: Mystery Most Historical: http://www.susannacalkins.com/short-stories.html
“God’s Gonna Cut You Down” by Jen Conley, Just to Watch Them Die: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Johnny Cash: https://www.jenconley.net/
“My Side of the Matter” by Hilary Davidson, Killing Malmon: https://downandoutbooks.com/bookstore/malmon-killing-malmon/
“Whose Wine Is it Anyway” by Barb Goffman, 50 Shades of Cabernet: http://www.barbgoffman.com/whose-wine-is-it-anyway-.html
“The Night They Burned Miss Dixie’s Place” by Debra Goldstein, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, May/June 2017: http://www.debrahgoldstein.com/otherwritings/night-burned-ms-dixies-place-alfred-hitchcock-mystery-magazine-mayjune-2017/
“A Necessary Ingredient” by Art Taylor, Coast to Coast: Private Eyes from Sea to Shining Sea: http://www.arttaylorwriter.com/books/a-necessary-ingredient/

 

The First Two Pages: Root of All Evil by Liz Milliron

In April 2015, B.K. Stevens debuted the blog series “The First Two Pages,” hosting craft essays by short story writers and novelists analyzing the openings of their own work. The series continued until just after her death in August 2017, and the full archive of those essays can be found at Bonnie’s website. In November 2017, the blog series relocated to my website, and the archive of this second stage of the series can be found here.

One week from today brings the release of Root of All Evil, the debut novel by Liz Milliron and the first book in the Laurel Highlands Mystery Series.

While Root of All Evil, published by Level Best Books, is Liz’s first novel, she’s already had great success as a short story writer, with stories in the Bouchercon anthology Blood on the Bayou, the Malice Domestic anthology Mystery Most Historical, and Fish Out of Water, the fourth anthology from the Guppies Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Liz published a series of Laurel Highlands short stories too. You can find out more about all these on her website.

In the meantime, enjoy this preview of her new book, and be sure to pick up Root of All Evil next week to find out what happens after these first two pages!

Please use the arrows and controls at the bottom of the embedded PDF to navigate through the essay. You can also download the essay here to read off-line.

Milliron Root of all Evil

Deadly Ink Begins Friday, August 10!

Just back from a terrific time at the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival and already looking forward to the next big event—my first time at the Deadly Ink mystery conference!

I’ll be part of the Deadly Ink Academy on Friday, August 10, following up Jenny Milchman’s morning workshop on crafting villains with an afternoon session on plotting, pacing, and structure. Here’s the write-up for that program:

This workshop looks at several aspects of plotting, pacing, and more, first for short stories, then for novels, drawing on sources as diverse as Lester Dent, Patricia Highsmith, Madison Smartt Bell, and the folks behind South Park. What is the difference between linear storytelling and modular storytelling—and how is suspense built in each one? How do you shape the various building blocks of a short story or novel—the scene, the chapter, the act—and what are the possible connections between those blocks? How do you fold in subplots? Should every chapter end with a cliffhanger? And yes, if you’re a pantser instead of a plotter, this discussion is still for you!

Later that night, I’ll join an “Author Hot Potato”—a first for that too, and here’s the description, with a full list of participants:

Each author will have a timed turn to discuss any of the following: Why do you write mysteries? What are your influences? Your background? Your books?

Debby Buchanan, moderator – R.G. Belsky, Christine Bush, Peggy Ehrhart, Kate Gallison, Meg Gardiner, Jack Getze, Teel James Glenn, Carol Gyzander, Jeff Markowitz, Lynn Marron, James McCrone, Tj O’Connor, Linda Rawlins, Roberta Rogow, Chris Ryan, Ilene Schneider, A.J. Sidransky, Art Taylor, Al Tucher, Eileen Watkins, Rich Zahradnik.

Then on Saturday morning, August 11, I’m part of two panels—as panelist on one and moderator on the other. Here’s info on those:

Panel: “Keeping It Short” with Peggy Ehrhart, Carol Gyzander, Al Tucher, A.J. Sidransky and moderator Jack Getze • Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m.
Panel: “Pacing: The Making of a ‘Page-Turner’” with R.G. Belsky, Meg Gardiner, James McCrone, Tj O’Connor, and Rich Zahradnik • Saturday, August 11, 11 a.m.

So looking forward to my first time at the conference—and just updated my general events listing with yet another event this fall! Check it out here.

 

The First Two Pages: “No Fences” by Eve Fisher

In April 2015, B.K. Stevens debuted the blog series “The First Two Pages,” hosting craft essays by short story writers and novelists analyzing the openings of their own work. The series continued until just after her death in August 2017, and the full archive of those essays can be found at Bonnie’s website. In November 2017, the blog series relocated to my website, and the archive of this second stage of the series can be found here.

I’m pleased to host Eve Fisher for her second appearance at The First Two Pages under my watch. Eve was one of the first contributors when the blog series relocated here—and submitted two separate essays in those early weeks. You can find her earlier First Two Pages essay here, looking at her story “Darkness Visible.” The essay below offers a blast from the past, reflecting on the opening of “No Fences” from the November 2011 issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. For more on Eve’s work, check out her website.

Please use the arrows and controls at the bottom of the embedded PDF to navigate through the essay. You can also download the essay here to read off-line.

Fisher No Fences

Saturday, August 4: Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival

I’m so excited about this coming weekend’s mystery authors festival in Suffolk, VA—terrific readers, great hosts, and so many fine friends among the writers participating!

Below is my schedule for the day—including getting to chat with this year’s headliners, Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner. Hoping I don’t screw it up!

And see you Saturday!

Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk, VA • 1-6 p.m.

VIP Meet & Greet, Taylor Ballroom • Noon-1 p.m.
Moderator: Interview with Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner, Birdsong Theater • 1-1:50 p.m.
Author Signings, Art Galleries • 2-6 p.m.

 

August & September Events Updated

With the announcement this week of panels for Bouchercon, I’ve updated my August & September events schedule—and seeing suddenly how busy the next couple of months are going to be, with the Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival and Deadly Ink back to back and then Bouchercon the week immediately after the new semester starts. Whew!

Check out details below, and look forward to seeing so many authors, readers, and friends soon!

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Suffolk Mystery Authors Festival, Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 West Finney Avenue, Suffolk, VA • 1-6 p.m.

VIP Meet & Greet, Taylor Ballroom • Noon-1 p.m.
Moderator: Interview with Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner, Birdsong Theater • 1-1:50 p.m.
Author Signings, Art Galleries • 2-6 p.m.



Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2018

Deadly Ink Mystery Conference, Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, 515 US Highway 1 South, Iselin,  NJ

Deadly Ink Academy Workshop: “Brick by Brick: Strategies for Producing a Well-Paced Plot” • Friday, August 10, 1-4 p.m.
Author Hot Potato—part of welcome and dessert reception • Friday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.
Panel: “Keeping It Short” with Peggy Ehrhart, Carol Gyzander, Al Tucher, A.J. Sidransky and moderator Jack Getze • Saturday, August 11, 9 a.m.
Panel: “Pacing: The Making of a ‘Page-Turner’” with R.G. Belsky, Meg Gardiner, James McCrone, Tj O’Connor, and Rich Zahradnik • Saturday, August 11, 11 a.m.



Thursday-Sunday, September 6-9, 2018

Bouchercon, Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort, 501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, FL

Opening Ceremonies, including presentation of Macavity Awards • Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m.
Panel, as moderator: “Fear Factor: Threatening Family in Thrillers,” with Jordan Harper, Michael Koryta, Karin Slaughter, Wendi Corsi Staub, and Lisa Unger • Friday, September 7, 10 a.m., Majestic
Panel, as panelist: “Anthony Nominated Short Stories,” with Susanna Calkins, Jen Conley, Hilary Davidson, Barb Goffman, Debra Goldstein, and moderator Tara Laskowski • Friday, September 7, 1 p.m., Royal 1AB & 2AB
Anthony Awards • Saturday, September 8, 7 p.m.

The First Two Pages: “Book of Hours” by Robert Mangeot

In April 2015, B.K. Stevens debuted the blog series “The First Two Pages,” hosting craft essays by short story writers and novelists analyzing the openings of their own work. The series continued until just after her death in August 2017, and the full archive of those essays can be found at Bonnie’s website. In November 2017, the blog series relocated to my website, and the archive of this second stage of the series can be found here.

I first read Robert Mangeot‘s work when he submitted a story for the 2015 Bouchercon anthology Murder Under the Oaks. I edited that collection, and Bob’s story “Crack-Up at Waycross” was one of the blind submissions I considered—and immediately accepted. It cracked me up too—wry humor, delightful storytelling, compelling prose, the full package.

It was great fun “meeting” Bob through that process, and then meeting him in person later. I’ve been a fan of his stories ever since, and you can find out more about his work at his website here.

Today he talked about his new story, “Book of Hours” in the July/August 2018 Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, a follow-up to a story in AHMM several years ago. I particularly enjoyed here getting a glimpse into his writing process, the thought he puts behind his craft.

Please use the arrows and controls at the bottom of the embedded PDF to navigate through the essay. You can also download the essay here to read off-line.

Mangeot Book of Hours

SleuthSayers: My Latest Column (and last…for now…)

At SleuthSayers today, I talk about my horrendously inefficient writing process, hint toward a longer project, and bit adieu to my regular columns on the site—at least for a bit.

Here’s the opening paragraph:

As I’ve said before (too much likely), I’m a slow writer—and I think that my inclination toward writing short stories stems in part from that slow writing pace as well. While my process can vary somewhat from story to story, across the board I generally write in a piecemeal fashion—letting plot and character percolate in my head, sketching scenes at various points in the story rather then working through the draft in order, filling in bits and pieces of scenes as I discover myself what’s needed or what’s missing, slowly urging the whole mess into shape until it looks like something complete. (And then trying not to read it again after it’s published so I won’t be reminded of all the spots I should’ve done better.)

Check out the full post here.

Deadly Ink Ahead! August 10-12

I just got the flyer for this year’s Deadly Ink—”New Jersey’s biggest little mystery conference” with some killer headliners, including Meg Gardiner and Roberta Rogow—and I’m so pleased to be attending for the first time myself and presenting as well! I’ll be part of the Academy Workshop on Friday, August 10, then on a panel (still to be announced) on Saturday morning. Here’s info on the workshop:

BRICK BY BRICK: STRATEGIES FOR PRODUCING A WELL-PACED PLOT

A professor and book critic in addition to being an award-winning author, Art Taylor’s fiction workshops at George Mason University have long focused primarily on the shape and structure of a story’s plot.

This workshop looks at several aspects of plotting, pacing, and more, first for short stories, then for novels, drawing on sources as diverse as Lester Dent, Patricia Highsmith, Madison Smartt Bell, and the folks behind South Park. What is the difference between linear storytelling and modular storytelling—and how is suspense built in each one? How do you shape the various building blocks of a short story or novel—the scene, the chapter, the act—and what are the possible connections between those blocks? How do you fold in subplots? Should every chapter end with a cliffhanger? And yes, if you’re a pantser instead of a plotter, this discussion is still for you!

Look forward to seeing many fellow mystery writers and readers there—and if you haven’t registered already, full info is here.