Sherry Harris's Blog, page 14

Stick with the Wickeds at Crime Bake Contest

by Barb, exciting to be at long last doing some book events this week

The New England Crime Bake is almost here. Since all the Wickeds are going to be able to attend, we are once again running a contest to take one of our readers with along with us, well, sort of.

Dru Ann on a Stick with 2014 GOH, Craig Johnson, and Julie Hennrikus

Last year we took Dru Ann Love along with us on a stick. This year’s Guest of Honor is NYT Bestseller Elizabeth George, the creator of the  Inspector Lynley novels. If you would like to have the opportunity to have as much fun as Dru did last year, then this is the contest for you! Here’s how it works:

Just leave a comment on any of the blog posts scheduled between today and Friday, October 30 to be entered into the drawing. If you are chosen as the winner all we’ll need from you is your photo in jpeg format and a list of five authors attending this year’s Malice Domestic Conference whose autograph you would like us to ask for on your behalf.

We’ll announce the winner on Saturday, October 31st. Best of luck to you all!

Dru Ann and the crew

Filed under: Contests Tagged: New England Crime Bake

Guest Cindy Brown — The Importance of Light in the Dark

Welcome Cindy! We got to chatting on Facebook when she saw I’d posted a photo of myself at a high school play practice. (You can see the photo and a bit about it on Cindy’s Slightly Silly Newsletter the link is below.) It’s always fun to get to know new authors!

If you looked at my bookshelves, you’d see mysteries and literary fiction, most of them serious, even dark. But I make certain there are always several cozy or humorous mysteries there too. I have to have them handy. Why? And why, if I read mostly “serious “ fiction, do I write screwball mysteries?

Years ago, I was walking the dog when I ran into a neighbor whose husband was terminally ill. We talked briefly about the situation, but veered into the comfort of small talk pretty quickly. I mentioned I was working on a humorous mystery, and her eyes lit up. “I’d love to read it,” she said. I sent her an early draft of Macdeath, my first Ivy Meadows Mystery. I saw her again a few days later, and she thanked me profusely. “I laughed for the first time in weeks,” she said. “You can’t imagine how much that means to me.”

I’ve heard variations of the same sentiment several times since. Sometimes it’s simply about getting a break from the serious world we live in: “It was really nice to leave the darkness, and read a fun, light mystery.” (Bill’s Book Reviews on The Sound of Murder) Sometimes the books take on a greater importance for readers. My friend Angela M. Sanders received an email thanking her for writing the Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing Mysteries. The reader said her novels were the perfect R&R for him after his days at work—as a humanitarian worker with an Ebola response team in Guinea, Africa,

I believe mysteries are important to us because they create a world where good triumphs. Where bad guys get theirs in the end. Where flawed characters recognize that they need to grow, and set about changing themselves for the better. That’s why I write them. And I write cozy mysteries for what began as as sort of a selfish reason: I didn’t want to live in the dark. I once turned down a great role in the Sam Shepard play “Buried Child,” because I didn’t want to immerse myself in that in that brutal world for months of rehearsal and performance.

That’s not to say that my books—and most cozies—don’t have substance (check out Susannah Hardy’s post: Mythbusting–Cozies Are Not The Shallow End Of The Fiction Pool). I love it when readers recognize the comedy and the gravity in my books: “The setting is irresistible, the mystery is twisty, and Ivy is as beguiling as ever, but what I really loved was the depth and complexity of painful human relationships right there in the middle of a sparkly caper,” Catriona McPherson said about The Sound of Murder.

But what’s even better is the realization that my reason for writing cozies isn’t all selfish: readers need them too. After fellow author Cindy Sample recently lost her beloved mother, she wrote to tell me that Macdeath “brought much laughter when I sorely needed it.”

I’m proud to count myself among the cadre of cozy writers. I believe we’re trying to make sense of what’s going on around us, and to set to the world to rights, even if it’s just for the length of a book.  We’re turning on the light.

Cindy Brown has been a theater geek (musician, actor, director, producer, and playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. Now a full-time writer, she’s the author of the Ivy Meadows series, madcap mysteries set in the off, off, OFF Broadway world of theater. Macdeath, Ivy’s first adventure is “a hilarious riff on an avant-garde production of the Scottish play” (Mystery Scene Magazine) and her newest book, The Sound of Murder is “a definite delight”(Suspense Magazine). Cindy and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, though she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities. She’d love to connect with readers at cindybrownwriter.com (where they can sign up for her Slightly Silly Newsletter) or on Facebook or Twitter.

Readers: Why do you read mysteries?

Filed under: Guest posts Tagged: Angela M. Sanders, Bill's Book Reviews, Cindy Brown, Cindy Sample, MacDeath, Slightly Silly Newsletter, The Sound of Murder

Connections

By Liz, wondering if it’s winter, fall or summer! Isn’t this weather nuts?

Earlier this year, I was invited to participate in the Pet Rock Festival in the Worcester, Mass.  area. The invite came from Annie’s Book Stop in Worcester, where I’d done a talk last year. They wanted to feature an author at their booth, and invited me because of the animal component in my books. Of course, I was thrilled to participate – and so were Shaggy and Finny. We had a great time seeing old animal pals and meeting new ones. The booth happened to be next to the lovely folks from The Paw Spa in Shrewsbury, who happened to be selling organic dog cakes. Over the course of the day (after the dogs got sample treats), we got to discussing cakes, books and social media. From that conversation, we’ve developed a partnership of sorts–they’re looking into stocking my books, they’ve employed the services of Brand Fearless, who does fabulous photography and social media strategy for me, and now we’re talking about teaming up to benefit some local animal rescues.

I’ve been thinking a lot about connections lately. I’m blessed to get to spend time in communities in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. I have friends in animal circles, in wellness circles, in book circles. And even better, these connections are promoting good.

Like the friendship I’ve established with the folks at my local library. After doing a couple of author events there, they now call me for all kinds of fun things – like when Shaggy was asked to be the reading dog over the summer. At my last event, one of the library staff asked me to look at a grant application she was working on. I helped her with some of the content and she wrote to me a couple of weeks later to tell me she got the grant, which is great news for the community.

When my short story about my Maine coon cat Tuffy came out in Rescued, I chose a local rescue group to benefit from the book proceeds. The ladies of the Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats organized an event where we not only promoted the book, but engaged the community in the plight of feral cats and how they can help.

Some of you may remember me mentioning Dr. Ming Wu, an amazing traditional Chinese doctor I am blessed to know. Seeing him and becoming part of his community allowed me to participate in an event at his practice, Wu Healing, about manifesting your dreams. Connecting with like-minded people and offering them an opportunity to get to know my work felt good. People thanking me for inspiring them to try something new felt even better.

I’ve often said one of the best parts about being a fiction writer is meeting people. I believe that even more strongly now. Because it’s not just about meeting fabulous people and talking books (which are two of my favorite things to do, admittedly!). It’s about giving back, helping others, making a difference.

My other cause is domestic violence. I’m on the board for a group here in Connecticut, Safe Futures, and we’re currently raising funds to pilot a new program, #ProtectOurPets, that will provide temporary placement for animals belonging to people who need to leave a dangerous situation. I’m hoping my books will provide another avenue to help get the word out. There’s something so humbling about being able to do what you love but also see how much it can benefit others.

Because that’s what it’s all about, right?

Readers, tell us about the connections in your life that have made a difference!

Filed under: Liz's posts Tagged: animal rescue, Annie's Book Stop, Brand Fearless, community, connections, Rescued, Safe Futures, The Paw Spa, Wu Healing

Wicked Wednesday–Taking a Breath

It’s a busy time here at Wicked Cozy Authors World Headquarters. We have three book birthdays in October (Sheila Connolly, A Gala Event, Julianne Holmes, Just Killing Time and upcoming, Maddie Day, Flipped for Murder) and we have three in November  (Susannah Hardy Olive and Let Die, Level Best Books, Best New England Crime Stories 2016: Red Dawn and Sadie Hartwell, Yarned and Dangerous.) Throw in Bouchercon in October, and Crime Bake in November, and, well, it gets a little crazy.

So, today’s Wicked Wednesday is about taking a breath. Wickeds, how do you recharge your batteries when you only have a few down minutes or hours between one frantic activity and the next?

Edith: May I just add that IN BETWEEN Bouchercon and Crime Bake I’m headed out to Indiana for six days to personally launch Flipped for Murder at the Magna Cum Murder conference in Indianapolis and then at three author events around the lower third of the state. So recharging is going to be very important.

One thing I do at conferences is just lie down flat on the bed and breathe deeply for five minutes. Even if I wish I had time for a nap but don’t, having a mini-liedown/meditation (snort, I just typed “medication”…) break really helps. And if I have a half hour or more, I tie on my tennies and take a good brisk walk. Maybe I don’t have time to change into exercise clothes or take a shower afterward. Still, getting my blood moving, my oxygen replenished, and my energy recharged is a huge boost to me.

Liz: I’ve been trying to be more mindful and take mental breaks when I’m getting overwhelmed. Like Edith, I like to walk if I can fit it in, or even just run around the yard with the dogs for a few minutes. I also got one of those adult coloring books-I’ve always loved to color-and five minutes focusing on that improves my mood immediately.

I have a trampoline set up near my office, so if I’m working from home I can use that for five minutes here and there. I’m trying to meditate more, too…but I get distracted so easily!

Sherry: If I’m at a conference escaping to my room for five minutes alone or with a couple of good friends is great for relaxing. Eating a few nuts or some other protein if I’m feeling sluggish also helps. At home, taking a reading break helps me escape from whatever is making me feel overwhelmed.

Jessie: Whenever I feel frazzled and overwhelmed by what-all is swirling round my head, I sit down and make a list. So often everything is a lot more manageable when it is written down in black and white. I also always have a knitting project on the needles, and for me, there is no better way to unwind than to add a few rows to a work-in-progress.

Barb: I was going to say play solitaire on my computer (or iPad or phone or whatever device is at hand). Isn’t that what everybody does? But then I realized that might not be quite in the spirit, so I’ll go with the “water cure.” In Key West I swim in it, in Maine I gaze at it. Somehow, being near water relaxes me. I think it’s in the human DNA.

Readers, how do you take a breather during a busy day or week?

Filed under: Wicked Wednesday Tagged: bouchercon, knitting, Magna Cum Murder, New England Crime Bake, to do lists

The Detective’s Daughter – A Grave Obsession

Kim in Baltimore trying to decide whether or not to turn on the heat before November.

Some people collect stamps or coins or baseball cards. I collect grave stones. Whether ceramic, plastic or cardboard, I can’t resist them. Every October I set up a little graveyard in front of my house. I have had a few of these items since the first Halloween I moved here twenty-three years ago. One of my most prized possessions is a small gate from a cemetery in Brooklyn, New York where my husband’s family is buried. His mother gave it to me years ago and, being a detective’s daughter, I thought it best not to ask too many questions as to how she acquired this particular piece.

As a child I loved to hear my mom’s stories of growing up in the caretaker’s house at the graveyard. She would tell me how on Halloween they never had trick or treaters because the neighborhood children were scared to come back there. Mom said that she was never afraid in the house, though she did refrain from watching spooky movies when they came on television.

When I was a teenager and went to sleepovers my friends and I loved to tell scary stories. A very popular one was about Black Aggie. Black Aggie was the name of a statue that was once in the Druid Ridge Cemetery in Pikesville. Much to my disappointment the statue had been moved by the time I heard the tale. She was a great, mournful sculpture that rested at the Angus family plot. It was said that her eyes glowed red at the stroke of midnight. We girls would huddle together in my darkened basement chanting her name, daring something to happen. My friend Billie Jo told us if we went into a dark room and stared at a mirror while chanting Black Aggie, scratches would appear on our face when the lights came on. It would have taken far more Boone’s Farm wine than I could ever smuggle in to get the courage to try that one. Now that Black Aggie resides over in the courtyard of Dolley Madison’s house I’ll have to pay her a visit…after a couple of glasses of wine that is.

The Victorians enjoyed having picnics while paying their respects on Sunday afternoons. I, however, spent many a Sunday teaching my son how to drive on the narrow roads running through the graveyard. It was a safe environment where the most traffic came from dog walkers. We’d ride around for an hour or two discussing the various headstones and notice how some were always decorated for the upcoming holiday. I guess decorating a grave is not any stranger than decorating a house with graves.

There’s one cemetery I rarely visit, though, and that’s Louden Park. My dad is buried there. His site is marked with a small bronze plaque on the ground with the dates of his birth and death engraved in the center. It gives only the bare facts, just the way Dad wanted it. He never much cared for weddings or funerals, insisting they had too many things in common. Occasionally I ride over and sit in my car on the path closest to his grave. I keep the doors locked because it’s not in the greatest neighborhood to find yourself alone. The blackjack he gave me still sits under my driver’s seat and I finger it, wanting the reassurance of its presence; his presence. I don’t want to think of him here in the ground or remember the years leading up to his death. I want to remember the man who gave me this small weapon to protect myself. There is no comfort here for me.

This weekend the graves are lined up out front and I’ve arranged my new passion, a miniature graveyard, on a table in my office. I have orange lights hung around the porch and a huge bag of chocolate ready for the costumed children who aren’t afraid to come up my walkway. I encourage them all to whistle as they pass.

Do you find graveyards spooky or fascinating?

Filed under: The Detective's Daughter Tagged: Baltimore, Black Aggie, cemetery, graves, graveyards, Halloween

Pitch Perfect (Or how to interest readers in two minutes or less)

By Sherry in Northern Virginia who’s hoping it warms back up!

This is how I feel when I hear I have to pitch.

Just the word “pitch” strikes terror into my heart. Most of the articles I found on the topic were about pitching to an agent or editor but I’m writing about pitching to readers after your book is written. Creating the perfect pitch is hard. I had two opportunities to pitch at Bouchercon last week, once during speed dating — where two authors go from table to table and each has three minutes to talk about their books — and also at the new authors breakfast where we each had one minute. Both events are timed and both are designed to get readers interested in your writing.

Alice Loweecey and Barbara Early having fun at Malice Go Round.

Last year at Malice-Go-Round (the Malice Domestic version of speed dating) I listened to about forty authors pitching their books but I only remember two — Barbara Early aka Beverly Allen and Alice Loweecey. They had a routine and were very funny (and again I still remember it!).

So when Barb Goffman and I partnered up for speed dating at Bouchercon I suggested we come up with a joint intro. It went something like this (Barb’s part is in italics):

Hi, I’m Sherry Harris. And I’m Barb Goffman. We’re the long and the short of it. Because I write novels and I write short stories.

It got a laugh every time — It didn’t hurt that I’m tall and Barb, well, isn’t. Even the time keeper told us we were good. (So thank you Alice and Barbara for inspiring me!) I’ve come up with a few tips about pitching your book.

Don’t read — I’ve seen three different types of readers. First up — the nervous Nelly or Ned. I  get it, trust me, I was terrified but reading off a card in a wooden voice isn’t inspiring. What’s the worse thing that can happen — you blank in the middle. If you do, laugh it off and blame it on the early morning hour, the lack of caffeine, or your late night. If using notes helps calm the nerves, use them, but only rely on them in an emergency.

Next is the person who reads their back cover copy — I borrowed a line from the back cover copy — it’s well written, it worked in my pitch, but don’t take your book up and just read. That means you’re looking down, not connecting with your audience.

Last there were the blurb readers. Saying: Bestselling author Joe Blow said: This is a tightly written, action packed, thriller that is a must read and kept me up all night to the very last page — doesn’t really help because that blurb could be on the back of any thriller. It doesn’t tell me why I should read your book.

Don’t talk about your website or how if you buy one book, you’ll get another for free — why should I go to your website if you haven’t piqued my interest?

Don’t tell me what you think your book is about in general terms — it’s a charming, twisted tale of love and death, with a bit of humor. Be specific: who is your protagonist, what is his or her dilemma, what makes your story unique. I started mine like this: Sarah Winston’s happy life as an air force wife crash lands when her husband sleeps with a younger woman. Sarah’s self prescribe therapy is going to lots of yard sales (that’s the line I borrowed from the cover copy).

Wow, that was a lot of things I don’t think should be done in a pitch, so here are some things I think should be done.

Try to be conversational. Think of it as telling a good friend about your book. Practice with someone.

Be enthusiasticand put some pep in your pitch. Because if you tell me about your thriller, suspense or mystery but your voice is blasé or too cool for school, I’m not buying it — your pitch or your book

Look people in the eye and look around the room at different people, it helps engage them, and seeing a friendly face out in the audience helps calm your nerves.

Julie Hennrikus and I practiced on each other and Julie timed our pitches. Hers was only about 30 seconds but she said everything she needed to. I thought she should make it longer but Julie said short was better. And she was right! Being short is so much better than being cut off by the bell or buzzer. But if that does happen in the middle, smile, say thanks, and quit talking instead of continuing on.

Julie Hennrikus pointed out that the men at Bouchercon were much better than women about saying: Buy my book. Say it!

The thing I realized, once I stopped running around thinking and saying, I’m terrible at this, is: I’m really not terrible at the pitch and it doesn’t have to be perfect. And conference organizers — would someone please come up with a new authors cocktail party instead of the new authors breakfast?

Readers: Do you have tips for a good pitch?

Filed under: Sherry's posts Tagged: Alice Loweecey, Barb Goffman, Barbara Early, Beverly Allen, bouchercon, julie hennrikus, Malice Domestic, Pitch, Sherry Harris, Speed dating

Wickeds on a Stick at Bouchercon!

As we said on Wednesday, Jessie, Liz, and Barb couldn’t make it to Bouchercon this year, so the other Wickeds oh-so-graciously, took them on a stick.

Wickeds, what did Jessie, Liz, and Barb get up to at Bouchercon?

Answer: A lot! 

The Wickeds set off from Northern Virginia with Barb Goffman behind the wheel, Donna Andrews riding shotgun, and Shari Randall and Sherry Harris as backseat drivers.

Check out the rear view mirror!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shari Randall is happy the Wickeds are on our road trip.

Art Taylor who is also from Northern Virginia is the first person the Wickeds run into after check in!

 

Dinner with reviewer and author Patti Phillips!

 

Walking the mean (okay really nice) streets of Raleigh and meet fan Karen Palmer.

A beer and barbecue nachos hit the spot.

Lunch time for the Wickeds.

 

The Wickeds go to a panel moderated by Catronia McPherson and panelists Kaitlyn Dunnett and Leslie Budewitz.

 

Authors Matthew Clemens and Catriona McPherson.

 

 

The Wickeds are always happy to see Hank Phillippi Ryan.

 

Liz, Barb, Jessie, and Sherry go to see how the silent auction for the Wicked items is going!

 

Reader Risa Rispoli and the Wickeds.

 

Toasting Julie Hennrikus’s debut book Just Killing Time.

Liz, Barb, and Jessie are so happy to run into Dorothy Cannell.

 

Happy to run into authors Julie Hennrikus, Leslie Budewitz, Kathryn O’Sullivan, and Nancy Herriman!

 

A panel with debut author C. Michelle Dorsey. She talks about her book No Virgin Island.

Dinner with one editor and two thriller writers.

Look! It’s author Alan Orloff and his wife Janet.

The Wickeds wouldn’t miss Hank Phillippi Ryan moderating a panel.

 

Lunch — more Southern food! Grits, barbecue, charred carrots, and sweet potatoes!

 

New England authors Kate Flora, Kathy Lee Emerson, and Edith.

Leslie Budewitz and Cheryl Hollon love Liz, Barb, and Jessie.

 

Attending the panel Julie Hennrikus was on. Debra Goldstein was the moderator.

The Wickeds once again run into Karen Palmer who they met the very first night. She won our basket at the silent auction!

They are really excited to see Molly Weston who is on the board of Sisters in Crime and does the wicked awesome newsletter.

 

And last but definitely not least they run into Sarah Glass the amazing webmaster for Sisters in Crime.

 

 

 

 

All in all there was lots of food, friends and fun but Liz, Barb, and Jessie are wicked tired!

Readers: Do you have a favorite moment from a conference you attended?

Filed under: Group posts Tagged: Alan Orloff, Art Taylor, Barb Goffman, Barbara Ross, Bouchercon 2015, C. Michele Dorsey, Catriona McPherson, Cheryl Hollon, Debra Goldstein, Donna Andrews, Dorothy Cannell, Hank Philippi Ryan, Jessie Crockett, kaitlyn dunnett, kate flora, Kathryn O'Sullivan, Leslie Budewitz, Liz Mugavero, Matthew Clemens, Nancy Herriman, Patti Phillips, Shari Randall

The Very Good Reason

by Barb, still recovering from her knee replacement, but getting stronger everyday

Hi. Barb here and today I want to talk about that point where plot and character meet–where it becomes apparent to your sleuth that he or she is the only one who can solve the mystery, bring the guilty to justice, or even, save the world (if you’re writing a thriller.)

I’m talking about the Very Good Reason (or VGR).

I first heard about the Very Good Reason in a course taught by writer, editor and teacher extraordinaire, Ramona DeFelice Long. For the amateur sleuth, the Very Good Reason is why she gets proactively involved in (and not just caught up in) the investigation. For a thriller with an everyman or everywoman protagonist, the Very Good Reason is the reason they don’t just call the FBI, the CIA, the Pentagon, etc and be done with it. After all, that’s what almost any normal human would do. Why does your protagonist dig in instead of running in the other direction as quickly as possible?

It took me awhile to understand how vitally important the VGR is. The VGR is what flips your protagonist from passive to active. If your character is driving the investigation, they are also driving the narrative. They have goals in every scene. The reader straps himself in to go on the ride.

Can you write an amateur sleuth without a VGR? I have seen it done, where the sleuth is wandering around, overhearing stuff, learning things because she’s a part of the community and the professionals aren’t, and then she puts it all together at the end. But it’s hard to do well. Very, very hard. Because an aimless protagonist is usually going to result in an aimless narrative.

What are the VGRs? There are some that are so well used that they’re clichés. Your protagonist is the main suspect. Someone near and dear to her is a suspect. Someone near and dear to her may be the next victim. But even these require the writer to dig in, do more work and build a believable rationale that is unique to the sleuth and the story.

The above VGRs are often coupled an incompetent professional force. The bumbling country police. The arrogant FBI man with his own agenda. I don’t love these kinds of solutions unless they’re deeper and more interesting than that. I try to have my professionals work their own perfectly reasonable theory of the case, which may or may not happen to be the right one. And they may be hamstrung by laws and procedures that don’t fetter our amateur.

Finding the VGR is a huge challenge for people who write a long-running series. By the time the protagonist is done, everyone she knows may have been a victim or a suspect. I do think, as time and books go on, the author does get a bit of a gimme. If your sleuth has been involved in many investigations, she develops a reputation and people begin to proactively seek her help. Of course, there has to be a VGR she says yes to these requests.

Does a professional need a VGR–a cop, an FBI agent, a spy? I think yes, but it’s different. My first mystery, The Death of an Ambitious Woman, featured a female police chief. She pursued the mysterious death of female executive relentlessly, over the objections of her mayor, her district attorney and some of the men on her force. While I was writing the book, early readers kept asking me, “Why does she do this?” I kept saying, “Because it’s her job.” And they kept saying, “That’s not enough.” Which always caused me to wonder, how do you do your job?

But of course, they were correct. Which I realized eventually. I needed a Very Good Reason. And that’s what made the book.

They only difference is, with a professional, you may not reveal the VGR early on, but rather dribble it out over the course of the book and bring it home during the climax. For professionals, I think of it this way. Of all the bar stories in your repertoire, why are you telling this one? Probably because it made a personal connection.

Understanding the VGR has truly helped me as a mystery writer. Of course, coming up with the right one for each book is still a huge challenge.

Readers, what do you think? Is the VGR important?

Filed under: Barb's posts Tagged: Ramona DeFelice Long, VGR

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