Lee Strauss's Blog, page 3
February 17, 2023
So Much Social Media!
No one can deny that there's a surplus of social media platforms on the docket. Facebook! Instagram! TikTok! Those are the big three driving forces at the moment. You can read about my launching into TikTok HERE.
So what's a girl to do? Or more to the point, what's an author to do?
Hire a Social Media Manager!
My husband Norm and I have worked on many projects together over the years including work for our writing and publishing company, La Plume Press. Now, Norm's up to his ears with video creating and editing. (Secretly, I think he's in love with Faux Ginger. Who's she, you ask? You'll have to watch the videos!)
Along with Faux Ginger, we're filming FAQ, murder plot skits and whatever else suits our fancy.
We enlisted our friend Victor, a fellow snowbird, to film our murder plot skits.
Norm and I got the idea from our book plotting sessions. We pondered how funny it would be if someone overheard us brainstorming how to kill off our next fictional victim!
Victor is our hapless eavesdropper, lol.
The good news is we're cross posting on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with plans to upload to Youtube in the future, so you can watch them on whatever platform you're most comfortable with.
INSTAGRAM REELS FACEBOOK REELS TIKTOK VIDEO
SALE - THIS WEEK ONLY!
Need to catch up on the series? Grab this bundle for just .99
Snap it up now!
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January 25, 2023
New Release and Launched on TikTok and Facebook Reels
Just to a quick blog post to announce the release of MURDER AT YULETIDE and my foray into the world of video sketches. Meet me as Faux Ginger and have a laugh! It's all in good fun, but I also hope to find new readers for my books, so feel free to like and share.
Click HERE to Check out MURDER AT YULETIDE on Amazon!Available in ebook and paperback.
Last week, I blogged about TikTok and how it works. https://www.tiktok.com/@leestraussauthor
You don't have to have an account there to check out my videos, and you can also watch them a day later on Facebook Reels through my author page. Click here for link.
Be sure to follow my Facebook author page so you don't miss the latest video.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeeStrauss
Join me for fun and laughs!
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January 19, 2023
Fun Times with TikTok ~ featuring Lee Strauss and Faux Ginger
LAUNCHING JANUARY 24
You've probably heard of TikTok, the video sharing app that has dominated the video sharing world for the last few years. At last estimate, the app has clocked over 3 billion installations and it’s now pretty much impossible to ignore in terms of marketing and social possibilities, even for introverted authors like me.
Creators on the platform are getting very creative, hastily throwing together very short, but funny sketches, collaborative and informative videos and of course, dance videos. You can also find plenty of educational content covering topics ranging from health issues to real estate investing. Many creators post 2-3 times a day!
Within TikTok there is a whole world within a world called #booktok, and within that world
there is another mini-universe called #authortok. This is where authors hang out along with
many of their readers. No longer does the shy and introspective author hide in a dimly lit room
with a laptop and a mug of chamomile tea, coming out occasionally only for book signings and
scraps of food. 
The thought of filming myself is rather uncomfortable. But now, recognizing potential for some fun interaction with my dear readers and a chance to promote my books, I have energetically leapt into the fray.
As a result I have been ‘tiktoking’ like crazy over the last little while. Stay tuned, because soon there will be short videos featuring all kinds of fun stuff starring this formerly camera shy solitudinarian. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s going to involve costumes, improvised dialogue, and some fun role playing. It’s also going to be funny and most likely very cheesy.
For those of you who have been hesitant to use the app but who are willing to give it a whirl, don’t worry, you don’t need an account or even an app. Just go to tiktok.com in your browser to look around. Although without an account you won’t be able to ‘like’ or ‘follow’ anybody.
Sound like fun? If so, when I make the announcement that my TikTok debut has happened, just search #leestraussauthor and you’ll quickly find me. Give me a big old heart shaped ‘like’ or a ‘follow’ and we’ll see each other in TikTok land.
PS: You won't touch TikTok with a ten-foot pole? No worries, I plan to cross post to Facebook Reels and Instagram. You can watch and interact with me there, only it will be a few days later.
LAUNCHING JANUARY 24 SEE YOU THEN!
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December 22, 2022
In the news ~ again!
~ both for medical crisis stories. Our daughter-in-law Chelsea fought cancer(link), and our daughter survived a cardiac arrest(link).
Happily, both are still with us, and this is a very special Christmas for the Strauss family.
In our daughter Tasia's case we have her friend Charlie Tucker to thank and these news stories are about the award he received for being the “vital link.”
Tasia and Charlie flanked by two of the ambulance attendants who relieved Charlie of his CPR efforts and the dispatcher who talked him through the seven long minutes.
“When Tasia Strauss collapsed on Dec. 19, 2021, Charlie Tucker instinctively jumped into action, utilizing his military CPR training.
His actions that night helped save Strauss' life, an act for which he was honoured for on the one-year anniversary with the BC Emergency Health Services Vital Link Award.
He was lauded a hero.”
CLICK TO READ the report ON CASTANET NEWS
And yes, there were tears.
Watch the report ON GLOBAL NEWS
My husband Norm said it best on a recent facebook post, so I”ll just quote him here:
“Exactly one year ago tonight, for reasons that an entire team of cardiologists are still trying to figure out, my daughter's heart stopped beating.
We were in Mexico at the time. My wife got a very anxious call from our son Levi in the middle of the night. An ambulance had taken his sister to the hospital. Cardiac arrest. What?
Needless to say we were stunned.
In near panic, we looked for the next flight home. At that time, covid antigen tests were still mandatory. It took us a day to get on a plane out of Puerto Vallarta. In the meantime there were frantic phone calls. Induced coma. On a ventilator. Possible brain damage. A friend had performed CPR for an inconceivable seven minutes until the ambulance came.
By the time we got to Calgary airport we received word that our daughter had been awakened and remembered her name and there was evidence her ‘sassy' sense of humour was intact though she was very groggy and had not much short term memory. We started to breath deeper breaths.
By Christmas she had received an operation to install a permanent defibrillator in her chest. She'll have it for the rest of her life. The cardiologists called her a Christmas miracle. A few days later we carefully brought her home.
Last night BC Ambulance Services held a special ceremony to award Charlie Tucker, the young man who had the courage and presence of mind to save our daughter's life, an award of merit. Richly deserved, young man.
Sitting at the event while the paramedics retold the story from the perspective of the first responders and the dispatcher who took Charlie's call, was a revelatory experience.
Life is precious. That's a good thing to remember this Christmas. Another good thing to remember is that there is such a thing as heroes though they don't wear masks and capes. That idea is actually kind of silly. But paramedics and those who work in ICU, doctors, nurses… they deserve the highest measure of our respect and gratitude every day.
That's our daughter Anastasia standing beside Charlie Tucker.”
I'm so proud of them both: of Charlie for saving my daughter's life, and of Tasia for fighting to live and surviving.
It was such a special evening, and a wonderful way to lead up to Christmas. As Tasia said, we've become closer as a family and really value our time spent together. I'm pleased we've been able to document the experience and the great outcome in this way.
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November 17, 2022
Books, Burnout, and a Bionic Leg
Many of you have been following my son and daughter-in-love's cancer journey, and I'm very happy to announce that Chelsea has completed her chemo treatments! She hasn't had all her final scans yet, but the ones that have come back are clean, and we're all really, really thankful. And look at all that titanium! The worst is over and now it's all about rehabilitating that leg.
Let me just say, she has a very long and impressive scar. It's a fitting badge representing her courage and determination as she dealt with fear of the unknown and real physical pain. Despite these hardships, she always has a ready smile, and is a true inspiration.
Jordan has been an excellent support, morally and practically, walking an unusual path as a new husband.
I couldn't be prouder of either of them.
On to Burnout.I don't want to spend too much time here, only to say that burnout is real. 2022 has been a busy and difficult year, and if you've been following this blog, you'll have heard about most of it. Despite the extraordinary eventfulness, I still ran my business and published six books. I confess, I'm running on fumes. I know I have a problem with life and work balance. Every year I say I'll do better and every year I find I'm working seven days a week. But next year WILL be different. lol
The good news is I'm about to leave on vacation for a week. Usually my travels are "working holidays" but this time, I know I need to take real time off and fill the tanks.
Books! Books! Books!
HALEY HIGGINS RETURNS!
PREORDER HEREMurder is so sang-froid!
When the Reed family—temporarily exiled to France—is once again safe, Ginger decides to turn the event into a much needed holiday. And the absolute cake is Ginger’s reunion with her American friend Haley Higgins, who is working in France on a practicum to become a lady doctor.
Ginger celebrates the happy reunion by throwing a party at their villa in Paris, but the joyous activities are halted when a body is discovered. Like old times, Ginger puts her detective skills to work while Haley provides her forensic knowledge. As party guests continue to become more suspicious and worthy suspects, Ginger’s own past is soon on trial.
Has a long-ago, war-time “error” resurfaced to steal more than Ginger’s joie de vivre?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Murder
Clive Pippins, Lady Ginger Gold’s beloved, elderly butler is apparently Christmas shopping when a body is found. To the shock of everyone in Ginger’s household, the victim is the spinster cousin Pippins worked for during the years surrounding the Great War.
As Ginger investigates things begin to look grim for her dear butler. What had the man been up to during the war years, and had he been complicit in a crime?
What secret was Pips holding onto?
And worse, would he be the next victim before he had a chance to divulge it?
The only gift Ginger wants for the Christmas of 1927 is for the killer to be found before it's time to ring in the new year!
Preorder Here
I'm writing as I look out at a winter wonderland view. So fitting as there was a BLIZZARD in England the week between Christmas and New Years in 1927. I also love writing about Pippins and getting to know him better. He's always been a favourite character of mine.
Check out this painting? It was inspired by the world in Murder in France.
Would you love to win a print of it? Enter the contest for your best chance. You'll also get a print copy of Murder in France and 25 buckeroos!
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October 24, 2022
10 Fun Facts about Ginger’s Journal
1. I didn't know when I started writing the Ginger Gold Mysteries that there would be a journal. When Ginger started hanging out in my head, I knew I wanted a woman who was ahead of her time ideologically, but I also needed her to have a set of skills that would be unique to women in the 1920s. The answer that came to me was to make her a former secret service agent during WW1. Now it made sense that she would now how to pick a lock, start an engine with a stocking, or was fluent in several languages.
2. Every time I needed Ginger to showcase a certain skill, I found I wanted to give context for when she learned it, so I would invent a situation she could've experienced during the Great War. Not only did I end up creating events, but also characters who first showed up in the 1920s, and then appeared in the journal timeline.
3. I knew I needed to keep track of these, rather random mentions of Ginger's backstory as a secret agent so I wouldn't lose continuity as the series went on. This was the beginning of what would become the Journal.
4. Once I started developing a backstory for Ginger that took place during the war years, I found I needed to develop her story line from before that. I introduced her late husband Daniel in Murder on the SS Rosa, but at the time, I hardly knew anything about him or how Ginger's romance with him had unfolded. Once I decided to write her history, I began with her coming of age in Boston and the concept of Ginger's Journal was born. I knew it wasn't something I'd be getting professionally edited or that I would sell, but I thought fans of Ginger Gold would enjoy it and offered it for free to my newsletter subscribers as a thank-you.
How the Journal affected the writing of Ginger Gold5. For the most part, I write the journal entries as I go along. I'm not hoarding entries and teasing my readers! There's actually a lot of thought and research and time that ends up going into each one. (In fact, my husband Norm Strauss helps with a lot of that.)
6. I knew that writing each new mystery would direct what I'd enter into the journal, but what I didn't expect was that sometimes the journal writing would direct what ends up in the books. Researching for the journal or just the development of a story idea while writing it sometime sparks a plot point that ends up in the next book. A big example of this happens in MURDER IN FRANCE.
7. The journal entry in this week's newsletter entitled New Years Eve Disaster is a version of an event that turn's Ginger's life upside down. Even though the original draft was written first, the 1917 "disaster" becomes key to a crime in 1927 that Ginger and her good friend Haley Higgins are trying to solve.
The future of the Journal8. New Years Eve Disaster takes place on January 31, 1917, which means the journal entries are heading into the final year of World War One. It's revealed early in the first Ginger Gold Book, Murder on the SS Rosa, that Daniel didn't survive the war, so some tender scenes are coming and at least one where Ginger and Daniel spend a day together, which we already know will be their last.
9. The ending is already written! The last scenes of the Journal are actually a prequel to Murder on the SS Rosa, when Ginger and Haley decide to take the steamship to England. It'll be available exclusively to audio book listeners sometime in the spring. Stay tuned.
10. As for what I'll do when the journal is finally completed, I'll probably have it professionally edited and offer a revised and enhanced version for sale. Is that something you'd be interested in? Let me know in the comments.
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October 7, 2022
It’s been a while ~ and what I’ve been reading.
I remember a time when I used to blog about this fun thing and that exciting opportunity ~ I think that was back in 2019! Lol. We've all been on a wild ride since then, in one form another. This has been a particularly trying year for me and my family, and the hits don't seem to stop. But, instead of getting into that, I want to take time to remember what I can be thankful for. Just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend!
ThanksgivingBusiness-wise, it's been a pretty good year, and I'm excited about the next two Ginger Gold Mystery books I'm working on. Murder in France is coming in November, and Murder at Yuletide is releasing in January. (I know, a little late for the holidays, but see the above re: crazy year!)
My daughter is doing a lot better, which I'm really thankful for. She'll be attending an awards ceremony in December that will honor her friend who saved her life, but more on that, then. If you missed the story, you can read about it HERE.
My daughter-in-law Chelsea had her last chemo infusion this week! It's been a long, hard road for this beautiful soul, but there's light.
We're all so glad that she'll be able to focus solely on physio soon, and can get that revised leg functioning properly.
I'm thankful for all the books available to read and I've read quite a few good ones this summer.
Here are three books I recommend.
A BRAZEN CURIOSITY by Lynn Messina was a happy find. Miss Beatrice Hyde-Clare isn't your standard Regency mystery heroine. Her brilliance is mixed with a quirky naivety and spending time with her is a delight. This is the first in eleven books currently available on Amazon.
A BEAUTIFUL POISON by Lydia Kang has a more serious tone than the Messina books. Set in New York during the Spanish Influenza, a clever poisoner is on the loose. The author's skill at pulling the reader into that world, and the different social classes involved, is evident. This stand alone book is available on Amazon.
THE DEAD OF FALSE CREEK by fellow Canadian Sarah M Stephen is a surprising mix of contemporary and historical fiction. This dose of magical realism is a pleasant escape, and I enjoyed learning a bit of history set in my home province of British Columbia. Available on Amazon.
And yes, I do notice the trend in cover design, now that they're set up together.
Let me circle back to the two new Ginger Gold books available on preorder.
On Preorder:Murder in France reintroduces the lovely medical student, Miss Haley Higgins.
Murder at Yuletide takes us back to Pippins misadventures during the war years.
PREORDER HERE PREORDER HERE What about you? Have you read any good books this summer? Let me know in the comments. The post It’s been a while ~ and what I’ve been reading. appeared first on Lee Strauss.
August 28, 2022
After the Ride
All the excitement and anticipation over the summer led to this day. This is the Kelowna contingent of the Tour de Cure, made up of Chelsea's loving and supportive family and friends. It started off with a downpour, finding most of us huddled under one mobile gazebo or hiding in our vehicles with steaming up windows. A passing storm wasn't enough to stop this intrepid crew, and thankfully the weather passed in time for us to take group pictures of the riders and volunteers before we headed off on our trek, some of us (me) on a 30 kilometer ride and some hardy folks on a 100km ride.
Chelsea, only three days after a round of chemo, found the strength to make it out, with Jordan, as always, at her side. What troopers! It was a great honor to ride for this couple and for all the people who suffer when cancer comes knocking. Fundraisers like this not only raise funds for research and progressive treatments, but they raise moral and provide a sense of commarradorie. Warriors for humanity. Serving and loving and hoping together.
The MOMS
The KIDS
Norm and I are on the right.
Riding through beautiful countryside.
Our team raised over $32,000!
A big shout out of thanks to everyone who sponsored with money, encouragement, prayers and moral support.
Chelsea hopes to ride herself next year, and I can't wait to see her go.
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August 5, 2022
Year in review ~ so far
There was a time when I wrote a "Year in Review" blog post every January. I'm not sure when I got out of the practice, but I kind of regret it now. It would be great to look back and see what each year had brought. I suppose I stopped because there was nothing new or unusual to report other than I published some books. There were also the pandemic years where everyone was suffering the same thing, so any recital of mine could be filled with comments saying "ditto."
My birthday happens to land smack dab in the middle of the year, July 31, so it's a good time for me to reflect anyway. This is not a year where nothing happened, and if you've been following, you'll know all about it already.
I'm a list person, so I like to see things in point form. I process things visually. So this is for me, if not for everyone.
January: my daughter Tasia in convalescence (if you missed what happened to her, go HERE); Norm and I are living on the generosity of strangers in a basement suite; we bought a house in New Brunswick with our son Joel and his wife Shadi; we leave the bitter cold of BC and return to our RV we'd left in Mexico on our sudden return to Canada in December; publish Murder at the Fiesta. February: Recovering emotionally and physically in Mexico--beach walks help a lot; get good news from our son Jordan and his fiancee Chelsea, they're getting married!March: Get the news that Chelsea might have osteosarcoma; decide to leave Mexico sooner than planned and start heading north; get as far as Vegas when I decide to fly back to BC and let Norm drive the rest of the way alone; learn when I land in Edmonton that the cancer diagnosis is confirmed; get home in time to help my daughter put her most beloved cat, Missy, down due to illness and offer grief support; publish Murder at the Savoy.April: clean and fix up RV and sell; Joel and Shadi move into new house; hire our son Levi to start a Fantasy line for our publishing company; Chelsea starts Chemo; prep for wedding, it's still on!May: Wedding and Strauss family meet up (if you missed the blog about this fabulous, emotional day, go HERE; publish Murder at the CircusJune: Sold our rental house (that Levi, Tasia, Jordan & Chelsea live in) and bought a new one in a nicer and safer neighbourhood; after six months driving prohibition (due to medical reasons), our daughter gets back behind the wheel!July: Chelsea has her surgery, the tumor is removed along with 9 inches of her femur and her knee is replaced, recovery proves to be more difficult that we had anticipated; Chelsea was in the news; Murder at the Boxing Club is published; I turn 58.And that brings us to now. We're all busy packing cleaning and preparing for a move this month, and I'm riding in the Tour de Cure which you can learn about HERE
Watch News Story Despite everything, (and I didn't include that we also all got Covid) I can say that with my whole heart I am truly thankful. These trials have brought us so much closer as a family and have put what's important and what is not in perspective. I won't say I'm not weary, but my faith is steady and I have hope for the future.
What's coming next? Who can say for certain, but we're planning to return to Mexico for the winter. And to publish more books. So stay tuned!
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July 26, 2022
Flash Sale & New Release!
So excited to be launching a new book and to present a series sale to get late comers started. I'm taking a break from family updates this week, but "hard and good" kind of encapsulates it. More later. For now, enjoy escaping with Ginger Gold. Check out this early 5 start review:
"Lee Strauss delivers a one, two punch in is this heart pounding addition to the Lady Gold series. Ginger attends a boxing match with Basil since Marvin (their adoptive son Scout's cousin) is in the ring against a fierce champion. When a murder occurs they soon find themselves investigating the seedier side of society taking them into the world of sports betting, gangs and drugs. If that wasn't enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, an old nemesis returns putting Ginger's family at risk. The attention to details is superb creating a story of intrigue and danger. I am already looking forward to the next book as we are left with a surprise reunion".
Murder’s a knockout!
Despite her misgivings and general distaste for fighting sports, Mrs. Ginger Reed, also known as Lady Gold, agrees to attend a boxing match to support her adopted son’s cousin, a street fighter who’s quickly risen in the ranks.
But when his opponent, the presumed champion-to-be, drops out and then drops dead, Ginger and her husband, Basil, a chief inspector at Scotland Yard, investigate. Was the fighter dead because of sports-betting gone awry? Were London gangs involved? And has an old, but newly present danger returned to threaten the Reed family?
When one of their own falls prey, the gloves come off and the fight becomes personal. Can Ginger and Basil save their family and stop a killer before the towel is thrown in the ring?
Get it here now
Get your binge on with this Series Starter SALE! Free, .99, 1.49 and 2.49 - TODAY ONLY
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