James M. Jackson's Blog, page 10

Lesley A. Diehl - Guest Author

Please welcome Lesley A. Diehl, a fellow member of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime. She says of herself: I began writing when I was a kid ironing clothes, imaginative short stories I created in my head. Over time, I got better at writing and lousier at ironing. [Editor’s Comment: Good choice. Between quality wash and wear and the occasional who needs drycleaning? We all know everyone needs more good books!]
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
In the summer at...

Michele Drier - Guest Author

I met today’s guest, Michele Drier, in the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime where she preceeded me as president. She says: Like many journalists I had ideas for novels years ago at the San Jose Mercury-News. Crawl forward mmmmph years and I published my first novel in 2011. Since then, I’ve written and published twelve novels and have at least five more in a holding pattern, waiting to land.
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
There is not background noise when I w...

Linda Cassidy Lewis - Guest Author

Please welcome fellow Kindle Scout winner Linda Cassidy Lewis who says: I’ve always made up stories, but I never planned to have a writing career. I self-published my first novel, The Brevity of Roses, as a personal challenge. Imagine my surprised delight when others were happy they’d paid to read it. And so it began.
You have an all-expense-paid long weekend to spend with three guests. The Starship Enterprise has agreed to beam you to the place of your choosing, so travel time is not a consid...

Laurel S. Peterson - Guest Author

Laurel S. Peterson writes mysteries and poetry, and teaches at a community college. She is also a fellow member of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
If possible, there is no background noise when I write. I grew up in a silent home (which sounds much worse than it was! Think of it as peaceful…). For me, anything requiring focus requires silence. When my father wanted to play his Dixieland jazz, he descended to his basement wo...

Marian McMahon Stanley - Guest Aurhor

Marian McMahon Stanley’s just released Boston-based mystery about the murder of an elderly nun, is described by author Hallie Ephron as a “taut, character-rich whodunit”. She shares with me membership in the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime and has been fortunate in careers – first at a Fortune 500 company, then at a university. She is delighted with this third incarnation.
Free print copy of THE IMMACULATE going out to a commentator chosen at random! (Who answers the question at the end,)
You...

Lisa Q. Mathews - Guest Author

Fellow Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime member Lisa Q. Mathews is a former Nancy Drew and Random House Children’s editor who now writes The Ladies Smythe & Westin mystery series (Carina Press/Harlequin) for grown-ups.
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
I’m one of those writers who can easily work to a personal or coffee shop soundtrack. But I am most productive with a football (NFL), baseball (preferably Red Sox), or golf game on in the background. Golf is act...

Steve Liskow - Guest Author

Steve Liskow, a fellow member of the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime, has been a finalist for both the Edgar Award and the Shamus Award. The Nowhere Man, his fifth Zach Barnes novel, is now available as a paperback or eBook.
What is your most recent excellent read (book, short story or essay) and why?
The last book that really rocked me was Tana French’s The Secret Place.She has eight teen-aged girls as POV characters, and each has a distinctive thought process, imagery, and speech pattern. F...

Sherry Harris - Guest Author

Please welcome fellow Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime member and mystery author Sherry Harris to the blog today. She says: You never know who you are going to meet at Malice Domestic. A few years ago I met Jim, at the time getting published was just a glimmer in my eye. Now, several years later I get to hang out with Jim on his blog! Thanks so much for having me!
When you start reading a book do you always finish it? If not, what causes you to permanently put a book down?
I don’t always finis...

Katherine Prairie - Guest Author

Fellow Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime member Katherine Prairie, a geologist and IT specialist, stepped away from the international petroleum industry to follow her passion for writing. Her first thriller THIRST has just been released.
You have an all-expense-paid long weekend to spend with three guests. The Starship Enterprise has agreed to beam you to the place of your choosing, so travel time is not a consideration. Who are your guests (and why) and where are you staying (and why)?
Makes m...

Time to Lighten Up on U.S. Stocks?

As those of you who follow my financial blogs know, I am a believer that the largest component of long-term investing results is one’s asset allocation. To maintain a proper allocation, one must periodically rebalance portfolios.
Since the beginning of the year, the S&P 500 has risen about 3.9%, which does not seem like a huge change. However, the year started off with a sizeable correction, so from its low this year, the S&P 500 is up over 14%.
And since it’s low in 2009, the S&P 5...