James M. Jackson's Blog, page 12

Six Steps to Help Prevent Financial Abuse of the Elderly

I have been working on two short stories this month. Although the stories are very different, they share two similarities. Both involve my series character Seamus McCree and crimes against the elderly or mentally diminished.
Fellow Writers Who Kill blogger Tina Whittle and I are writing one of the stories together. That one is for an anthology expected to be titled 50 Shades of Cabernet. The co-authoring thing is a new experience for me, and I am enjoying it. (I hope Tina is, too.) The second...

Earl Javorsky - Guest Author

Earl Javorsky’s first novel, Down Solo, was released in December, 2014. After a long stint trying to make it as a musician in LA, he went back to my first love—writing.
What is your most recent excellent read (book, short story or essay) and why?
The best work I read this year is The Ninth Step by Grant Jerkins. The writing is mean and lean, right out of the Elmore Leonard school, and the plot moves forward with a weird inevitability that is structurally perfect. Everything that happens is the...

Jim Jackson - Guest Author

So I screwed up. Someone originally had today’s spot, but their publisher pushed back the launch of their book and I moved them to a later date. Good so far. Then I neglected to erase their name from today’s date and so didn’t schedule anyone else. And that, fair readers, is an introduction into the almost, but not quite, organized life of Jim Jackson (a.k.a James M. Jackson), author of the Seamus McCree novels and a wonderful nonfiction bridge book for intermediate players of the game. I dec...

Ken La Salle - Guest Author

Several years ago, Ken La Salle embarked on the adventure of becoming a full-time writer. Since then, he has released dozens of titles, produced his own audiobooks, and is having a great time. [ed. Note: love that attitude.]
When you start reading a book do you always finish it? If not, what causes you to permanently put a book down?
I have a rule for when I read, which coincidentally is the same rule I apply to movies and TV shows. I call it the “Pissed Off” rule. If I’m reading a book and som...

James Morris - Guest Author

Fellow Kindle Press author James Morris is a former TV writer with credits including “Smallville” and “Crossing Jordan.” His young adult thriller What Lies Within  and his New Adult novel Melophobia were published by Kindle Press.
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)?
My father p...

Deepening Character

Sit back in your chair, put your coffee or wine or whatever to the side, and close your eyes. Picture a good friend. Could you describe the person sufficiently well so a stranger would recognize that individual in a lineup? Good writers often provide a single telling characteristic that uniquely identifies a character whenever readers meet them. Jug ears, a stutter, a limp, a Jersey accent in Mississippi; all could be unique traits.
Some authors provide long and detailed descriptions of charac...

Nancy G. West - Guest Author

Please welcome fellow Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime member Nancy G. West, who says: In my suspense novel, Nine Days to Evil, Aggie Mundeen appeared in my protagonist’s class, capturing her attention and mine. Aggie was funny, smart and insisted I write about her. Smart, But Dead , Aggie Mundeen Mystery #3, was released November 2015.
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 t...

Kristina Stanley - Guest Author

Please welcome back today's guest author. Kristina Stanley is the best-selling author of the Stone Mountain Mystery Series. Her passion for living in a ski resort drove her to write the series.
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
There is something soothing about listening to my dog breath as I write. He’ll curl up at my feet, tuck his chin over my toes and sigh in contentment. The noise is there because I can’t imagine living life without a dog at my side.
Are you a...

Whimsical Math Poem

Fellow Kindle Press author Cindy Blackburn asked me to write a whimsical poem for her blog http://cueballmysteries.com/blog/. It appeared last week and I am reprinting it here today for those who appreciate numbers as I do.
Let’s talk numbers, you and me.Six: it’s as perfect as perfect can be.Take its divisors: one, two, and three,Add them together: six again. See?
Can you find the next one all on your own?No fair cheating: Googling on your phone.No rolling your eyes and letting out a groa...

Amy Wolf - Guest Author

Amy Wolf’s latest novel, The Misses Bronte’s Establishment, is a Kindle Scout Winner. She has published 38 short stories in the sf/fantasy press, and is a graduate of the Clarion West Writer’s Workshop. She has an honors English B.A. from the University of London.
What is the background noise when you write and why is it there?
Silence. I can’t concentrate with music or other distractions. Stop barking, for God’s sake!
What is your most recent excellent read (book, short story or essay) and why....