MYSTERY TURTLES

Come on Over and Join Us

2011-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

This blogspot is no longer active. Some of our Mystery Turtles have migrated to a new blogspot, http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/.

If you like mystery, come on over and join us. Lots of great posts from a variety of mystery authors.

Morgan Mandel

2008-12-31T06:52:00.001-08:00

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

Happy New Year!

2008-12-30T19:06:00.001-08:00

I've been feeling sorry for this neglected post and decided to wish everyone a Happy New Year here.

New Years celebrations seem to focus on food at our house. We gave up going anywhere to celebrate long ago.

Tomorrow night I'll be making pizza from scratch--haven't done it for a long time.

New Years Day is always the time I make a seafood gumbo that's kind of my own. I cook the turkey carcass from whenever--usually Thanksgiving. Pick the bones, put the meat in the soup, add a big box of chicken broth, add chopped onions and celery and lots of seasonings and a couple of cans of seasoned tomato pieces. When that's ready, I add sliced okra, medium sized shrimp, and enough crab legs for how every many people I expect. I make enough rice for each person to put a scoop into their bowl, then pour the gumbo over it.

This is a very messy soup--because you have to use your hands to pick out the crab legs--but oh, is it good.

My granddaughter will be bringing her husband, three kids, her other grandma, a young man they've taken in until he can go in the Army, my daughter and husband will be here, too. Granddaughter always brings food for those who don't like seafood.

I can hardly wait.

Happy New Year!

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

MAKE MINE MYSTERY - NEW HOME FOR SOME OF US

2008-10-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Mystery Turtle Followers,
Some of us will be moving on over to a new blogspot for a greater range of activity, featuring not only us Hard Shell Mystery Turtle authors, but also authors from other houses, along with those connected with the mystery genre in various ways.
You're most welcome to join us at our new place, called Make Mine Mystery at
http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
See you over there!!
Morgan Mandel
Marilyn Meredith

Series or Standalone? by Morgan Mandel

2008-10-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

I see so many mystery series out there. They're very popular. The reader gets engrossed with a character and can hardly wait to read more about that character.

So far, I haven't been able to write a series. It seems all my inspiration comes in one dose. When I write a book, I'm totally immersed in the main character. When the book is done, that character is out of my system. I really can't think of anything more to say about him or her. I have a feeling if I tried, it would all be boring.

I wish I could do a series, since even later books generate interest in the earlier ones. Lots of possibilities for sales there.

I wonder how other authors feel. Let me know.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Discrimination Against Authors

2008-10-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm back on my soap box once again. On DorothyL, the premiere list for mystery fans and authors, they've been discussing the fact that Bouchercon has voted against discriminating against small press as far as allowing their authors to serve on panels. (They won't let self-pubbed or those who paid to be published however unless they've won a prestigious prize.)

Left Coast Crime on the other hand will not allow any author published by a non-MWA approved publisher be on a panel. Though going to mystery cons is an enjoyable experience, they are very expensive. If you can't be on a panel, your books will not be in the book room. If you're not on a panel of course no one will be able to purchase your book. For an author, part of the reason to go to a con is to let people know about your book.

I've decided to only attend mystery cons and writers conferences where I can be on a panel or be a speaker, for several reasons. I want the most for my promotion dollar. I also want to be able to take the trip off my income tax. And most of all, I'm really tired of this discrimination against authors who aren't published by MWA approved publishers.

Another big decision I've made is not to pay my next year's dues to MWA. I've been a member for years--but they haven't really done anything for me except to discriminate against me. I get far more out of other organization I belong to such as Epic and the Public Safety Writers Association, and the San Joaquin chapter of Sisters and Crime as well as the Internet chapter of Sisters in Crime.

Now I'll climb off my soap box.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Rejection by Morgan Mandel

2008-10-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

Monday night my husband and I thought we’d give our dog, Rascal, a treat by walking her to her favorite hangout, Bentley’s Corner Barkery. Rascal knew the way, having gone there many times before. She strained at the leash. Her tail wagged and her eyes sparkled in anticipation.

We got to the door. It was closed. She sniffed and whined, not understanding why she couldn’t get it. Feeling horrible that we’d taken her there only to be disappointed, we led her from the door. All the way back, she kept looking over her shoulder as if wondering if she could still somehow go back and get in the store.

Tuesday I called the store to find out why they’d been closed. I learned from Lisa, one of the owners, that it just happened we’d come on a Monday, which is the only day of the week they’re closed.

You can bet we walked over again Tuesday night. The door was open. Rascal had a wonderful time with Daisy who was minding the store. Treats, playtime with other dogs, what more could Rascal want? She was in heaven. We were thrilled to bring such joy into her life.

As writers we handle rejections in many forms. We send queries, speak to editors or agents at conferences, win contests, and, if we’re lucky, we get the opportunity to submit our full manuscripts for consideration. We worked hard getting our novels done. We’re almost inside the door. All we need is for our manuscripts to get accepted.

Then we get a rejection letter. If we’re lucky it answers the question of why, but not always. With the rejection, the door to publication is closed.

The question is, do we give up, or try again? We can’t expect the door to be open every time we try it. We just have to keep coming back until it is.

For more Morgan Mandel blogs, you're invited to hop on over to http://morganmandel.blogspot.com and http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Mysteries and Blog Tour

2008-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Like Morgan, I've loved mysteries since Nancy Drew days.

I'm just back from a writers conference where I had the privilege to not only share two meals with thriller writer, David Morrell (First Blood, Rambo and many others) I also introduced him as the featured speaker. It was most exciting for me as I am a fan of his books.

I'm also on a blog tour all month, this week's stops are here:

Oct 13 http://itsallinthesetting.blogspot.com/

Oct 14 http://www.bookwormsballroom.blogspot.com/

Oct 15 http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com/

Oct 16 http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/

Oct 17 http://bermudaonion.wordpress.com/

Marilyn

Mysteries by Morgan Mandel

2008-10-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've loved reading mysteries, ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew book.

I devoured all the Dick Francis books I could find at my high school library. Then, in college I discovered Gothic romances, with the drafty old mansions by the sea and husbands trying to convince unsuspecting wives that they were going crazy.

After that I discovered Mary Higgins Clark, Mignon C. Eberhardt, Sidney Sheldon and so many others. I particularly enjoy psychological suspense, rather than police procedurals and puzzle mysteries. I like to lose myself in a book without having to figure it out.

It was no surprise that somewhere along the line I decided to write one. I didn't succumb immediately, but finally broke down later in life. My first mystery, Two Wrongs, about a young man who mistakenly fingers the wrong person for his sister's murder and the consequences that resulted, was published in February, 2006 by Hard Shell Word Factory and is still available.

Since I've grown older, I've started another mystery about aging, which I hope to finish soon.

Do you read mysteries? What kind do you like? Do you also write them?

Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com/
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/

Blogging Away

2008-10-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Because I'm committed to three blogs on a regular basis, sometimes it's difficult to decide what to write about.

As a mystery writer, my main concern at the moment is coming up with an idea for a mystery.

I have lots of other things on my plate too including the usual housekeeping chores, though I do confess to paying my daughter-in-law for doing the majority of them, and the laundry.

I am very involved in promotion at the moment, doing a virtual blog tour and making a number of appearances, which all cut into my writing time. I'll be comparatively free in December and January, wonder how much I'll be able to get done then?

I don't have a laptop so can't take one along to work on--but I've been known to do plenty of writing on a legal pad--in fact, often start a book that way. Deciding upon characters and their names, what importance they'll have to the story, etc.

On Thursday, I'm flying to Phoenix and then attending a writers' conference in Scottsdale where I'll be presenting on Creating Memorable Characters and Setting as Character. I also get to introduce the keynote speaker, David Morrell and I'm looking forward to meeting him.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

All American Family--and Proud of it

2008-10-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

That's what it said on our Mitchell family reunion T-shirt. We've had several reunions, but this was the second in Barstow CA--in the middle of the desert, about half way between Las Vegas and L.A. It's also middle of the way for the relatives in Vegas and the ones in Central and Southern CA.

The redhead in the middle is me--half are my off-spring, the other half belong to my sister who is next to me holding the baby. We had a great time, played games, had relay races and a Tri-athalon, treasure hunt and a bug hunt, a talent show and we learned a lot of secrets about our fellow family members. I also talked about my latest book and sold five copies--better than I've done at some book signings.

Oh, by the way, there wasn't a Mitchell in the bunch. We have two male cousins who still carry the name, but neither have ever come to the reunions. I guess it's good enough that we all have Mitchell genes.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Can't Complain By Morgan Mandel

2008-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

At one time authors had no choice but to write their manuscripts in longhand, hoping not to make mistakes, but often having to scratch out words.

Then came manual typewriters. I learned to type on a Royal Underwood my first year in high school.

Then came electric typewriters. Second year in high school I used a big, clunky green IBM typewriter,which was very noisy. Maybe some of you oldies like me remember these monsters.

After that I got to use a correcting typewriter at work, where I could backspace and fix mistakes. They were a blessing.

Desktop computers were the next improvement. With them I could erase letters, words, move paragraphs around, change formatting, do just about anything, even connect to the World Wide Web.

Laptop computers also were invented, which can work off of a power source or independently on batteries.

I'm using one right now, along with a network card, which usually works pretty well, but since I'm vacationing in the NorthWoods, the computer is struggling and sometimes losing the signal.

Not only that, the battery has decided not to work, so I'm forced to keep the computer connected to the power source unril next week when I get back to work from vacation and get my new battery. Thank goodness I can still work on my manuscripts in the meantime, when I have time between my other activities here in the NorthWoods.

So, things aren't working as well as I'm used, to, but I can't complain. That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com/
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com/

Right now I'm struggling with battery problems on my laptop computer

Love is Murder

2008-09-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

We went to Love is Murder last year and had a great time and met lots of wonderful people including Morgan. This pic was taken in the courtyard where my husband and a few others including Mary Welk had a snow ball fight. I had to change my shoes and missed the whole thing.

Not sure that we can swing it this year with airline travel so expensive.

We are already committed to two conventions that we can drive to--Epicon and the Public Safety Writers Association's conference both in Las Vegas. Also gives me the opportunity to visit my sis who lives there.

We signed up for Bouchercon in Indianapolis, so that may be it for next year.

Marilyn

Love Is Murder Just Around the Corner By Morgan Mandel

2008-09-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's already Fall. Before we know it, it will be Winter. With Winter, comes the Love is Murder Mystery Conference.

Last year marked the 10th annual Love is Murder with special guests like Tess Gerritsen and Lee Child. Each year gets better than the one before. Here's the official spiel from the organizers:
February in Chicago freezing?
Not when you have the hottest mystery, thriller, dark fiction and romantic suspense authors steaming up the joint at Love Is Murder.

Add forensic experts, crime scenes, contests, film clips, agents and editors, booksellers and vendors, and lots of great food, and whew!!!!!

We'll be turning up the temperature on crime February 6-8, 2009. Don't get left out in the cold...check out the heat at http://www.loveismurder.net/!

I recommend it. There's where I met the senior editor for Hard Shell Word Factory, who published both my books. You could be next. (If you're already published, there's lots there for you also.)
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com/

2008-09-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

It's time for all the new mysteries to begin for the new season. It's premiere time on all the cable and network tv stations. There'll be new forensics mysteries to unravel, fresh family relationships to figure out, military murders to solve and more. For mystery lovers, this is a great time to sit back and enjoy our favorite characters -- and some new ones we'll discover -- spin their deductive skills in an hour or less each week.

There's no beating a good mystery book, but mystery mavens love the genre, no matter the medium. What's your favorite mystery story -- was it ever adapted to tv or film?

Let's enjoy the mysteries coming our way the next few weeks -- it's a great way to spend a bit of time!

Set Your Pace By Morgan Mandel

2008-09-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

Rascal on vacation this Spring

When I walk Rascal, I have to set the pace. If I have time, I let out more leash to let her explore. When I don't, I shorten the leash and walk briskly. Otherwise, I'm at her mercy, being pulled along or getting stopped when that's not what I want.

When you've finished your manuscript, it's a good idea to go through it and check for pacing. Does it race through areas where you'd rather have your readers linger?

Does it drag where you want it to race?

To get a manuscript to slow down, add more sentences. Make the sentences longer. Throw in more descriptions.

To set a faster pace, shorten the sentences. Eliminate adjectives, except for the most vital. Use action verbs.

Remember, you're in control of your manuscript's pace. Lengthen or shorten the leash as needed.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com

The Uncertainty of Life

2008-09-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Of course I kept watching the news about Ike and being thankful I didn't live in the path of that horrific storm. Everyone touched by Ike has had their lives completely changed from what they'd expected.

The folks who took the commuter train from Los Angeles had an unexpected turn in their lives--and for some it was the end--when they were hit head-on by a freight train.

We just never know what is in store for us. Despite that we keep on dreaming and planning for our future.

Last week we set out for Crescent City for a book event. I know what I hoped for--but in this case it turned out far better than what I even dreamed. On our way home we took a different route--supposed to be shorter, but wasn't--but were able to see things we hadn't seen for many years such as Mt. Shasta (a quiet volcano) and Crater Lake. We also found two little hold in the wall cafes, one where we ate breakfast, the other our supper, and the food and prices were wonderful.

I'm not sure what the point of this essay is except that we never know what will happen in our future--whether we have to face a huge disaster, a small alteration in our plans, or have a wonderful surprise that exceeds our expectations, in most cases we do what we have to do and move on. When what happens is better than what we hoped for, it's time to rejoice.

Life does have its ups and downs.

My next adventure is flying to St. Louis and then driving to Taylorville IL for a writers conference where I'll be one of the instructors. I have no great expectations except that I'll be seeing a part of the country new to me.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Once Upon a Time

2008-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a reader discovers mysteries -- often we start with Nancy Drew, and work our way along, finding Agatha Christie and Phyllis Whitney, and being led to the action adventure mysteries popular today -- such writers as James Rollins, Lincoln Child, Doug Preston and others. It's as addictive as potato chips, but way better for us -- fat and cholesterol free and engaging. We have to stretch our minds, figure out the clues so cleverly placed, and then go back and see what we missed the first time around.

And then the bug bites -- I could write a mystery, too! That's when we discover just how hard it is to lay the framework, tuck in the clues and keep our reader entertained and distracted from who-dun-it. There have been many, many books written about how to construct a mystery, dissect a mystery, read between the lines, etc.

I think one of the best things mystery writers can do is read voraciously. Yes, read the how-to books, but also read the best mysteries you can find...which isn't necessarily what's on a best seller list either. Check out your favorite publisher for mysteries and figure out what makes them work.

Flex New Muscles - The Gym Shoe Blog - By Morgan Mandel

2008-09-10T05:15:00.000-07:00

New gym shoes are not the same. They may be the brand, style and size as the old ones,but they aren't. The old ones fit just right, but were unwearable with their worn down soles, crumbled insides and ugly scuffs.

The new shoes feel higher up, give better support and look a lot prettier. They are much better than the old gym shoes. Still, at the beginning they make my legs hurt. That's because when I walk in them I use different muscles than before. My legs need to adjust, which will take time.

Right now I'm exploring a new way to promote. It's like an old one I've used, but better. Before, I blogged every Wednesday since that's my day off work. Now, I blog every day. It's not easy. Sometimes my eyes smart because I'm tired. Sometimes I don't answer all my e-mail or I miss watching a TV show.

Still, I believe the sacrifice is worth it. By blogging daily, I've found my mind is more receptive to new ideas to write about. I'm gaining a larger audience and getting more Google hits. I'm also establishing a discipline for myself. As I continue on, blogging gets easier.

Yes, it takes valuable time away from writing my novel, but as I blog, my writing abilities improve. The potential audience for my novel grows. I'm having fun thinking up new things to write about. My writing muscles are getting stronger. They don't hurt as much as when I started. It's well worth the effort.

For my daily blog, catch it at http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com

Fall Issue of PSWA Newsletter Available

2008-09-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

The fall issue of the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA) is now available on the website:
http://www.policewriter.com

The website also contains information about the writing contest–be sure to read the article in the newsletter written by the contest chairperson–and the PSWA conference coming in July of 2009. There is an early-bird price break on the registration fee until September 30. I hope a lot of you will take advantage of this.

I’ve been a member of PSWA for over ten years and watched it evolve into an organization with great resources for anyone writing either fiction (mysteries, thrillers, etc.) or non-fiction about crime, law enforcement or any other public safety entity.

I’d be glad to answer questions about the conference or the organization either on list or off: mmeredith@ocsnet.net

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

We're Heading Off to Crescent City

2008-09-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

In the a.m., after the inside cats and the outside cats are fed (and yes we have someone to take over this duty when we're gone), we're jumping in the car for a two day drive to Crescent City CA.
(I always add CA because many people think of Crescent City as being New Orleans.)

This Crescent City is at the northwestern corner of California sitting next to the Pacific and the Oregon border. It is a beautiful place.

The reason we're going is two fold--to visit old friends and promote my latest book. (Visit http://fictionforyou to learn more about that.)

Because of the price of gas--this will be an expensive undertaking. Writers do a lot of things that are costly in order to promote their books. Probably the most expensive is when we fly somewhere for a conference.

Besides selling books and getting your name known in new places, one of the pluses for my husband and I has been visiting places we've never been before. We've been to Madison and Milwaukee, Tampa and Orlando, Chicago, Omaha (several times because we fell in love with the place), Washington DC, Oklahoma City, Virginia Beach, Portland, Seattle, Denver, San Antonio and El Paso, Maui and other spots I don't remember.

Some of the places I've traveled by myself are Anchorage, Bethel, Wasilla and Kwithlik in Alaska, New York City and Reno, Austin and Plano.

I count these trips as the the pluses of being an author. I've met people I'd have never met otherwise, and some have become great friends.

Once again we're off on another adventure, one that will afford us the opportunity to see beautiful scenery, see old friends and make new ones.

Ah, the writer's life.

Marilyn

PRUNE WITH CARE By Morgan Mandel

2008-09-03T09:28:00.000-07:00

For years we'd owned a lilac bush in the backyard. We kept it groomed and trimmed each fall, yet it never bloomed. We couldn't figure out why.

Then, for a few summers we let things slide. We didn't get around to trimming the bush or some of the others. Also, the professionals wanted more than we could afford to get the job done.

A strange thing happened. A few summers ago, to our surprise, lilacs appeared on the bush.

Someone mentioned we hadn't had blooms before because we'd been trimming the bush incorrectly, at the wrong time of year. It appears the trimming should have been done earlier instead of in the Fall.

The same thing can happen with a manuscript. If you don't edit it correctly, it won't grow into its true potential and be published.

After you do your best to fix whatever errors you find in your manuscript, you're not done. It's amazing how the mind can fill in or change what's actually on a page. Don't ask me how - it's come kind of cruel magic trick.

Since it's difficult to be completely objective about your own work, before sending it out to a publisher for consideration, turn it over to one or more competent writers to check for errors, or, if it can be worked into the budget, a professional editor to do some careful pruning.

Then, instead of getting one of those envelopes containing your rejected manuscript, you'll get one with a publishing contract and your book will bloom like our lilac bush!

PS - I recommend http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com for editing tips from authors and editors in the know.

Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

Fine Arts Festival in Elk Grove/Thillers

2008-09-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday I participated in the Book section of the Fine Arts Festival in Elk Grove.

Robin Burcell (seen at left), mystery writer was one of the keynote speakers. I know Robin from Sisters in Crime and have met her at a couple of mystery conventions. She told me a lot about her decision to change from writing mysteries to writing thrillers. Thrillers are the big thing right now and what agents are looking for. The big thing with thrillers is they have to be a larger number of words than most mysteries--although this isn't totally true.

The book sale part was fun though I only sold 8 books. I had lots of looky-loos. One particular young woman who was with her mother came back to look at my books three times. She didn't have any money and couldn't talk her mother into buying the books she wanted. She took my card, hopefully she'll visit my website and get the books she wants that way.

I talked to lots and lots of people, handed out many cards, ate some wonderful Nachos while hubby minded my table.

Next weekend we're off to Fresno to the San Joaquin Chapter of Sisters in Crime where I'll be talking about my journey to publication and my latest book.

Marilyn
http://ficitonforyou.com

The North Woods By Morgan Mandel

2008-08-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Big Arbor Vitae Lake
Here I am up in the North Woods of Wisconsin again, near Minocqua. Today my friend, Jeanne, and I took a drive to Eagle River and checked out the Apple Fest. I didn't see any apples, but saw lots of jewelry, purses, table runners, tote bags, hand-made furniture, and other goodies.

The tote bags were my best find, since I'd been keeping my eyes open for that particular type - cloth that folds up into a small square that I can stick into my purse or pocket. I bought 2 and still have my original one. I'm a sucker for tote bags. The bottom of one of my closets is lined with all kinds - one from Bouchercon, two from Love is Murder, another from Chicago Spring Fling, and many others from stores.

When you write about a character, think about a strength, weakness, foible or any kind of unique characteristic that makes that person stand out. It may not be a love for tote bags. It could be a plate collection, gun collection, passion for dancing or singing. It's your choice.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

My Family

2008-08-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Just for fun, thought I'd put my kids picture in this blog. Matthew is the baby and lives right next door, so I see him and his family nearly every day. He's got four kids and three grandkids.

Dana is the eldest, with two kids and five grandkids. She lives in Oxnard CA. We used to live there, it's right on the beach. When it's 102 here I wonder why I moved.

Lisa is the next in line with two daughters and three grandkids--and another on the way. She lives about five minutes away.

Lori is next to the Matt, has six kids, no grandchildren.

Our eldest son, Mark, passed away about four years ago. He had three children and two grandchldren.

I've been remarkably blessed.

To bring this around to writing and mysteries, only one of my kids reads my books--Dana. Only a few of my grandchildren read my books. I have one great-granddaughter who is a fan. Now that's sad. I am grateful for those who do read them, of course. With that many in my family, just think what a word-of-mouth campaign they could do. Oh well.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Public Safety Writers Association Conference

2008-08-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to register for PSWA's conference at a reduced price before September 30 of this year. (Las Vegas will be one of the few places that you’ll be able to get to without paying a fortune.) Check out the website for the registration form and the main speakers: http://www.policewriter.com

PSWA’s (Public Safety Writers Association) annual conference is being held in Las Vegas, June 18-21, 2009 at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. The conference is open to anyone writing crime and mystery fiction or non-fiction, technical writing for public safety magazines in print or online, or anyone interested in writing. Registered attendees may offer a suggestion for a presentation or panel. There is no-restriction as to who can serve on a panel.

Steve Scarborough, a Forensic Scientist with over 30 years experience in Law Enforcement with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI.an accomplished technical writer and the author of several books, will give a presentation on “Writing Forensics Right.” http://www.steve-scarborough.com/

There's lots, lots more--I guarantee you'll learn lots and have fun.

Just don't miss out on the reduced registration fee that expires September 30.

Marilyn http://fictionforyou.com

Making Blogs Better by Morgan Mandel

2008-08-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm determined to increase readership on my blogs. On my personal blog at http://morganmandel.blogspot.com, I'm aiming for every day. This is my fourth day. I'll see how long the string can go unbroken.

I'm including lots more live links for search engines to pick up. I've started a blogroll. I've joined www.mybloglog.com, a cool free service offered by yahoo which displays all my blogs in one spot.

One more action I've taken is to claim my blogs at http://technorati.com, which I've been told is a good way to increase attendance and get known.

So, right now I'm gun ho on doing blogs and gaining blog readers. I'll be clicking Google Analytics daily to see if any of my efforts work.

Are any other of you heavy into doing and improving blogs? What methods do you use?

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/morganmandel

2008-08-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

Olympic Authors

2008-08-17T19:56:00.001-07:00

I've been caught up in the excitement of the Olympics over the past few days -- the dedication of the athletes and their coaches to being the best at the right time, peaking for the moment; the support of their family, friends and sponsors; their citizens rooting for them, regardless of discipline. The wrestlers and boxers are cheered on, the track stars have rooting sections, the rowers have fans riding cycles along the route to watch!

And it occurs to me, the parallel this has to the writing life. Like athletes, we can spend a lot of hours alone -- at a computer, tablet or even a notepad, creating the mysteries we love, finding the twists and turns to tease our fans and readers. We need a good support system -- crit partners or a friend or family member who reads that rough first draft and encourages us that we can get better, make it tighter, stronger, more intriguing. We have our beloved readers who wait for our next book! We have our personal goals to set and work to attain.

At the Olympics, not everyone gets a gold medal, or even a silver or bronze. But there are plenty of personal bests and there's a great deal of satisfaction in being a part of the Games....and when you put together a story that dovetails with perfection, that entertains and engages the reader, that makes you proud to sign your name to....well, I kind of think I understand how a gold medal winner feels!

Libby McKinmer
Romance with an edge
www.libbymckinmer.com
http://www.shelfari.com/LibbyMcKinmer
libby@libbymckinmer.com

Wishing Makes It So

2008-08-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

This book from Hard Shell Word Factory, Wishing Makes It So, is not a mystery in the strictest sense. We called it a psychological horror, though put it in different categories.

This book won several awards, winner in the horror category, USA Book News, Best Books of 2006; Author Island.com Reader’s Choice Award for Horror;Best Thriller of ‘06, American Author’s Association; Finalist in horror in the DIY Book Festival.

Despite the awards, this book isn't for everyone because it's about a very bad little girl. A child welfare worker who read the book said to me, "There aren't many children like this, but there are a few and you described this one perfectly."

The book is actually based on something that happened in my family. We took in a child and soon learned that love does not conquer all--which I thought it would. Fortunately, things didn't turn out as bad for us as the family in the story.

Anyone reading it should remember that it is fiction--only the seed for the story came from our experience, my imagination and research contributed to the plot.

Wishing Makes It So is available from http://www.hardhshell.com both as a trade paperback and ebook, from http://www.fictionwise.com as an ebook, and for an autographed copy from my website, http://fictionforyou.com--and of course it's available from all the online bookstores.

This is one of my favorite books--I enjoyed writing it and I've enjoyed promoting it. I hope it will find more readers.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

DUCKS IN A ROW? Ramblings on Being Organized By Morgan Mandel

2008-08-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

About being organized --
I try, I really do, but it doesn't happen. I don't know if it ever will. I'm the kid who got checkmarks on her report card in grammar school in the section that said, "Keeps desk drawers neat." I don't even know if they give checkmarks on report cards any more.

I'm the teenager who only cleaned up her room the night before a big test until I finally caved in and resigned herself to studying. Fortunately, I still managed to get good grades.

I'm the college student who had to try extra hard to keep my side of the apartment in order so my roommate wouldn't get mad at me.

I'm the adult who has a closet floor littered with shoes and purses, so many I can't even tell what's there. Also, many of the purses still contain items I didn't switch over when I changed to another one.

I'm the doglover who almost trips over her dog, Rascal's toys and bones littering the floor because there are so many of them.

I'm the author who had so many to-do papers from projects not yet completed, I had to dump them all in a drawer in the hopes I can one day have time to go through them.

I'm also the author who went on vacation, tried to keep up with my e-mail by using a network card, but failed anyway. To-date, my inbox shows over 1500 e-mails unopened, which at the time they were sent I deemed not as important, but I'm still afraid to hit delete until I check them out.

And I'm the author with three books in the works, but none are finished - One a thriller, one that was supposed to be a romantic comedy but has evolved into something I can't yet define, another a possible children's book about Rascal.

Do I have my ducks in a row? Doesn't sound like it, but in a way I do. The stuff I've failed to get done bugs me at times, yet not always. As a wife, doglover, author, I've set my priorities.

If my husband wants to go out to dinner, go to a festival, share a DVD or program he likes with me, I'm not going to say no because the house is sloppy or I'm in the middle of a project. Sharing special moments with him is important.

If Rascal wants to take her toys and bones out of the rubbermaid container and spread them all over the floor to play with, I let her. Keeping her happy makes me happy.

If I'm getting ready for a special occasion like a party or booksigning, I'm smart enough to do my hunt early so I can find the right shoes and purse to go with whatever outfit I'm wearing.

Those papers in the drawer - For now they can stay there. I've discovered more exciting projects to keep me busy, like new networks to join and other ways to market my books. Maybe someday I'll check them over and see if any can be thrown out or attended to.

If I can't answer all my e-mail, I answer the ones that look important. I go to the groups with the most activity, since members of the other ones aren't on the web as much anyway and probably don't care if I'm there or not.

Those three books waiting to get done - Now that's another matter. To force myself to get moving, on one of them I signed up for a critique at my local chapter. Chicago-North RWA. That forced me to get twenty pages in shape on one of the manuscripts so I wouldn't embarrass myself. Now, after the critique, I have a better idea of what works and what doesn't. Also, I've got a clearer plan on how to move ahead.

So, I guess you might say my motto is Do What You've Gotta Do, because I'll never by the one who has all my Ducks In a Row.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://sixtyandsavvy.ning.com
http://bookplace.ning.com

SUMMER STORMS By Morgan Mandel

2008-08-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

MEN OF MYSTERY AT http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com.
WEDNESDAY - AUG 13 - MARCUS SAKEY - FRIDAY - AUG. 15 - JOE KONRATH.

It seems every other day it wanted to snow this past winter. I missed way too many aerobics classes on Wednesdays when I'm off work because the roads were too slippery to navigate. Most of the time I couldn't even walk the dog and made her fend for herself in our enclosed yard. She managed, but wasn't too happy about it, judging from the way she raced back in really fast.

Summer at last. No more snow. Instead rain. Lots of it in June. Almost every day I carried my umbrella to work. It had to stop sooner or later, but when? A summer squall broke out the first night of our 4th of July Festival. Activites were cancelled as people ran for cover.

Finally, we got a dry spell. With it came the heat. Then, last Monday on the way to the train, more dreaded rain and lots of it. My puny umbrella was no match for the gusty winds and buckets of water from the sky. My shirt got soaked, as did my jeans as I stepped onto the train. When I got off, I and lots of other commuters waited, looking out the windows at Ogilvie Transportation Centre, hoping for an opportune time to dash to our offices. After I'd ventured out, I made a quick stop at Walgreens for a cheap shirt and a hair dryer so I wouldn't be uncomfortable all day.

The storm in the morning was nothing compared to what was in store for us that evening. The weather service issued a tornado warning for Cook County, Illinois, not just a watch, including a large area, part of which was Downtown, the Lakeview area, and Park Ridge, which is not far from our house.

After a look out our back window, we rushed to the basement herding Rascal with us, though she's usually not allowed there. To say she was confused is an understatement. Along with the dog came my laptop computer, purse, cell phone and a few flashlights. I forgot to bring some of her treats with, but it was too dangerous to venture back upstairs and get them.

From the windows we could see an enormous amount of lightning flashes and heard the pounding of wind rain against the roof and rest of the house. Later I heard someone on the news say the cloud-to-ground strikes that night were 800 per minute, some kind of record.

The game was stopped at Wrigley Field, where the pennant-contending Cubs were playing. Fans were herded into the shelter of the building. Here's a link to an article found by my friend, Rosemary Braun, who was at the game that night.

http://www.comcast.net/articles/sports-mlb/20080805/Severe.Weather/

From what I've been telling you, you can see how weather has played a large part in my life. I'm sure it does in yours as well. When you write a book, don't make every day in your character's lives picture perfect, because, let's face it, weather usually isn't. Think about your own experiences with the vagaries of the seasons and include that in your stories.

Morgan Mandel -- looking forward to a few dry and calm days!!!
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://blogsthatrule.blogspot.com

Movies

2008-08-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took some time off and went to see Swing Vote. I highly recommend the movie.

Costner did a great job playing an irresponsible father and unfortunately a large segment of people who poplate our country.

Besides being entertaining it really brought some thoughtful insight into the political scheme of things--and no it didn't promote one side more than the other. What it did was show the failings of politics on a whole.

Because we've known kids who turned out great despite their lack of parents who did any parenting, this was a most realistic movie in many ways--though a fantasy in others.

If you want to be entertained, this is a good movie to see. Plus it shares my views on the whole political scene.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

BLOGS

2008-07-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Blogs have been on my mind lately. I'd like to share some of my thoughts about them with you.

To name a sampling, blogs can be informative, promotional, emotional, historical, just about anything you want them to be. They're a great way of getting yourself known, especially if you have a blog through blogger.com, which is owned by Google. I don't know about you, but I Google my name every day to see what pops up.

Informational - Recipes, medical answers, decorating, dating, you name it. You can find all sorts of information on blogs.

Promotional - Even the radio and TV stations have bloggers these days, as well as authors, musicians and other artists.

Emotional - Blogs can be a way to share triumphs, sorrows, disappointments, happy moments and more, depending how deep the blogger wants to go.

Historical - You can not only learn about history through blogs, but they become historical in themselves, capturing our thoughts and the moments in our lives and preserving them so we and others can look back on them.

Blogs are a two way street. A blogger may start out thinking he or she will get something out of the public, but soon will learn it doesn't come without a price. The more you give of yourself and let people into your life, the more the public responds.

Still, it doesn't hurt to exercise caution in speaking your mind. If you spread the wrong words over the Internet, you'll never get them back. They stay there. Think carefully before you bad mouth anyone. It may seem the words you're typing are between you and the screen, but they're not. What seems so private is very public. Think again if you believe no one will pay attention. You know what people say. Almost everybody is connected in some way to everyone else.

Since I've had blogs so much on my mind lately, I've started a special blog. This one is about blogs. It's called BLOGS THAT RULE and you can find it at http://blogsthatrule.blogspot.com.

I invite you to check my new blogspot each day to keep up with the best of blogs. I'll be adding more after I check them out to see if they qualify.

Happy Blogging,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://blogsthatrule.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/morganmandel

Fire Season in California/Fires in My Books

2008-07-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Fire season has started extremely early this year. Thanks to lightning strikes, some of the most beautiful places in the states have burned. Places like Big Sur got a lot of coverage because of it’s fame–and it is a gorgeous spot, right on the ocean with the forest edging the sand. Driving on Highway One was spectacular. How much of it has been devastated I don’t know. There were other places, little towns tucked away in mountains, that didn’t get much fire support. One of these towns had to fend for itself with all the citizens fighting fire along with the volunteer fire fighters.

As I write this, a fire is burning on the outskirts of Mariposa heading toward Yosemite National Park. Homes have already been lost. People who live in these mountain communities risk losing their homes to fire, and that has already happened. For a short while, Mariposa, was once the capital of California because of the gold found in and around the area. A federal mint was in another almost extinct place nearby. A few years back it was still possible to see some of the remains of the mint. Two of my grandchildren attended Mariposa High. One of my cousins taught kindergarten in the grammar school.

We live in the foothills too. Over the weekend there was a fire higher in the mountains at a place called the stairs. We couldn’t see flames, but could definitely smell the smoke. Our first clue there was a fire was when the fire bombers flew over.

Years ago, a fire on the hills across the road woke me. Flames were clearly visible and the hillside was dotted with fiery gems–actually beautiful. We could see the firefighters as they worked.

Another time, a large fire near the Indian reservation came over the mountain. Again we could see the flames and the firefighters.

The closest fire we’ve experienced was in the river bottom behind our house. The cottonwood trees and other dense foliage was aflame. Not only could we see it, we could hear the crackling as the fire consumed everything in its path. Scary!

What’s even more scary is that it isn’t even August yet and the fire danger won’t be over until we have a saturating rain which may not happen until October or later!

People don’t take into consideration that chapparral (the foliage of the foothills and mountains) must burn to reseed. In the forest, fires are necessary to burn out the excess underbrush, that was nature’s way.

I’ve used fire in several of my books, including Deadly Trail and Deadly Omen. It’s one of the most frightening threats to man. As a mystery writer, I’m always looking for events that will frighten my heroine and the reader–fire often fits the bill.

I’ll be keeping a watch on the hillsides around my home during the coming months.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Autism and Writing

2008-07-22T07:06:00.001-07:00

I’m not sure how many people are aware of the number of children who have been diagnosed with autism. My first introduction to autistic children was years ago when I taught in a school for child development for pre-schoolers with various developmental disabilities. We didn’t know much about autism at the time, but it was amazing how much they changed as we worked with them. No, not miraculous cures, but they tolerated us more and more and actually started to do the tasks we introduced to them.

One of my great-granddaughters had autistic tendencies and started school in special classes. Now at age 11, she’s in regular classes, does wonderfully well in mathematics, in fact, likes to solve math problems for fun. (Certainly didn’t take after me.) Only once in awhile does anything she does have an autistic quality. Here’s one: She loves track and is doing well. At one of the meets she told her dad, “I’m going to try for third.” Her dad said, “Why don’t you try for first?” “No, I’m going for third.” She is a most loving child, likes to hug and be close, something some autistic kids can’t tolerate.

We had a young teenager who attended our church from time to time who was diagnosed as autistic. He was more difficult, didn’t communicate, and some people were scared of him. There was no need to be scared–he just didn’t want to be bothered. He is now in a group home that specializes in autistic young men and doing quite well.

I helped at Vacation Bible School all week and one of the children who came was a beautiful nine-year-old girl with autism. She loved the songs and dancing that went along with them, sometimes would go on stage with the rest of her class, at other times preferred to remain in the pew. She told me she was a mermaid and then asked, “Do you believe in mermaids?” And of course I told her yes.

Now I’m going to bring this all around to writing. In one of the classes, the kids were supposed to fold paper to make a canoe, she said, “I don’t want to. Can I have a pen?” She was given a pen and wrote a story. It was a darling story about a little girl who was a mermaid–she gave her a name–and a little girl who was autistic–she gave her a name too, but it wasn’t her own. These two girls went on vacation with the family. The story ended like this, “They spent a lot of time in the bathtub.” I asked her why, and she said, “Because one of the girls was a mermaid.”

We talked about writing stories and I told her I was an author and wrote books. She was fascinated. Every time she saw me after that she said, “You’re an author, aren’t you?” “I told her she was one too.”

This child fascinated me and in particular the fact that she could write so well and had such a great imagination. I hope I’ll get to see her again some time.

If you’d like to watch a video taken when I was at the Hanford Library talking about my books, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYf11ShLhKo I had an extremely runny nose that evening.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

ITCH, OUCH, ICK By Morgan Mandel

2008-07-16T07:02:00.001-07:00

From the title, can you guess what this blog is about?

If you haven't figured it out, I'll tell you. I'm writing today about those maligned tiny little critters called insects.

My purpose is to make you remember them. Not only that, include them. Where? In your house, car, bed? Not if you can help it. In your book is where they belong.

Think about places, times of day or night, or instances where insects appear. Being summer right now, I can't help but find them everywhere, but they're also around during other seasons. Here are a few common critters you can include in your books, but there are many more:

Flies - They buzz, not only around garbage cans and food, but everywhere. They can get in your mouth if you're not careful.

Maggots - Speaking of garbage cans and flies, maggots are an especially distasteful variation for horror effects.

Bees - They pollenate flowers and make our gardens pretty. They create honey. Those are the good things. They also can sting if you make them mad. If you're allergic to them, you're in real trouble.

Ants - They congregate on sidewalks, in cracks, in the dirt. They crawl around food on picnics. They march into the kitchen and try to take over. Some like to bite.

Mosquitos - I don't have to say much about them. Before you know you're bitten, you're already itching. They carry awful diseases like West Nile, heartworm and others. They make themselves known near standing water, when it's a rainy season, at dusk, too many other times.

Grubs - worms that like to attack plants in your garden.

Caterpillars - They crawl not only in the dirt, but also on sidewalks and up buildings, but can turn into beautiful moths or butterflies.

Moths, butterflies - They're pretty as they flit around, but those naughty moths are known to eat clothes, especially wool.

Grasshoppers - They like to hop around, even inside a person's clothes. One landed in my blouse when I was a kid and it really scared me.

Lady bugs - Harmless looking, cute, usually orange or red with dots. Sometimes they pinch.

Fireflies - They fly around on summer nights and blink, casting quick gorgeous glows, but, like flies, they can get into your mouth when they're not blinking and you don't see them. They're not so pretty up close in daylight.

Roaches - These ugly critters come in many sizes and colors. The good thing about them is you can include them in not only summer scenes, but other seasons indoors. I've heard they get huge in some states like Florida. If you want to describe a scene in a rundown area, they make an excellent addition.

Spiders - Guaranteed to make a reader squirm. Also can be included in any season. In summer, they can be found in the dirt, crawling up buildings, under rocks, almost anywhere you can imagine. Most don't bite, but they're scary anyway, since a lot of us can't tell which do or don't. They crawl inside when it rains. They make cocoons, they settle in unused locations, neglected homes.

You get the idea. In this blog, I've only included a few common insects, but there are a great many more. When you're thinking about adding more dimension to a setting, don't forget these lowly critters.

Do you have other favorites you like to include in your books? You're welcome to respond below.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

Darn, No Ghost Came to Visit

2008-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I stayed in Room 17 of the Bella Maggiore Bed and Breakfast in Ventura CA because the room is supposed to be haunted. We did not have a ghostly visitor. My daughter looked up the ghost and said it was because the ghost, a prostitute in her former life, only visited men who stayed in the room by themselves. Guess I ruined it.

However, we did have a rather intimate romantic encounter with a real live young man. Room 17 opens on a balcony shared with another larger room. There are no windows in these rooms, only doors that open to the balcony with no screen door and a transom. We were sitting in our room with the door open, when this darling young man popped in to inform us he was having a surprise party for his girlfriend’s birthday at 10 p.m. on our shared balcony complete with music, a Spanish harp and guitar along with a singer. We were invited.

Both of us were tired, but assured our visitor we’d enjoy the music. Of course we had to shut the door and the drapes in order to go to bed, because the chairs and table were only a few feet from our room. At 10 p.m. the music began. It was lovely and very romantic. It was over by 11.

The next day, after we’d had our wonderful breakfast and hubby was transporting our bags to the car, I was sitting on the bed with door open and in pops the young lover. He wanted to know if we’d enjoyed the music, I assured I’m had. I said, “I hope your fiancee appreciates you, not many men are as romantic.” She came out and meet her (cute young thing) and told her that her boyfriend was definitely a keeper. He said, “Thank you.”

From their we went to the Premiere Author event at the Crowne Plaza hotel. Though it was nice, we didn’t have much traffic. The talks about writing and poetry reading were scheduled back-to-back with no time in-between for the attendees to step into the book room. I sold two books and I don’t think anyone else sold more than one. Of course, the organizers realized they’d made a mistake. But it was wonderful to see and smell the ocean air.

From there, we headed to the Bank of Books (bookstore in a former bank) and set up for a talk about mystery writing. This was planned spur of the moment, so didn’t expect much of a turn-out and I was right. Three people came to hear me and we all had fun. We will plan another event, with a bigger lead-in time for the fall.

No matter what, we had a good time. We spent Saturday night in our youngest daughter’s new home, beautiful and huge. Five bathrooms! Can’t imagine having to clean them all. Of course she says my grandchildren are responsible for their own. (Their grown or nearly grown, so it is possible this might happen.)

After a great breakfast, we left the cool temperatures by the ocean and headed back to the hot temperatures of the San Joaquin Valley.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

THE STATE OF PUBLISHING By Morgan Mandel

2008-07-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Everyday we hear about people losing their jobs and companies closing. Gas prices are forcing people out of jobs or into alternate jobs not as far from home.

I'm very lucky. When we went looking for a home over 30 years ago, my husband and I specifically wanted one near the train - mainly because I was not the world's best driver. I'm still not. I just do neighborhood driving on side streets where I feel comfortable. When I grew up in Chicago, I had no need to drive, not with so much public transportation around. Then, after meeting my husband and moving out to the suburbs, I took driving classes. I was already 28 and unfortunately still had some preconceived notions in my head even after getting my license. I don't like busy streets or ones with a lot of lanes. I don't like trying to figure out which light is mine. Anyway, I'm digressing.

Our home is walking distrance from the commuter train, so I walk every day to the train. I walk to my job after I get off the train. So, I'm very lucky. I don't have to worry about buying gas and the train pass price has not gone up much.

Other people are not as fortunate. Not knowing the problems about gas that would happen, they took jobs that require driving distances to get to work, or some are even truck drivers. The gas price problems really hit them.

All along the line, prices are going up. Companies are doing their best to cope with the rise in energy costs and some can't do it.

What does this have to do with books and publishing? Lots. People don't have as much money to buy books. Also, it costs more to mail books. To many people, owning books is considered a luxury. Instead of going to bookstores, they're spending more time at libraries. That can be a good thing if they order in books. Authors and publishers will make sales that way.

I'm not sure where this will leave us midlist authors or the publishing world in general. Will more publishing houses go the POD/print-on-demand route? It makes sense, but old habits die hard.

Ebooks are already catching on with even the large publishing houses. Hopefully, more reader will take advantage of them. At least this way our books and our names are still out there for the general public.

The future remains to be seen. For now, we can only hang on for the ride and hope it doesn't end!
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

My Third, Fourth and Fifth of July

2008-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

My second eldest daughter was born on the third of July. At the time, my husband and eldest daughter were living in half a Quonset hut on the Port Hueneme Seabee Base in Port Hueneme CA. (It’s pronounced Y-nee-me.) Husband took me to the infirmary (they didn’t have a hospital then) and dropped me off because he had our three-year-old to care for. This was back in the days when family members were not welcome in the delivery room.

I don’t remember a lot about her entrance into the word because they had some kind of gas called triolene (that’s what I think it was called) attached to my wrist and they kept reminding me to breathe it.) The they were the doctor–who I’d never seen before, he introduced himself as Dr. Apley from Point Mugu (the Navel Air Station) and he probably was the duty doctor. Most of those doctors at the time were in the Navy and doing their internship but really didn’t have any more experienced doctor watching over them. The rest of the people in the room were corpsmen–and young.

Lisa arrived sometime after midnight, don’t remember when, and I was hustled off to a shared room in the infirmary. Because the fourth of July was a holiday, we were lucky to get our babies, get fed, and the room wasn’t cleaned. Lisa was a cute, chubby baby–and finally husband came to meet her. Years later, when Lisa was having her first child, I was the birth coach and the baby was born in that same delivery room because her husband was away in the Army. (I remember far more about my granddaughter’s delivery than her mom’s.)

To celebrate Lisa’s birthday, hubby and I took her and her husband to the movies–we saw Hancock (okay, but not as good as it could have been) and out to dinner.

On the Fourth we were up at 5 a.m. so we could leave by 6 for the park in Exeter where they were having a craft fair and Fourth celebration. Every booth was under a big tree and the weather was wonderful. The day started with the flag salute led by cub scouts, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by a girl I’ve known since she was a kid–and what a voice. I’ve never heard anyone sing our National Anthem that well.

I met a lot of people, sold a few books, visited with old friends, at a wonderful Indian Taco and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We came home and watched one of the discs of John Adams. Now that’s a wonderful series–not only is the history well done, but John and Abigail Adams had a remarkable romance.

On the Fifth, we were up again at 5 a.m. This time we drove to Fresno to the San Joaquin Chapter of Sisters in Crime. The speaker talked about fires and fires in books–and talked about Judgment Fire which has two fires in it. I’d been told to bring my books and sold five. Two of the books I sold were Deadly Trail, which also has a big fire. The speaker pointed out that fire is something we all fear. With all the fires going on in California right now, fire is definitely a big fear.

Enough of my meanderings.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

4th of July Fests By Morgan Mandel

2008-07-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Ronnie Rice with Morgan Mandel

Catch Mystery and Romance Author, Morgan Mandel, Romantic Suspense Author, Margot Justes, and Young Adult Author, June Sproat at the Frontier Days MarketPlace, Recreation Park, Near Stage West, at Belmont and Miner, Arlington Hts, on Saturday and Sunday, July 5 & 6 from 10-6pm

This is a busy, crazy week for me. Every year I volunteer for our neighborhood festival. This year I'll be autographing Two Wrongs and Girl of My Dreams, accompanies by my two special author friends who'll be autographing their books, A Hotel in Paris and Ordinary Me.

Today was strange. It started out with a call from ComEd saying our power would be out between 9 and 10am. I rushed around trying to get things done, but the power stayed on. Since my husband was off today, we decided to see the latest Angelina Jolie movie, Wanted, which was excellent. When we came back, the lights were flashing on our clocks, so the power had gone out. I was about to do my blog when someone rang the doorbell. It was a ComEd guy saying in a few minutes the power would be out for an hour since they'd be replacing a generator down the block. Since my laptop wasn't charged up, I couldn't blog, so I decided to take a nap.

Then before the hour was up, a storm came through. The power came on a little over an hour later, so I sat down to do my blog. Well, apparently the storm was somewhere else, because my DSL refused to work, as indicated by the red instead of green on the modem.

Storm over, we headed out to the Lions Club's Festival at Melas Park in Mt Prospect to listen to Ronnie Rice, formerly of the New Colony Six, who put on a great show, as usual. Afterwards we were treated to a fireworks show before it started raining again. This time no storm, just some rain.

Anyway, now I'm home, the modem is working and I can finally post.
Just want to say, Happy Fourth of July!
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com

Floods, Droughts, Fires and Vegetables

2008-07-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

Floods, Drought and Vegetables.

It’s so horrible to see what the flood waters are doing in so many places in the middle of our country. My heart goes out to those who’ve lost their homes and possessions.

It’s hard to even imagine as I’m sitting here in my office. We haven’t had a cloud in the sky for weeks. Today the temperature topped 105. It’s been really hot the whole month of June so far–but this weekend has been the worst.

We’ve been watching the scary weather predictions for Omaha Nebraska. We make a trip to Omaha once a year for Mayhem in the Midlands and they often have interesting weather while we’re there. This year there was a thunderstorm every night. One year we were at the top of the Press Club and watched a beautiful electrical storm. Often there’s been threats of tornados but gratefully, we’ve never experienced one while there.

Isn’t it a shame that no one can figure out a way to transfer the excess water from the flooded areas to all the parts of the country suffering drought?

We have a nice vegetable garden growing, but if it isn’t watered twice daily, all the leaves begin to wilt. We’ve already used the basil in a pasta dish last night, yummy.

And of course, here in California there are more than 400 fires--we're getting the smoke from the ones in the Sierra. (Some of that flood water would be welcome here too.)

This isn't the least bit mystery or writing related, but weather is what is on my mind.

I've also been busy working on the program for the 2009 Public Safety Writers Conference. For those registed authors, you may suggest a panel or just say you'd like to be on one--there are no restrictions as to who you are published by. For more information go to: http://www.policewriter.com

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Authorfest & Internet Marketing by Morgan Mandel

2008-06-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

I'm halfway organized. Getting two new computers in order isn't easy. Dell did a great marketing ploy by saying the XP version would no longer be available after June 18. It made me decide to replace both my laptop and desktop computers, which were slow and running out of room. The laptop is almost ready. The desktop has a ways to go yet.

Anyway, here's a few photos from Authorfest at the Schaumburg Public Library on June 14. It was a great place for networking, also for participating and learning from panels. I was on an Internet promotion panel and picked up a few good tips myself.

Unfortunately, in this digital age it's not enough for authors to just write books and expect readers to find them. We need to constantly try new methods of promotion. Every day I get new invitations to belong to various Internet sites. It takes time to fill out all the questions and upload photos and give info on my books and I've only got two of them! Anyway, the more spots your name is splattered on the Internet, the better chance of getting noticed. So, I join the networks that look promising. Still the main ones are MySpace, Facebook, GoodReads, Twitter. My own network, BookPlace.com is also gaining ground.

So, if you have a book published, block out time for Internet social networks and sites. You may not notice right away, but it will pay off.
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Squeaky, the Wonder Cat

2008-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

My life has been far from usual the last few days. We are in the process of remodeling the bathroom–it ought to be done, but the workers never come when they are supposed to.

In the midst of all this, thanks to Squeaky wanting to get into a closet near that bathroom, we discovered we’d been infested with rats! Yuk! Yuk! Yuk!

Squeaky is one of three of our inside cats. We also have Butch and Sundance, but they don't seem to be the least bit interested in even chasing the ugly critters.

Husband and grown grandson, along with Squeaky, managed to kill most of them. And at the time, we thought they were all gone. However, Squeaky caught one right under my computer desk chair while I was sitting in it. She also found another in an empty box in my office. I have no idea how many she’s killed, but she’s certainly earning her cat food.

Both times I went screaming for my husband. I can stand almost any kind of critter that manages to sneak in from outside–scorpions, spiders, lizards–but this was too much! The grandkids insist this old house is haunted–well, I’ll take the ghosts anytime.

I felt like I was in a horror movie.

And yes, hubby did find the hole in the closet wall where they’d made their entrance, and blocked it, but he didn’t get around to fixing it until today.

Squeaky isn’t squeaking right now, so I suspect hubby may be right, the rats are all gone. I’m not completely confident, but I am sitting at my computer and hope to get with it on my work in progress.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

It's a Mystery to Me by Morgan Mandel

2008-06-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

It's a mystery to me how it takes so long to migrate files from one computer to another. Anyway, I'm getting there, with half my old files in the new computer and half to go. Time is a problem. Once I figured out how to get the PCMover software to run, it said the migration would take over 7 hours. It was already 10 at night and I wasn't about to stay up that late!

Anyway, I stopped it and restarted it, but today it took much less time than it had indicated. Somewhere along the way, I must have set one of the parameters wrong, since the My Documents files are still not over on the new computer. So, that's my project - figuring out how to get those important files over to the new computer.

I'm getting there. I am very happy with how light the new computer is to carry. I'm also happy I can connect to the Internet. I'm not happy that Word 2007 is very confusing to figure out. It will take me a bit of learning and maneuvering, but it will all be worthwhile.

Computers are a modern writer's best friend. I'm already bonding with my new one!

Back to the migration,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Tuesday...again.

2008-06-17T07:54:00.001-07:00

Tuesday is my time to post on the Mystery Turtles. Though I have it written down on my calendar, sometimes I forget to look at the calendar.

Most of the time between postings, I've been working on my latest mystery and also judging books for a contest. This is quite a task, not because the books are all so good, but just the opposite. I'm looking for the wonderful ones that rise to the top. I've found a couple, but disappointed by how many "writers" haven't taken the time to learn their craft. I suspect in some cases, the "writer" may not even be a reader when they don't know the fundamentals of paragraphing, the purpose of dialogue, balancing action, dialogue and narrative, showing instead of telling.

We spent Father's Day weekend visiting grandchildren and their children as well as attending a Flea Market where I sold my books. What I'm finding is that often being the only author at a place where people are selling crafts and the like can be a great venue. Not only did I sell to those walking around, I also sold to fellow vendors who we developed a relationship with while tending our booth.

It was an exciting weekend, beginning with being rerouted way out of our way because of a hazardous waste spill. We had lots of fun with our granddaughter her hubby and two kids--enjoyed watching 6 year old Peyton Irish dancing. At grandson's home, we enjoyed his three kids, hubby, grandson, and great-grandson went to the motorcycle races while the girls and their mom and I watched a "chick flick.'

When we arrived home on Sunday, we were surprised by our son and a great barbecue.

Now back to my writing and reading contest entries.

Marilyn

Mysteries by Murdoch Hughes

2008-06-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

2008-06-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXj034fHq8E

MWA AT PRINTERS ROW By MORGANMANDEL

2008-06-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

CATCH MYSTERY WRITERS, MORGAN MANDEL AND MARGOT JUSTES, AT AUTHORFEST, SAT, JUNE 14, 10AM-4PM, SCHAUMBURG LIBRARY!!

Despite the heat and the violent storms, I managed to have a great time at Printers Row Book Fest. Lots of authors, readers and curious folk milling about. Great ambience from the quaint shops and restaurants. Loved the clock tower at Dearborn Station.

During my two hour stint at the Mystery Writers of America tent, I was fortunate enough to sell a goodly amount of books and be int he pleasant company of Julie Hyzy, President of Midwest Mystery Writers of America, along with Michael Black, Luisa Buehler, Robert Goldsborough and Tim Broderick.

Hope you like the video. I've also put up a photo of our tent where I'm situated next to historical mystery writer, Robert Goldsborough.

I'll be checking my calendar to make sure I don't miss Printers Row next year. All in all, a great time.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

This Writer's Life

2008-06-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been working on my latest book. In between though this is what I’ve done:

Because I’m still working as the training chairperson for a state-wide group, I had two training days this past week. I’ve handed in my resignation and only have three days left to do this during the month of August, then it’s a matter of gathering materials for the new chair and turning them over.

My next to the youngest granddaughter graduated from Porterville High on Friday night. She was one of 300 plus. The school colors are green and orange causing them often to be called peas and carrots. My youngest daughter arrived from Oxnard with her middle son in tow and we met them for dinner prior to the graduation. It’s her youngest son who now lives with us (we always seem to have a grandkid living with us for one reason or another) and of course he was with us.

We managed to be second in line at the gate and were able to save a whole row of the middle bleachers, which was a good thing as we were joined by a mob of granddaughter’s relatives and friends. After the graduation, many of us met at Denny’s, including granddaughter and her boyfriend. No one had to worry about them partying and getting in trouble.

The bathroom remodel is progressing–painfully slow. We’re lucky to see the contractor or his workers much before noon, if at all. This seems to be normal for any work done around here.

In order to expedite matters, while the graduate, family members and friends continued to celebrate in a house boat on the lake, hubby and I hit Lowe’s and Home Depot to pick out a new bathroom cabinet, sink, fixtures, medicine cabinet and flooring. Home Depot had the best variety and prices. We managed to cram everything in the back of the Edge (with the seats down) and bring it all home. How long it’ll be before we actually see this stuff in the bathroom remains to be seen.

I’m our church’s clerk, so took minutes at a council meeting and typed them up. Worked on a program plan for a new residential service provider (another kind of writing that brings in some cash to help pay for promotion), decided to write this blog–and now back to my work in progress.

Oh, I also heard on another blog that some readers think it's perfectly okay to steal e-books because authors are "stinking rich." Frankly, I don't know any of that variety of author. Anyone who thinks the common ordinary author is rich is sadly mistaken.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Welcome to the Hotel California

2008-06-06T22:37:00.001-07:00

About 75 miles west of La Paz, and 25 miles NW of Cabo San Lucas, is the village of Todos Santos. It's a little farming oasis on the Pacific coast, fed by spring water. Befroe the Baja highway was finished it was a dirt road, and for surfers in the sixties and seventies, if they made it that far, Todo Santos was a true oasis, with a hotel called, "The Hotel California". The Eagles stayed there on surfing trips and that is where their most famous song came from.

Supposedly the Eagles have denied that fact, upset that money was being made from their name. I don't know the facts, but I did know the family who owned it all those years, and they have pictures of the Eagles from those days. Within a block from the Hotel California is a beautiful little Catholic church.

Totos Santos is still a beautiful place...an oasis from the tourism of Cabo San Lucas. It has changed a great deal however, and the hotel is now owned by Americans, and has been upgraded. Still, beneath the upgraded facade, the beautiful old hotel is much the same. And beneath the facade of Todos Santos, you will meet some of the same families who lived there when the Eagles first drove their surfboard laden, tired and dusty vehicle into town.

Murdoch

"Baja lovers will recognize all of their old stomping grounds in the background of the action. The plot moves thick and fast, and Murdoch Hughes even has a few Dashiell Hammett-like moments with his hard-boiled prose. This dead-eye Dick writing style livens up the whole novel, making it a fun poolside read."
~ Gringo Gazette North, Baja California

Murdoch Hughes http://www.hardshell.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=0759934797

www.murderinlapaz.com

www.amazon.com

BUYING COMPUTERS By Morgan Mandel

2008-06-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

See Morgan Mandel at the MWA tent at Printer's Row on Saturday, June 7 from 10am-12pm at Dearborn & Polk, Chicago, IL.

I'm kind of late putting up my Wednesday blog because I've been very busy today, not only trying to get reorganized after vacation, but also making some tough decisions.

I haven't used by desktop computer in ages since it doesn't have enough ram and takes forever to do applications and pull up photos.

Lately, my laptop computer keeps running out of room. Also, it's quite heavy to carry to and from the commuter station.

I'd been vacillating about what computer or computers to buy, but Dell kind of decided for me. I'm always getting e-mails from them about special deals - one almost every day. Anyway, about a week ago, I got one that alarmed me. As of June 18 Dell will no longer be selling Windows XP systems, only Windows Vista. I've heard some really crummy things about Vista and don't want to go that route.

Since I want to keep Windows HP Home as my operating system, I decided to take the plunge. I did lots of investigating and finally settled on a Dell Latitude 430 laptop, the main reason being it's only 3 pounds and also has the little round pointer in the middle, which some people hate, but I'm addicted to it.

I loaded up the laptop with as many features as possible, but could only go up to 2 GB of Ram and 120 GB on the hard drive. That's still better than what I have now - 4.75 pounds, 1.25 GB of Ram and a 40 GB hard drive.

Being fearful I couldn't get Windows Home XP later, I also bought a desktop computer, which cost me less than the laptop and has many more features - a 15 card reader, 4 GB of Ram and 350 GB on the hard drive. That computer I'll use for my more memory driven tasks like composing videos for Youtube.

My head is still spinning from all the decisions about Wireless Lan, Ethernet, DVD RW drives, Floppy drives, software, adapters. Lots of figuring out. I just hope I didn't forget anything.

What does this have to do with writing? Well, I don't use cursive. Since I've used a computer for so many years, my handwriting is very poor and seems to take forever. So, I rely heavily on a computer for preparing manuscripts and doing book marketing. One that doesn't work at its peak is a nuisance, especially when low space messages keep appearing when I'm in the middle of something important.

Anyway, it'll take a week or so for the computers to appear. Then the fun will begin. I'll need to get programs installed and migrated from the old computers and who knows what else. I'm not looking forward to that part. I'll let you know how that goes.

So, today was an expensive day, but one good thing - I'll have some good tax deductions come April.

All the best,
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://www.myspace.comhttp://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel

Mayhem at Home

2008-05-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Of course nothing progressed on the remodel job on the bathroom. What has been happening is there is a hole in the floor and rodents have been taking advantage of the easy access to our house.

Nobody bothered mentioning to me that our cats had caught several of the unwanted visitors. I washed a load of clothes this a.m. and when I was taking them out to put them in the dryer, at the bottom of the washer was a dead rat! I ran out of the room screaming.

I don't even want to think how it got there. The only ways is I picked it up with the dirty clothes without knowing it. I made my husband rewash that load of clothes.

My adult grandson who is living with us at the moment thought hilarious and brought the rat to show me carrying it by his tail. I barricaded myself in my office.

How knows when the contracter and his men will return--I hate remodeling jobs! Now I have an even bigger reason to hate them!

Oh yes, I am writing, or trying to. Finished the big ghost writing project--70,000 word thriller. Been paid. That's a good thing. Now I'm sure I'll have some rewrites to do--but that's easy compared to writing someone else's story.

Now I can concentrate on my own work in progress--if there are no more rats running around here. Yuk!

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Motorcycle Booksignings

2008-05-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

I love to do booksignings for events that are different from the usual bookstore signings. Since I ride a Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycle and have ridden motorcycles all my life, it follows that my detectives ride motorcycles. I don't think there is a more appropriate vehicle for a detective, which is a straight line through genres from the Western marshals riding horses. Motorcycles don't eat grass but they don't burn much gas either. And there's not as much coming out the other end.

For Memorial Day weekend I was the guest author at a Vintage Motorcycle Show hosted by the Old Strokers Motorcycle Works and Cafe in Everett Washington. Now you might wonder how that works out, considering the traditional stereotype of a biker as a skull and crossbones, itinerate mechanic who dropped out of school to ride the trails; and not a very good mechanic either since he seemed to be always working on the darn thing.

I don't subscribe to that stereotype. There is nothing better or easier to carry on a long ride than a good book. Unless of course it's a PDA of some sort that will store a thousand books, including a service manual and the "Motorcycle Guide to the Universe", as well as "Murder In La Paz", "Death Mask of the Jaguar" and "The Seattle Barista Killer"...must reads for any serious biker.

Bikers, like cowboys, have always read books, and they sometimes read the magazine articles before looking at the pictures they tear out and pin up on the walls of shops. Okay, maybe they look at the pictures first. But these days there is more time for reading because the motorcycles run better. Of course there are purists, but you throw away that pesky carb and replace it with fuel injection, and you have a recipe for a lot more riding and a lot less fixing.

And of course the ridership has changed, or more definitively, the biker community has expanded. It might include an emergency room intern studying Grey's Anatomy on his laptop in a roadside internet cafe in Baja. Or a retired couple in the Black Hills on a last adventure, with a copy of AARP magazine and a couple of paperbacks in their saddlebags. I was quite surprised when a local Harley-Davidson chapter did a group ride to go play miniature golf. Yikes! What's next, shuffleboard on vintage Cushman walkers? Well...why not?

So, you get all types at a motorcycle event these days, which is a good thing. Memorial Day weekend I had some great conversations, did a few readings when the bands weren't playing, sold many books, and even got to ride my Harley. Oh, and one more thing, there are more women bikers (and mechanics) all the time; it's the fastest growing segment of motorcycle owners. And they definitely read lots of books. Ride Sally, Ride.

Murdoch Hughes

Award-winning author

http://www.hardshell.com/

www.mundania.com

Fictionwise Sale - Printer's Row - Stormy Weather By Morgan Mandel

2008-05-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

A few reminders - www.fictionwise.com and www.hardshell.com still have ebooks at 25% off. I'm not sure how long the sale will last, so if you're thinking of getting some ebooks, now's a good time.

Hint - The romantic comedy, GIRL OF MY DREAMS and the mystery, TWO WRONGS, both by Morgan Mandel are available in ebook form there.
If you have a new kindle, you can find them at www.amazon.com as well.

PRINTER'S ROW - If you plan on attending Printer's Row, I'll be at the Mystery Writers of America tent at Dearborn and Polk - Location KK1 on Saturday, June 7 from 10am - 12pm Please stop by and say hello.

I'm writing to you on vacation from our cottage in Wisconsin. We suffered through some severe weather Sunday, which resulted in hail damage to our car, but after seeing television depictions of tornado damage, we consider ourselves fortunate.

Writing tip - Think about your own weather narrow escapes and include details about them when writing your manuscript.

Back to my vacation now,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Advice to Authors Attending Mystery Cons

2008-05-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

You might ask what makes me think I have the credentials to give advice about what to do when attending mystery cons. I’ve been to many, many over the years–and more than ever, I realize the best way to make yourself known to people who actually by the books is not what many of the authors are doing when attending mystery cons.

Indeed it’s great fun to socialize with friends who are mystery writers just like yourself, but if you want to interest people who might buy your books, then you need to make friends with those folks. Usually, they are wandering around looking a bit mystified and lonely. That’s the person to introduce yourself, and you might even invite him or her to go to lunch with you, or share a table at a group meal. While sitting at a table with other people who are strangers, introduce yourself and hand out your card. You don’t have to make a pest of yourself about your book, answer a few questions, but then find out something about them.

I’ve been doing this for years and have managed to meet the most interesting people who have in turn become fans of my books.

When you’re on a panel, do be sure and give some intriguing facts about yourself and your book. Have your book on display so people can see the title and know what to look for when they go in the book room. Whatever you do, don’t hog the time on a panel. One panel I was on recently at Mayhem in the Midlands, one author jumped in and answered everyone of the moderator’s questions before anyone else had a chance and went on and on.

Another time, the moderator was the time “hog”. After everyone was introduced, she spent the rest of the time talking about herself and the latest book. This is not the way to endear yourself to either the other authors or the audience.

Hang out at the book room. Make friends with the bookseller. Talk to people who are buying books and give a brief synopsis about your own book and point it out. Don’t be obnoxious about this. Though I’m not too good at this, hubby is and he had a great time hand selling my books.

Have a good time and talk to everyone. You’ll make a lot of new friends and who knows, they might become fans of your books.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Speaking of cats, how about a jaguar?

2008-05-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

"Death Mask of the Jaguar" is the second of my Rick Sage Mysteries set in Mexico. My wife Jan and I sailed from Seattle to the Sea of Cortez, and ended up staying there for seven years, mostly in the La Paz area. After finishing "Murder In La Paz" I decided the next book in the series would begin off the end of the airport in Tijuana. Trouble was I had always passed through Tijuana as quickly as possible.

So I went there to see what was at the end of the airport, and to sponge up whatever other local visions I could. The scene at the end of Tijuana International is pretty much as described in the book. I also met another main character while in Tijuana. I came across a live jaguar in a relatively small cage. I was startled to see such a phantom creature suddenly three feet in front of me, eyeing me as it paced back and forth. I could feel that beautiful creature's undefeated spirit looking deep into mine, and I can still feel it's eyes to this day.

There was nothing I could do to help it escape, and Baja is mostly desert and far from its home teritory in the jungles of Southern Mexico. Not to mention the urban wasteland where it was held captive. But I carried its spirit with me and freed it to roam my imagination and the new book, and I received from it even the title: "Death Mask of the Jaguar." By the way, the Jade Death Mask of the Jaguar Cult is an actual Mayan artifact.

Murdoch Hughes

http://www.murderinlapaz.com/

http://www.hardshell.com/

New MWMWA Spring Bulletin - Printers Row - Authorfest & Other Things By Morgan Mandel

2008-05-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

The new Midwest Mystery Writers of America Spring Bulletin can now be accessed by the link on my main website at www.morganmandel.com

Please stop by to see what mystery writers are offering these days. Also, while you're there, check out my website. I'm always making revisions and additions to both the Mystery Side and the Romance Side.

Mark your calendar for the Printers Row Book Sale on Dearborn and Polk and continuing North, in Chicago, IL, for Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8.

I'll be at the Mystery Writers of America tent at KK1, which is right at Dearborn and Polk, but my assigned time has yet to be determined. Stay tuned for more info.

Also, if you're anywhere near Schaumburg, IL, mark your calendar for Authorfest at the Schaumburg Library on Saturday, June 14, from 10-4. I'll be there among the 33+ authors on hand, not only signing books, but also appearing in panels.

If you haven't already, please check out the Morgan Mandel feature at
www.myspace.com/weaversofwords You can access it by scrolling down the righthand column.

That's it for all that's happening lately around here, except I'm packing the car for another week in Wisconsin.

All the best,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Glutton for Punishment

2008-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Two years ago we had our kitchen remodeled. It was supposed to take seven days. It took nearly two months. The contractor was supposed to be done everyday in time for me to cook dinner. We had to go out to eat every night because he was still working at 5 and 6 and 7, sometimes 8. Of course that was because he never arrived in the morning until 10 or later.

While I was busy writing, he’d pop into my office, shirtless, and scare me. Not because he was shirtless–though I’d have preferred it if he’d worn one. Of course he wanted to know how to write a book–and maybe I’d be interested in helping him write it. Not–as the kids would say.

We had some repair work that needed to be done on the back of the house where the termites have been busy. One of my friend’s son-in-law is a contractor. Not only are we having the back of the house fixed, but they are taking out an old bathtub that had seen better days eons ago and having a step-in shower put in.

Fortunately we have two other bathrooms, so I am not horribly inconvenienced. But it is rather odd having five strange men traipsing through my house–and they must come right through my office to get to that bathroom.

One good thing, so far they’ve all kept their shirts on–and another good thing, no one has asked me to write a book for them. I have had a discussion with one heavily tattooed fellow about our cats.

Since I can’t really concentrate on bookwriting, I decided to catch up on all the blogs I need to write.

I’ll be heading off to Mayhem in the Midlands day after this appears. Maybe a lot of the work will be done while we’re gone, I hope.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

BACK TO BASICS - REVISION by Morgan Mandel

2008-05-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

What do these photos have to do with Revision? Anybody who's been through the process probably knows.

After a presentation about revision by Julie Wachowski at my Chicago-North RWA meeting Monday night, the topic remained on my mind.

I enjoy doing revisions, perhaps too much. I love finding new words to replace ones that don't work as well. I love putting new clues or hints in a book that I hadn't thought of originally. It's fun to think up new ideas and weave them into a story.

The bad thing about this is sometimes I concentrate too much on revising instead of moving forward with the story. I have to force myself to go with the flow and save the revising until later, otherwise my book will never get done.

So, that's when I love revising. Then, there are the other times, the times when I need to revise and I don't like doing it. That's because the revision is major. I'm at one of those times now with a thriller which I'm telling from multiple viewpoints. I love all my characters, but I've come to realize that for the good of the book some need to be chopped out. Also, other characters' roles need to be expanded. That's not as much fun. Though I know I can use these characters in a sequel, I also know I've got lots more work ahead of me with the characters that remain. I tell myself it will all be worth it. I just have to get down to business and do it.

Anyway, while I was walking my dog, Rascal, this morning, I came across some unexpected sites which reminded me of the pain of revision. One was a large tree split apart in the storm last night. It's like an almost-completed or already completed novel entering a hearty revision process.

Sometimes it's tempting to keep unuseful sentences and scenes in a novel, but if you do, the novel is unattractive, confusing and a book readers will avoid. The careful author needs to discard the parts that don't work and either delete them or arrange them neatly in a separate file for use somewhere else where they'll make sense.

The other tree, a much smaller one, is a new book. You think the story is going one way, but it suddenly veers in another direction. Which is right? If you can't make up your mind, keep both directions in separate files and try working with them. After a while, you may find it easier to decide. If you still can't decide, that's where your critique partners or writing group will come in handy. Run the thoughts past them and fresh viewpoints will help you see the matter more clearly. Then you can get on with the real story and make your new book into a real work of art.

I hope my insights help you see revision more clearly. Leave a comment if you wish about your own revision experiences.

I've got to get back to my revisions now.
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Cats

2008-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Many authors put cats into their mysteries. I’ve only done it once in a mystery I wrote a long time ago. Not sure why I haven’t done it since. Certainly not because I have an aversion to cats–I don’t. We have three inside cats and I don’t know how many outside ones. We live in the country and people dump cats off in front of our house. My husband, kind-hearted soul that he is, feeds them.

Our inside cats consist of two brothers, Sundance (looks Siamese) and Butch (great and white–tuxedo type), and a female who is multi-colored brown, orange, white long hair we call Squeaky for obvious reasons. We used to have the brothers’ mom inside, but she wouldn’t stay inside, so she’s joined the outside cats.

Some of the outside cats are feral and won’t let you near them. Mamma cat (for want of a better name) and several of the others are domesticated and like to be petted. We’ve fixed all those we’ve been able to catch. Hubby knows them all and has given them names.

I enjoy the inside cats except when Sundance tries to trip me. Squeaky is funny, because she likes to get inside boxes. Often we think she’s missing when she’s asleep in a box. The three of them do make messes and love to steal pens and pencils to play with.

Though I’ve got the subjects to use in a mystery, I don’t know if I’ll ever put a cat into another one. None of my heroines have ever been cat or dog people. Maybe it’s because I’m not that much of an animal lover. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had animals around all our married years. Some wonderful dogs–and a slew of cats. With five kids, you automatically get animals. Some I wasn’t thrilled with, like snakes–but yes, we had them. We also had ducklings that thought my son (10 at the time) was their mother, and a chicken who nearly drowned because she thought she was a duck and followed the ducks into the kiddy pool we had in the back yard.

Who knows though, maybe one of these days an animal will play a prominent part in one of my mysteries.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

A Baja Poem

2008-05-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a fantastic trip to Baja for the annual Baja Authors Booksigning and Winetasting, hosted by Pyramid Resort. I was reminded of this poem, which I wrote when we first sailed to Baja on our sailboat, the Hunter Star, some years ago. So I thought I'd share it here, to give you a small taste of Baja dreaming.

Murdoch
www.murderinlapaz.com

Calafia
by Murdoch Hughes

This is a land where Osprey
perch on the desert bluff
forty feet above our anchor chain
snaking black into crystal depths.

A land where sand dune becomes mountain
and the reflections on the water
are cactus dreams basking in a sun
hot as a baker's oven.

Where nomad whales and their dolphin escorts
mate and birth in fantasies
filled with seashell echoes
and azure sunlight shafts,
whose nightmares are of the long-departed land.

This land where a thousand roosters crow
under a city's bougainvillea;
like priests they chant to dispel
dark night's damp breath,
to push back death's promise,
once more to summon up the sun.

In this land earth's pallette
is bright color swirled in flower and bird
reflected in the deep dreams of desert dwellers,
in the deep sleep of ancient vagabonds of the sea

whose memories are Chocolata clams,
are the cactus, avocadoes,
the Osprey, are the sea turtle,
are the island, the sand dune,the mountain,
are the scorpion, the lizard, the spider,
are the ocean , the dolphin, the whale,

whose intertwined memories are ancient inhabitants
drawing pictures on stone wall
to tell their children, to explain
these distant dreams that dance our sleep,
layer upon layer,
this land, of dreams.

Murdoch Hughes
http://www.murderinlapaz.com

Mother's Day from a Writing Perspective

2008-05-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

I used to spend Mother's Day with my husband's family. The men would cook and do the dishes and the mothers and children would talk, relax, and play. Not a bad scenario (reverse genders for Father's Day), unless you're a writer trying to find time to write (and now divorced). I found it challenging to divide time between family and writing. And don't forget "self" time.

Even now, when it all feels like a competition for my time and energy, then I know it's "time" for some revamping. So what is the ideal Mother's Day? This year, my daughter and I made a date to go see Hellboy 2 during the summer (she's 19 and she's paying for the movie). I'm looking forward to it. And today, I'm blogging, then writing! Hey, that's my scenario choice and I'm happy with it. I hope you are enjoying your choices for today, too!

If you're in the mood for reading, you can always check out BEVERLY HILLS VOODOO at www.hardshell.com/mystery or my web page at www.lfcrawford.com.

And if you're a Hellboy fan, then maybe you'd enjoy my short story at Amazon.com SHOOTOUT AT THE TWO MOONS SALOON.

Happy Mother's Day, and maybe I'll see you at the movies!

Louise Crawford. :)

Getting Ready for Another Conference

2008-05-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, indeed, I'm headed for another conference, this time Mayhem in the Midlands. It's always been a favorite, but we almost didn't go. They put up rules for panelists that the publisher had to be MWA approved. None of my publishers are, so I wrote and told them how sorry I was not to be able to go. Received a nice note back that I was more than welcome, just not some of the other authors. Well--ethically, there was no way I could attend, and I told them so.

Of course I also expressed my dismay that a conference sponsored by a library and Sisters in Crime would be so discriminatory. Of course I wasn't the only one. Mayhem relaxed the rules and I decided to go.

I am on two panels with some well-known authors and some I've not heard of before. But panels aren't as important to me at that conference as seeing all the friends I've made in Omaha over the years. These are friends who are also fans of my books.

They always have a Mystery Dinner which is my husband's favorite part of the conference as he can display his acting skills --something he hasn't been able to do since his community theater years.

I've postcards with a copy of one of my book covers on one side, and information about my panels on the other. I'll have to hand them out at the cocktail party the night before, since the first panel's at 9 a.m. I also made up some brochures about my books to hand out on Saturday when I'm not on any panels.

Because I'm giving up the part-time teaching job I've had for 10 years, I'll not be going to so many conferences next year, so I'll have to really pick and choose. It'll be difficult since I sure don't want to miss Epicon or the Public Safety Writers Conference or---goodness, I'll really have to make big decisions.

Oh well, that's not until 2009, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Breaking the Ice by Morgan Mandel

2008-05-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

The big topic of conversation before our vacation in Wisconsin was whether the ice would break in time. In Illinois, we suffered from a harsh, cold and snowy winter. Wisconsin did also, the difference being the snow stuck around much longer there because it was much colder.

So, for my husband to fish, the ice needed to thaw and break and dissipate. Fortunately, the weather turned warm about 1 1/2 weeks before we were due to arrive at the cottage. We heard reports that the ice was melting and mostly cleared. Hopefully, he'd be able to fish our lake.

When we arrived, at first the area near our cottage was clear, but we could see ice at the other end of the lake. Then the direction of the wind shifted and the ice drifted in front of the cottage, which meant no fishing.

The rain came and with it warmer weather. The ice started cracking and falling apart before our eyes. Before we knew it, the ice had completely disappeared from the entire lake. Needless to say, we were relieved. All was well and the fishing could begin!

Giving your characters secrets is a lot like ice on the lake. The reader keeps watching to see when the secret will come out. A good author provides hints along the way, like the ice cracking in spots. Then, the author will throw a curve and the ice will come rushing in the other direction, leaving the reader to wonder will the secret ever be revealed.

Then the ice breaks and the secret is revealed, usually with an outpouring of emotion. Communication flows freely, like the lake after the thaw. Good things happen as a result.

In case you're wondering, yes, my husband has caught fish and hopes to catch more, since we have until Sunday for vacation. I've not been as lucky at the casino, but have had a great time shopping and also am enjoying way too many calorie-packed meals. That's okay, vacation calories don't count. Kind of like holiday calories.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

My Take On Dreams

2008-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe because I'm getting old, or maybe because I'm just not as smart as Karen, my dreams are never plot ideas. Oh, I dream plenty--and they are usually weird. Now, I get, it my dreams are weird because I am too.

Last night I dreamt I was going on a cruise and we (some of the "we" were my grown daughters)and we were late arriving at the cruise ship and I lost my purse. New where I'd left it but wasn't allowed to go back. That was just one dream--can't remember the others.

Often I dream about the house in Oxnard where we lived for over 20 years. It never looks quite like it did then. Sometimes we're moving back into it and have lots of remodeling to do. The town around it doesn't look anything like it did back then or the way it looks now. It's a very strange town, with huge old houses, ones I've never seen before--and a bit on the spooky side.

I also dream about the house I grew up in in Los Angeles quite often. That house is no longer there. When I dream about living there, it's as a grown-up, not a child.

Though once in awhile I dream of the house I'm living in now in the foothills of the Sierra, it never looks like it really is. Sometimes it really snazzy and sometimes it looks like something out of a hillbilly movie. Those dreams more often have a nightmare quality to them.

My most frequent dreams are set most anywhere and I'm on a quest--a quest to find a bathroom and I wake up--because I really do need to find a bathroom. (That one I can figure out.)

Frankly, I'm glad I don't know how to interpret dreams because I'd probably learn I'm demented in some way.

This, of course, has nothing to do with mysteries or the writing life, but it's my contribution for today.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

I Have Dreamed a Dream by Karen Wiesner

2008-05-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

“In dreaming, the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me; that, when I wak’d I cried to dream again.” from “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare

A strangling had just occurred in the park. The victim? A dancer from the local scandaleux strip joint. When the local small town lieutenant, who’s longing just to go home to his new wife, goes to the nightclub to investigate, he encounters the radical personalities of the other dancers: one far-too-young-and-innocent; another older, vengeful and jaded; and a blond bombshell with unfathomable depths. What happened next took the lieutenant through a wild chase to hunt down...and capture...a killer.

When I woke from this intense dream, I immediately started writing. My pen flew over the paper as I wrote down everything I saw in my dream-movie. When it finally faded out, leaving a heaviness in my chest, I’d filled pages with in-depth notes about a book I couldn’t imagine myself ever writing. I was a romance writer who occasionally wrote writers’ reference books. I didn’t write mysteries or even psychological thrillers, though of late the occasional suspense plotline had slipped into my contemporary romances—always as a secondary element. So I put the notes into my plot cupboard where I expected it to fade from my imagination quickly. Little did I realize that it was the beginning of what would eventually open a whole new writing adventure to me. This story continued to haunt me as time passed, the plots of my romances became more suspenseful, and I sold some children’s books and poetry. I even delved into an experimental paranormal (SWEET DREAMS) that won rave reviews, became a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Awards, and was chosen as a Top Pick of the month from Romantic Times BOOKclub. Seems my imagination didn’t want to be contained simply because I’d started out as a contemporary romance writer, and my vivid dream-stories were pushing me toward new frontiers in writing.

At the time, SWEET DREAMS was published by Avid Press (now available from Hard Shell Word Factory www.hardshell.com), which was also the publisher of a friend, Christine Spindler, who wrote an award-winning mystery series and happened to live in Auenwald, Germany. Christine and I started talking, almost casually at first, about writing a mystery novel together. My first thought was the dream I’d had about the small town detective tracking a killer in a strip joint while missing his wife. I told Christine about this idea gathering dust in my cupboard, and she told me about an idea she had about a mystery involving twin sisters.

When she sent me the notes she had on her story, I knew this was something that was meant to be. Without a break, I spent the rest of that day combining the best elements from both of our ideas, and DEGREES OF SEPARATION—a full-blown whodunnit mystery—was born. Soon two authors who had never met in person were brainstorming non-stop from our ends of the world. In under two months, we’d completed the novel, which was so much like the dream I’d had I couldn’t doubt that destiny had brought us together. We both accepted that we wouldn’t want this to be a single book. We’d become enchanted with Pete Shasta and Danny Vincent, investigators for the fictional Falcon’s Bend Police Department, and together we plan to visit often the ‘small, sleepy Wisconsin town that owns more taverns than churches but fills both on the appropriate days. A place where nothing seems to happen...except the occasional murder’.

DEGREES OF SEPARATION wasn’t the first time I dreamed what would later become a fully fleshed out story, though it was one of the few times the story came to me almost completely during the dream instead of after I woke from it. Since then, (dealing only with the Falcon’s Bend Series here since I’ve dreamed many fragments of other books, as well) I’ve also used parts of dreams to write two Falcon’s Bend short stories: “Blind Revenge” and “Fixated” from FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume I; “Retribution”, which will be in FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume II, and Book 5 of the Falcon’s Bend Series.

“Blind Revenge” (FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume I) began just as I was about to drop off to sleep one night at around 11:30 or so. In black and white in that fragile twilight of drifting, I saw a woman walking down a hall. I saw a man ahead of her. The woman kept walking past him, then she looked back at the door, and he was looking at her, too. The woman went outside, got in her convertible, and a second later the passenger door opened and the man got in. At that moment, my subconscious mind turned creepy. Suddenly this woman was blindly kissing her stranger like it was the end of the world. I knew that, for her, it was the end of the world. The witch was coming for her eyes.I would have fallen deeply asleep in another few minutes and had a disturbing nightmare along these lines, but at that moment my husband got out of bed, saying he couldn’t sleep and was going in the living room to read. I was awake now, and this idea started to bloom in my mind like Chia pet. I finally turned on the lights, put on my glasses and started writing. Less than a half hour later, I was out of bed, e-mailing my ideas to Christine.

“Fixated” (FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume I) is a much older story that I had in my story folder for several years before I took it out and used it as the basis of a Falcon’s Bend short story. I woke up after having a dream about a woman who was being stalked by someone. Only this wasn’t in the point-of-view of the woman being stalked, but in that of the man on the balcony above the woman and her stalker. The concept of a stalker being stalked stayed with me, and I wrote the dream down when I woke up.

“Retribution” (FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume II) is a story based on a dream I had about a scantily clad woman temporarily inhabiting a property and lurking in the backyard. When I woke, I was in a Falcon’s Bend mindset, and quickly worked this dream into the idea that the subdivision Lieutenants Pete Shasta and Danny Vincent live in becomes home to a very hot young mama…and their wives Lisa and Melody aren’t too happy about all the men in the neighborhood moonlighting as Peeping Toms. But it isn’t until the woman disappears, leaving her two children alone, that Lisa realizes crime is firmly afoot.

PRETTY FLY, Book 5 in the Falcon’s Bend Series, will be formed in part from a dream I had about a camping trip that turned deadly.

Is it a little...well, disturbing, to have so many disturbing dreams? Actually it is, but writers can always make lemonade out of lemons.

You can visit the Falcon’s Bend Community, too! Just point your internet browser to http://www.falconsbend.com and you’ll find information and excerpts from all currently available Falcon’s Bend Series books.

Falcon’s Bend Series by Karen Wiesner and Chris Spindler:

DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Book 1 of the Falcon’s Bend Series
978-0-7599-3979-0 (trade paperback), $14.95;
978-0-7599-3978-3 (electronic), $7
Available now from Hard Shell Word Factory!

TEARS ON STONE
Book 2 of the Falcon’s Bend Series
978-0-7599-4383-4 (trade paperback), $14.95;
978-0-7599-4382-7 (electronic), $7
Available now from Hard Shell Word Factory!

FALCON’S BEND CASE FILES, Volume I (The Early Cases)
0-7599-4371-0 (trade paperback), $10.95;
0-7599-4370-2 (electronic), $6
Available now from Hard Shell Word Factory!Includes the following novellas:
“Bugs”
“Broken Wings”
“Obsessions”
“Blind Revenge”
“Fixated”
EPPIE 2007 Finalist in the Mystery category!

THE FIFTEENTH LETTER
Book 3 of the Falcon’s Bend Series
978-0-7599-4736-8 (trade paperback); 978-0-7599-4735-1 (electronic)
Coming September 2008 from Hard Shell Word Factory!

About the Authors

Sharing more than one publisher, an interest in many different genres, and a strong mutual respect for each other's body of individual work, Karen and Chris began talking casually about writing together in 2001. After merging ideas they had for their own projects, DEGREES OF SEPARATION and the Falcon's Bend Series were born. Karen and Chris feel their partnership is as close as neighbors right across the street instead of on opposite ends of the world. Look for many more exciting books in their Falcon's Bend Series in coming years.

Karen Wiesner

Karen Wiesner is an accomplished author with 49 books published in the past 10 years, which have been nominated for and/or won 68 awards, and 18 more titles under contract. Karen’s books cover such genres as women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense, paranormal, futuristic, gothic, inspirational, thriller, horror and action/adventure. She also writes children’s books, poetry, and writing reference titles such as her bestseller, First Draft in 30 Days, available from Writer’s Digest Books. Karen has also sold a second offering to Writer’s Digest Books. From First Draft to Finished Novel {A Writer’s Guide to Cohesive Story Building}, a companion to First Draft in 30 Days, will be available September 2008. It'll also be a Writer's Digest Book Club Main Selection. Check Karen’s website for more information and to register to be notified of release. Her previous writers’ reference titles focused on non-subsidy, royalty-paying electronic publishing, author promotion, and setting up a promotional group like her own, the award-winning Jewels of the Quill, which she founded in 2003. The group does two anthologies, edited by Karen and others, together per year. Karen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), EPIC, Sisters in Crime Internet Chapter, BooksWeLove.net, and World Romance Writers. In addition to her writing, Karen enjoys designing Web sites, graphics, and cover art. For more information about Karen and her work, visit her Web sites at http://www.karenwiesner.com, http://www.firstdraftin30days.com, http://www.falconsbend.com and http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com. If you would like to receive Karen’s free e-mail newsletter, Karen’s Quill, and become eligible to win her monthly book giveaways, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KarensQuill or send a blank e-mail to
KarensQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Chris Spindler

Hailing from Germany, Chris Spindler is the award-winning author of the Inspector Terry mysteries, originally published in the US by the now defunct Avid Press. The series which introduced London's Inspector Frederick Terry to high praise from critics and readers alike has been re-issued by Hard Shell Word Factory. The Inspector Terry series is also published in Germany. Published under her maiden name Tina Zang, Chris' picture books for children are available from Writer's Exchange E-Publishing. Her childrens' and YA books are very popular in Germany. Chris spent her youth surrounded by animals and books. She studied physics and languages in Heidelberg and worked at a translation agency for 15 years before she decided to become a full-time writer. She lives in a beautiful village with her family and a friendly cat. Find out more by visiting her website at http://www.christinespindler.com.

Spring Fling Conference Rocked!!! By Morgan Mandel

2008-04-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

YA Author June Sproat, Mystery Turtle, Morgan Mandel, and Romantic Suspense Author, Margot Justes

Spring Fling 2008 this past weekend turned out to be a smashing success. Great panels, editor and agent pitches, a 30 author book signing, and so much more.

The Coordinators, Joelle Charbonneau-Blanco and Deb Gross did a spectacular job of organization and everything went off without a hitch.

I and other small press/e-book authors gave a panel about in the ins and outs of small presses. We were up against a session on query pitching which was hosted by an editor, and were happily surprised to receive a goodly number in attendance at our panel. Our audience asked great questions, and time flew by. I was also happy to notice some of the audience members in my line to buy books later at the autograph session.

Another role I took on was to do timing for editor appointments for an hour, not hard at all, just key in six minutes, and when the buzzer went off, knock on the door for the one minute warning. I also contributed a beach bag with a tee-shirt, sunglasses, and one of my books tucked inside for the Literacy auction.

I only played a small part in the mechanisms of the conference, and wished I could have played more, but I've been busy publicizing GIRL OF MY DREAMS, my recently released romantic comedy.

People are already wishing Chicago-North RWA would put on another Spring Fling next year, but our chapter's policy is every other year. The way time flies, it will probably come around again before we know it.

Tonight I'm participating in a library panel at the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein, Illinois, with 4 other Chicago-North RWA authors.

This afternoon I'm doing some packing. My vacation Up North in Arbor Vitae, which is near Minocqua, Wisconsin in coming up on Friday. I hope to be blogging from there, unless I encounter technical difficulties or suffer from amnesia because I'm having too much fun.

Take care,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Back from PSWA conference

2008-04-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

I meant to do this much earlier–but time got away from me.

Hubby and I just returned from Las Vegas and the Public Safety Writers Conference. This is a wonderful conference for anyone with a law enforcement or other public safety person as a hero or character in his or her book. It’s also a great place to do some research as the majority of the authors are somehow involved with law enforcement.

Just to give you an idea of the versatility of the group, besides being writers or wanting to be, we had still-working police officers, a dispatcher, a lawyer, an FBI agent, several retired cops, a former secretary to sheriff’s deputies, a former editor of a police magazine, an editor of an online police news magazine, 2 small press publishers, high school teacher, an holocaust survivor, and folks like me who like to write about law enforcement on hand. Next year, we’re calling the conference Crime Writers and Crime Fighters. I’ll be asking for ideas for panels and speakers. If you think you’d like to be one, you need to join the group at http://policewriter.com. When I put out the call for speakers and/or panelists, send me your ideas.

Of course, like anything else, Murphy attended. Though the hotel rooms were wonderful, for some reason our meeting room kept changing–without any advance notice. We all had to use our detective skills to find where we were going to meet next. This was particularly unnerving to me, since, as program chair, I was always the first to learn we’d been kicked out of the place we’d last been meeting.

The wonderful thing about this particular conference, is everyone buys books!

Now, back to playing catch-up.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Murdoch in Baja

2008-04-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Murdoch Hughes in Baja

I'm off to Baja for some fun paragliding and to attend the Baja Authors Booksigning and Winetasting on Saturday, May 3rd. I'll have all three of my Mysteries for sale and to sign. If you're in San Diego area, it's a short drive about 35 miles south of the border. Click on the link below for more info. If you can't make it, check back here and I'll post some photos when I get back.

http://pyramidresort.com/?action=events

http://www.werewolfdetective.blogspot.com/

www.murderinlapaz.com

Write What You Know...Or Not

2008-04-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

When I started writing, and even after I'd written a book, found an agent, and she was shopping it to editors, I was often told "Write what you know." So, I jumped in and wrote the first mystery in a series, BLAIZE OF GLORY, about a psychologist who was a food addict and worked with patients in recovery programs. Sprinkled with humor, dealing with tough subjects around a variety of addictions, from food to drugs to sex, it was Chick Lit way before it's time, and it finally sold to Hard Shell. The series garnered great reviews, won awards, and gave me the opportunity to explore what I knew or had learned over the years.

But what about writing something totally unknown? It's like taking a big step off a cliff and trusting you'll find the answers. My big step was in writing the mystery/thriller BEVERLY HILLS VOODOO (Originally titled, VOODOO, WHIPPED CREAM & BILLY THE KID), which dealt with two Beverly Hills detectives and a headless corpse. They soon discover that Voodoo's involved, as well as a nasty piece of work, a sorcerer of the black hand, Lucien Andreas. His power rocks Detective Murry's neatly organized world and sends him down unknown paths that include a growing psychic ability.

I chose Voodoo because I thought it would be interesting to research, and it was. When Murry's twin showed up in the book as a famous opera singer, I then researched opera and learned quite a bit about the most famous ones and famous singers. So, writing about something you don't know can be an exciting step into unknown worlds and experiences, which can translate into an exciting thrill-ride of a book...or two...or three.

In the second book of the series, FORTUNE COOKIE KARMA (coming out soon from Hard Shell Word Factory), Murry tracks a serial killer who's staking out women with ice picks, and zeroing in on Murry's girlfriend as his next victim. Murry's psychic visions offer warnings, but can he find the Ice Pick Killer and stop him before it's too late? Writing about serial killers and being inside one's head is definitely in the "write what you don't know" category. Yes, in it's own way it can be interesting. I read the FBI profiler, Douglas's book on serial killers in preparation, for profiling, tracking, and interrogating a serial killer, and I hope put that information to good use. I hope you'll read FORTUNE COOKIE KARMA and let me know if I accomplished my aim.

So, if you're a new writer, what should you do? Write what you know is definitely a way to create rounded characters and believable options, and for beginners, a good way to start. But once you've mastered the basics of setting, characters, plotting, and active voice, you might want to pick a topic you've always wondered about to make the research interesting and fun!

HEADLINERS AT PUBLIC BOOK SIGNING AT SPRING FLING SATURDAY - CHECK THIS OUT - Morgan Mandel

2008-04-23T14:36:00.001-07:00

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BOOK SIGNING AT SPRING FLING
THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 26, FROM 4:30 - 6PM AT The Hyatt, Deerfield, IL
CATCH THIS LINEUP OF AUTHORS WHO WILL BE SELLING & AUTOGRAPHING THEIR BOOKS:
Debbie Macomber, Eloisa James, Christie Ridgway

I'll be there autographing TWO WRONGS and GIRL OF MY DREAMS. Many other authors will also be present.

The Spring Fling Conference, sponsored by Chicago-North RWA,is booked, but NOT the book signing. It's worth the trip just to get autographed books from your favorite authors and to try out some new ones.

I'm busy getting ready, so this blog is very short today.
Hope some of you can make it!

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.comhttp://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html
http://bookplace.ning.com

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

2008-04-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

Where do your ideas come from? Authors hear that question all the time.

Most of the authors I know have more ideas then they can possibly ever use.

Ideas might hatch in a newspaper article. So much goes on in the world today, there is no end to the crazy things that can get your mind working and then asking “What if...?”

Sometimes I clip news articles that I think I could use. Eavesdropping on conversations in restaurants is another place to get ideas. Sometime you see people who would make great characters in a novel or short story. Today I was eating out and a group of men were at the next table. It was obvious they worked together, because the comment that attracted my eavesdropping ear was, “I have to work with you, I don’t have to eat with you.”

The speaker was a middle-aged Latino man, very brown-skinned, with the most beautiful white mustache and beard. He was also a character. They were talking about insurance and that fellow said, “That’s when I don’t know how to speak English.”

Across from him was another fellow with a long gray beard, clean and combed, that went clear to the middle of his chest

The first man asked the second, “Why do you have that beard?”

The second man said, “Because I like it. I started growing it when I got out of the Army. Why do you have your beard?”

The first man said, “My girlfriend told me she’d leave me if I shaved it off.”

One day I may work these two into a book.

If you’re a good listener, people will tell you all sorts of intriguing information about themselves. Flying home from someplace or another, a young airline stewardess (or whatever they call them these days) was deadheading back to her home base and sat next to me. She said she was twenty-three but looked about sixteen. She told me all about her boyfriend and how much older he was than she and went on and on about her romance. Sure, I asked a question here and there, but it was amazing what she told me. Yep, there’s a story there too.

Frankly, there’s no end to ideas.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

SECOND CHANCES By Morgan Mandel

2008-04-16T11:58:00.001-07:00

Monday night the CMT Award show was on, but I forgot to tape it. As almost everyone probably knows about me by now, I'm a huge fan of country music, so I was pretty bummed out about missing the show.

Then I learned I'd get a second chance. The show would repeat the next night. On Tuesday night I took full advantage of the opportunity. I gratefully and happily sat down and watched the rebroadcast.

Life is full of second chances. Each year the change of seasons brings one. Just when I don't think it will ever happen, Winter turns into Spring. I and many other Illinois residents have suffered through some awfully cold, blustery, snowy, rainy days the past months. The wonderful weather of Spring seemed way too far away, but today it surprisingly arrived.

To celebrate, I took my dog, Rascal, for a long walk so she could also enjoy the sunshine and warmth. Judging from her tail wagging and what looked like a grin on her face, she had as much of a good time as I did.

In writing, we also get second chances. Each time we submit a manuscript and get a rejection, if we look around, we can find another chance to send it out and try again. Each time we pitch at a conference or enter a contest, even if we don't hook an agent or publishing house the first time, there are always other conferences and more contests to try again.

My pitch to Hard Shell Senior Editor, Janice Strand, at Love is Murder in 2005 did not go as well as I'd hoped, but she gave me the opportunity of a second chance by telling me to e-mail my query to her. Instead of giving up, I took her advice and sent in that e-mail. The result was I ended up with my first publishing contract and Two Wrongs was published in 2006.

So, my advice is don't angst over rejections. Don't get flustered about giving a pitch. Don't worry if or if not your contest entry makes the grade. There are always second chances right around the corner.

Your second chance just might be the one that's best for you. It could be the one that makes you very happy and glad you didn't give up after the first try, so take advantage of each one.

And now, I'm going back out to enjoy the beautiful Spring day!
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Annual Baja Authors Booksigning and Winetasting

2008-04-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

The annual Baja authors booksigning and winetasting is a great event in a spectacular setting on a 150' bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's hosted by the Pyramid Resort on their deck, with an average of 15 authors of books about or set in Baja. They also include several Baja wineries.

I'm a paraglider pilot as well as a Mystery Author, and last year the winds allowed me to launch on the bluff nearby and soar over the other authors and guests during the booksigning event. A photographer for the Gringo Gazette took the picture of me flying, on the right, and it later appeared in their English language newspaper.

Sometimes promoting our books is a real chore, but this was one time I was thrilled to do it. This year the Baja Authors Booksigning will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. I'll be there with my new Mystery, and if the winds are right I'll launch and fly with the pelicans, soaring above the event once again. I hope to see you there. Just look up.

Murdoch

Deciding What Works Best for Promotion

2008-04-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ever so often, any published author should take a look at his or her promotion efforts and decide what really works and what doesn’t.

Everyone seems to have bookmarks to hand out. Though I do it too, I don’t really think they are very effective. My personal favorite are business cards. I make new ones every time I have a new book with a picture of the cover on it, and all the information necessary to buy the book. Little trinkets are fun, but I don’t think they give anyone the incentive to purchase a book.

Book signings at bookstores are one of my least favorite things to do unless I can give a talk. Giving a talk in almost any venue will sell books. I love presenting at libraries, writers’ conferences, or anywhere else where they’ll give me the floor and let me sell books. Recently, I was invited to a book club–the 12 members purchased my latest book and read it. When I attended their meeting, they asked oodles of questions, treated me like a celebrity and purchased 11 of my previous book.

I’ve done a book trailer for all of my latest books, including Wishing Makes It So from Hard Shell Word Factory. They are fun, but can’t say they produced many sales.

Going on a Virtual Book Tour–visiting one blog after another to promote a book in various ways is something I’ve done with my last two books, and I definitely think they were helpful as my numbers on Amazon went way down (which is a good thing.)

Attending mystery cons is another effort I’ve done a lot. Mystery cons are expensive and now that some of them have decided to restrict appearances on a panel to only those published by MWA approved publishers, I’ve crossed those particular cons off my list. (Surely will save me money.) I’m going to concentrate on the small press friendly cons in my future planning. There are some cons where I know I’ll sell my latest book because I have fans there I only see once a year.

Where I sell the most books is at book and craft fairs. Craft fairs are the best because I’m not competing with other authors. I only go to those that are local or in an area where I have a family member or friend I can stay with overnight.

And of course, I do blogs–do they help? I don’t know for sure, but name recognition is important, so the more my name is out there, the better.

Anyway, that’s my promotion plan for the coming year–at least for now.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Gnawing Away By Morgan Mandel

2008-04-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

Right now I'm watching my dog, Rascal, gnaw away at the femur bone I bribed her with to keep her from pestering me. She is one determined animal, holding it firmly with her paws, trying out different angles, licking its center and sides. I see she's made some headway. The marrow is partially gone. The sides are chipped some.

She got that bone by being a pest, also because she's cute and sweet and lovable.

I'm like Rascal. I follow-up on leads, stop at bookstores, make calls and do what I can to set up appearances. When I do make an appearance, I dress in a professional manner to look the part of what I am: an author. I'm courteous and nice to people.

Whatever headway I get, like Rascal with her bone, I make the most of it. I take photos at book signings and post them on my website, blogs and listservs. I make videos at conferences and share them on YouTube. When I get a good review, I tell the world; i.e., MySpace, Amazon Connect, my listservs, my website, etc. I do the same thing with my guest blogs and interviews.

I try different angles to get to the marrow. I created Book Place at http://bookplace.ning.com when I saw the need for more book promotion and sharing between authors, publishers, readers and other book industry people.

My latest venture is serving as Books and Literature Editor on Junior's Cave, an on-line magazine, a fun spot where you'll find a little bit of everything. You're welcome to check out the magazine at www.juniorscave.com. While you're there, stop off at my page, called Big on Books, where you'll find monthly writing tips and writing observations. Or, if you prefer, you can go directly to my page at www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Rascal's looking for another bone. Like her, I'll be looking for more new avenues of promotion. We are way too much alike.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
www.juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Working Behind the Scenes at a Writers' Conference

2008-04-07T18:41:00.001-07:00

Preparing for a Writers Conference

Being the program chair for a small writing conference has been a definite learning experiece for me. This is my second year planning the program and lining up the speakers for the Public Safety Writers Conference, which will be held April 24-27 at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, April 24-27/

Because some of the attendees write or want to write for trade magazines for police, fire, or other public safety departments, while others are writing crime non-fiction or fiction, articles, short stories or books, I must be sure there are speaker and or instructors to satisfy both groups. Hopefully, one day we’ll have enough attendees to have two tracks, but for the present I must have a balanced program.

For the 2009 conference, I plan to adopt the mystery cons’ way of getting speakers by asking ahead of time for attendees to suggest panels they would like to be on, or if someone has expertise in a particular subject and would like to give a workshop.

Sometimes I run into someone who I think will make a great speaker and ask. The difficult part is I almost tell the person he or she must pay for the conference and expenses. Most mystery cons work this way, though some pay the bigger name speakers. For the PSWA conference, this isn’t possible.

This is a particularly rewarding conference for me. Most of the attendees are active or retired law enforcement and gives me access to research I might not otherwise have. Everyone who comes can have his or her book for sale. There is no rules about who can be on a panel or a speaker, other than the fact they should have something interesting and/or educational to present.

Because the conference is small, there is plenty of opportunity for networking and making friends. You’ll also have a great time.

For those of you writing mysteries, when planning which conferences you want to attend next year, consider the Public Safety Writers Conference. You can read all of our newsletters on the PSWA website: http://www.policewriter.com

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

The Seattle Barista Killer: Wolf Outrage

2008-04-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Seattle Barista Killer: Wolf Outrage
www.mundania.com

Writing Mysteries

2008-04-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Why do I write Mysteries? It's a question often asked by interviewers and friends, and I don't have a definitive answer. I do know that even as a kid, cops and robbers (besides baseball and football) was my favorite game. For those raised on video games, the way we played was to divide a group of kids into the cops and the robbers. From that point on it was more or less a game of hide and seek, with the cops looking for the bad guys. Some kids always wanted to be on one side or the other, but for me it didn't matter. I liked making up and acting out any character, good or bad.

While watching movies or TV or reading books I would always work with both sides, figuring out how the bad guys could get away as well as how to catch them. I can remember worrying about that. Why am I trying to help the bad guys? Does that make me a bad guy? If I'd been Catholic I might have gone to confession. I wasn't sophisticated enough to think I might just be trying to fix bad writing. :<)

Part of writing Mysteries is the puzzle aspect. It's no fun having dumb crooks so you have to give them a fighting chance to get away with the crime. Of course in real life there are mostly dumb crooks. Even the gang at Enron turned out to be more arrogant than smart.

The fight of good and evil has been the basis of good storytelling since the first stories. The first one might have been titled, "Who took Grog's bone?" Of course Grog's wife solved that one right away. "Your bone is right where you left it in the back of the cave. If you wouldn't leave things laying around..."

Of course she had fallen in love with Grog because he used to be so mysterious about everything. It didn't take long, living with him in the cave, to find out he just had poor eyesight and a bad memory. So the first Mystery might have come after the first Romance. But then romance has always been a mystery.

The Return of the Sheriff of Nottingham

2008-04-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

If you're an author, then you've probably heard a lot about the new Amazon/Booksurge "deal." Blog world and the internet is buzzing with the giant trying to smash the ants into obedience. If you need to catch up on all the nuances of the situation, you should start here, where the story first broke. More information here about why this is bad for READERS, not just authors and publishers.

I keep thinking of the story of the frog and the boiling water. It goes, if you throw the frog into boiling water, he'll jump out. If you put him in cold water and gradually turn up the heat, he'll cook to death. Amazon has been "cooking" us all for some time. It's time to jump out of the pan.
IMHO.

While I'm the first to admire the entreprenurial spirit, I am fundamentally opposed to someone with a big stick slamming it into the little guys. Amazon could have made Booksurge services competitive instead of targeting publishers and authors already operating on a very thin margin and trying to force a deal that isn't good for anything but Amazon's bottom line. They are trying to make money off the people with the least in the equation.

They are the Sheriff of Nottingham in this story and sadly, there doesn't seem to be a Robin Hood out there.

If you want to do something, you can sign this petition.

There are already signs that the public outcry has slowed their attempts to roll over small presses, but we need to keep the pressure on.

This move isn't just going to cost authors and publishers money. It's going to push up the cost of books. It's going to take some small presses out of the equation. It's going to reduce the books available to readers. And for the books that do survive, they will cost more.

We ALL have a dog in this hunt.

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Gym Shoes & Publishers/Agents by Morgan Mandel

2008-04-02T17:54:00.001-07:00

My husband and I were both off work today, getting lots of things on our list accomplished, also some that weren't on the list.

We happened to stop at Sports Authority so he could pick up a Wisconsin family fishing license. Kind of a waste to include me, since I only fish a few times on vacation and spend most of the time with my friend at the casino, but hope is eternal, I guess. I feel the same way about fishing as he does about going to the casino, meaning we try not to be involved in it.

Anyway, while he went off to investigate a sale on lures, I meandered over to the sport shoe aisle. Now, ever since Carsons on State Street in Downtown Chicago closed I've never been able to find my favorite gym shoes, which are made by Avia. I've tried on and even bought other gym shoes, even other styles made by Avia, but none fit exactly right, and my feet are way too picky. For one thing, I've got flat feet, also they're narrow. At one time I wore AA, but now can sometimes get away with B. If I wear the wrong shoes, my arches do crazy things and I walk around like a cripple.

Anyway, I wandered over to the shoes, found a table selling Avia gym shoes, but not the ones I liked. I investigated further, going down another aisle. I couldn't believe my eyes when I actually saw gym shoes on display that appeared to be the same as the ones I was wearing, except the ones on my feet were worn and dirty and ugly from all kinds of use. Something had to be wrong. They probably would not have my size. I spied a box that said 8.5, grabbed it and opened it. No luck. They were not the same model. I kept looking. I found another 8.5, opened it. How strange. The shoes looked right. I tried them on and they fit.

Now any shopper knows if you find something you like you better round up as many as you can, so that's what I did. I scrounged the shelves and found two more pairs and tried on the shoes just to make sure they all fit.

These shoes were marked down, but I probably would have paid regular price for them. In fact, when I went to the register, I was happily surprised to notice they were marked down $10.00 more than originally, so $39.00 shoes that were marked $29.00, became $19.00. What a miracle!

I'm sure everyone by now wonders how my gym shoe good fortune relates to authors and writing. I like to think of getting the right Publisher or Agent like a perfect fit in gym shoes. An author can search and search, check Writer's Market, go to conferences, get references from other authors, submit queries, partials, full manuscripts to no avail.

The trick is to keep trying. One of these days, miracle of miracles, you may get the right fit. You'll find the publisher or agent just perfect for you!

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://juniorscave.com/morganmandel.html

Where more ideas come from...

2008-04-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have always lied through my teeth...well not literally, but when you write fiction that is basically what you are doing. That's not exactly it, because we are striving for the truth through storytelling. If it doesn't ring true and affect you in some way then it's not a very good story.

When I was younger I wrote more poetry. A funny thing about poetry is that you shared it at poetry readings, open mikes or whatever. But whenever someone advertised a poetry reading the sign would read. "Free Poetry," like "Free Tibet". And friends who weren't writers would come to the readings and they would tell me afterwards, "That was fun, but I couldn't concentrate...I'd keep drifting off, thinking about other things." It sounds weird, but I'd go "Yes!" Because it meant I had touched something in them, something true that made them think and maybe even ponder the universe. It meant I was reaching that place in their soul far off the beaten track.

Murdoch

More on Where Ideas come From

2008-03-31T15:53:00.000-07:00

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED By Morgan Mandel

2008-03-26T21:06:00.001-07:00

The other day, when my husband and I were calmly walking our dog, Rascal, along the sidewalk by the Middle School grounds, suddenly out of nowhere a border collie charged straight at Rascal, jumped at her and started nipping. My husband had the presence of mind to push the leash and jerk Rascal out of harm's way. The owner's daughter called the dog and it finally bounded away. The owner himself was in denial, telling us what had happened really hadn't. We knew different.

That was a lesson for me. In life as in writing, expect the unexpected. Things may seem to be going smoothly, but some kind of monkey wrench, be it good or bad, will jump out at you. That happened to me today, but in kind of a good way.

After a thankfully pleasant long walk with Rascal this morning so we could enjoy the fifty plus degrees before the predicted rain, sleet stuff arrives on Thursday, I busied myself for over two hours preparing an interview for PopSyndicate.Com, the release date still to be determined. Then I answered tons of e-mails I'd put off doing and also completed a blog for http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

I had plenty of time to complete this blog so I decided to Google my name first, which I do religiously each day. To my surprise, I noticed a new review for GIRL OF MY DREAMS, one that I really liked, at Alternative Read.com. The url is: http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2008/03/review-girl-of-my-dreams-by-morgan.html

The review was a really good thing, though it meant updating my website, fiddling around with links on the review page and main page, which kept getting mixed up for no apparent reason. So, I did finish all that, I believe successfully. I didn't get as much done as I thought I would today, since I didn't straighten up the house, but I did accomplish much in the way of promotion.

As usual, my experience today reminded me of novel writing, something I haven't had as much time to do lately. When plotting a story it's a good idea to throw in unexpected curves, not just the bad, but also the good. That's the kind of stuff which keeps a book alive, keeps your readers from being bored, and keeps them from wanting to sleep.

As for me, it's time for bed.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com

Dancing With the Stars and Inspiration

2008-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'm crazy about Dancing With the Stars--one of my favorite TV shows. I've spent the whole day writing and I'm ready for a bit of mind candy.

Tomorrow hubby and I are taking off for Fresno where I'm going to meet with a Reader's Group who all read one of my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries. This is the second time I've been asked by a reader's group to come talk to them about one of my Tempe mysteries.

Last Thursday night, I went to the Hanford Branch of the Kings County Library where I talked about what inspired me to write mysteries. Of course the primary answer is because I love reading them. The second reason is I have control over the world in my mystery--the bad guy (or girl) will always be found out. Something that doesn't always happen in real life.

My beginning interest in mystery didn't begin with Nancy Drew though I certainly was a fan. My sister and I listened to police calls on our little Philco radio (something we'd been forbidden to do) and we were listening the night they discovered the severed body of the Black Dahlia. The police officers described what they'd found in great detail. Gruesome stuff for young ears. During the night I discovered a leg on my bed and screamed bloody murder. Mother rushed in and asked, "What on earth is the matter?" Without opening my eyes, I said, "There's a leg on my bed." Mother said, "And it's attached to your sisters. I told you not to listen to police calls."

And that was the beginning.

Lately I've been busy working on a ghost writing project. It's far more difficult than writing my own books--it's putting into story form someone else's inspiration.

But for tonight, I can forget about that while I'm cheering on my favorite dancers.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Outed Slacker

2008-03-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been publicly outed as a blog slacker, by Marilyn Meredith during her workshop at EPICon 2008. Unfortunately, it's all true and I have huge blogger guilt. I was originally supposed to blog here on Mondays, and now it is already Thursday again, but in my defense, today is the Vernal Equinox, that special day of the year when writers traditionally celebrate by weaving a wreath of crocuses to wear while writing naked (fig leafs having not yet appeared). Because of the low price of books and the high cost of fuel for heat, the traditional celebration in this house this year is raising an inordinate number of goosebumps, and I have compromised by leaving my wool-lined boots on. Later I will light the traditional lilac-scented candle and leap over it three times chanting the approved mantra for the occasion: "May the flowers bloom and fill with joy the hearts of readers everywhere" (and those here especially).

And a special Happy Vernal Equinox to Marilyn, with a gentle reminder...be careful what you wish for.

Murdoch

Free Promo Op - Authorfest June 14, 2008 - Schaumburg, IL - Morgan Mandel

2008-03-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here I am at Authorfest last year - on the promotion panel and also at the booktable holding my mystery, TWO WRONGS.

Today, I've reprinted an invite from the head of Authorfest. If any of you live in Illinois or plan on visiting June 14, please come on over. You'll have a great time networking and learning about romances and mysteries. Lots of panels, books and fun folks.

Here's Denise Fleischer's post:

This is an open invitation to attend Authorfest 2008 at Schaumburg Twp. District Library, 130 South Roselle Rd.,Schaumburg, Illinois on June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Romance and mystery authors, publishers, PR reps, editors and avid readers are
invited to attend this free event. Panel discussions, lunch for the authors. Book sales by Brain Snacks.

Information, participation form and early signed-on authors' participation page are available at http://www.gottawritenetwork.com. (Click under the photo on that page.)

15 authors have signed on. We're looking for 60 max. Deadline is Friday, May 16. Bio statements, book covers needed ASAP for the program and promotional web page.

Email Netera@aol.com if you have any questions. Open to both small, big and ebook published authors. Type: AuthorFest in the subject line of your email.

--Denise Fleischer, www.gottawritenetwork.com

I hope to see some of you over there!
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

Sisters in Crime BIP

2008-03-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

A little more about this Sisters in Crime Books-in-Print so many of us are upset about. No matter what members are saying on the different Sisters in Crime lists (I’m on three of them), the board is not responding to the main issues. The President has made one comment and it’s obvious she’s not getting what people are really upset about.

Once again it’s obvious, it’s putting those published by New York publishers on a pedestal to look down on anyone published by a small press. Supposedly, the issue revolves around the fact that it’s too expensive to keep printing the BIP with so many names in it, so if they kicked out all the small press published authors, it wouldn’t cost so much.

Some of the small press authors have suggested just having only the most recently published books listed instead of an author’s whole back list. Or–if it’s really so expensive, only do the BIP online.

Because Sisters in Crime was created to fight the discrimination against women mystery writers, it does make it hard to understand why they would support another form of discrimination.

I think I’ve probably said all I’m going to say here and on all the other lists. I love the chapters I belong to and all the people in them. I am very disappointed in the board of Sisters in Crime. I do think though, people need to write directly to members of the board because I think people have quite reading the arguments on the various Sisters in Crime lists.

Now back to more enjoyable things–I’m going to work on my next mystery.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

CRACKS IN THE ICE By Morgan Mandel

2008-03-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough winter. Lots of blizzards and horrific stuff falling from the sky. The snow melts. The ice cracks. I throw salt down. I hit at the ice with the shovel, sometimes even my boot heel. It still refreezes and turns to ice again. Then, oh no, another storm system develops.

It all reminds me about being an author with a small press. It takes effort to get my name out there and let people know about my books - lots of Internet promotion, going to conferences, joining organizations, advertising, spreading the word with family and friends, and other promotion while I wonder when I'll have time to get my works in progress finished. I call that the snow-and-ice part.

Then the snow thaws a bit. About a month ago, I received an e-mail from someone who had enjoyed Two Wrongs and wanted to know when my next book was coming out. I happily informed her about Girl of My Dreams and told her I'd be in Minocqua, Wisconsin again on July 28 for a booksigning.

Last week, I received a Google Alert. When I checked it out, I discovered a guy who'd bought Girl of My Dreams at a booksigning in February had enjoyed the book so much that he blogged about it. Here's the link. His post about Girl of My Dreams is on March 7. http://johnjenright.blogspot.com

Along comes Sisters in Crime, dumping more snow and ice, taking a swipe at small press authors by not allowing our books in the print edition of their directory, Books in Print. That guide is used by bookstores and libraries for ordering, which means it will be doubly difficult for me to get the word out about my books.

To overcome such obstacles and crack the ice, I take it upon myself to call or visit bookstores and libraries to arrange for joint book signings, panels and such. By being an organizer, I become known in my own right and am included in events I may not otherwise have access to.

The forecast is more storms are brewing on the horizon against small press authors. I'll handle them as they come my way. Why? Because I want my books read. In the end, all that counts is to make my readers happy.

The sun's shining today. The snow's melting. I'll be taking my dog, Rascal, for a walk. That will make her happy.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com
Morgan Mandel

More on the Sisters in Crime BIP

2008-03-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

I’m very upset by Sisters in Crime’s decision about which books can be in the print copy of Books-in-Print and which books can only be in the electronic version. Morgan outlined the rules in her post, but what it essentially is doing is dividing authors into groups. One is the approved group and then there’s those other guys. The other guys are all of us who are published by small presses who use print-on-demand technology to create their books.

This is an unbelievable tactic for an organization created to fight discrimination against women mystery writers.

It was bad enough when Mystery Writers of America created their list of approved publishers which didn’t include any of the small presses for the almost the same reasons Sisters in Crime is using. What happened next was the bigger mystery cons decided to use that approved publishers for deciding who could be on a panel. The tentacles of this discrimination have reached out in other areas too.

At the time I didn’t realize it, but when I volunteered to visit schools after attending Bouchercon and actually said where I’d like to go because I had a place to stay, I thought the committee would be happy. Instead, I never could get any answers out of the contacts–one would send me to another. When I arrived in Anchorage I continued to get the run-around, finally discovering no one had bothered to arrange for me to talk in a school in the town I was going to. Discouraged, I came close to changing my airline ticket and going home early. Then an angel, in the form of a mystery reader who lived in the town I wanted to go to, heard about my dilemma. Not only did she offer to drive me to the place I was staying, she made arrangements for me to spend the day at a Middle School where I talked to kids all day long about writing mysteries.

My roommate at the convention had a similar problem. She’d offered to talk to schools in Anchorage before the conference, but no one arranged anything for her either. (Guess what, she’s a small press author too.) Being an enterprising high school teacher, she called a high school and offered her services and the school was delighted.

At the time, I thought what happened to us was just poor organization–they had made arrangements for all sorts of big name authors to travel into the bush–complicated arrangements involving bush planes, finding places for them to stay, and just couldn’t find schools for us–of course I already had arranged my place to stay.

Later, I read the minutes of the Bouchercon committee. The chairman of that particular Bouchercon was quoted as saying that the reason attendance by “legitimate” authors was low was because too many small press authors came. It all became obvious, I was not considered a “legitimate” author–and I suppose, not worth the effort to arrange for me to speak to school kids. The true reason no enough "legitimate" or not authors didn't come was because it cost about $1000 to get there and back.

Legitimate or not, I’ve been teaching writing for years: ten for Writers Digest School and at the Maui Writers Retreat. I’ve given workshops for writing conferences, colleges, high schools, grammar schools and libraries. I've been a published author for over 30 years with over 20 books.

Most troubling of all is the fact that this is discrimination–exactly what Sisters in Crime has been fighting against all these years. Just like the fact that I’m a member of Mystery Writers of America–and have been for years, I not only belong to Sisters in Crime–I’m a member of four different chapters, L.A. Sisters in Crime, Central Coast Sisters in Crime, the San Joaquin Chapter (I’m a founding member), and the Internet Chapter.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

SMALL PRESS AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS WHO BELONG TO SISTERS IN CRIME SPEAK UP By Morgan Mandel

2008-03-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

If you're a small press author or publisher, the recent post from Roberta Isleib should have you outraged. In her post she says the Sisters in Crime Board has decided all members' books submitted will be included in the online version of Books in Print, but only those with books out from traditional publishers will be in the print version, except for certain exceptions.

Here's their criteria:

Is returnable
Is offered at standard industry discounts
Is available through national wholesaler, such as Ingram or Baker
&Taylor
Is competitively priced
Has a minimum print run of 1,000 copies

I'd suggest you speak your mind now before this is set in stone and another grave is dug for small presses. I've already done so.

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

Taking Time Out

2008-03-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Though I am absolutely swamped with work, my own writing and a huge ghost writing project, to say nothing of the many other tasks I have, including promotion, and getting ready for Epicon, I took time out to drive to Fresno to go to the San Joaquin Sisters in Crime chapter. I love Sisters in Crime, I’m one of the founders of the S.J. chapter and I also belong to the L.A. chapter and the Central Coast Chapter–and I’m the president of the Internet Chapter.

We were honored today to have two of the rising stars in mystery in attendance, Bruce Cook, Philippine Fever and Robert Fate, Baby Shark’s Beaumont Blues. Both authors have had a wonderful background of all kinds of occupations: Dr. Cook was a rocket scientist, has his Master’s in Math and Cinema, still teaches at various colleges, and has worked in the film industry as a writer and producer. Robert Fate worked as runway model in New York in his younger days, wrote for a soap opera, and also spent many years in the film industry doing special effects, even winning Oscars for his efforts, and now he’s turned to mystery writing. Friendly and down-to-earth,they were also entertaining speakers.

Cook told about the research he’s done for his writing which includes a lot of traveling. Fate visualizes the major six scenes in his books and works towards those scenes. Both discussed the differences between writing screenplays and novels. Cook and Fate belong to the same writing critique group.

Robert Fates’ advice to aspiring writers was this: “If you’re a mind to write a book, just write it.”

Good advice–and am I glad I took time out from my own busy schedule to hear these fellows. Yes, I bought both of their books.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Dodging Bullets by Morgan Mandel

2008-02-27T09:36:00.001-08:00

We've been trying all winter to dodge the bullets in the Chicago area. Unfortunately, they keep coming. We don't seem to dodge very many of them, judging from the mountains of snow in my backyard, on the side of roads and the parking lots.

We keep getting hit and hit. I'm not happy about it. Neither is my husband or my dog, who can't get the long walks she's accustomed to getting. I'd like to take her walking, but my bodily health comes first. It's either slippery sidewalks or below zero temperature, depending on the day, so the poor dear dashes into the fenced yard, does her duty and rushes back inside.

I did have one neighbor sighting a few days ago when I was coming home from church and saw her open her door to grab her newspaper from the front stoop. Other than that, we all seem to be hiding from the weather.

To write a really good mystery or any other genre book for that matter, you need to fire bullets at your characters. Those bullets are in the form of horrific happenings or obstacles, or even actual bullets if that's what the plot calls for.

Don't allow your characters more than a moment's peace. Don't let them go cheerfully on their way. Instead, pile tragedy upon tragedy upon them, like the snow piles up and up here.

Then, at the end of the dark days of winter, there will be that much more rejoicing in the light of spring.

Go ahead, be mean to your characters! It's fun in an evil sort of way.
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
mwww.myspace.com/morganmandelhttp://bookplace.ning.com
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

On Book Signings

2008-02-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday I had a book launch at our local Visitor’s Center. We knew the weather wasn’t going to be in our favor–the worst of a series of three storms was predicted. The prediction was correct. Six loyal fans turned up and three sets of visitors interested in the area. I did sell a few books, but I’ve done far better when the weather is good.

The best signing in a book store was also my first. I had a gal who was helping me and she’d done some great publicity and brought balloons to put by my table. The store ordered 50 books and we sold darn near all of them. This was quite a few years ago and I think bookstore signings were more popular back then. Nowadays when so many people are self-publishing and doing signings, I don’t think it’s so easy to entice someone to buy a book.

Library talks usually result in good sales. In fact, I always do best when I can give a talk of some sort. I’m doing a library presentation at the Kings County Library in Hanford March 20th at 6:30. When the librarian asked me what I wanted to call my talk, I jokingly suggested, “Why An Old Lady Like Me Writes Mysteries.”

I’ve done well at craft fairs too, where I have a booth set up with my books. I think people are in a buying mood when they come to those events. Also, many of the attendees aren’t the same type of people who hang out in bookstores and seeing a “real live author” is a novelty.

Going back to Saturday, I did have fun at my launch–and I was in a pretty good mood because I’d just finished my income tax.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Hard Shell Word Factory Mystery Turtles Video - link provided by Morgan Mandel

2008-02-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

Sit back and watch the latest trailer featuring books by the Hard Shell Word Factory mystery authors, also known as the Hard Shell Word Factory Mystery Turtles, of which I'm glad to be a membeer:

Here's the Youtube link:

Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

Refreshing the Creative Well

2008-02-20T09:25:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about refreshing my creative energy lately, probably because life has been kicking my trash for the last six months.

Life happens. Sometimes we can funnel it into our writing. This is what I did when I wrote A Dangerous Dance. That is probably my least funny book. Some of my fans were disappointed in it, because it was so gothic in tone, but it was great therapy for me. I funneled a boat load of angst into that book.

Sometimes life is so intense, I can't even funnel it into the writing. It's too real, too close, too personal. That's how it's been for me since July, 2007 when my whole life turned on a dime.

It's been...amazing to find myself in a new year and find I still have a sense of humor. That's not to say, my creative well doesn't need some TLC. What I'd like to do is go to a retreat (that's NOT "into retreat," I'm a never say die kind of gal), but they require serious buckage, and acceptance. I don't write literay fiction, so acceptance is a bit thin on the ground.

I can live with that. Fortunately I have a really good imagination, a nice TBR pile and some coping strategies that include watching feel-good, refresh-the-well, movies.

I guess the bottom line is that I do what I can within the confines of my life. It's easy to feel helpless and think "if only I had fill-in-your-own-dream-here" then I could write an amazing book (or climb something, whatever floats your boat.) If we spend our life waiting for our circumstances to change, we will spend our lives waiting.

So, advice to self and others: do what you can to refresh that well, then get butt in chair and get writing! You'll/I'll be glad you/I did.

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Pauline Baird Joneswww.paulinebjones.comPauline@paulinebjones.comThe Key, Fall/2007, LL Dreamspell

“Dang.” Briggs looked at her. “I said it before and I’ll say it again. You fly like a girl.”

Sara grinned. “I crash like one, too.”

The Romantic Life of an Author

2008-02-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Because I have over 20 books published, many people I run into–those who know nothing about the business side of being an author, think I must have a fabulous life and be making lots of money. Neither are true.

I have a great life but not because I’m a writer. I’ve been blessed in so many ways, a loving husband who is my best friend, a huge family–five grown kids (though we lost our oldest son a few years ago to cancer), nineteen grandkids, and twelve greats. I live in a comfortable home in a beautiful part of California, the foothills of the Southern Sierra. I belong to a terrific church where the members are also like family. Among the mystery community, I have many friends and even some fans.

Every time I finish a new book, it’s time to plan for the promotion. Fortunately, with the Internet, some of that promotion can be done online. If I go to mystery cons or writers conferences, it costs money to travel. Since hubby is retired, we live on a his retirement–so in order to pay for these trips I do some writing that does bring in some money. I ghost write, not unpleasant, but not as much fun as my own writing, and I do consulting and writing for the residential care business.

Fortunately, I’ve been asked to give presentations fairly locally next month. I’ll be going to Bakersfield to tell the Writers of Kern about plotting and characterization in mysteries. The Hanford Public Library has asked me to talk about writing and keeping two mystery series fresh and a book club in Fresno has asked that I be a guest while they discuss my latest mystery. All of this is fun, but does take time away from my writing.

No, I’m not making lots of money, and I certainly don’t have a fabulous like, but I do have a life that is filled with people and things I love to do.

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

Why I'm Late With My Blog Today By Morgan Mandel

2008-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, This is why I'm late today with my blog - My Girl of My Dreams book signing at Barnes & Noble, DePaul Center, Chicago.

I was gone a great part of the day commuting to and from and taking part in my book signing for my new romantic comedy, Girl of My Dreams. I had a really great spot near the door right in front of the bestsellers rack. Maybe one of these days one of mine will be sitting there. It was a bit drafty, with the doors swinging back and forth, but that's the price to pay for the prime location.

I happened to bring a copy of my first book, Two Wrongs, along for just in case, and I was glad I did. One of the customers who didn't like romances bought it. What fun, I could actually claim to have sold a book from my backlist. (Well, it is a backlist, even if only of one book)

Students and City workers rushed back and forth through the building, along with other customers. It was a very busy and fun place. Not only that, the book sellers were extra sweet and helpful. All in all, I had a very positive experience and hope to repeat it another time.

So that's my excuse for not blogging earlier today.
All the best,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
www.myspace.com/morganmandel
http://bookplace.ning.com
http://acmeauthorslink.blogspot.com
http://mysteryturtles.blogspot.com

Conferences and Conventions

2008-02-12T07:22:00.001-08:00

Epicon is coming. Hooray! Hooray!

I go to a lot of writing conferences and mystery conventions. In fact, I just returned from Love is Murder which is held annually in Chicago. Yes, it was cold! They had a huge snow storm which began right when we arrived. Ours was the last plane to get in that evening. After boarding the hotel shuttle, we sat back and marveled at the snow and how brave people were to drive in it.

We had a great time, met lots of new people and saw old friends from other conferences. And that more or less explains why I go to cons. It certainly isn’t to make money. I didn’t sell one book in Chicago–not that I didn’t try, but the competition was far too great with some of the biggest names in the mystery field in attendance and on many panels.

Epicon is a totally different kind of conference geared for those of us whose books are available as e-books as well as in print. And again, there are many people I’m anxious to see again who I’ve made connections with over the years. I’m also sure I’ll make new friends. I’m giving a presentation on Bringing Characters to Life and one on Promoting your Trade Paperback. I enjoy doing this, sharing what I know, and others usually contribute.

One of the outstanding events at Epicon is unique to any con I’ve ever attended and that’s the awards ceremony. Jeff Strand, the life-time emcee, is far more entertaining than any Hollywood celebrity. The Epicon awards ceremony is better that any award ceremony you may have seen on TV. My husband loves to attend the awards ceremony.

Will I sell lots of books? Probably not. Does it matter? Not really.

I’m sure each of us Mystery Turtles who attend Epicon will give a report of what happened. Frankly, I can hardly wait.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com