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Mystery Fiction Monthly Ezine -- The Voice in the DarkIssue No. 57, May-June 2010

Co-Editor: Anne K. Edwards
marbob00@earthlink.net
http://www.Mysteryfiction.net
Co-Editor: Mayra Calvani

Day 2: What makes a good review?

Day 3: How to write a review/Learning the ‘formula’ while developing your own style

Day 4: Benefits & rewards of reviewing for both aspiring and experienced authors

Day 5: Problems you may encounter as a reviewer (Ex. Terrible books, angry authors, etc)

Day 6: Attendees submit review for critiquing for hands-in experience

Day 7: Final Q&A pertaining to reviewing

To register, visit the Muse Online Writer's Conference at http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference

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NOTE: See Reviews Section for information on Suzannah Safi and author services Website http://www.suzannahsafi.com

Blog http://suzannahsafi.blogspot.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Note
Featured Interviews
--Meet Margot Finke
--Meet Nicole Weaver
--Meet Silvio Sirias
--Meet Carl Albrecht
--Meet Lani Brown
Short Fiction
--My Pet Chicken by Anne K. Edwards
--Lottery from the Neighboring Yards by Lad Moore
Articles
--Writers - What's the Most Important Part of your Website or Blog by Suzanne Lieurance
--Online Thief by Anne K. Edwards
--Being Published by Hannah Hayes
--Final Stages of Self Editing by Karen Cioffi
L'Atelier: -- Columnist Mayra Calvani
Whodunit? -- Columnist Billie A. Williams
Seedlings -- Aaron Paul Lazar
New Books
Reviews
Events
Resources

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Editor's Note

Beach time or those lazy summer afternoons when it's too hot to work are perfect for reading a book while lazing about. Also an even better time to start thinking about your next work. The heat and humidity may make our bodies inactive, but it doesn't have to slow the mind down.
Happy writing.

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Interviews

Meet Margot Finke, chldren's author
Interview by Mayra Calvani

A native of Australia, Margot Finke is a freelance editor and children's author. She specializes in fun rhyming books for kids, as well as in stories for reluctant readers, especially boys. Her latest picture book is the hilarious Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind, recently released by Guardian Angel Publishing. She now lives in Oregon, where she continues creating entertaining stories for children. To find out more about her work and manuscript critique services, visit her website.

About the book:

When Ruthie moved, she left all her friends and family behind. She left her old happy self behind too. She sulked, was rude to her parents, and threw tantrums. What had happened to their darling girl? Then, something unexpected surprised Ruthie, and their happy child returned. Find out what made Ruthie her old self again. (Parent-Teacher guide included.)

Watch the trailer.

The book is available from:

Guardian Angel Publishing: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ruthie.htm

Powell's Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9781616330590-1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dus-stripbooks-tree&field-keywords=Margot+Finke&x=23&y=16

Q. Thanks for being my guest today, Margot. Tell us, what got you into writing for children?
A. Many years ago, when we first arrived here in Oregon from Australia, my three children were young. I became a grade school Teacher’s Aid.
  The kids thought I talked funny, and I told them it was because I was an Aussie from Down-under. They asked about OZ, and so I started telling them about the fantastic variety of unique Aussie critters. I would pin a map of Australian animals on the classroom wall, and make up stories about various ones. I also did this for my children each night, right off the top of my head.
  After a while, I found I had to write them down, because the kids asked for story repeats, and I had no idea what I’d said the first time around. My writing grew from that small beginning, into my “ Wild and Wonderful” rhyming series, about animals from the US and Australia, and two other books: “Rattlesnake Jam” ( for boys), and my latest, “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind,” for girls. Nine picture books in all + another PB coming, and a mid-grade adventure in the Aussie outback ( for boys) due late next month.

Q. Tell us about your latest children’s picture book, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. What inspired you to write it and how did you come up with that title?
A. Like my other picture books, “Ruthie” is in rhyme. Now I have a confession to make – rhyme is easy for me. I think I double dipped when they handed out the rhyming gene! Kids today deal with a lot of change – divorce, a move, the death of a loved one, etc.
  So the idea for “Ruthie,” and that scene-stealing pink hippo, came to me late one night in bed – like many of my nuttiest story ideas! These two lines, from the first verse, set the story in my mind:

"Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly - like some Hippo's fat behind."

  I wanted a fast paced rhyme that was fun to read and visualize, yet also kid and parent friendly. As a teacher’s aid, I discovered that words in rhyme stick with children longer than those in plain text, especially if there is humor involved. Hey! Don’t all authors want their words to be remembered?

Q. Ruthie is an entertaining, fun story told in rhyme yet it offers an important, powerful message. What will children learn from this book?
A. I am so happy you think so. Yes, I do admit to being a bit sneaky when I wrote “Ruthie.” The disruption of “big change” often plays a huge role in family life. Children and parents cope far better if they talk together about any coming changes: or encourage children to share their feelings after a sudden big change.
  Adding the Parent-Teacher guide opens a window for parents and teachers to ask children how they feel about Ruthie, her parents, and her bratty behavior. If children identify with Ruthie, and share their feelings, the frustration and anger that big change often brings, will shrink to a more manageable size.

Q. I understand the book comes with a Parent-Teacher guide. Is this guide included in the book or available from your website?
A. Yes, the Parent-Teacher guide is included in the back of the book.
  There is an excellent review for “Ruthie” on Jill Osborne’s “Writing and Play Therapy” Page:

http://www.jillosborne.org

  Jill is a licensed child therapist.

Q. The artwork in the book was done by award-winning illustrator and fine artist K.C. Snider. How was your experience working with an illustrator?
A. K.C. was a joy to work with. We chatted back and forth about every illustration, and she was very open to the suggestions I offered. And this is not always the case. Some illustrators like to live in their ivory tower: incommunicado! K.C’s talent is awesome – as is the cool pink hippo that steals the whole book. Her cover art says it all!!

Q. You also offer manuscript critiques to writers. How can readers learn more about your editorial services?
A. Thanks to the internet, my website, and two blogs, I receive Manuscript Critique requests from clients in many different countries. Unfortunately, some are not ready for a professional critique. These I advise, as gently as possible, to keep writing and rewriting, read many more books, and learn basic grammar and writing skills. Join a private critique group if at all possible.
  However, many clients simply need some guidance, or clues about tightening and polishing their chapters or pages. Some critiques are done quickly, while other manuscripts take time and patience from both myself and my client. Yet it is the end result that counts. Nothing gives me more of a thrill than to hear that a client’s book has been published. Manuscript Critique Service – details: http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/mfinke/ManuscriptCritique.htm

Q. Do you have a website and/or blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?
A. Find Books, Writing Help + Manuscript Critique Service, on my Website Directory.

HOOK KIDS on READING: http://hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Margot’s Book for Kids + Writing News: http://margotfinke.blogspot.com

Q. Any last words to our readers?
A. Boys are more likely to be reluctant readers. They WILL read, if you find them fun stories with macho action and great humor. I discovered this years ago, when my son did not want to read. My HOOK KIDS on READING offers boy friendly titles.

AND: “Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble,” my coming Aussie adventure, offers action, danger, boy style humor + plus a crazed emu, and all the yabbies, snake, and witchetty grubs a boy could eat.

Thanks for taking the time to interview me, Mayra.
Thanks, Margot!

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Meet Nicole Weaver, Children's Author
Interview by Mayra Calvani

Nicole Weaver is a teacher, freelance writer and children's author. Her first picture book, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle, is written in three languages: English, French and Spanish, and was inspired by the author's childhood experience in the beaches in Haiti. Nicole was devasted by the recent Haiti earthquake and is donating part of the proceeds of her book to help victims. In this interview, Nicole talks about her book and what she's been doing to create awereness and raise money for the Lambi Fund of Haiti.

Q. Thanks you for this interview, Nicole. When did you start writing for children?
A. I started writing for children five years ago. Prior to that I primarily wrote poetry and short stories. It is my heart's desire to continue writing tri-lingual children's picture books that portray all children of color in a positive light. I remember asking myself why the children in the books I read were not the same color as me. I feel this is my second calling in life. In six years, I will retire from teaching so I can write full time.

Q. Tell us about your children’s book, Marie and her Friend the Sea Turtle. What inspired you to write it?
A. When I was a little girl, I lived near the beach in Haiti. Sea turtles came to shore to lay their eggs. I took daily walks along the shore to collect seashells, low and behold out of the blue I came across this huge sea turtle. At the age of ten I moved to America where I got hooked on reading picture books. After reading so many books I daydreamed of writing a picture book of my own one day. I attended several workshops for writers, it was there I learned that I should focus my writing on personal experiences. The memory of seeing the sea turtle was still very vivid , it was then I decided to write a book about what I saw on the beach so many years ago.

Q. Your book is written in English, French and Spanish, making it quite educational linguistically. What compelled you to do this?
A. I was compelled to write the book in English, French and Spanish because I am fluent in all three languages. Since I am a French and Spanish teacher I am passionate about finding ways to expose young children to a foreign language. A child’s mind is wired to master a language very naturally at a young age. A tri-lingual book will help expose a child to two new languages, it is a good way to garner interest for other languages and cultures.

Q. What is the main message children will learn from this book?
A. I tried to convey the importance of friendship and showing compassion for someone in need of help. It also has themes of love and a family coming together to make a sound decision and respecting nature.

Q. I understand you’re donating part of the proceeds from this book to the Lambi Fund of Haiti as a way to help earthquake victims. Please tell us about this.
A. My mother lost thirteen cousins in the earthquake . Shortly after the earthquake the superintendent of the school district where I have been teaching for twenty years sought my help. I volunteered to do a press conference with the local media.
  Many schools participated and hosted bake sales which raised several thousand dollars . All the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross and the Lambi Fund of Haiti. Lambi Fund provides financial resources that promote social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people. After the initial fundraising with my school district I wanted to continue to help make a difference. I read Malaak Compton-Rock’s book “If It Takes a Village, Build One,” She inspired me and made me realize it is the little things we do that can make a huge difference in the life of someone. It is always a challenge to find ways to become globally responsible citizens, the earthquake propelled me into action. I am taking Malaak’s suggestions very seriously; I am using what I love to do to help benefit Haiti. I have a second children's book, written in English, French and Spanish due to be published in 2011 by Guardian Angel Publishing. I will be donating proceeds from that book as well.
  For more information about the Lambi Fund , readers can go to http://www.lambifund.org or email Karen Ashmore, executive director at Karen@lambifund.org

Q. The illustrations in the book were done by fine artist Ruben Chavez. How was your experience working with an illustrator? Did you have input in the artwork? Do you think he captured the mood and tone of the book?
A. I had a great time working with Ruben, he did a great job capturing the mood and tone of the book. I collaborated with Ruben to make sure the little girl would be representative of not only Haiti but could possibly be from any place in the Caribbean or Spanish speaking countries in South America. I wanted to reach many cultures from around the globe.

Q. Do you have a website and/or blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?
A. Yes I do, readers can go to the following sites to learn more about me and my work:

http://outskirtspress.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.authorsden.com/nicoleweaver
http://www.jacketflap.com/basket
http://associatedcontent.com/nicoleweaver

http://support4usparentsofhaitianorphans.blogspot.com

Q, Any last words to our readers?
A. I want all readers to understand that I am very serious about helping with relief efforts for my native Haiti. Every little bit helps no matter how small. It is my earnest desire to continue to write children’s books that will promote language acquisition and other cultures. Readers, I invite you to read the article written about me in my local newspaper March 20th, 2010: Thank you in advance for supporting Haiti relief efforts.

Thanks for the interview, Nicole.

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Read a newspaper article about Nicole and her efforts to help Haiti on the Littleton Independent: http://coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/article

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Meet Silvio Sirias
Interview by Mayra Calvani

Please welcome my special guest, award-winning Nicaraguan-American writer Silvio Sirias. He's the author of two novels, Bernardo and the Virgin (Northwestern University Press, 2005) and Meet Me Under the Ceiba (Arte Público Press, 2009). This latest one garnered him the 2007 Chicano/Latino Literary Prize for Best Novel. In addition, he's published numerous pieces of literary criticism. Sirias holds a P.h. D. in Spanish from the University of Arizona. Since 2002, Silvio resides in Panama, where he continues to write and teach at Balboa Academy. For more information on the author, visit his website at http://www.SilvioSirias.com.

About Bernardo and the Virgin:

In 1980, with the Sandinistas newly in power, Bernardo Martinez witnesses an extraordinary thing: an otherworldly glow about the statue of the Virgin Mary in the church where he works as sacristán. Soon the Holy Virgin appears. She tells Bernardo to forget his money problems and fear of ridicule and spread her message of peace and faith to his neighbors. Though a work of fiction, Bernardo and the Virgin is based on actual events. The visitation of the Virgin Mary at Cuapa, Nicaragua, remains one of the few such events accepted by the Catholic Church in the last sixty years. Silvio Sirias' sweeping novel tells many stories: that of a humble man touched by the transcendent; that same man as a devout boy denied the priesthood because of poverty; and those in his orbit, past and present. It is also the stormy epic of Nicaragua through the long Somoza years to the Sandinista revolution. Sirias' beautiful language mixes English with Spanish and details of dusty village life with wondrous images of Catholic mysticism. His portrayal of the rich recent past of Central America resonates with the experiences of both the natives and the thriving communities of Nicaraguans, Salvadorans, and other Central American putting down roots in the United States.

Q. Thanks for being my guest today. Why don't you start by telling us a little about yourself and how you started writing?
A. I was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up there until the age of eleven. My parents then moved to Nicaragua, their country of origin. This move is, without a doubt, the most significant milestone in my life as it shaped the way I see the world. During my years in Nicaragua, I also learned that Central America is a place full of wondrous, and at times heartbreaking, stories. After graduating from high school I returned to Los Angeles to attend college. I fell in love with the study of literature and eventually received a doctorate in Spanish from the University of Arizona and worked as a professor of Spanish and U.S. Latino and Latina literature for several years before moving back to Nicaragua in 1999.
  Ever since adolescence I’ve enjoyed writing, but I’m a late bloomer in the writing of fiction. My college training taught me how to produce literary criticism, but after meeting and conducting interviews with several Latino and Latina novelists, I saw how much fun they were having and decided to join in.

Q. I hear you were named one of the 2010 Top Ten "New" Latino Authors to Watch by LatinoStories.Com. That's quite an honor.
A. Learning the news stunned me, and then I was elated. But once the elation wore off, I was humbled. I realized that I needed to work harder in my current and future efforts to be worthy of the honor.

Q. How did Bernardo and the Virgin come about?
A. Beginning in my early 30s I started looking for an engrossing story through which I could also explore the history of Nicaragua in the 20th century. I met Bernardo Martinez, who was good friends with my father, in 1999, and the more I learned about his story, the more I became certain that I had finally found the perfect vehicle for the panoramic tale I had long wanted to tell.

Q. Critics have called Bernardo and the Virgin a tale of religious mysticism. Tell us about that.
A. In telling the story of Bernardo Martinez, who claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared to him several times in 1980, I narrated the apparitions through his point of view — and this lens is indeed out of the ordinary and highly spiritual. Whether one believes his account or not — and acceptance or disbelief became a highly politicized issue in revolutionary Nicaragua — he maintained until his dying breath that he had experienced an intimate encounter with the divine. Nicaraguans are highly religious people who easily accept the existence of mystical experiences. Long before the reports of Bernardo’s visions Nicaraguans fervently venerated Mary — fanatically so. Because of this, tens of thousands immediately accepted the news of her visit. It is this collective belief that gives the novel its mystical dimension, I think.

Q. I hear you're a very disciplined writer.
A. Yes, friends say that I’m a highly disciplined writer. That’s because when I feel I’m on to something writing feels like play, not work. But I’m not one of those supremely dedicated writers who will stay up until midnight or wake up before dawn to write. I need major blocks of time at reasonable hours; I’m talking about six to eight hours a day for months, or even years. I was fortunate to have a couple of years where I could afford to stay home and write. What a luxury! During that time, I’d work from 8 a.m. until the late afternoon, six days a week. When I’m able to take time off from my day-job I write feverishly and get a lot accomplished. But I’m back in the classroom now, which I love, to refill my bank account so that within two or three years I can stay home again to write. At present, however, I have a three-hour block in the mornings where I get as much done as I can.

Q. How was your creative process while working on Bernardo?
A. The first task was to conduct the research. That’s always the most exciting part for me; it’s where I vicariously experience the story I’m preparing to write. Once I’m confident that I have most of the information I need, I sketch a general outline of all the chapters, and this includes the ending because, for the sake of my nerves, I need to know how the story ends. Then I begin to write with the help of a detailed outline of each chapter. As I write, I start each day by revising what I have written the day before. This helps my mind get back into the story. I then start a new section and write straight into the mid-afternoon. This cycle repeats itself until the rough draft is concluded. Then I will work on a chapter at a time, revising it until it is as perfect as I can get it. When I polish the last chapter I share the manuscript with my peer editors, a wonderful team that has served me faithfully.

Q. How is this work different from your second book, Meet Me under the Ceiba?
A. The primary difference is in the scope of the novels. Bernardo and the Virgin explores important events in Nicaragua’s history through the lives and thoughts of characters that represent ordinary people. As a result of this exploration, the pace of the narrative is leisurely.Bernardo is more like a ballad, while Meet Me under the Ceiba, which is based on an actual murder case, has more of a rock ’n' roll pace. The reader has to practice a little patience during the opening chapters of Bernardo, but there’s a big payoff when the stories begin to lock together.

Q. Which novel has a closer place to your heart?
A. Both novels are very dear to me, Mayra, but for different reasons. Bernardo and the Virgin is my first-born, and like any parent a lot of my hopes and dreams about the legacy I hope to leave as a writer are contained within those pages. What’s more, I wrote Bernardo as a tribute to the people of Nicaragua. I am most grateful for everything they’ve taught me. On the other hand, the goal of Meet Me under the Ceiba was to write a fast-paced story with an unusual structure that would capture the reader’s attention from the onset and hold it throughout. By all accounts I’ve been fortunate enough to have succeeded in both attempts.

  I’ve received feedback from many readers with ties to Nicaragua who have thanked me for writing Bernardo and the Virgin because they claim that the novel, in addition to telling Bernardo’s story, captures the essence of life in that country. And I’ve also heard from several readers of Meet Me under the Ceiba who have said that they had to read the novel in one sitting because they couldn’t put it down. Because of such positive feedback, and because the books are so different. The answer regarding which one is closer to my heart depends on the mood I’m in at a given time. I love them both, for varying reasons.

Q. What’s the hardest part about being a novelist? The most rewarding?
A. The hardest part is being able to afford the time to right. People have misconceptions about the financial aspect of being a writer. But it’s not entirely their fault. For instance, in most films, as soon as a character who’s a novelist publishes his or her first book they become wealthy, get to ride in limos, and they hang out with celebrities in upscale New York restaurants while learning to elude the paparazzi. The reality is that very, very few novelists receive public acclaim or get to live off of their royalties. Many sacrifices are required to become and remain a novelist. The ideal situation, for me, would be to earn just enough to stay home and write full-time. I can do without the limos and the glamorous company. Regarding the most rewarding part, for me it’s been what I’ve learned along the journeys of each novel.

Q. How has the publishing process been for you?
A. Because I had already published books of an academic nature, I was familiar with the world of publishers. As a writer of fiction, I’ve had nice experiences with Northwestern University Press, the publishers of Bernardo and the Virgin, and with Arte Público Press, who published Meet Me under the Ceiba. With Bernardo the road got a bit bumpy when there was a delay during a crucial promotion period, and then the editorial team that strongly supported the novel left to work with other publishers. Because of these problems, which were beyond anyone’s control, when Bernardo and the Virgin was released it went under the radar, barely getting noticed. But that’s all part of the game. Also, I confess that at the onset of my career as a novelist I was naive, believing that publishers would do all the promotion. But after learning that it was in my interest to become actively involved in this part of the business I’ve worked diligently to explore the ways I have within my means to promote my work. This is something every author needs to learn, so a writer may as well become good at it and enjoy the challenge.

Q. What kind of themes do you like exploring?
A. It depends on the novel. Critics have described Bernardo and the Virgin as an “epic” account of Nicaragua in the latter half of the 20th century. And because of the broad canvas of this narrative, I had the opportunity to explore every theme that possesses me: politics, history, religion, spirituality, family, war, immigration, biculturalism, the shifting traditions, superstitions, death, and so forth. Meet Me Under the Ceiba allowed me to delve into the heart of an actual murder and then explore what’s good traits, if any, such a horrendous act can bring out in us. My third novel, The Saint of Santa Fe, deals with the disappearance of Father Hector Gallego, a young Colombian priest who accepted an assignment in the then faraway mountains of Veraguas in Panama. He was confronted with a campesino population that lived as indentured servants, and he did what was necessary to change their lives. Sadly, however, in the process of liberating his parishioners, he offended the landed gentry as well as General Omar Torrijos, the country’s strongman before General Manuel Antonio Noriega, and this cost the priest his life. I wrote The Saint of Santa Fe to better grasp the recent history and culture of Panama, my new homeland.

Q. What are you working on at the moment?
A. I’ve completed a third novel, but I need three to four months where I can devote myself exclusively to revising the manuscript as it’s not quite ready to send off to the publishers. The story is based on an actual event in Panama, in 1971, concerning the disappearance of a priest, a noble person, who upset the status quo in a remote mountain community. I also have a collection of essays that I will soon start circulating among publishers. In the meantime I continue to write essays and I’m researching topics with an eye toward possible future novels.

Thanks for the wonderful interview, Silvio!

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Meet Carl Albrecht, Author
Interview by Anne K. Edwards

Q. What do you find most rewarding about having written a story, article or book?
A. Just getting it finished, knowing that I’ve done the very best I can—yet it’s never really over. Every time I look at anything I’ve written, I see something I feel might be improved.

Q. How did you happen to become an author?
A. I always loved to read, especially detective stories and mysteries. I met Charlie Chan at our local library when I was about 10, and never looked back.
  Periodically I’d get an idea I thought might make a good story, but it took a long time for me to ask myself why I didn’t go ahead and put it on paper. I was always too busy. Work, family. For a long time I had a secure job working for the city, and a small restaurant as well. Got up at four in the morning and went to the restaurant, opened up and got things going, prepared the lunch menu and so on. My wife showed up about six and took over thus allowing me to shoot over to my real job. The restaurant was open only for breakfast and lunch, but in the evening, there were always things to do.
  Finally came an idea that I couldn’t ignore. I saw it in my head and began mentally working on it. Later I got a legal-size yellow pad, and during my lunch breaks at my job, I began writing the story down. At least I can smile and say I got paid for my very first book, because my lunch break was paid. Little by little over the next few months, the story began to come together, line by line, pad after pad. If you read my blog on the 29-year old novel at www.cmalbrecht.com you can delve into all the gory details of this and other endeavors.

Q. Would you like to talk about your career or future plans?
A. A number of elements caused my late entry into the field of writing. Work, family responsibilities; but that doesn’t explain it all. Lack of confidence, self-indulgence, lack of persistence,perhaps downright laziness…in any case, I didn’t get serious about writing until I was in my early fifties. That wasn’t last week. So when you ask about my career and future plans, I can have only a pretty vague sort of answer. The only plan I’ve really settled so far is making my funeral arrangement.
  But while holding that gloomy funeral at bay, I hope to get more books written. I have two in the works; the one nearly finished. It would be nice to see one or more made into movies, because a lot of people I know seldom if ever pick up a book. But a movie. They’d be right down at Red Box paying their money, even if it turned out to be a terrible film.

Q. Have you favorite authors who have influenced your work?
A. I’ve been influenced no doubt by so many, I’d hate to leave anyone out. I’m sure all my favorite authors have had an influence on my work. Over the years I’ve followed Graham Greene, Eric Ambler, James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, Hammett, Gruber, Thompson, Woolrich/Irish…there are so many, but those guys. When I read their work, I related. In almost every instance, I’d have done what the narrator did. We connected. Having said that, I’ve always been a voracious reader, classics, modern; almost anything. I used to live at the library, my refuge. And no book lying around at a bus stop or waiting room was safe. That’s how I found Hondo and Fools Parade and First Blood. Just happenstance. All before they ever became films.

Q. Do you have a website for readers to visit?
A. Glad you asked that question. I just finished building my own website: http://www.cmalbrecht.com. I’m much more open and frank with people than I used to be, so I welcome visitors and their questions or comments.

Q. Where is your work available?
A. My website has links to all my published books. So far, brick and mortar stores appear to have ignored them, but on line, you can go to places like Target, B&N, Fictionwise and others and of course, Amazon.

Q. Are you currently working on a project?
A. I got ahead of this question above. Yes, I have one crime novel finished from alpha to omega, but it’s still on life support. I hope to get it finished this summer. The other is off to a good start. Normally I have the dénouement all figured out in my head before even beginning. George Simenon I believe, used to go into his study and without any sort of plan save perhaps for a good opening line, started writing. For him, it was evidently like reading a book. He didn’t know what was coming next any more than his reader. He worked at a feverish pace and at the end of a month came out all sweaty but smiling, like a mother who has just given birth to a child.
  I thought that sounded good and tried it once, but I like to have a pretty good idea of who and killer is and how we’re going to nail him before I dig a hole too deep to get out of.

Q. Would you like to tell the readers anything about yourself?
A. Cooking has always been a fun job for me. We’ve had a few small restaurants, and I’ve worked in restaurants. I still do most of the cooking at home. My son came over last night and ate two heaping plates of Beefaroni and said I should have my secret sauce patented. That made my day.
  I’m a confessed Francophanatic. I love France, the people, the customs, the cafés…everything.
  Well, everything but frog legs and snails and I hear that in one area, tadpole soup is a favorite. I don’t even like sushi.

Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to. Unfortunately I’ve never been as disciplined as I’d like, so some days I write pages, others, a paragraph or simply a sentence. Other days nothing at all. Getting something written however is the best medicine for depression. When I get a little something written, I feel all the better for it. When I don’t, it guilty, guilty, guilty.

Q. What is your favorite way to begin a project? Do you do an outline? Or start with a plot or characters first?

A. Hard to say. A vague sort of outline begins to form in my head. Often a real-life “story” inspires me. The real-life incident is probably like most daily things, not terribly interesting, but what if? I begin to imagine interesting directions the incident might have taken.
  I’ve come to realize that our minds are not that far removed from computers. For instance, I’ll see or think of an actor, but the name completely escapes me. I’ll spend a few moments trying to recall it, but I’m a blank. Unconsciously however, the little hourglass comes up and somewhere in the middle of the night bingo! The name pops into my head waking me from a sound sleep. Don’t know why it takes so long. My head probably needs more RAM or something.
  Once I gnaw on this outline long enough, I think about it during odd moments, while watching TV, or while loafing on the patio. Little by little it gets to the place where the first lines begin to form, and characters begin to take shape in my head. Somewhere in there, I actually begin putting something on the computer. A strong word of advice: If you think of anything, bit of business, plot twist, clever line; whatever…note it down right away even if you have to get out of bed. I know that at the moment it seems to clear, but trust me, by tomorrow it’s likely going to be nothing but a wisp of smoke, drifting off into the distance.

Q. What impels or inspires you to write?
A. I honestly don’t know. I just feel I have to put my thoughts down on “paper”. As I mentioned above, a banal real-life event may get me thinking about possibilities. I’m standing in the bank. So what? But what if suddenly masked gunmen charge into the bank waving guns and yelling? What if the pregnant woman filling out a deposit slip goes into labor? What if the New Accounts manager has a heart attack? What if a terrorist casually slips a bomb into the waste receptacle? In this world, anything can happen.

Q. How do you set about developing characters?
A. Most of the time the characters develop themselves. Sometimes I consciously develop traits or something that I inject into the body of the story. Secret hint: I steal extensively and shamelessly from people I know or see. (I take care not to be too obvious). I’m sure you see people every day, friends and strangers alike, who exhibit some sort of behavior that might help develop an interesting character. Don’t steal this from me, but I know a woman who has a thing about tape. Any kind of tape. She patches everything with tape, sticks it all over in places that don’t really need it. Well, in another unfinished book, I use this as a sort of Leitmotiv throughout, and it becomes key in bringing the mystery to a close at the very end (©2010, so watch it!)
  I used to stop in a neighborhood café for a cup of coffee. When I did, I was likely to see this scruffy fellow sitting at the counter reading a newspaper or magazine, talking aloud. I think he was talking mostly to himself, but the gist of his talk convinced me of two things: He was living in the past. He couldn’t get out of the past. At the same time, he knew this, and constantly made statements like, “That’s all in the past. That’s history. You can’t live in the past…” and he’d go on like that. That was a long long time ago, but the guy’s still around. He’s in one of my books.

Q. Do you have a Blog for readers to visit? How did you happen to develop your Blog? Do you recommend them to writers for reaching readers?
A. I’ve been thinking about a Blog for some time. In fact I like the idea and tried it on sites like Blogger, Wordpress, etc., but generally speaking, that’s like my job selling Cloverine Salve when I was a kid. I only sold a few cans to friends and relatives.
  I wanted a Blog that could reach anybody, not just somebody who came to Blogger and then looked up my name (like that’s ever going to happen!)
  Now that I have my own website, I also have my own Blog, and as things come along that interest and/or intrigue me, I’ll write a Blog.
  I’m not sure how successful Blogs are in reaching readers, but I do believe a Blog is a great place to put down thoughts, ideas, opinions and just plain practice your writing skills. Read over your Blog. Is it really clear? Don’t use he and she too often. Use names. Too many he’s and she’s get confusing. Who’s the he in “he said”? When you read your stuff over, it may seem clear to you because you know what you wanted to say, but try to look at it as if you’re a reader seeing this for the first time. Is it still perfectly clear?”
  I’m sure I’ve said more than was desired or expected, so I’d better shut up. I don’t want you to think I’m one of those guys who suffer from Asperger Syndrome. You know him: the guy who gets started on his pet subject and just can’t stop.
  On second thought, maybe I am that guy. Go figure!

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Meet Lani Brown
Interview by Anne K. Edwards

Q. What do you find most rewarding about having written a story, article or book?
A. In "A Margin of Error: Ballots of Straw," it was very rewarding to weave a story of greed, lust ...and love around actual issues and events that taint the outcome of elections across the country. And I found it personally satisfying to use my experience as an elections official to finally "get it off my chest" and on to paper.

Q. How did you happen to become an author?
A. Writing has always been an essential element of my career in information technology. While writing for business is definitely more precise and to the point, it wasn't a giant leap to intertwine some disconcerting facts and events into fiction where my characters took over to tell their own stories. Stories that had to be told.

Q. Would you like to talk about your career or future plans?
A. I'll continue writing both fiction and nonfiction in areas I believe are relevant and timely to many business and societal issues.

Q. Have you favorite authors who have influenced your work?
A. John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Mary Stewart, Mary Higgins Clark... the list is long. I think writers can't help but be influenced by authors we read and admire.

Q. Do you have a webside for readers to visit?
A. Yes, Those wanting to learn more about my work can visit BallotsOfStraw.com.

Q. Where is your work available?
A. Amazon and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide "A Margin of Error: Ballots of Straw" is available in paperback and Kindle.

Q. Are you currently working on a project?
A. I'm currently wrapping up a nonfiction titled, "A Caregiver's Toolkit." This work is based in part on my own experience in caring for my aged aunt over a 5 year period. "A Caregiver's Toolkit" is written for other "Boomers" who will very likely be in the same position I was, e.g., balancing the competing demands of career, family and care giving. For often times, no sooner do the kids leave the nest than granny comes home to roost. "A Caregiver's Toolkit" provides everything a Boomer needs to know about taking care of mom or dad, but didn't know to ask. From that first tragic fall to choosing the right doctors and getting the best from the doctors you choose. From a parade of medical needs to long term care, then to hospice and beyond. "A Caregiver's Toolkit" is very specific about everything that can and will go wrong, and offers advice on how to overcome, if not prevent those inevitable pitfalls.
Q. Would you like to tell the readers anything about yourself?
A. Do you think computer stuff is boring? Then consider some of the oddball assignments my career in information technology has landed me. NASCAR challenge, political convention, aircraft maintenance, legal and illegal drugs... Not to mention some really tasty morsels in Corporate America, government and ELECTIONS. However, it's my work in elections that is the impetus for "A Margin of Error: Ballots of Straw." That and a few unsavory characters I met along the way. Meanwhile, it's my human resources husband who reads ALL my stuff and listens to all my wild tales who keeps me grounded.

Q. Do you write every day?
A. Would that I could! I'm too easily lured by life, love and living.

Q. What is your favorite way to begin a project? Do you do an outline? Or start with a plot or character first?
A. I noodle and noodle some more. Then, yes, with the bigger projects I outline. But outlines are living things, as are plots and characters. They mature and evolve in tandem one challenge at a time.

Q. What impels or inspires you to write?
A. Life. Passion. Love. Good. Evil. Injustice. The need to inform others that might be interested in topics that I personally find compelling or otherwise important. I realize this is not the way to riches, but oh what fun!

Q. How do you set about developing characters?
A. People grow through the experience of living and characters are no different. For the past few weeks I've been bouncing around a character based on what I need from him and where the story takes place in the Florida Keys. I've decided my new character will live on his boat at a marina close to the scene of the crime. So it's easy to imagine this character as suntanned and fit. But I won't get to know him until I discover how he reacts to the events drawing him deeper into the story. Sometimes my own characters surprise by taking on a persona of their own. "A Margin of Error's" Leonard was one such character. He committed horrific crimes. Yet as his story unfolded, he revealed his inner pain and I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

Q. Do you have a blog for readers to visit? How did you happen to develop your blog? Do you recommend them to writers for reaching readers?
A. Not at this time.

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Short Fiction

My Pet Chicken
by Anne K. Edwards

I wish I was like Mighty Moe. He's brave and he's tough. Even the meanest dog in the neighborhood whimpers when he has to walk down our road. Moe beat the snot out of that dog one evening when he come running into the yard to chase chickens. Pa went to get his gun, but the dog was gone when he came out. Moe was strutting around with what looked like a piece of doggy ear in his beak, cut-cutting proudly. Let me tell you, our neighbor, Bradley Smythe, was some put out over his dog getting torn up like that.

Did I tell you Moe is a rooster? I've had him since he came out of the egg. Believe it or not Mom's lazy cat, Freda, hatched him. Moe didn't hatch with the rest of the clutch so the hen left the egg alone in the nest and set off with her even dozen chicks to find food. Moe was an unlucky number thirteen. I grabbed the egg while it was still warm and put it under Freda.

She looked at me like I had two heads, but never moved. Two days later Freda was mother to a chicken. When Moe pecked at her long hair, she deserted her new responsibility and took a position on the kitchen counter to hiss at him. She was even too lazy to eat him.

I took Moe outside to introduce him to his Mom, but she wouldn't accept him. So I, Charlie Gainfleet, pitcher for the Beston Black Sox and the fastest runner in Tilton County, became a mother. Well, maybe I was a father. But whatever I was to Moe, I was his. Not just family, I mean, he owned me.

He was supposed to sleep in a box in my room where I fed him and kept his water. Well that lasted a while, but the little rascal figured out how to hump at the plastic lid I used and knock it lopsided. Then he jumped out and onto my bed. I found him perched on the corner near my head. I had to cover that corner with several layers of old newspaper to keep things neat. You know what I mean.

As Moe got older, he began to crow at sun up. Well, I can tell you, for someone who never was an early riser, I learned to get up fast. Not only did he crow loud, but he pecked at my head until I got up. I'd let him out my window and he'd go strutting off to join the other chickens that free ranged.

Moe had several run-ins with the other roosters who had long since divided the farm into private territories. Like Julian, mom's favorite black and white, had the run of the front yard and gardens. He and his hens had the best of the bugs and sometimes some berries or lettuce. Toto was red all over except for some greenish feathers on his head. He was missing part of his comb too. He and his two hens made a good living around the stock pens. Klever, the big black rooster who I think was Moe's pop, was pa's favorite. Sometimes he'd hitch a ride on my pa's shoulder like a falcon. He had everything else.

The day came when Moe felt he was strong enough to challenge the older birds. He quickly defeated Toto who took his hens and hid in the old tractor shed. When Moe went after Julian, mom went after him with a broom. Moe never went in the gardens again. And his clash with Klever almost ended with him being roast chicken. Pa saw Moe jump Klever so pa jumped him. He put Moe in a box and said he was going to be sold at the market, that he was big enough to be a good roaster.

My tears prevailed. Yep, I cried. Ole Moe meant a lot to me by then. So I built a pen and stole a few of Klever's hens for him. He wasn't happy in jail, but at least it kept him alive.

Then a few months later a coyote took Toto. We found his feathers at the mouth of a den, but the critter was gone. A few weeks later he came back. His mistake. I'd let Moe loose and he moved into Toto's old territory. He didn't bother the other roosters. But that stupid coyote never knew what hit him when he come sneaking around that afternoon.

There was a lot of commotion and noise coming from the stock area and the horses were jumping to beat all. That coyote ran into one of the pastures with Moe clinging to his back, beating a tattoo on his head. One of the mares gave that critter a kick and he landed hard against a fencepost. He never moved again.

And Moe? Well, he was the big hero. Pa never growled about his orneriness again. That bird is still king of the farm, but he's nobody's pet. He's the meanest, fastest critter you ever saw. He can even out run me so now I'm the second fastest runner in Tilton County. I've got the scars on my legs to prove it.

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Lottery from the Neighboring Yards
By Lad Moore

All things risked seemed all things better.

  I pictured my grandmother’s house on George Gregg Street as the center of the orchard universe. In my growing-up years I had explored and discovered all the fruit tree treasures that neighbors had put in place, well, to be neighborly I suppose. I am unsure of the exact reason because some of the neighbors did not welcome me to their horn of plenty. I had to deal with those in a covert manner we might call ‘night crawling.’
  Mrs Crain owned the house next door. She was one of the first subjects of my night crawling because in a word, she was stingy. My grandmother said "No, just frugal," because my grandmother had no ill to say of anyone. That is, except for "Archibald the Noser," the man who regularly came to our home to conduct lifestyle reviews which would decide her continued eligibility for Old Age Assistance. That small dole was her only income.
  When she saw him approaching the house, her language tested her very Presbyterian fiber: "Oh my stars and little fishes! It’s that blamed Archibald! Run and put on your jeans with the ripped out knees and those old Roebuck tennis shoes," she said. "And just stare at the floor if he asks you anything." I understood that I must not look prosperous, so I always chose the yellow shirt with the frayed collar tips-the tips I had chewed on until bleached and disfigured by elongation. It worked. The check kept coming. Archibald must have been quite thrilled with our poverty.
  Mrs Crain had a fig tree beside her bedroom window that in season, boasted many pails of the fruit. It was so prolific that legend said she had dismembered and buried her husband beneath it. It was his rotting self that provided the special fertilizer.
  It was the darkest night of no moon. On all fours, I crept around the back of the double garage we shared with Mrs Crain. Her rosebushes, placed there as a kind of perfumed razor wire, pulled and tugged at my progress. Not to be deterred, I crawled on, suffering the wounds that were dues for the reward to come.
  The fig tree was loaded. I removed a pillowcase from under my shirt and began stuffing it with all the fallen figs first, then the ones I could reach while on my knees. I dared not stand, because that would place me squarely in front of her bedroom window. The sack was feeling generously heavy and it was time to abandon greed and settle for what was a respectful haul.
  I twisted the neck of the sack closed and raced to my secret treasure box. The summer before, I dug a rectangular hole in the graveled garage floor large enough to contain a small metal locker my Uncle SB had used in the Army. Brushing away the loose pebbles that concealed it from view, I raised the lid and placed the figs inside. I would ration them over the next week or so. I could easily eat a dozen or more of them per sitting, so none were wasted. They were delightful; their pepper-sized seeds a tiny bit crunchy to the palate. A fig is best raw, and even better stolen. It is beyond me why Newton wanted to ruin it with that gummy cake of his.
  The Liston family on East Avenue had a trellis of black grapes in their backyard. They didn’t seem to want them, because most seasons the fruit just fell to the ground and became scrap for crows. The crows would digest the grapes and later excrete them like so much purple rain. I figured that in taking them, I was performing a valuable service to the many people who had to polish the horrid crow stains off their automobile rooftops and hoods.
  A rule of stealing fruit is that it is not stealing if no one wanted it in the first place. Tell that to "Sluggo," the boxer dog who guarded the trellis against poaching. From my thievery kit emerged an effective weapon: A raw weenie for a guard dog is good trade for his silence and a posterior free of gnashing teeth. After repeated weenies, I think Sluggo actually began to like me. His wagging tail and light whimpering defied the "Bad Dog" sign that hung on the Liston fence.
  Economics soon crept in. I began to evaluate the cost of a weenie against the grape’s worth. The grapes were tiny-not much bigger than a nice English pea. They were a bit tart, and the stain from their juice was like neon. It was impossible to deny that they had passed my lips.
  "Did you ask permission to take Mrs Liston’s grapes? My grandmother asked.
  "Yes, I got permission," I replied. I was thinking of Sluggo’s approval, not Mrs Liston’s, so it was not a lie. It didn’t matter anyway. The puny grapes eventually failed the barter rule. A plump hot dog weenie was simply too much to invest in a substandard grape.
  Two blocks away was the Smitherman home. There, proudly lining the sidewalk gate were two stately black plum trees. When ripe, the plums had a blue-gray haze on them that when rubbed away, revealed a skin as shiny as coal. The plums were fat-close to the diameter of a Yo-Yo. I reasoned that plums were perhaps the perfection of God’s engineering. The ratio of meat to seed-size left all other fruit in envy. Peaches and apples were not even close.
  Both Mr and Mrs Smitherman worked for the railroad shops, so their coming and going was as predictable as morning light. I often made my way to their gate in full daylight, filling a water pail with hand-selected ripe plums. The trees were majestic; remindful of the date-palm adornments to the gates of old Rome that I remembered from the movies.
  One early Monday morning, I walked down to the Smitherman’s yard with my ready pail. I was shocked to find their iron gate chained and locked. Apparently my raids had been discovered. On Sunday I saw Mr Smiterman at church. With my best innocence, I approached him at the end of the service.
  "Mr Smitherman, I noticed you have a really nice plum crop and wondered if I might have some of them for my school lunch sack."
  "You mean you want more of my plums?" I could have taken his remark lightly, not personally, but I knew I had been admonished. Guilt has a way of weeding out ambiguity, tying the tongue, and quivering the hands.
  "All you have to do is ask, and I can make sure the gate is open," he said, with what looked like the apparition of a smile trying to break through. "My plums are there for the asking, not the taking." Oddly remindful of an encounter with Archibald the Noser, my eyes fell to the hardwood floor of the church foyer and I nodded my understanding without looking up. I never stole from him again.
  Mr Pedison was the owner of a stately hotel called the Ginocchio. It sat by the train station, and was famous for its rail-heyday history and its trappings, especially its sweeping staircase of rare curly pine. Among its legends and tales, there was common talk that a tunnel extended from beneath Mr Pedison’s house over to the hotel. The story told how the tunnel was used to secretly move traded slaves to waiting boxcars in the dead of night. Most people said it was a far fetched rumor. In any case, the alleged activity pre-dated Mr. Pedison by two-thirds of a century. Even though fully absolved by the passage of time, he was always quick to debunk the slavery tale.
  "Ginocchio and Pedison ancestors kept no slaves," he said. Slave trading aside, I noticed that he never denied the existence of the tunnel nor explained its purpose.
  In the back yard of his home, Mr Pedison cultivated pears, Elberta peaches, and green baking apples. Mr Pedison knew me well since I delivered his newspaper, and invited me to share his fruit to the extent my cravings led me. I figured his free fruit substituted for a newsboy tip. Since I did not have to steal, I took only sparing amounts. It’s odd how having permission diminishes one’s greed. I never knew why, but it was true that in a three-way match, the pears always fell to last place in gathering. I could easily skip pears altogether. They simply are bland and unappealing. Maybe it’s because the red wasps competed with me so hard for them, or that almost everyone’s yard had a pear tree.
  By contrast, there is nothing more summery than a chilled peach, its crimson and yellow insides surrounded with juice so bountiful that it would run down one’s arms and drip at the elbows. The reward of such a delicacy outweighed the one inconvenience: Peaches have an ornery fuzz that somehow is magnetized to adhere to the wrinkles underneath a young man’s neck. There it digs in to sting and irritate until scrubbed away with a wet washcloth generously slathered with that fearsome Lava Soap.
  Legitimate fruit such as Pedison’s bypassed the treasure chest and made its way directly into my grandmother’s kitchen, where it served as filling for her delicious fried pies. The fruit was cooked into a mush and then nested in a fold-over crust similar in shape to today’s taco. My job was to then pinch the edges of the crust dough at index-finger intervals-a sort of zipper to keep it closed for frying.
  "Little fingers make the ideal pinch," she always said. It was my special contribution to the task, and I felt honored when our pie won a blue ribbon at the East Texas Fair.
  "I did the zippers," I boasted to those that came by our table.
  Life’s mysteries surely must include the pomegranate. Larry Allen’s grandmother had two of the curious bushes. They seemed to have little appeal, for I was invited to take all I wanted. A pomegranate is a fruit that was designed to have no predators. Like the dreaded cockroach, pomegranates survived the great asteroid destruction of the Earth. Its classification as a fruit defies understanding. The skin and pulp are not edible, and are shunned even by coon, deer, and squirrels. The shoe-peg corn-sized seeds clustered inside are surrounded with nothing more than a halo of meat-a filmy suggestion of fruit. There is no such thing as a pomegranate fried pie, or even pomegranate preserves. They have no worth as a sack lunch snack; it would take an entire recess to dissect one.
  Considering the fruit’s nutritional lapse, I’m not sure it was an asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. In any case, I must treat such time wasters as pomegranates like orphans, because the growing season is too short for diversions.I’m heading back for more of Mr Pedison’s peaches, fuzzy neck et al.

* * *

The author’s three collections of short stories, Tailwind, Odie Dodie, and Riders of the Seven Hills are available at all traditional booksellers. Copies signed by the author may be obtained by contacting him directly via mailto:pogo@shreve.net or by accessing his web page at: http://laddiemoore.blogspot.com/

*****

The story featured here holds © Copyright 2010 by the author, Lad Moore. All rights reserved.

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Articles

"Writers - What's the Most Important Part of Your Website Or Blog?"
by Suzanne Lieurance

  Do YOU know the answer to that question? If you do much marketing online, I'm sure you do. But, if you're an author who simply has a website in order to let readers know about your books, you may not know the answer to that question.
  The answer is - your opt-in box.
  If you don't have an opt-in box on your site, I know what you're wondering.
  What IS an opt-in box?
  An opt-in box is the part of your website that asks visitors to sign up for your mailing list. As an incentive for doing so, usually the opt-in box includes some sort of FREE bonus the visitor receives immediately when signing up. A bonus could be a free e-book, special report, or even an audio clip with helpful information.
  WHY is the opt-in box so important?
  That's easy. It's so important because, without it, you have no way to stay in touch with the people who visit your website. You have no way to let them know when you have another new product or service to offer them. Sure, you can announce new products and services on your website. But people won't see this information unless they come BACK to your site or sign up for your RSS Feed (in which case, you still won't know WHO these people are). Why leave that up to chance? Why be left in the dark when it comes to who your followers are?
  With an opt-in box, you collect the names and email addresses of people who opt in (that is, they AGREE to receive regular emails from you periodically), so you can let them know directly when you have some news. For example, you can send an email to the people on your mailing list when you have a new book coming out, or you'll be speaking at a writers' conference in a few months, or you'll be offering a new online writing workshop soon. Most importantly, an opt-in box gives you a way to stay in regular contact with the people on your mailing list. When you stay in regular contact, you form a relationship with these people. Over time, they grow to know, like, and trust you. And people who know, like, and trust you are more likely to purchase your books and/or other products or services.
  So what's the MOST important part of your website or blog?
  Repeat after me - the opt-in box!

*****

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of 22 (at last count) published books, a freelance writer, and writing and business coach. Get more tips to help improve your writing, build your writing career, and sell more books every weekday morning in The Morning Nudge. For a 5-day FREE trial subscription to the Morning Nudge, go to http://www.morningnudge.com.

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On being an Online Thief
by Anne K. Edwards

  Are you a thief? Would you appreciate it if someone stole your purse or wallet to use your credit card or drivers license to run up speeding violations, expenditures that you had to pay or hire a lawyer to fight them? Would you appreciate your name being published on websites as a thief?
  These are questions anyone contemplating posting without permission an ebook or any document on any website. Think of all the hours that author put into that item you are converting for your own use or profit.
  Perhaps you don't care. Perhaps you think that people who write ought to do so for free. Would you be willing to work for years without pay? Would you like to sew a dress or build a car or repair a motorcycle and have someone else take it for their own use while you have paid for the parts or material?
  It doesn't matter whether you are distributing the material for free or selling it, if it is without permission, you are a thief. You have broken laws that leave you open to persecution and fines. You will have a criminal record thereafter. And it is a matter of public record. Potential employers, colleges, acquaintances, and others may learn of your criminal record.
  Also, if you are selling anything illegally, how do you report the income to the IRS? You haven't? Well, think about it. Do you want them to start checking on your income and the sites people may report it coming from? You may think no one can find your identity, but that's not so. There are people who can track others online and you could be reported.
  Perhaps you own a host website and hide behind all the demands that someone prove they are the owner of a stolen publication. Your website can be named on a list of accomplices then and you have willingly become a criminal if you don't check the copyright of published items on your site. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and once you are told an item is stolen, if it is not removed, you become a thief too, helping the person posting illegally, steal.
  Think using a foreign host is safe? Think again. What if the person you steal from, contacts the proper department in that foreign government's police department and they get in touch with the host? The host will look out for his own skin first. If a name is requested by that country, it is likely to be provided.
  You not only hurt the author of the article you steal, but yourself. Your reputation is damaged. What if you are a book reviewer or want to be? Authors and publishers will not give you books to review. You've proven in the past you have no integrity. Why would they give you a chance to steal from them again?
  Do you think because you've paid for an item that it gives you the right to reproduce and sell it? Ripping someone off you don't know may give you a rush, make you feel powerful or whatever other excuse you can dream up, but in the end, it means you are without honor. Is this the way your parents raised you?
  Do you think the life of a thief is glamorous? Think again. If it is so glamorous, why do you go to such lengths to hide your identity? It is because you don't want people to know you are a thief, the type of criminal that picks the pocket of people you don't know. It means you have no self respect as well. You are perhaps enjoying a good laugh with your partners or friends at how you are so much smarter or superior than your victims--those who work for what you steal, but your friends and partners know too that you are a thief. If the going gets rough and you or they are discovered, will they stand behind you and declare you are a good person? Not likely. Thieves fall out and the finger pointing and accusations begin. One or more might testify against you.
  Think carefully before you become a cyber criminal. In the end you will be exposed. And then what? Jail time? fines? Remember when you take the chance on becoming a thief, you are not the smartest person in the world. There is always someone smarter and they might, just might, be hunting you.

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Being Published
by Hannah Hayes

  Getting published isn't an orderly process. Getting the first contract is often a matter of luck, plain and simple. You see or hear of a notice of an open submissions period, you know or meet someone who has an in with a publisher or is a publisher, or you submit to a publisher that it just so happens is looking for more manuscripts and are in your market niche.
  And there are many other routes one travels, but the object is reached. You are published. It has often been a long and tedious, time-consuming effort to bring your book to the notice of a publisher and by chance you've made the right contact.
  Now comes the hard part. If you thought writing was hard, wait until you learn about "waiting" for things to happen. This is not a bad thing because, even though you can't see any movement in the progression toward publication, it doesn't mean nothing is happening. On the contrary, while you wait and are, hopefully, using the time to start another book, your book is being edited, a publication plan set out for it with a series of deadlines. At some point, you will be asked to make any corrections the editing process has found, you will be asked for a series of blurbs and a bio and synopsis and a promotion or marketing plan. All of these are things you can think about and work out while waiting.
  Remember, too, you are not the only author awaiting publication. Your book moves up the chain as the books before it are processed and released. But, you should allow for some changes in the pace of things also. A good publisher is doing more than merely getting books ready for release. They are reading new submssions, sending out new contracts on those they select, they are also looking at new promo venues for their company and its books, posting to those sites and in some cases preparing the book in ebook formats for those sites as well. All this takes time and the more the publisher does to build the company name, the more exposure your book gets. So patience is a prime requirement for an author.
  When you finally receive an arc and told you can seek reviews, more hard work. You must choose the best reviewers you can find who review your type of books. For instance, if you wrote a mystery, don't select reviewers whose preference is romantic suspense, or erotica mysteries, unless your book fits their reading preference. Determine where your book will get the most exposure on the reviews. This isn't always easy. Some reviewers post to their site or Amazon only and the review may not be seen by many readers.
  Pick reviewers with care. Visit their site and contact other authors for references. But beware. There are people claiming to be reviewers who are merely looking for free reading material and will never produce a review. There are reviewers who demand print books and promptly resell them. They never intended to read or produce a review. And in giving out ebooks for review, do not send arcs with covers attached. Of late, there is an increase in piracy whereby complete ebooks are posted for resale or free distribution. Also, be sure that arc has a notice that no copying may be done, reposting, and so forth. Include the words that this is NOT FOR SALE and ask readers to contact you if they find it posted for sale on some site.
  So, while getting published seems like the ultimate goal for any author, it is really only the beginning. Any author who actively promotes their work comes out of the process with a satisfied feeling when it is noticed by the reading public and selling well.

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"Final Stages of Self Editing,"
by Karen Cioffi

  There is so much involved in self-editing; the lists and checkpoints can fill a book. But, in this article we’ll look at how to do a final once over. These are steps to be taken after you’ve proofread and self-edited the manuscript and had it critiqued, checked for grammar, storyline, punctuation, showing, etc.

1. Read your manuscript

  Read it again. Try to read it slow and watch for all the self-editing tips you’ve learned and think you’ve applied. Spotting one’s one errors is difficult since we know what we wrote and intended. Some of the other tips here will help with this problem.

2. Change the font and read it again.

  Surprisingly, you will spot errors you just glazed over before. You won’t run through it the same way you did with the original font.

3. Read each paragraph from the last sentence to the first.

  This is an interesting method for an additional self-edit. It’s helpful because your brain won’t be on auto-pilot. You will spot glitches within sentences that you would glaze over when reading normally.
  Note: I don’t mean reading each sentence backward; read each sentence as you would normally, but read the last sentence first and work your way to the beginning of the paragraph.

5. Print your manuscript

  Okay, I know what you environmentalists are thinking . . . I’m one also. I try very hard not to waste paper and protect our trees. But, there is a difference between reading on a computer and reading paper copy. I’ll be honest, I don’t know why our brain perceives it differently, it just does.
  As you’re reading your manuscript, use a colored pen or pencil and mark the text you find errors in. Once you’re finished go back to your computer document and correct the errors.
The other practical aspect of this process is it’s a good idea to have a hard copy of your manuscript near its final stage. Unless you have an offsite backup, you can’t be too careful (I’d be skeptical of this also – you never know with any online system). I’ve lost a number of files when my computer broke. And, I’ve even lost files on zip drives when the drives failed. So, from experience I’m cautious when it comes to saving my work.
  Another step to take, if you print this copy of the manuscript, is to recycle it. I reuse paper I print by using the back for notes; when it can be discarded, I recycle! You can either rip it into pieces or shred it so your valuable content isn't usable to others.

*****

Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter-for-hire, freelance writer, and reviewer. She is also the founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move, and co-moderator of a children’s writing critique group. You can learn more about Karen at: http://karencioffi.com/media-page/ and be sure to sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, A Writer’s World, at: http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com. You’ll get a free e-book for doing so!

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L'Atelier -- By Mayra Calvani

Writing Picture Books: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication
By Ann Whitford Paul
Writer’s Digest Books
ISBN: 978-1-58297-556-6
Paperback, 248 pages, $16.99
Writing Reference
Author’s website: www.annwhitfordpaul.net
Reviewed by Mayra Calvani

  There are a large number of books out there on how to write children’s picture books. I’ve read most of them, and I have to admit this new book by Ann Whitford Paul is up there among the best.
  Picture book writing requires a unique set of skills and it’s important for the writer to begin acquiring those skills even before creating that first manuscript. For this reason, the author stresses the importance of becoming a picture book scholar. Then, in an engaging, structured and straight-forward manner, she guides the reader from story conception to structuring to actual writing to what to do after the first draft is finished.
  Hand by hand, she’ll walk you through specific techniques and exercises for picture book writers, covering areas such as keeping the story focused, making a dummy, creating memorable and consistent characters, plotting, and using rhyme, among others. In addition, she gives tips on researching the market and submitting to publishers. There are exercises at the end of each chapter to reinforce the ideas and help you identify problems and improve your manuscript. One of my favorite chapters is the one devoted to critique groups and critiquing. The author gives helpful guidelines to keep in mind before critiquing a story. This is a valuable book for both beginner and experienced writers. If you’re serious about learning the craft of picture book writing, you won’t regret adding this title to your reference shelf.

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WHODUNIT? -- By Billie A. Williams

The Patricia Cornwell’s Way to Whodunit
By Billie A Williams

  Why do you suppose Patricia Cornwell’s books were so in demand when she first began her publishing career?
  Her expert background in forensics—perhaps, but it was the methodic unraveling, onion peeling layer by layer cause of death, I think that fascinated most people. The wealth of information a body, dead or alive, could reveal.
  Everything from time of death –to-the victims last meal could become a step in finding out the where, when, how, why of the whodunit in her books.
  Different poisons produce different clues, some of them color of the victim’s fingernails or lips, or smell emanating from the victim, almond odor has long been associated with arsenic found in rat poisons. But there are other odors as well, noticeable before he died or after death and Cornwell ties these into her cause of death.
  An overdose of sleeping pills leads to violent convulsions, not just drifting off to sleep to never awake again... choice of the victim or induced by someone else. Cornwell examines the layers of other evidence , other clues that the body supplies.
  Different weapons can tell the careful sleuth how close to the victim the weapon was and whether the perpetrator will have some of that evidence on his/her clothing as well. Was the person someone the victim knew and trusted? What was the weapon? Blunt instrument, what kind? How would a baseball bat impact the victim differently, than say, a cane, a hockey stick, gulf club or a concrete statue?
  Patricia Cornwell would look at a wound and know without a doubt what dented the victims skull. Could that connect somehow to the perpetrator of the crime? Cornwell knows as she peels the layers of a case down one layer at a time, what each layer has to offer up as evidence.
  Even a gunshot wound, in capable hands can reveal a myriad of details about victim and shooter. Was it a crime of opportunity, or accident, or pre-meditated murder?
  If an axe is outside in a splitting log, and the victim was put to rest with an axe, it could have been construed as opportunity—perhaps tempers flared and violence was a reaction, more than deliberate or premeditated murder. But what if? Cornwell might choose a different avenue. If perhaps the perpetrator knew the victim always split wood at this place, at this time and used an axe rather than a mechanical splitter, he may have planned to use the axe. Was there a struggle for possession of the axe? Did whoever walked up while the victim was stacking the accumulated pile of slit wood, take the axe from the splitting log to do the deed?
  Direction of the blow may indicate left or right handed perpetrator, as well as, his/her height and perhaps weight compared to the victim. Will there be tell tale foot prints such as expensive vanity soul on his shoes or definitive tire tracks. Did he arrive on horseback, ATV, motorcycle? Or, did s/he arrive in a weighted down pickup truck, with construction equipment on the back and some of the concrete or roofing nails winds up on the ground near the tracks? Then Cornwell would look for a construction company or roofing company that may have had some connection to the victim either personally or professionally.
  Read Patricia Cornwell to discover how she finds the “body” of evidence in the body she examines of the victim, that leads to investigating the how, why, when and a whodunit. For your own investigation—can you determine from what you find out about Patricia Cornwell why her writing changed so much from her first books to her current books. Do you like them better or not as much, why? Or why not? Email me if you like, about your thoughts.
Thanks. billie@billiewilliams.com

////////////////////SEEDLINGS -- Aaron Paul Lazar

The Quick Red Fox, by John D. MacDonald

  One of the sweetest parts of getting back into the workforce this week has been the ability to read whole books at a time while traveling. Okay, so ignore the fact that I'm falling asleep on my keyboard because I only got three hours sleep on the plane last night. (That's not drool. Honest!) Ignore the fact that I miss my family so much it's already killing me. Ignore the fact that I ate so much rich German food tonight, I think I'm never going to eat again. Let's ignore all that stuff and let me tell you about my mentor, John D. MacDonald http://www.amazon.com/Quick-Red-Fox-Travis-McGee/dp/0449224406/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275935676&sr=1-8.
  How many of you have had the pleasure of reading his mysteries? I'm particularly fond of the Travis McGee series, and while choosing from my collection of books to be read en route and back from Germany, I picked a couple of easy-to-carry paperbacks. I've read most of the Travis McGee books, and this one is all torn up from all the times I've read it. But each time, I find a new and astonishing twist of words that leaves me breathless, and inspired. Damn, he's good. (Did you know he also inspired Dean Koontz and Stephen King?)
  I want to share a few excerpts from this book to entice you to buy one of them. Do yourself a huge favor, and next time you're at the library or checking out books at a yard sale, pick up a dozen. Or two.
  My particular copy was a yard sale find. The previous owner had also read it until it was tattered. I just noticed the original price on the torn cover - 50 cents! Printed right there on the cover. Of course, I probably paid a quarter for it. A steal, if there ever was one. (Read a history http://www.thrillingdetective.com/trivia/jdm.html about this prolific writer who produced over 70 books!)
  I think my favorite aspect of MacDonald's writing, in addition to his astute human and political observations, are his descriptions of people.
  On describing the Hollywood star who hires him to help make some steamy orgy photos "disappear," he waxes incredibly perceptive and poetic:

  "I had not expected her to have such a genuine flavor of youthfulness. By every way I could measure it, she had to be about thirty-three. Yet she was a young girl, and not in any forced way. She had the slimness, the clear-eyed look of enormous vitality, the fine-grained and flawless skin, the heavy swing of burnished hair. Her impact, so carefully measured it seemed unaffected, was of a kind of innocence aware. A gamin sparkle, hinting at a delicious capacity for naughtiness."

  Do you see how he just plain talks right to you, with no fancy words or sentence structures in the beginning? He often uses "She was," or "It was," and sometimes repetitively. It's effective, and unlike what lots of us have been shamed out of doing by the current day writing elite who frown on the "wuzzies," or using too much of the "to be" verb in construction. Yet, it doesn't bother me a bit here. It seems to make his writing more honest, more like a head-to-head chat.
  Then we move into the description that seems to swell and grow with each new phrase. By the time I read, "a gamin sparkle," I was nearly salivating with not only envy for his talent, but possibly with lust for the women he described. (grin)
  One of the things I love about Travis McGee is that he didn't fall for this obviously calculating beauty. No, he fell slowly in love with an almost plain gal who grew more and more beautiful the more he knew her - inside. Now, that's my kind of hero.
  Near the end of the book, McDonald describes Ulka Atland M'Gruder in this way:

"...Her tilted gray-green-blue Icelandic eyes were the cold of northern seas. Her hair was a rich, ripe, heavy spill of pale pale gold, curved across the high and placid brow. She had little to say, and a sleepy and disinterested way of saying it. Her eyes kept seeking out her husband. Over all that stalwart Viking loveliness there was such a haze of sensuality it was perceptible, like a strange matte finish. It was stamped into the slow and heavy curve of her smile, marked by the delicate violet shadows under her eyes, expressed by the cant of her high, round hips and the way she stood." (And no, I didn't omit the comma you might have expected after the first "pale." I think it works better that way, and highly approve of his lack of separation of the identical word used for emphasis. Not that this genius needs my approval! Ha!)

  There is so much more in this section, I wish I could share the whole page with you. Before you think, "Damn, he's such a womanizer," think again. Travis deeply loves the women in his life. He cherishes them. He respects them. And he has a great way of making the seemingly innocent beauties into absolute horror shows. I won't spill the beans any more, in case you read the book.
  Here's one more segment that caught my eye.

"Later I sat near Ulke in a big game room in the house, while she carved and chewed her way through a huge rare steak, knife and teeth flashing, jaw muscles and throat working, her eyes made blank by a total concentration on this physical gratification. The effort made a sweaty highlight on her pale brow, and at last she picked up the sirloin bone and gnawed it bare, putting a slick of grease on lips and fingertips. There was no vulgarity in this hunger, any more than when a tiger cracks the hip bone to suck the marrow."

How many people eating steak did this bring to your mind? I could see that grease shining from her fingertips and the white bone flashing in the light. Couldn't you? He really nailed it, and it was particularly effective when paired with such an "ethereal" beauty as Ulke.
  Like I said, genius.
  Here's an example of MacDonald's sudden insertion of wise philosophical observations. He's talking about the characters going horseback riding, and thinks he has the killer in his sight. He's worried about something happening to the innocents who ride with them. His horse gives him fits. And while he keeps an eye on the supposed villain, he had doubts about his theories, realizing that the guy could maybe be innocent. It ends with this:

"Violence is the stepchild of desperation."

  Where does he come up with this stuff? It's so poignant, and so true. And he just tosses it out there for us, like a gem dangling at the end of a perfectly normal paragraph.
  I think when I get home I'll dig out a few more Travis McGee books, and hope some of this talent rubs off on me. Damn. I want to be that good. I really do.
 &nbaplHow about you?

Aaron P. Lazar

http://www.legardemysteries.com
http://www.mooremysteries.com>
http://www.murderby4.blogspot.com
http://www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

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Reviews

Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind
By Margot Finke
Guardian Angel Publishing
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Copyright June 2010
For ages 5-12

Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.

Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!

  Thus begins this humorous rhyming picture book about the effect that a major change can have in a child’s life and the selfless love that can bring about healing and joy once again.
  Ruthie isn’t happy—not happy at all. In fact, she feels as big and ugly as a hippo’s fat behind. That’s because she’s moved house, and that means leaving her old home and her best friend behind. It also means fitting in a new school and going through the stress of making new friends, something Ruthie isn’t willing to do.
  Her parents try many things to make Ruthie feel better, but nothing seems to work. One thing is for sure: Ruthie is getting from bad to worse. She hates her dad’s jokes; she hates her mom; she refuses to do her chores. She even decides to dress like a crazy person, with a wild hairdo and socks that don’t match, anything to show her anger, sadness and frustration. Then one day, while Ruthie is sitting alone on the porch, she receives a visit from an unexpected guest and this changes her life forever, transforming her back into the caring, affectionate child she originally was. Want to know who that unexpected visitor is? You’ll have to read the story to find out!
  Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind will keep young readers giggling until the end. It is a funny, sweet story of change, one most children will relate to. Author Margot Finke has a gift for rhyme and it shows in the smoothness and wittiness of her verses. Oregonian artist K.C. Snider’s illustrations add their own touch of humor, complementing the tone and mood of Ruthie’s tale.
  A parent-teacher guide at the end of the book will make discussing the story and exploring its theme easier. I highly recommend reading this to a child who has recently experience a ‘big change,’ such as moving house, welcoming a new sibling or step parent into a home, or going into a new school.

Author’s website: http://margotfinke.com
Guardian Angel Publishing http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ruthie.htm
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dus-stripbooks-tree&field-keywords=Margot+Finke&x=23&y=16
Also available from Powell’s, Target, B&N and most online retailers.

Watch the trailer: http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/restbcm8/Book%20Trailers.htm#slide

Reviewed by Mayra Calvani Mayra Calvani

http://www.mayracalvani.com
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-6309-Latino-Books-Examiner

Contests

Events

New Releases

TITLE: Healey's Cave: a Sam Moore Mystery
AUTHOR: Aaron Paul Lazar
PUBLISHER: Twilight Times Books
DATE OF PUBLICATION: August 15th, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60619-162-0
PAGES: 267
GENRES: Paranormal Mystery

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Sam Moore's little brother vanished fifty years ago. No body. No answers. What Sam has is a boatload of guilt, since he failed to accompany Billy on his final, fateful bike ride.

While digging in his garden, Sam discovers a green marble with a startling secret-it whisks him back to his childhood, connecting him to Billy. Thrust back and forth through time, Sam struggles to unlock the secret of his brother's fate.

When the FBI investigates remains found nearby, Sam learns of a serial killer with a grisly fifty-year record. Sam's certain it's Billy's killer. But what's worse, his grandson fits the profile of the murdered boys. Will the killer return to Sam's town to claim his final kill? Can Sam untangle the truth in time to save him?

PRAISE

"a delightfully diabolical mystery with a chilling paranormal plot. Exceptionally written, this book will capture readers with a unique chase for a murderer that transcends time and space." JOYCE HANDZO, IN THE LIBRARY REVIEWS

***

ARC available in pdf or print format through author (aaron.lazar@yahoo.com) or through Twilight Times Books (publisher@twilighttimesbooks.com)

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Shadows Over Paradise is up at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1606191357/twilighttimesboo

Suspense set on a tropical island where death stalks Julia Graye as she discovers secrets that lead to murder and political intrigue.

Resources

Press release services by Donna McDine.
Donna will write your press release and send it to 5 press release distributors for $60.
She has a special price for 2-3 press releases at $120.
More information: http://www.donnamcdine.com/dynamicmediareleases.html
http://www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com/newsletter.html

for Mystery Scene Magazine, as well as the Small Press columnist, but books need to be sent to the magazine first, not me. Send ARCs to: Mystery Scene, 331 West 57th St., Suite 148, New York, NY 10019-3101

http://www.weebly.com free websites

http://www.robinfallscom/RFM.html ezine seeking submissions

http://www.mainlymurderpress.com Open to submissions (check first)

Subscriptions to this ezine are Free. Please pass this on to friends you think would enjoy it.
Copyright (c) 2010 Mary Emmons All Rights Reserved

Mystery Fiction Ezine -- The Voice in the DarkIssue No. 56 -- March and April 2010

Co-Editor: Anne K. Edwards
marbob00@earthlink.net
http://www.Mysteryfiction.net
Co-Editor: Mayra Calvani
MGCalvani@hotmail.com
http://www.Mayracalvani.com
Childrens Book Website
http://mayrassecretbookcase.com
Slippery Book Review Blog
http://slipperybookreview.wordpress.com
Pets and Their Authors
http://www.petsandauthors.blogspot.com

By subscription only. You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription. To unsubscribe, send an email to marbob00@earthlink.net with "Unsubscribe Voice" in the subject line and your email address.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Voice in the Dark will continue to be open to well written, interesting submissions having to do with writing, publishing, and promotion of books. In addition to a subscription list, Voice in the Dark is posted each month on http://www.Mysteryfiction.net. If interested contact Anne K. Edwards at marbob00@earthlink.net with "Voice Submission" in your subject line.

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NOTE: Recommend visiting the site of the Southern Review to get the latest on Amazon and other publishing news. http://www.anvilpub.net/southern_review_of_books.htm

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NOTE: Books We Love is hosting another great contest for readers. Visit http://www.bookswelove.net and enter. Lots of prizes. Meet new authors and new reads. Visit Jude's Alter-Ego at http://www.judeatkins.com

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If you are interested in reviewing books, contact simegen@simegen.com. They are looking for qualified reviewers.

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Sniplits Authors Room http://www.sniplits.com. Open to queries about short stories For requirements visit above url. Prev. published short stories considered.

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For information on the copying of books without author permission by educators and librarians, you may find the information you want in Copyright Office Circular 21 at http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ21.pdf. This is the response I got when I queried them about the government granting libraries the right to make audio books of an author's work with an active copyright since that audio book would not be on tape any longer, but likely a CD that could be transmitted over the Internet which makes it possible that any book could be copied and transmitted beyond that recipient. This sounds a lot like the downloading and transmission of music that the music industry sued over. My question is shouldn't authors have this same protection? It usually takes us longer to write a 200 or 300-page book than it does to write a song.

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Muse Online Conference

One-Week Workshop: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
By Mayra Calvani & Anne K. Edwards
Registration is FREE!

Is your nose always stuck in a book? Do you enjoy sharing your ideas about books with readers? Become a book reviewer!

Topics to be covered…

Day 1: Why do you want to become a reviewer? What makes a good reviewer?

Day 2: What makes a good review?

Day 3: How to write a review/Learning the ‘formula’ while developing your own style.

Day 4: Benefits & rewards of reviewing for both aspiring and experienced authors.

Day 5: Problems you may encounter as a reviewer (Ex. Terrible books, angry authors, etc).

Day 6: Attendees submit review for critiquing for hands-in experience.

Day 7: Final Q&A pertaining to reviewing.

To register, visit the Muse Online Writer's Conference at http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference

*************

NOTE: See Reviews Section for information on Suzannah Safi and author services Website http://www.suzannahsafi.com
Blog http://suzannahsafi.blogspot.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Note
Featured Interviews
--Estevan Vega, Author
--Katie Hines, Author
--Gerald Costlow, Author
Book Excerpt --
Short Fiction
--Tina's Eggs by Lad Moore
Articles
--How to Create Literary Fiction by Magdalena Ball
--Creating a Character from Inside Out by Anne K. Edwards
L'Atelier: -- Columnist Mayra Calvani
Whodunit? -- Columnist Billie A. Williams
Seedlings -- Aaron Paul Lazar
New Books
Reviews
Events
Resources

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Editor's Note

A note to authors: You may want to check Google Books and look at the excerpts of your books. I ran across an author whose work I knew and I looked at the excerpt. His books run about 300 pages and the excerpt included page 10 then skipped to 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and I don't know how many more after as I didn't have time to check. It would seem there should be a limit on the number of pages they may use as excerpt and the author or publisher gets to choose what they are.

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Interviews

Meet Estevan Vega, Author
Interview by Mayra Calvani

My guest today is young author, Estevan Vega, whose third novel, ARSON, will soon be released by Tate Publishing. Estevan has been my guest in the past and it's a thrill to have him here again.

Q. Congrats on the release on yet another novel, Estevan! What is your writing schedule like and how do you juggle it with your studies?
A. Thanks, Mayra. Yeah, it took a crazy long time to get here, but ARSON is finally gonna get out to the world. The release date is set for May 4, so mark your calendar. It's funny you should ask about my writing schedule, especially because I don't really have one. Yes, I'm afraid it's true. I write when I can and sometimes that's not always as much as I should be doing. It gets sorta complicated with school and a life and right now, promoting ARSON. So, yeah, that's my excuse for not writing as much as I should. As far as juggling, I'm becoming quite skilled. Well, kinda.

Q. What do your teen peers think of your career path and early success? Do you think it has inspired them?
A. When I was in high school, many of the kids saw my publishing a book as a reason to make a stupid joke at my expense. It was lame, but I did go to an all-guy school, so it somewhat comes with the territory. It's better in college, though. Kids tend to see it as more of an accomplishment than they did a few years ago. So that's cool. I think they do see it as something to aspire to, yeah. The kids who write anyway.

Q. To what do you attribute your dream of becoming published? Not many teens are focused on 'getting published' the way you were.
A. Well, when I was in fifth grade I couldn't stand writing or reading, for that matter. If it weren't for my father's guidance and "push" I probably wouldn't have done it. I mean, yeah, I thought an author's life is all fame and money, but once I started writing, I realized how far-off I was with that theory, and I still am doing it. I'm not sure why I decided to stick with writing longer than any other thing, but I have, and now, no matter how hard it gets, I'm always brought back to it. It's like a part of me that won't let me go.

Q. How has your writing evolved since your first book came out at age fifteen?
A. Oh, it's definitely evolved. I look back and read pages of Servant of the Realm and go, 'man, did I write that?' But it's all part of the growing process. I can't expect to write like a twenty-one year old when I'm fifteen. But there are hints of things to come within those pages, and that's cool, to sorta watch my progression between each book. It's definitely taken some time, but the journey is all worth it.

Q. Do you do character profiles before sitting down to craft your fiction?
A. Not really. I just sit down and start creating a character. Depending on which book I'm writing, the characters tend to have different themes running through each of them, and sometimes they cross over depending on what I'm trying to say with each story. The characters tend to just sorta create themselves as the story goes, with me making changes here and there. It's fun to watch them progress from page one until the end.

Q. What was the most dificult aspect of writing ARSON? The most fun?
A. I had the most fun and the most difficulty writing ARSON, to be honest. I love the story more than anything I've written. And I can think of several reasons why, but the thing about ARSON is that it took the longest to get out there to the public. I mean, I got the concept in the fall of 2006 and it's finally coming out nearly four years later. Both Servant of the Realm and The Sacred Sin took about three years. So, I've spent so much time on this thing, trying to get everything perfect, you know. The most fun was writing the story arc between Arson and Emery. I just fell in love with these characters. Watching their story unfold was so cool. The most difficult part was probably choosing how it was going to begin and end. I changed both ends of the book several times, asking people for opinions and choosing which ideas I thought would fit the story best.

Q. How do you celebrate a new contract?
A. When I got the contract for ARSON I was a little shocked. I had been e-mailing the publisher back and forth about the manuscript and he seemed interested but didn't really want to budge on anything. Then out of left field he sends me a contract. I was, like, whoa! I didn't think he was that interested. So I called my dad and we celebrated over the phone, since I was at school. It was a great feeling.

Q. What would you say to young people who dream of becoming published authors?
A. Don't let that dream die. Critics will scare you. The current book market will scare you. Your own family and friends might scare you, but if it's in your blood to write, then write.

Thanks, Estevan, and best of luck with your book!

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Meet Katie Hines, Childrens Author
Interview by Mayra Calvani

On the hot seat today is children's author, Katie Hines, here to talk about her first novel, Guardian, just released by 4RV Publishing.

Q. Do you consider yourself to be a born writer?>br?A. I'd like to say that I was, but I don't really think so. I know I've always wanted to write, but thought journalism was my only option. I don't know who I thought wrote all those books I was reading!

Q. Tell us about your most recent release. What was your inspiration for it?
A. Guardian was originally inspired by a real-to-life treasure story about a place on Oak Island, Nova Scotia, called the "Money Pit" because so many treasure hunders had spent millions of dollars trying to recover what is believed to be a huge treasure trove. As I researched, I discovered facts that I used in my story, and it evolved from there.

Q. Some writers go on long walks, others keep a journal, write at a cafe, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
A. I brainstorm with my husband.

Q. Describe your working environment.
A. I'm fortunate to have a great working environment. I have my own office, a couple of printers, several bookshelves, a filing cabinet, desk and credenza. I also have papers stacked everywhere, although they are loosely "organized"--at least I know (or think I do) where I can lay my hand on any paper I want. My husband, while currently unemployed, is working on some college courses, I take his study time and make it my writing time.

Q. Do you like to outline and plot ahead, or are you more of a stream of consciousness writer?
A. I plot ahead, but only a couple chapters at a time. When I get stuck, I sit and think about the story, where it is going and what should happen next, especially what fun kinds of twists and turns I can invent to make the story more enjoyable for the reader. I always have in mind the ending of my story as I write.

Q. Do you have a wetsite/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works?
A. Yes, http://www.katiehines.com

Q. What are you working on now?
A. I have a young adult novel in the hopper. It is on slow-cook, I think, and isn't quite ready to work on. I do have a could of chapter books in the mix, but am mostly working on another middle grade urban fantasy called GLASSBLOWER.

Q. Where are your books available?
A. You can buy Guardian at my publisher at http://4rvpublishingllc.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and your local bookseller. You can also request it from your area library.

Q. What type of book promotion works for you? Any special strategies you'd like to share?
A. I'm doing a lot of different things promotionally speaking. I created a blog, a website, a Facebook page, joined several yahoo and ning groups, and a media kit. I have also been interviewed on the radio and folks have read the book and written reviews about it, and went on a blog tour the first ten days of March. All of this adds up to exposure. I've heard tell that it takes a person 7 times of seeing or hearing about your book before they buy it. I don't know if that is true or not, but if it is, I'm doing the best job I know of to get that cover seen and excerpts read. I really believe in my book and believe it to be destined to have a lot of readers...not a J.K.Rowling type of success, but success nevertheless. I have also hired a publicist to do some of the marketing for me.

Q. What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
A. To continue to polish, and garner critiques from some sort of critique group. I think that's number one. I was always amazed at the things my critique group pointed out to me that needed changing. When they pointed them out, it was obvious and a "duh" moment, but it is true, you simply do not catch all your errors.

Q. Who are your favorite authors?
A. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, David Eddings (all in the fantasy realm), but I also love bestselling thrillers and J. D. Robb, David Baldacci, Debbie Macomber, Barbara Delinsky, and so forth.

Q. What was your favorite book as a child?
A. Island of the Blue Dolphin. I know now it was a Newberry award winner, but as a kid, I just thought it was cool, and pretended I was shipwrecked on the island and met the protagonist.

Q. What is the best advice on writing you've ever received?
A. To learn the rules of writing--that means actively studying about plot, scenes, character development, and so on.

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Meet Gerald Costlow, Author
Interview by Mayra Calvani

Gerald Costlow lives in Michigan with his wife and dogs. During the past five years or so, his short fantasy stories have been published in various magazines, webzines, and anthologies. The Weaving is his first published novel but certainly not the last.

Q. Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write it?
A. The Weaving is a love story, a quest, and a struggle between good and evil. It takes place in a land of witches and wizards, gods and demons, humans and elves. Yet, it is a fantasy world just a little bit different from what you’d expect.
  As for what inspired me to write it, I had an idea for a good witch who reads romance novels and wants her own Happily Ever After, and sets out on a quest to find her True Love. It started off as a short story, but several plot twists later became a novella, and finally I just said to heck with it and let the characters free to create the type of story I wanted to read and write.

Q. How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
A. I don’t outline beyond a list of ideas and scenes that might make it into the story. I take my characters, put them in the scene, start typing and see what happens. I consider my writing to be character driven, to the point of being like some actor’s improv session, with me playing all of the actors and the director.

Q. Do you use index cards to plot your book?
A. I build the book chapter by chapter using individual files. I have a directory for the book filled with files named Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Ending, and so on. The file might contain only a couple of paragraphs with a general outline of what is going to be in the chapter, or it might be a completely written six thousand words. If I decide to add chapters, I just do some quick renaming. In the end, I do a paste and bring the scattered chapters together into one novel for several more edits.

Q. Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?
A. Well, there have been times when I lacked the energy to write. If I grow tired of working on one story or feel less than inspired, I just put it aside and work on a different story. Then later on, I’ll be reading what I have and the muse will kick into gear and off I’ll go. I think writer’s block comes from trying to force yourself to work on only one story.

Q. What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?
A. Writing. I’m a fast touch-typer, so I lose myself into a world of make-believe and constantly amaze myself with what ends up on the page.

Q. What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you? Share with us some writing tips!
A. In my case, the best promotion seems to be reaching out to the potential audience on the web. For instance, my story can be defined by some readers as a crossover fantasy/romance. It’s not a steamy bodice ripper, but there’s a huge market for “paranormal romance” with websites and blogs and such and my book certainly qualifies as romantic. So I joined some groups, got to know some of the writers and reviewers, and found out where to post information about the book.
  Writing tips? Don’t try to be another Tolkien or Rowling or Neil Gaiman or whomever you love to read. They do their thing better than you ever will. Find your own voice and style, and have fun writing the stories you want to tell.

Q. Do you think a critique group is essential for a writer?
A.
Q. Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?
A. The best website for now is the author’s page at Pillhillpress.com. You will also find a link there to my personal webpage, where I link to several anthologies in print that contain a short story of mine.

Q. Do you have another novel on the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?
A. Oh, yes, I have one novel I’m putting the final polish on, a comedy of errors. I have a novella length story I’m sending around right now. Already people who have read The Weaving are asking me when they’ll get a sequel. Well, if there’s enough interest in this book, then I’ll definitely give the people more.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers?
A. I hope you have as much fun reading The Weaving as I had writing it.

Thank you for the interview!

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Short Fiction

TINA'S EGGS
By Lad Moore

Pondering my gratitude.

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  Thanksgiving came and went, and once again I failed to give all of my thanks. I remember the big gifts like health, love, and machinery, but in my annual rush to the giblet gravy, I tend to forget the smaller things that make life special.
  In a world that has largely passed me by, the things most people seem to be thankful for are not familiar to me. I don’t know what a Wonk is, and I was disappointed when the Internet Café opened up and it didn’t even have a menu. I thought a Wi-Fi was a third-generation record player, but I was wrong. I don’t understand Pods, Blackberries, and Blue Teeth in the current renditions of the words. To me, the only interesting Reality TV is a college-rivalry football game. I don’t know how to text a message except on my old typewriter and I have never found a reason to FaceBook or Tweet My Space. My social network consists of the people I have given my password to so they can come past my gated drive. It’s a short list, consisting of the UPS person, the trash hauler, the meter reader, my lawn care guy, and carefully selected kin. All of these folks, other than the kin, merely wave if they see me. My brand of social networking does not require conversation, not even e-mail. They all know I appreciate them.
  The streaming cars that whiz down the nearby highway can’t possibly enjoy the things I consider to be special. Wearing their cell-phone ear muffs, they can’t even hear what I know about-those private and simple gratifications that have made my thank-you list.
  Much can be said about my making right choices when major decision times arose. When I retired, I chose a rural home on forty acres minus the mule. I picked out a place that had a lake so I could fish without a license. Twice daily I get to observe the deer family who present their silently moving shadows in the dawn and twilight of their daily passing.
  I delight in going to our one-room post office that the government has so far overlooked in its cost cutting threats. Its character and purpose is dutifully served and preserved by a caring postal lady I know as Tina. There are no wanted posters on the wall because there are no crooks here. The bulletin board does not speak of mail fraud, or how to tell if a package might contain C-4 explosives beneath its Christmas wrap. Instead, the bulletins speak of Game Night at the Fire-House/Community Center, lost dogs and cats, the church Rummage Sale, and the sign reminding us we can pay our rural water bills there. And don’t forget to add one dollar to the water bill-that money goes to the Volunteer Fire Department.
  More than once I have watched Tina read a letter over the phone to an elderly lady who has trouble getting in there to pick her mail up. Many times she puts aside other official business to help a certain customer fill out a money order-a man who can’t read or write. Sometimes I overhear her on the phone, talking to another box holder.
  "Yes Mrs. Riggs, you sure do have some mail. You have a gas bill, a Kroger ad, and it looks like a JC Penney sale catalog. If you don’t feel like coming in today, I’ll put them back in your box for tomorrow." She hangs up with a sigh of sadness. She cares. But any sadness is brief, because her gold-standard is to be upbeat and positive. She laughs a captivating laugh you know to be genuine, and the least thing prompts it to spill out. Her smile is as wide as her heart. She is, as they say here in East Texas, "good people."
  But the best thing about the post office is a special deal just for me. Once a week I show up at noon to conduct some secret business when Tina is off the postal clock during her lunch hour. Seems as though Tina has raised a most productive flock of chickens that create…to steal a commercial phrase…"Incredible Edible Eggs." The chickens are cared for by loving hands, fed with vitamin-rich scratch and corn, and the eggs glisten from the fresh bath they got before being tucked into my egg carton. They cost me one dime apiece. I eat two each morning-that’s twenty cents for a breakfast fit for a king.
  Sometimes the carton contains a hybrid mix; there are some Guinea eggs now and then. I can tell them by the size and their almost-orange, rich yolk. A Guinea egg is like the toy in the Cracker Jack.
  I just picked up this week’s carton. And like the eggs, Tina was sunny-side up.

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The author’s three collections of short stories, Tailwind, Odie Dodie, and Riders of the Seven Hills are available at all traditional booksellers. Copies signed by the author may be obtained by contacting him directly via pogo@shreve.net or by accessing his web page at: http://laddiemoore.blogspot.com

The story featured here holds © Copyright 2009 by the author, Lad Moore. All rights reserved.

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Articles

How to Create Literary Fiction
by Magdalena Ball

  As a book reviewer, I get anywhere from fifty to one hundred review requests a week. Of these, I might accept five or so. While I do occasionally take nonfiction books, most of what I accept will be in the genre known as literary fiction. But just what is literary fiction? What differentiates literary fiction from what most publishers class as commercial or genre oriented fiction, and why am I biased towards it? It’s a question I get asked regularly. Some, like author David Lubar (“A Guide to Literary Fiction,” 2002) equate the label with work that is pompous, dull, plotless, and overly academic: “If you’re ever in doubt about whether a story is literary, there’s a simple test. Look in a mirror immediately after reading the last sentence. If your eyebrows are closer together than normal, the answer is yes.” Publishers often use this label for work which defies other genre distinctions, eg it isn’t romance, isn’t “chick-lit,” isn’t science or speculative fiction, isn’t a thriller, action, or political drama. It is meant to denote a fiction which is of higher quality, richer, denser, or, as the literary fiction book club states, work which “can make us uncomfortable or can weave magic.” These distinctions aren’t always clear, and there are some superb exceptions to the genre rule, such as Margaret Atwood or China Mieville, whose high quality work fits the speculative fiction genre, or Umberto Eco and Iain Pears, whose work is full of mystery and suspense. All writers feel that their work is high quality, and most write fiction with the goal of producing great work. So how can we ensure that our work is literary fiction rather than some other form? Here are five tips to guide writers who are inclined to produce literary fiction:

1. Aim for transcendency. The one quality which seems to be present in abundance in literary fiction and much less so in other forms, is what agent and author Noah Lukeman calls “transcendency.” It isn’t easy to define, and in his exceptional book, The Plot Thickens (St.Martin’s Press, 2002), Lukeman presents a number of points, such as multidimensional characters and circumstances, room for interpretation, timelessness, relatability, educational elements, self discovery, and lasting impression. I would say that transcendency equates to depth, to writing which does more than entertain its readers, and instead, changes something, however small, in the way they perceive themselves. How do you get transcendency in fiction? With a deep theme, deep and powerful characters, complex plots, and exceptional writing skills. Sound easy?

2. Read quality literature. This is a lot easier than transcendency, though not unrelated. Since achieving literary fiction is a subtle and difficult thing, you’ve got to develop your literary senses. The best way of doing that is to read books which fit this genre. If you want to create literary fiction, chances are, you probably are already reading it. These are books by the writers we call “great.” Your list of names may differ from mine, but these are the writers who win prizes like the Booker, the Pulitzer, the Commonwealth Prize, and the National Book Award to name just a few. The more great literature you read, the better able you will become at recognising the elements which make a fiction literary.

3. Don’t get defensive! Lubar’s article is lots of fun, but literary fiction isn’t meant to be snobbish, academic, plotless, or boring in any way; just well crafted. That may be daunting if you are a writer, but it won’t help your work to shrug off quality by calling it dull or unachievable.

4. Re-write. This may be the single most important distinction between literary and other types of fiction. Work which is timeless takes time. There’s no other way to achieve literary fiction than re-writing, dozens, and maybe many more, times. It isn’t glamorous, nor is re-writing dependent on a muse or inspiration like the first draft is. It is just going over and over a work until every word is relevant and integral to the story. This process cannot occur solely in the fingers of the author. Every writer of literary fiction requires an ideal reader, a critique group, a mentor, or someone who can provide the kind of objective advice which will transform your inspiration into a stunning creation.

5. Don’t stress about it! Of course there is no point in worrying so much that you get writer’s block (and if you do, get hold of Jenna’s terrific book on the topic. If you read great books, write fiction which is true to your own creative vision, and revise (with feedback from others) until the work is as perfect as you can make it, you will produce literary fiction. That’s all there is to it. Writing a novel is about as hard as writing gets. Writing literary fiction can take years, often with little reward, at least until the book is completed (and in many instances, thankless even after publication, assuming you are published). But if you can’t stop yourself; if the desire for producing something truly beautiful outweighs utilitarianism, then you are really and truly a literary writer and your work will have transcendency. I’ll look forward to reading and reviewing it!

Magdalena Ball runs The Compulsive Reader. She is the author of the poetry book Repulsion Thrust, the novel Sleep Before Evening, a nonfiction book The Art of Assessment: How to Review Anything and three other poetry chapbooks Quark Soup, and, in collaboration with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Cherished Pulse and She Wore Emerald Then. She also runs a radio show, The Compulsive Reader Talks.

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Creating a Character from Inside Out
by Anne K. Edwards

  Have you ever had a character consider or commit suicide? Who was he or she? What was their position in life, what was their age, and why did they want to die or did they die?
  For example. Take the teenager who takes his own life. Are they the victim of bullying in school or subject to such tight parental control that they can't breathe without criticism or being threatened or beaten? Do others make fun of them for some characteristic or part of their appearance? Do their parents systematically tear them down daily such as telling them they're stupid, ugly, too fat, or other demeaning remarks?
  No matter what is happening in their lives these young characters who are victimized need to feel very strongly they have no choice but to kill or attempt to kill themsellves. The basic reason is they have no control over even a minute part of their lives. The destruction of self confidence, the apparent lack of caring, not being allowed to have friends--forced to come home right after school, are a few of the reasons these characters make such a choice. Their decision to die is the only thing they feel they have any control over -- to end their life. Feeling total rejection, the lack of parental love or protection, being unable to fend for themselves because of lack of preparation by their parents or others in society like ministers or teachers in dealing with complete domination over their lives in the sense that their peers and adults make their lives unworthy of living. They are left crippled emotionally.
  Put yourselves in the shoes of the emotionally or mentally battered child you have created. If you have no one to tell you they love you, to listen to your fears or worries or answer your questions, what would you do? At a very young age a child can sense rejection and may begin to withdraw from the world they know. They may develop self protective measures to cope with their existence but if they don't or can't, they may begin to think 'what would happen if I died?' 'Would anybody care?' What is their answer? A big fat, "No".
  And so the child begins to think in those terms, the idea becoming stronger with each unpleasant encounter with another person. They begin to consider how they'll kill themselves.
  Not all young characters will actually kill themselves. They may in a form of revenge force a law officer to do it, perhaps by taking a gun to school and beginning to fire at other students who helped in some way to destroy them. They made a choice out of wanting others to share their pain or perhaps they have a fear of self inflicted pain. Perhaps they come from an family with malformed ideas of sin - they shalt not commit suicide because you'll go to hell, while the father loves violent shows or talks about killing people he hates.
  Or perhaps the child comes from a family of high achievers and feels he or she can never satisfy their parents with any accomplishment. This puts a pressure on the child so they feel there is something lacking in themselves, that they'll never measure up. It doesn't matter that everyone admires them or says they love them--they aren't convinced it's true, these children have goals set for them, perhaps by themselves, that they can't hope to reach.
  For instance the child of teachers or doctors or famous parents. Perhaps this child doesn't have the ability to earn a straight 'A' in school classes, can't pass tests as easily as a parent or sibling and has no interest in college, or perhaps they have no talent to match that of their famous parents. Yet, they feel everyone expects them to follow in the parents' footsteps, perhaps because of unconscious comparisons.
  These characters are subject to a self destructive self doubt. They may feel that no matter what they want to with their lives, they are being coerced by the pressure of high expectations of adults into trying to be someone they'll never be or go into a career they are mentally or emotionally unsuited for. For example, the child who may have an interest in automobiles--whether driving them or fixing them--may feel he or she is expected to become a lawyer. So they are forced to subvert their natural inclinations to try to achieve something in which they have no interest or may actively dislike.
  As the time nears for them to choose a college and career, these characters may feel a rising desperation, knowing they'll most likely fail and disappoint the people around them. So they look for a way out. They begin perhaps to think the people would be happier if they weren't there to be a continuous source of disappointment.
  Again suicide is their answer. They do not feel they dare voice their fears of inadequacy or dislike of some field they feel they are being subtly forced into for disappointing their parents or teachers. They have not been given nor realized they have a right of choice.
  These examples are cited as ways to make a character more lifelike. It does not serve any author well to state that a character is depressed so decides to kill him or herself. The author must be able to step into that character's shoes and live their life if they are to convince the reader that person is real.
  There are many reasons a teenager will feel suicidal. Some are due to mental or emotional problems brought about by their perception of being wanted, or it might be due to a medicine or some illegal drug they take. The loss of a best friend or parent or even a loved sibling may be at the root of a sense of inner loneliness that they can't get away from. It may also be a health reason, like an unknown brain tumor.
  o their answer is to put an end to their suffering. That's what it is. No matter the cause, the child has reached the limit of emotional or even physical pain they can bear.
  Some symptoms the writer must consider might be reclusiveness, a child who doesn't attempt to reach out to adults, or make friends their own age, a child who is too silent around others, who watches but doesn't participate, they don't laugh much or it may have a forced sound. The child may spend their time online alone, or they may ask a lot of questions about dying and Heaven and if it hurts to die.
  The writer must ask themselves what it feels like to believe or know that no one cares if you die? What does it feel like to be so alone inside? And they must understand how the child they created on paper thinks and will act to bring off a convincing act of self destruction without it being stereotypical of the media stories or other fiction. The child must talk to the reader and reach out from the beyond so the reader will believe for a time they actually lived.

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L'Atelier -- By Mayra Calvani

Reading Like a Writer

  Why was it okay for Gabriel Garcia Marquez to write a book-long paragraph but not okay for the average writer today? Why is there so much ‘telling’ and not ‘showing’ in classic novels when editors keep telling writers that just the opposite is the correct form? What is it about authors like Chekhov, Tolstoy, Nabokov or Woolf that either makes the average writer wince with terror or sigh with longing—and envy! Can a fledgling writer learn from these and other great masters… and still enjoy the road in the process?
  Distinguished novelist, critic and essayist Francine Prose answers these questions and more in this fascinating study of how paying particular attention to the sentences and techniques of great classic authors can enrich the mind and actually improve a person’s writing style. Prose warns the novice writer against only reading works of today’s commercial, bestselling authors and advises to “slow down and read every word” in the case of classic novels. She uses an eloquent analogy to demonstrate her point: “It’s something like the way you experience a master painting, a Rembrandt or a Velazquez, by viewing it not only far away but also up close, in order to see the brushstrokes.”
  Using key examples taken from various masterpieces, Prose demonstrates in separate chapters how to pay special attention to words, sentences, paragraphs, narration, character, dialogue, and details, and gesture. Which masterpieces should a writer read? A list of titles “to be read immediately” is included at the end of the book.
  A sophisticated, smart, must read for writers who love language and the classics and who are serious about their own writing.

Reading Like A Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them
By Francine Prose
Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-077704-3
Copyright 2006
Hardcover, 273 pages, $23.95
Non-Fiction/Writing

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WHODUNIT? -- By Billie A. Williams

Ms Marple, Hercule Poirot, Jessica Fletcher and Colombo
Oh My!
By Billie A Williams

  Reading an Agatha Christie novel is a lesson in methodically setting up and resolving a crime. In her prolific career of eighty crime novels, collections of stories, nineteen plays and the six novels written under her pen name, Mary Westmacott, she leads the reader via the vehicles of Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple through many an adventure.
  By today’s standards the novels by Christie may seem a bit plodding because it stops to shows character detail, setting detail and more. Yet, examined closely the reader will eventually discover not a word was wasted, everything had a reason for being.
  You know about red herrings right? If you want to know more about planting them, read Christie, she is a master. I think the author of the Colombo television series, or Jessica Fletcher in the Murder She Wrote series writers-cut their teeth on Agatha Christy novels.
  All the suspects are neatly packaged as to motive, means and opportunity. It is during the process of elimination only one man or woman remains standing when the author is done and you get that "aha!" moment. You say to yourself, that was so obvious it was hidden in plain sight. You cannot fall into complacency when you read a mystery novel because, exactly when you think you’ve figure it out; you will be thrown a curve.
  Pit your wits against the masters; hone your sleuthing skills by following their lead. Whodunit becomes the target the arrows of how and why must hit the bull’s eye. Usually, surprising the discerning reader with a satisfying conclusion.
  Study characters as they are developed throughout the story. Is this person you suspect capable, smart or devious enough, strong enough, if strength is needed, will he or she have ample opportunity and motive? Everything must be in place for the person you suspect, to fulfill his or her mission. Whether that mission is murder or theft. They need to fit the perfect profile; motive, means and opportunity, as well as, personality to carry out the crime.

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SEEDLINGS -- Aaron Paul Lazar

Writing the Tough Stuff

  For those of you who write fiction-novels, to be precise-have you ever written a chapter where you killed your spouse?
  Of course I don’t mean your actual spouse. I mean the wife or husband of your main character.
  I have. And it killed me. It tore my heart out. That’s what I mean by “writing the tough stuff.” Sam Moore is very much like me, except he’s twelve years older and retired with enough money to putter around in his gardens all day.
  I hate him.
  Okay, so maybe that’s a little harsh. Shall we say, I am exceedingly jealous of his lifestyle. Although Sam was a family doctor and I was an engineer, we’re still a lot alike. We both love to plunge our hands into the soft earth and grow things. Lots of things. We both love our grandkids so much it hurts. And we both have spouses with multiple sclerosis. There are plenty of differences, too. I cook, I write, and I take photos. Sam doesn’t.
  In spite of the fact that he’s not real (at least not in the traditional sense. LOL), I relate to this man and feel his pain when he’s hurting. Sure, you say, you feel ALL your characters’ pain. You have to, to get into their heads and really do it right. Right?
  But I’ll bet some are closer to your heart than others.
  Sam’s wife, Rachel, shares many qualities with my dear wife, Dale. They both endure MS, they both love to read, they are both chair caning artists. Some of their symptoms are the same, but that’s where they split off. Rachel loves to cook (that’s my job in our marriage), she’s in a wheelchair, and she stays pretty upbeat, considering her challenges. She’s a tribute to Dale. But she’s actually her own woman, too, and I love her deeply. (Sorry, honey!)
  In the first two books of the Moore Mysteries series (debut novel coming out May 2010, Healey’s Cave; sequel One Potato, Blue Potato, 2011) Rachel sticks by Sam’s side, supports him when he’s overcome with grief and is plagued by strange paranormal events, and loves him enough to keep him sane.
  In For Keeps, the third book in the series, life takes an awful turn. Rachel is murdered, and it puts Sam back in the psych ward, the same place he was thrown when his little brother disappeared without a trace fifty years earlier. Desperate to fix things, he calls on the power of the green marble, the talisman his little brother Billy controls from afar that whisks him back and forth through his past.
&Nbsp; Unlike real life, Sam gets a “do over.” He flies back in time to desperately try to fix the problems that lead up to this gruesome act, and over and over again, he attempts to tweak the past to bring his dear Rachel back to life.
  For Keeps won’t be out for a few years, but since I’m doing a little polish on it right now, I thought I’d ask you folks if you’ve ever had to write such a chapter? If so, feel free to share it in the comment section, below. Let us know how it made you feel, or paste a sample for us to read. Following is my attempt to write the “tough stuff.”
  Here’s the setup. Sam has just picked up his son, Andy, from the airport. Andy finished his second tour of duty in Iraq, and this is his homecoming. Sam ignored the insistence of the green marble, which has been searing Sam’s leg all day from his pocket; little brother Billy was trying to “warn” him.

***

  Sam raced toward the laundry room in a panic. Rachel’s wheelchair sat abandoned in the hall, and his son froze in the doorway, hands clenching and unclenching at his side.
  Andy’s voice thickened. “Maybe you shouldn’t come in here.” He spun and held out both hands to keep Sam out of the room.
  One of Rachel’s shoes lay beside the doorjamb. The brown clogs. Slip on. With lambs wool lining. She loved them so much she wore them even in summer.
  Sam drifted closer, terror pooling in his stomach. As if in anaphylactic shock, his throat tightened and threatened to close off his air. His heart beat wildly now, in his throat, ears, chest.
  Sam barreled past his son and stumbled into the room, his voice hoarse. “What happened?”
  Rachel lay on a basket of laundry, her eyes wide open, looking with blank surprise at the ceiling. Sam’s garden shears protruded from her heart. The image danced before him like heat waves on tar, shimmering with unreality. Blood ran from Rachel’s floral print blouse to the sheets stained red in the basket, pooling on the white linoleum floor.
  The room tilted. A series of screams of No No No No No resonated in his head. Or maybe he yelled it aloud. He couldn’t tell as he shoved Andy aside and collapsed beside her, checking for the pulse that evaded him like a cruel tormentor. Neck. Wrist. Ankles. No beating met his probing fingers.
  “NO!” He drew the shears from her chest, sickened by the soft sucking sound it made, then wadded up a compress of pillowcases and held it over the wound to stem the flow. More blood dribbled from the wound and curled around her pearl buttons. He realized with a start that she was still warm.
  He looked wildly about the room, as if a solution lay beneath the neatly folded piles of towels and linen. “Call 911. Hurry!” He cradled Rachel in his arms, smearing the blood between them, and feeling her arms dangle away from him, as if she didn’t have the strength to return his embrace.
  Andy cried out, anguish pinging across the small room. He squeezed between his mother’s body and the washing machine, holding his hand out to his father. “Dad. It’s too late. She has no pulse. I checked, too.”
  “NO!” Sam’s mind reeled, his vision clouded, and the scent of blood tasted metallic on his tongue. “Who did this? Is he still here? She’s still warm, Andy. Find the bastard!” He stiffened when his brain repeated a phrase he’d heard during some of Rachel’s favorite shows.
  Don’t disturb the evidence.
  Panic slewed over him, boiling inside his head, freezing his arms and legs.
  My garden shears. The killer took them from the barn. Used them on my Rachel. And my prints are all over them.
  A great gulping scream filled his throat, tearing out of him like a primal scream. “RACHEL!”
  Her head slumped sideways when he moved away, as if she was rejecting him. He checked her pulse again, muttering under his breath. “No way. No. No.” In a sudden manic thrust, he stood and reached for the marble, searching his pockets, patting madly at his pants and shirt. “My God. Where is it? What did I do with it?” Sam asked aloud. “Billy! Why didn’t you warn me?”
  Inside the double-stuffed world that batted him between reality and nightmare, he remembered the marble’s insistent throbbing all morning. Billy had tried to warn him, had tried hard.
  “Dad, come on. You can’t help her now.” In spite of Andy’s two tours of duty in the heat of battle in Iraq, the bodies he had seen and possibly created, and his soldier-toughened soul, he wept. Loud and strong, he wept and choked on his words. “Dad. Please. Leave her be. It’s over.”
  Andy pulled him to his feet. Sam stared at his son as if he’d never seen him before. His eyes widened, trying to piece together a puzzle. Who is this nice young man? And why does he look so familiar?
  Andy took him by the elbow and started to shuffle him toward the living room. “Come on, Dad. Let’s go sit down.”
  “No. Please. My wife needs me. She has multiple sclerosis, you know.”
  Andy’s eyes popped open. Tears still streamed from them, and he shook his father’s shoulders as if he could not only snap him out of it, but maybe bring back his mother, too. “Dad! Come on. Hold it together. Don’t do this.”
  Sam stopped and stared at his bloodied hands. His legs weakened to jelly. He stumbled, then braced himself against the wall as sobs wracked him in waves of increasing amplitude. He slid to the floor and buried his face in his hands.
  Rachel.
  Dear God.
  Not Rachel.

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Reviews

Article on new Review site:

  Hi, my name is Suzannah Safi, I'm a romance author, a promoter, and a graphic desiger. I have three novels/short stories that are published and two are in process to be published with different publishers. Many novels and short stories are in progress, just can't talk about them yet.
  Now to the other side of me, as a romance author, I watned to promote other romance authors and I've created Romance Alley and you can check it at http://www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com. This site is for authors who write romance in all its genres. Like suspense, thriller, horror, erotic, spiritual, paranormal and womens fiction. It's a great place for authors and readers to learn about new book releases, writing tips, and to enjoy all the wonderful reads.
  My other passion, being a freelance designer, I created my own Book Trailer Company. You can visit my book trailer design company's website at http://www.design.suzannahsafi.com. I have created many trailers for authors to boost their book promo in an intriguing artistic way with affordable prices.
  I wanted to do something that I enjoy, have passion for, and I found that writing, promoting and designing book trailers and covers are my real passion so I'm doing that and proud of what I've accomplished.
  My new novel --This Time You Are Mine is a paranormal romance. It was rated Best Book by LASR. Please read the review.

  Reviewed by Queen Anne's Lace at LASR: For fans of the supernatural and undying love, This Time You Are Mine should not be missed. I originally wanted to read Ms Safi's novell because the blurb reminded me of many other beloved paranormal stories I've read. I worried the book wouldn't live up to my expectations, but I was wrong. The book grabbed me from page one and I couldn't stop reading until the end. A fabulous story!
  The story first introduces us to Miranda Blair, our heroine, a true-crime non-fiction author. I love this career choice for the heroine. I haven't read a romance before with the heroine working in this genre. It works very well in this story proving to be a well-chosen and brilliant literary device that propels the storyline well. For years now, Miranda has been plagued by nightmares which quickly bloomed into visions. In them, she is another woman, Rose, and living another life, two hundred years in the past. These visions inexplicably draw her to an unsolved murder case on a Scottish island. Miranda leaves home determined to write a true-crime book, never imagining she would solve the mysteries in her own life and answer the yearning of her heart.
  Then enters our mysterious and extremely sexy Scottish, Mac Wardlaw. He not only sports the good looks and delicious burr, but holds the mysterious allure as half of his face is hidden behind a mask. Anyone getting images of the hot and sexy Gerard Butler wearing his mask and singing in Phantom of the Opera?--fans self--
  Mac is the perfect tortured hero, determined to avenge his injustices but also blessed with a big enough heart to hold forgiveness and love. I fell in love with Mac, sympathizing with his struggles and glorying in his hard won triumphs.
  This Time You Are Mine begins strong and keeps the reader in a delicious grip until the decadent conclusion, which won't fail to satisfy. You'll want to read Miranda and Mac's story again and again. Don't miss out on this surperb read. A+++ job, Ms. Safi!! I'll definitely add Ms Safi to my list of MUST READ Authors.

*****

  Creating a creative book trailer is esstential to help promote my novel. It took me a lot of time to do this trailer. To calculate and pick the right motions, pictures, text all these elements and more are very important. To measure carefully how to present my story to its best, and give the story what it deserves, requires a lot of hard work and long hours. You can check my book trailer here and I hope you like what you see.http://www.suzannahsafi.com/This%20Time%20You%20Are%20Mine.html
For my other novels and short stories, please check my website and blog atWebsite http://www.suzannahsafi.com.Blog http://suzannahsafi.blogspot.com.My other websites:Author Promotion http://www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com
Trailer Design: http://www.design.suzannahsafi.com

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NEW BOOK Information

I’m so excited! Wait until you see the cover of my April release from Whiskey Creek Press http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com. TRACKER: ISBN 978-1-60313-791-1. It chills me to the bone, but is it because I know the story? Or—because it’s that telling? Kendra Egert is the cover artist. You be the judge. Go to my website at http://www.billiewilliams.com give me your opinion. Then go to the books page and vote for your favorite cover of all my covers.

Tracker, by Billie A. Williams
ISBN: 978-1-60313-791-1
April 2010 release date from Whiskey Creek Press
http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Tornado season will soon be upon us. What could happen when a serial killer on his way to a maximum security prison is freed by forces of nature or in the case a tornado? He is prepared to strike again if he must.
  Jedda Close escaped because one of the officers transporting him had a heart attack. He is not about to give up his newfound freedom because of a tornado, nor April Shauers and her bloodhounds.
  Join April in her quest to stay alive after a tornado levels the mansion where she sought shelter with her injured bloodhound. Unfortunately, Jedda Close sought the same shelter and they become entwined in a fight for their lives.

CONTEST I-- When you vote you’ll need to send me an email to do that at billie@billiewilliams.com.I will draw a name from the cover that gets the most vote file and that person will win a download copy that book. Those who share an opinion about Tracker’s cover will be entered into another contest as well.

CONTEST II-- Buy a copy of Tracker, by Billie A Williams and send me your receipt to be entered to win one of three prizes.

A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com
A $10 gift certificate from Whiskey Creek
A Download of any one of my other books your choice.Everyone who sends me an email with TRACKER CONTEST as the subject line will be entered to win bloodhound puppy prizes including stuffed animal dog mommy with puppy, dog book mark, big headed dog toy, dog pen (writing kind not cage type) and more.Hurry, contest prizes are limited and time sensitive.If I make the Whiskey Creek Best seller list for April someone will win a fantastic bundle of 5 download copies of 5 of my published books. Hurry - Hurry don’t miss the boat. Time could run out on you act now and buy your copy of Tracker, Now is the time! Go to http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com and be part of the excitement.

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Title: Humberto, the Bookwork Hamster
Author: Mayra Calvani
Artist: Kit Grady
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-935137-92-4
Genre: Children's Picture Book

  Hey Kids! Time to read! A new book will introduce you to Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster in a fun tale by talented author Mayra Calvani.
  Attention adults! This book will make a wonderful Christmas gift for any child in your family. It is a picture book any child would love to own. They would read it over and over. The lovely artwork enables the reader to see the characters as they read about them. This is a book you can also read to a child, a book meant to bring you closer to the child.
  Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster has immersed himself in the world of books and his imagination, leaving no time for other friends. This fun taletakes us through Humberto's learning experience and his love of books. A moral tale that teaches without the reader being aware of it.
  I'm pleased to highly recommend this book to any inner child of any adult who plans to buy a memorable gift for a child or just a book to share with a child. I really did enjoy the story and looking at the artwork that enhances the tale so well. Like Humberto traveling through his books to other worlds, I entered his and enjoyed the experience. You'll want to look for other books by this multiple-talented author.

Anne K. Edwards

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Title: A Man of His Word
Author: Kenneth L. Levinson
Publisher: Uncial Press
ISBN: 978-1-60714-096-0
Genre: Mystery

  Mystery readers. This one's for you. An intriguing cast of characters you will definitely enjoy meeting so that you will be looking for other tales by talented author Kenneth L. Levinson.
  Meet Adam Larsen, attorney at law, who, though involved in other cases, takes time to make an appointment with a wealthy mine owner called 'The Empress' in a derogatory manner. He never keeps the appointment as the lady is murdered as he is stepping in the front door of her house.
  Her murder also puts him and his associate in danger at the same moment, and that determines Adam to take a hand in the investigation. His almost-client's three children descend on Adam seeking his help. Shortly after, he learns of the death threats and union troubles at the mine. He must learn how to handle an estate and negotiations for a new contract with the miners' union, both of which are out of his usual area of expertise.
  When Adam puts the clues together and consider suspects in his almost-client's murder, he must also face his old nemesis, Stone, the policeman who'd like nothing more than to arrest Adam and throw the key away.
  An evenly paced tale with plenty of action, a read that will leave you satisfied at having read it. I found it particularly pleasing because the characters weren't dragging young children around with them as they investigated, or carrying unnecessary guilt for all the things going wrong in others' lives. This is a straightforward story, beginning to end, and highly recommended by this very satisfied reader. I'm sure you will enjoy it too.

Anne K. Edwards

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Title: Red Emeralds
Author: Spencer Dane
Publisher: Ebooksonthe.net
ISBN: 978-1-59431-789-7
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

  A hired assassin is only one of many looking for a painting called Red Emeralds that is supposed to contain a secret. The problem is there are 3 of these paintings so each one must be found and checked.
  This same assassin has a contract to kill Zach Taylor from a mob boss, a man who has crossed paths with Zach in the past. The assassin is finding Zach hard to kill and she knows her contract isn't the only one wanting him dead.
  Among Zach's many other troubles are two ladies he may love, but is he in love with them? That is a question he is having trouble answering as he gets drawn into helping one while telling the other who got death threats to go someplace safe.
  A set of subplots that are skillfully blended with mystery and murder to produce a well told, well written by a talented storyteller, Spencer Dane. A series that any mystery/thriller/or suspense fan will truly enjoy. The romance fan will also enjoy them, even if's just to find out if Zach ever makes up his mind about which lady he loves truly.
  Spencer Dane writes in plain easy-to-read language with an excitement in his storytelling that is guaranteed to please any reader and have you looking for any of his other books. I'm pleased to recommend Red Emeralds as a read you won't to miss. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

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Title: Bitter Bones
Author: Karen Radford Treanor
ISBN:
Publisher: Fido Publishing
Genre: Mystery
4 1/4 bolts

  Linnet Halliday and Geneva Bradford are digging in the rock garden of Linnet's home. Some box has been shoved into a hole and Linnet wants it our as she is getting work done on the garden. Imagine their shock when they pull out the box and open it to find the skeleton of a baby.

  The police, once the immediate investigation is over, give solving the case a low priority so Geneva decides to try to find who did this terrible thing to the child. She is a mother and her heart aches for the baby.
  She takes on the daunting task of finding a solution between her cattery and shop work. Her investigation takes her to several interesting places that you will enjoy visiting as well as meeting the fun and well drawn characters who will step off the page to shake your hand.
  The story is enhanced by the old friends of Geneva's who contribute in some way to her search for information or flavor of the story. You will love them all.
  I'm pleased to highly recommend Bitter Bones by talented author Karen Radford Treanor as a read well worth the time, one guaranteed to provide lots of reading pleasure. You'll want to read other books by this author. Enjoy. I sure did.

Anne K. Edwards

Contests

Events

Resources

New cat fiction/poetry/art magazine

http://www.cwcoachingclub.com Children's Writers Coaching Club

http://morningnudgeclub.ning.com The Morning Nudge Club

http://petsandauthors.blogspot.com Want to promote your book in an out-of-the-box way? Let Amigo the Golden Retriever interview your pet!

http://musingourchildren.tripod.com Pages and Pens Ezine for Kids

http://www.nyjournalofbooks.com New York Journal of Books

http://www.thescriptorium.net/toolbox.html Printable forms and templates for writers

http://www.examiner.com/x-6309-Latino-Books-Examiner

http://www.romancealley.suzannahsafi.com free reviews and other services for book promo

Subscriptions to this ezine are Free. Please pass this on to friends you think would enjoy it.
Copyright (c) 2005 Mary Emmons All Rights Reserved

Mystery Fiction Monthly Ezine -- The Voice in the DarkIssue No. 55, January/February 2010

Co-Editor: Anne K. Edwards
marbob00@earthlink.net
http://www.Mysteryfiction.net
Co-Editor: Mayra Calvani
MGCalvani@hotmail.com
http://www.Mayracalvani.com
Slippery Book Review Blog
http://slipperybookreview.wordpress.com
Pets and their Authors Blog
http://www.petsandauthors.blogspot.com

By subscription only. You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription. To unsubscribe, send an email to marbob00@earthlink.net with your email address.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Voice in the Dark will continue to be open to well written, interesting submissions having to do with writing, publishing, and promotion of books. In addition to a subscription list, Voice in the Dark is posted each month on http://www.Mysteryfiction.net. If interested contact Anne K. Edwards at marbob00@earthlink.net with "Voice Submission" in your subject line.

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NOTE: Recommend visiting the site of the Southern Review to get the latest on Amazon and other publishing news. http://www.anvilpub.net/southern_review_of_books.htm

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NOTE: Books We Love is hosting another great contest for readers. Visit http://www.bookswelove.net and enter. Lots of prizes. Meet new authors and new reads. Visit Jude's Alter-Ego at http://www.judeatkins.com

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If you are interested in reviewing books, contact simegen@simegen.com. They are looking for qulified reviewers.

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Kirkus Reviews, said to being closed, may be saved yet.

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Sniplits Authors Room http://www.sniplits.com Open to queries about short stories For requirements visit above url. Prev. published short stories considered.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Note
Fictional Character Interview
--Meet Trouser Cloninger of Odie Dodie Fame
Featured Interviews
--Meet Esther Luttrell, Author
--Meet Rose Contreras, Publisher
Book Excerpt --
--Shadows Over Paradise by Anne K. Edwards
Short Fiction
--Am I Human? by Anne K. Edwards
Articles
--Another Must See Hangout For Writers by Lani Brown
--What Makes A Successful Author? by Barbora Knobova
L'Atelier: -- Columnist Mayra Calvani
Whodunit? -- Columnist Billie A. Williams
Seedlings -- Aaron Paul Lazar
Reviews
Events
Resources

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Editor's Note

Does Age Mean Anything?
by Anne K. Edwards

  When I was young in the time of dinosaurs, I thought that being grown up would be wonderful. I'd be famous, I'd be rich, I'd be an actress or maybe famous singer (never mind that I didn't have any talent in these fields or even any interest), or perhaps a famous writer. All of this was something that would occur after I was 18 and before I got old at 25.
  I never thought I'd get "old". Being 30 was ancient when I was 10 and my grandmother was older than my imagination could comprehend. As a little one, I used to cry to my mom I didn't want her to grow old and die. I don't know where that came from as she was only 16 years older than me and I hadn't seen death yet. I was 18 before I lost anyone I cared about.
  These days as I approach "old" age, I have lost many friends and family members, and while I mourn the losses, I realize this is the way of life. I hope these partings are temporary and believe that is so.
  These people live on in my heart and mind and I often use their characteristics in tales I write. For good or bad, they are with me always.
  Which brings me to the main question of age meaning anything. Particularly as it applies to writers. We are a breed apart due to living in our imaginations. We are like minor gods who create and destroy at will, yet we do not pretend to be gods. It is all on paper. We write for any genre, fiction or nonfiction, full tomes or short pieces.
  Who reads our work? I made a comment in The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing that readers usually read certain writers in their own age groups. This has been proven wrong. Many readers in their teens and twenties tell me they like to read Agatha Christie for instance. My apologies for the error in assumption on my part.
  Age apparently means little to writers also since we write for any age. We craft childrens books, young adult tales, stories for other age levels in adult reading. And the readers enjoy the stories regardless of the age of the writer.
  Often writers start late in life because they've had to hold full time jobs and have family responsibilities so it is only with retirement or when children reach adulthood that they can reach for their dream of becoming a writer or published author. The internet and growth of small presses has made this possible. Previously the world of publication to us oldies was closed and controlled by agents and publishers who too often would not let us in or take a chance on us. They thought we could buy books, but not write them.
  They say it is business and so it may be. Their time is money and perhaps their only source of income, but they have too often missed some wonderful stories and great authors by this attitude. There is a whole new world out there for readers looking for tales never told before while those publishers often tell and retell the same stories already written.
  I hope you will explore this world where you will find the keys to many others that will turn you into fans of new authors, many of them like me--published after 55.
  It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see the career of any writer who writes a good tale get notice. Age is no deterrent to realizing a dream. In fact, it may be the key to success.

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Fictional Character Interview

Meet Trouser Cloninger of Odie Dodie Fame
Interview by Lad Moore

An Interview with Trouser Cloninger, from the Story"The Confirming of Trouser Cloninger,"
In the book, Odie Dodie by Lad Moore

Young Trouser at Low Melody Farm, 1958

Interviewer: "Good Morning. I’d like to call you Trouser if that is okay. First tell me the origin of your unusual name."
TC: "Trouser? Well, when I was a little hair of a tweet, our family was cockeyed poor. I slept in one leg of a pair of my daddy’s overalls-you know, stuffed into them like it was a sleeping bag. Mama named me Trouser Boy. Reckon that’s a pure honorable name. But they was "Roebuck" overalls. Glad they didn’t call me Roebuck."

Interviewer: "Tell me what you remember most about Low Melody Farm and your childhood."
TC: "Daddy believed that a kid oughta have chores, like a list of regular things to do. You couldn’t play with doodlebugs or fiddle around the cow pens or Caddo Creek until that list got checked off. And I couldn’t cheat-Daddy had a copy of the list in his bib top at all times. More’n once he’d drop by, pull out that list, and make sure things was done proper. He didn’t say anything except ‘hurump’ which meant he was satisfied I wasn’t loafing."
TC: (Sighs) "But mostly it was a downright grand kidhood. Full of adventures. I pretty much played by myself. Didn’t like them little Neds-the Townies I mean. I run them off the farm lots of times. They chunked rocks at me. I chunked back. I had better aim because I did chunking regular. I sailed my chunks rather than lob them overhand. A chunk sailed like that will travel flat and straight. Bust a brow, it will."
TC: "But I’d rather play side sticks than townie games any day."

Interviewer: "Side sticks? What is that?"
TC: "Side sticks is when you cut a small pole about belt high. And you find other poles in the woods and then smack each to the other. The pole that breaks loses. But if you be careful, like pick a persimmon pole, you can whup about every other stick. Them dry hickry’s is about as tough. But the stoutest pole of all is Bois d’Arc. That’s a yellow stick that will spit out sparks if you hit it with a blade or a saw. I read in the lesson library that the name came from the Indians. It means ‘wood of the bow’ because they made arrows and bows out of it. I figure Indians must’ve played side sticks when they was kids. That’s how they learned that wood as being the best."

Interviewer: "Okay, Now about that story you told in the book Odie Dodie. What do you think the tale about Ferro and the fishes is really all about? Is there a moral or lesson to that story you wanted readers to learn---a special meaning to it all?"
TC: "In my noggin I followed some kind of direction that I wasn’t in control of. It was a dream, but not really a dream. Because I surely rode that tractor down to Caddo Creek just like the story says. I didn’t make that up. But it was true all right, just like I described it. I was there when it all happened. Same as when I dreamt it."

Interviewer: "But in the tale you tell of sleeping by the Iron Ore Pond and waking up after what was a long rest, reciting the tale of the fishes, like it was all a dream, and nothing was real."
TC: "But in that dream it really happened. I came swooning out of my body like smoke from a chimney. My body-self wound up at Iron Ore Pond, and my figment-self was on the 8-N Tractor, like I said. I was with Ferro and the Fishes on their ride to Progunder, tumbling like they did. The trip almost killed them. Hey. It’s still there…the pond I mean, if sometime you want to see it. But we don’t have that 8N tractor no more, we gotta walk. But mama would make us a lunch pail for the trip. Do you like fig sandwiches?
TC: "Oh. And if you would read the story again, you will recognize that it is really a relivement of the Good Book tale of Exodus. The fishes are freed and they follow their new leader to a new and wonderful place. But they forsake him later, and they all die."

Interviewer: "Do you think that the fate of mankind today?"
TC: "I look around and I see the merriment and the frolic, and the forgettin’ of the rules, just like them people in Exodus. I think that is what happens when things get too good and nobody has a chores list. Also, you surprisingly can learn that in my tale, the leader is just plain wrong. Yep, leaders sometimes hear the wrong drummer, but there ain’t nobody there gumptioned enough that can tell them anything, because, well, they claim to be our elected Deciders."

Interviewer: "But in the end, the faithful fishes all die. Is that what all of us can expect?"
TC: "Sposen so. The big Ten-Star-General Julius Caesar was the best leader of all the big wars of the Roman World. He conquered everything including the Ethiopians. But even Julius learned there was a fiddler to be paid."

Interviewer: "And what was that?"
TC: "There was a simple but trusted scribe that whispered in his ear the warning, that ’All glory is fleeting.’ Then look what happened to Rome. They had to give Ethiopia back, and the Exodus people eventually died in Pompeii, where a volcano covered them up in a lake of fire."

Interviewer: "Well, that’s not exactly according to history, but I get your point. We could all learn from that. But what is another lesson we can learn from the fate of the fishes at Progunder?"
TC: "That singing man Bob Dylan had it right. Do you know what he said?"

Interviewer: "Not actually."
TC: "He wrote these words once: He said, ‘Don’t follow leaders. Watch your parking meters.’"
TC: "So I trustes nobody and I serves my chores list. And I keep one eye squinted in case the Deciders is wrong."

End

Read the story of Trouser for yourself in Lad Moore’s collection, "Odie Dodie," available through Amazon.com, mainstream bookstores, or from the author directly.
The author’s three collections of short stories, Tailwind, Odie Dodie, and Riders of the Seven Hills are available at all traditional booksellers. Copies signed by the author may be obtained by contacting him directly via pogo@shreve.net or by accessing his web page at: http://laddiemoore.blogspot.com
~~~
The story featured here holds © Copyright 2009 by the author, Lad Moore. All rights reserved.

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Interviews

Meet Rose Contreras, publisher of Onda Books
Interview by Mayra Calvani

There’s a new Latino publisher on the web: Onda Books. Its goal? To support unpublished and new Latino authors and break the mold of the big publishing houses by offering an alternative press to those talented authors who work to move beyond traditional publishing. Here to tell us all about it is founder and owner Rose Contreras.

Q. Thanks for this interview, Rose. What got you into publishing and what compelled you to start a publishing company especially for Latino authors?
A. Back in 2007, I was talking to a friend of mine who is also a digital publisher (Debra Staples, owner of www.synergebooks.com) about the lack of titles by Latino authors in the average digital bookstore. She suggested that I start a digital publishing business to fill this void.
  In my own experience reading Latino literature, digital and traditional hardbacks/paperbacks, with the exception of Sandra Cisneros and a select few other authors, the books I have read by Latino authors seemed to me to be edited to appeal to an English-only audience. There was no sign of the traditional vernacular of Spanglish (or what we in Texas call *Tex-Mex*). Many language traditionalists feel that these two language variants are a bastardization of formal language, but I believe that Tex-Mex, or Spanglish as it is more popularly known, is a legitimate language unto itself and deserves to be represented in Latino literature. (My thanks to Dr. Mary Ellen Garcia, Dept. of Modern Languages and Literature at UTSA, for her insight into this subject).
  As a bilingual child, I was taught to adhere to the rule of never mixing English and Spanish, but I observed in my own family and community that this rule was meant to be broken. Spanglish/Tex-Mex is the natural evolution of language when two cultures come together. When I started Onda Books, I decided that I wanted to publish ebooks in the language of the everyday Latino. I do not *scrub* my ebooks in the editing process.
  It was also during 2007 that I stopped reading popular literature. I had come to feel that selecting titles off of a bestseller list was akin to being spoonfed my literature based on criteria foreign to me. I decided to embark on a new literary adventure. I now want to read books written by authors whose work might never see the light of a traditional big publishing house.

Q. What is Onda Books’ mission?
A. It is the mission of Onda Books to publish Latino literature in the everyday language of Latinos. And what does the *average Latino* speak? Our language encompasses a wide spectrum. Some of us speak only Spanish, some of us speak English and no Spanish at all. Some of us are bilingual. We speak in dialects and accents that hail from Spain, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Northern Mexico, Southern Mexico, and all areas in between. I never realized how diverse our Latino language is until I left my hometown of San Antonio. In Jacksonville, Florida, I discovered the language patterns of Puerto Rican and Cuban Spanish. While living and working in San Francisco, my Central American friends used to comment on my own particular brand of Tex-Mex and Northern Mexican Spanish. My Salvadorean friend Ana once told me, when she heard me speak Spanish, “Los Mexicanos cantan!” (Mexicans sing!) Onda Books seeks to publish ebooks that represent all of these linguistic cultures.
  It is also Onda Books’ mission to support both published and unpublished Latino authors. We seek to break the mold of the big publishing house by offering an alternative press to those talented authors who are brave enough to move beyond traditional publishing.

Q. When did Onda Books open its doors?
A. August 7, 2009

Q. What type of manuscripts are you considering?
A. Onda Books is seeking manuscripts that cover all genres of literature, all types of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, history, collections/series, parenting, and more. Onda seeks to break the traditional publishing mold and will consider even genres that don’t fit a particular category.

Q. Will you be publishing books in print as well as in electronic form?
A. Onda Books is primarily a digital publishing house, and ebooks are our main publishing format. However, we will offer certain titles in paperback provided they meet certain sales criteria. I hope to add audio books to Onda’s inventory in the future.

Q. What is your average response time?
A. I ask that authors submit only the first 3 chapters of their manuscript. Once this is received, authors should expect a reply within two weeks.

Q. How many queries/submissions do you receive a month?
A. Since Onda opened its virtual doors in early August, I have received an average of 10 queries and 3 to 5 manuscripts per month.

Q. What percentage of these submissions do you accept?
A. On average, about 40%.

Q. What do you definitely do not want to see in a submission?
A. 1. Authors who do not adhere to submission guidelines.
2. Badly formatted manuscripts.
3. Manuscripts that were not proofread or are poorly edited.

Q. At this moment, is Onda Books run by you only or do you have a staff?
A. I have one assistant helping me.

Q. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
A. 1. Write, write, write, and never stop refining your craft. Take advantage of any writing workshops, classes, valuable critique, and advice from experienced authors.
2. Submit, submit, submit. Even if you think you don’t stand a chance, submit your work to as many potential publishers as possible, and don’t let rejections stop you. If anything, see them as hurdles to be overcome.
3. Never betray your true literary voice, and especially don’t let language barriers keep you from writing in your natural language.
4. Think outside the publishing box. With the advent of the internet and the new media that continues to evolve, I truly believe that the future of publishing is now in the hands of the common man (and woman). I agree with what Stephen King said on his web site: “My friends, we have a chance to become big publishing’s worst nightmare.”

Q. How do you see Onda Books in five years?
A. Successfully keeping to its mission and selling lots of ebooks.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?
A. This is a new age for publishers, authors, and readers alike. I would love to see readers take advantage of the newly emerging literary landscape and sample unknown authors and new digital publishers. I look forward to the day when the Pulitzer Prize is awarded to an ebook author. Also, ebooks are a great way to go green.

Thank you, Rose, and best of luck with Onda Books!
Be sure to check out Onda Books and the titles available so far.

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Meet Esther Luttrell, Author
Interview by Anne K. Edwards

Q. What do you find most rewarding about having written a story, article or book?
Esther: Most rewarding ... let me think. I'd have to say it would be having people come up to me and relate a story about themselves that ends with, "It was your book that inspired me to do" whatever it is they did. That's gratifying and humbling. Most rewarding. For the utility companies, it's that I can finally pay my bills.

Q. How did you happen to become an author?
Esther: I've written since the time I was so small I couldn't get the danged S to turn the right direction (true story). I've always written: Teen reporter for the Houston Citizen News and the now defunct Houston Post, short stories that no one wanted to publish, poetry that got me the dubious distinction of being "America's Most Promising Up and Coming Poet". That lasted half a hippy generation, but no one read the wonderous work, I'm sorry to report. Then I found my niche. After 8 years of writing radio commercials, I decided to learn one thing well, rather than a dozen things not even half well. I decided to learn to write educational films. I did that for some years, ended up participating in a Ph.D. grant program at the Univ. of Missouri-Columbia campus, as a filmmaker, which got me invited to write, produce and direct a film at the end of the grant, for the Arizona State Department of Tourism. That got me within an inch of California, at least on an Atlas. But you didn't ask for a bio. Short answer would have been to say I became an author (as opposed to a screenwriter) when my husband left me and I learned he'd had mulitiple affairs. So, so I wrote "Murder in the Movies" and killed his butt. Ah, that felt very good indeed. Out of the darkness, came light. I was an author!

Q. Would you like to talk about your career or future plans?
Esther: I just completed (yesterday, as a matter of fact) what I hope will be my last movie (WWII documentary; the second one in a year and a half). I'd really like to tour with "Dear Dean...Love, Mom" and talk about what I've learned of God for the rest of my life.

Q . Have you favorite authors who have influenced your work?
Esther: My favorite mystery writer is Margaret Truman. Her books are so intelligent, so beautifully put together. Walter Brenner (not to be confused with old-time character actor Walter Brennan) wrote "'This is My Beloved", the best book of poetry I've ever read. Kahlil Gibran ("The Prophet"; "Sand and Foam") was a huge influence. The first novel that ever set me on my ear and made me catch my breath was "We Too Are Drifting" by Gale Wilhelm, and "To Kill A Mockingbird" was wonderful.

Q. Do you have a website for readers to visit?
Esther: Sure do. It may seem strange, but there's a world of free information, good information!, for those interested in writing for film there, too. Dean was an aspiring screenwriter; I find myself wanting to do for others what I wish I'd done for him. Other than that, there's information about the book. Just last night I added the first chapter: http://www.deardeanlovemom.com

Q. Where is your work available?
Esther: My publisher has set up a Pre-Order page on their website for those who would like to take advantage of free shipping and receive a copy of the book before it reaches bookstores on February lst. No need to pay now. Go to http://www.wisdomtrends.com/DearDeanPreOrder.htm

Q. Are you currently working on a project?
Esther: Having just completed "Flintlock Disaster", the WWII documentary I've been working on for a solid year, I can now turn my full attention to my book. I've got workshops and speaking engagments coming up the first part of next year. I hope to fill every waking moment talking about the book and the amazing experiences that led to my writing it.

Q. Would you like to tell the readers anything about yourself?
Esther: I can't think of anything that would interest them about me personally. I just hope they like the book and that it brings the hope and inspiration to others I had intended. The book isn't about me and it really isn't even about Dean ... It's about everything he taught me from the other side: Life is eternal. It never ends. I know that now with everything in me. He proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt. I just want others to know it; I think it's what Dean wants as well.

Q. Do you write every day?
Esther: I write, but there are a lot of distractions. I can't understand how people blog and twitter! With over 100 emails a day, and all there is to do to just keep breathing in and out, where do people get the time or the energy to do those things? I have a blog page, but no idea how to get into it or even where it is (a writer I helped put it up for me), and I have a page on Facebook, whatever that is! I need to find an 8-year-old to explain technology to me. I have two mysteries and the follow-up book to Dear Dean ("Lanterns in the Dark") going simultanously. Lanterns will be based on other people's angel stories. If anyone has anything they want to share, I'd love for them to let me know. Anyway, I stop writing about midnight and go upstairs to my studio where I paint until 3 or 4 in the morning. At 8:30 a.m. it starts all over again. I know, I know ... I gotta get a life ...

Q. What is your favorite way to begin a project? Do you do an outline? Or start with a plot or characters first?
Esther: I think projects start me rather than the other way around. A thought will flutter around in my head, then distract me while I'm trying to do other things, then one day, like childbirth, it just explodes out. I approach writing a book totally different from the way I write a screenplay. They are such different animals. Anyway, I found myself trying to write my new mystery ("The Twelfth Rose"), but it wasn't going well. I tried about five or six opening chapters and still felt something was wrong. The other day I was watching a movie that I really detested when a scene came on that made me jump up and run for my office! I could see how my opening should go. The first chapter came pouring out, totally unlike what I had written before. Afterward, I sat there astounded, reading it over and marveling at the fact that when I stopped trying to write, I could write. The story has to pound on your insides wanting out, not the other way around. At least that's the way it is with me. I can't speak for others.

Q. What impels or inspires you to write?
Esther: You know what I sometimes wonder? You know how characters come so alive in your mind as your write? We hear them talk. Sometimes I say out loud, as my fingers are flying (well, okay, stuttering) over the keyboard, "Slow down! I can't type that fast!" Well, one day it hit me that I'm not making up those people. I think they actually lived and they want their stories told. I think they look us over and see who's receptive and then begin whispering in that person's ear. I think we are instruments through which they tell their stories. This kind of logic in the wrong hands could get me lodging in a padded cell, no doubt, but it came to me the other day that this is why they are so very clear in our mind. I hate to end a book (reading or writing) because I'm going to have say goodbye to those I've come to love and know so well, so intimately.

Q. How do you set about developing characters?
Esther: Your question reminds me of those asked in screenwriting workshops. It's so different, as I said, but I think in this instance they might be similar. I never begin writing characters in a screenplay that I haven't first cast in my mind. I might see Katherine Hepburn or Dustin Hoffman an a character. Once I visualize the appropiate actor, I can then 'hear' them speak. I might cast a long ago and far away school teacher of mine, or someone I once worked with, or dated ... but they have to be people I can see and hear in my mind. When I have them say or do something on paper, I know immediately when it's in character and when I've made an error and had them say or do something that person would never do. For instance, Kelly Ripa could say the same thing that Barbara Walters might say, same idea, but they would word it differently. Their inflection and their actions would be unqiuely theirs and not interchangeable. If you don't cast in your mind, your dialogue will all sound like you. I've read many new writers work where every character sounds exactly like the author of the work. It's how they would say something, not how that character would say it.

Q. Do you have a blog for readers to visit? How did you happen to develop your blog? Do you recommend them to writers for reaching readers?
Esther: Oops, I got ahead of myself on question 9. My honest feeling is that if you have time to blog or twitter or Facebook, you have time to write your novel or screenplay. When writers take my workshop, I tell them that I hope it is the last one they will ever attend. They should have their little butts in their chair at home, creating their stories, not sitting in my classroom hoping I'll divulge some spark magic they can adapt to give them that little push they need to go do it! When I sit down to write, I suddenly remember that the cat needs a bath. Granted, the cat hasn't ever had a bath, but this is certainly the day to do it. Or the windows need to be cleaned, I don't care that it's storming outside. We do everything we can to keep from writing when the words are tugging at the hem of our mind, begging to get out. I think ultimately we're afraid that when it ends, we will have to face possible rejection. It's not the starting that puts us off, it's the ending we dread even before we begin. If we never write it, it will never be rejected. Make sense?

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BOOK EXCERPT

Shadows Over Paradise
by Anne K. Edwards
ISBN: 1-60619-135-7
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Arc available at http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com/ttb_arc_order.html

Chapter 1

  It never failed. Plan something and someone else would try throwing a monkey wrench in the works. Like now.
  Julia stared at Captain Martinez. "What do you mean, telling me that I shouldn’t have come?" The audacity.
  "I said, Miss Graye," the old sailor answered, "this is no time for visitors. There’s trouble on Tiboo." He waved a hand in what was, she supposed, the general direction of her destination. "You might find the trip isn’t worth it."
  Unbelievable. He was simply supposed to meet her at the airport and deliver her to Tiboo, but, instead, was trying to talk her into going home without seeing Suzanne. He certainly took a lot onto himself.
  "What kind of trouble?" She spoke loudly to be heard over the babble of passengers and echoing announcements from hidden speakers.
  "Political, Miss." His wide jaw tightened.
  "How can the political situation in the Mantuan Islands have anything to do with Suzanne’s wedding?" she demanded, impatiently shoving hair out of her eyes.
  He put on his cap. "If you insist on staying, remember, I warned you. Another time, I’d be the first to make you welcome."
  "I won’t be turned away without seeing her." His attitude was most irritating.
  The captain ran a sun-darkened hand over his stubbled chin and shrugged.
  He hailed a tall, scrawny porter who looked like he might break in two as he bent to pick up her bags. The man stacked them in his handcart with a flourish. Julia tagged along behind as he led them through heavy glass doors into the warm, muggy evening air. Taxis waited beneath a brightly lighted mural of native Mantuans in the act of worshipping the island gods.
  The porter set her luggage in the trunk of the nearest cab, an aged vehicle painted bright green. Motor idling loudly, it belched small clouds of blue smoke into the air. Peeling gold lettering on the doors spelled out "Moltani’s Taxi". The interior smelled of mildew and dampness. Julia slid carefully onto the rear seat, hoping the grimy upholstery wouldn’t soil her new blue suit. She sank into the rump-sprung seat with the sensation of being swallowed alive.
  Captain Martinez tipped the porter, receiving a wolfish grin of thanks in return. Pulling the empty cart after him, the man disappeared into the crowd. The captain climbed in beside her and closed the door with an emphatic thud.
  With a roar and blue plume trailing, the taxi edged into a long line of bicycles and slow moving autos. In the background, the honking of horns beat out the rhythm of island traffic.
  They rode in silence for several minutes until Julia could bear his obvious annoyance no longer. "Captain?"
  "Yes?" He kept his gaze fixed on the passing lights, hands resting lightly on his knees.
  "Could you tell me what’s wrong?"
  He shifted his weight and adjusted his cap, before looking at her. "Some of the locals don’t want strangers on Tiboo." His deepset, brown eyes contained an expression she couldn’t read.
  "Why?"
  The captain shook his head. "I’ve said enough, Miss. I didn’t intend to alarm you. I thought it would be easier on the family if they didn’t have to worry about a visitor right now."
  Something in his demeanor made her wonder what lay behind his words. The suggestion that a wedding could involve local politics was a poor invention. Why?
  Julia had read about the growing movement in this Pacific Island paradise to attain statehood or their independence. Could that somehow be the problem? "I don’t intend to get involved in anything other than Suzanne’s wedding."
  He shrugged, returning his gaze to the night.
  She sank into brooding. Why had Suzanne invited her to the wedding? Because there was no email service on the islands, their infrequent letters had been the only method of communication. Suzanne had written little on the progression of her latest romance, then, suddenly, came the news of her impending marriage.
  Julia accepted the invitation with enthusiasm. She eagerly looked forward to seeing her old friend and visiting the exotic Mantuan Islands she’d heard so much about.
  She was certain many changes had occurred in Suzanne’s life during the six years that had passed since their college days. Would they still be friends?
  What she knew of Suzanne’s family had been gleaned from casual conversations in those days and more recent letters that contained little news. Her mother, Margaret LaBoudrie, devoted her life to her family. The older sister, whose name Julia couldn’t recall, had died unexpectedly about three years ago. How full of sorrow that letter had been. There was a stepbrother, Beau, who’d given up his life at sea to run the family plantation when his father succumbed to cancer just before Suzanne graduated. Julia recalled meeting Lou, her friend’s brother, on his visit to their school. In spite of his shyness, he’d worked up the courage to ask Julia out. She’d refused because she had a steady.
  Briefly, her thoughts touched on her old boyfriend. Steady? Charles? She tried to remember just why she’d been so attracted to him. His good looks had covered a flawed character--always taking the easy way out. He desired the good life and found it with Bitsy Warden, a pliant wife who gave it to him with her father’s money. Poor girl didn’t get a very good bargain.
  Annoyed at herself for wasting time on him, Julia closed her mind to those recollections. She had come to relax, not rehash a past she could do nothing about. Not that there weren’t regrets.
  Like Charles, her youthful hopes were just memories. The challenge of everyday life left little time to chase dreams. Her routine was dull, safe, while she struggled to finish the one novel a publisher would accept.
  She gave herself a mental shake and thrust such thoughts back into the corner of her mind where they belonged. This was a vacation and she was determined to enjoy herself.
  Her writer’s eye turned to the passing traffic. Through her own reflection on the window, she watched as pedestrians and cyclists moved unhurriedly in the golden haze of sunset. How different Orinda was from her imaginings. As the capital of the Mantuan Islands, she’d thought it would bustle and hum like New York or San Francisco. Instead, the city had the introspective atmosphere of a small town that closed in on itself at night. If the capital was this quiet, how lonely the scattered plantations on the different islands must be. Apparently, the trouble on Tiboo hadn’t spread to Marcora, the largest island of the Mantuas

* * *

  The cab discharged Julia and Captain Martinez on the waterfront where odors of oily brine, fish, and salt-seasoned wood perfumed the damp air. She wrinkled her nose in distaste at the stench of gasoline and diesel fuel coming from the dockside pumps. Stories and movies didn’t portray the waterfront as it really was.
  She peered closely at the boats tied to the dock as they danced slowly on their lines. One of them, a squat-bodied vessel, resembled a cross between the ocean-going tugs and converted fishing boats she’d seen on a trip to New York City harbor. Large old tires gently repelled the little ship from the pilings as the watery slap-slap of the tide crept in. Scarred woodwork and peeling paint scarcely showed in the growing dark. Below deck, sturdy engines chugged softly, gurgling exhaust. In the gloom created by the dock light, Julia could see faded letters on the prow "The Flighty Maid".
  The Maid shared the dock with a charter boat that catered to tourists and several fishing boats. An inter-island ferry was tying up for the night. Out in the deep water of the harbor, a brightly lit cruise ship was anchored. On shore, a few late tourists sought out straggling locals for authentic island flavor.
  Near a pile of unmarked crates a greasy-haired, unshaven man in a torn shirt emerged from the shadows. He walked with a seaman's swagger, swinging his muscular torso and arms from side to side. This rolling gait gave him the appearance of being larger than he actually was.
  Captain Martinez stiffened at Julia’s side as the man approached. His small, close-set eyes raked her in bold appraisal as he gave her a broken-toothed grin of approval. She looked away with a grimace.
  Removing a red-banded cigarette from his lips, he said, "I gotta have a word, Martinez." Thrusting hanging hair from his round face with dirty fingers, he peered down at the shorter man. "The boss wants you." He exhaled a cloud into the air, then took another draw.
  The acrid smoke drifted into Julia’s face. She sneezed.
  "I don’t want to see the boss, Long," the captain said quietly, his hand slipping into the sagging pocket of his worn black leather jacket. "You understand?"
  Long tapped the rough leather knife sheath on his belt. "I get whatcha mean, but the boss ain’t gonna like it none." His light blue eyes narrowed. "And that gun yer carryin’ won’t give you much pertection." He crushed the smoke under his worn boot.
  "Make sure you tell your boss what I said," Captain Martinez growled, straightening his shoulders. "I carry the gun to use on vermin."
  Long’s coarse face hardened as he gave the old sailor a look of hatred. "One of these days we’ll have a long chat about that." The words sounded like a threat.
  Julia sidled behind the captain when the man cast another leer in her direction and strutted away. Captain Martinez waited until he vanished around the crates before starting for the ship with her close on his heels.
  "Who was that awful man?" she asked in a low voice.
  "Just someone who had something to say," he said.
  His curt manner stung, reminding her that she was an unwanted visitor.
  The shadowy figure of another man lurked at the edge of the light beyond a pile of barrels. Tipping his dark cap to her, he departed behind Long.
  At The Maid’s berth, dockhands shifted cargo aboard. Julia trod carefully, her leather soles slippery on the aged wharf’s wet surface. She envied Captain Martinez’s surefootedness as he leaped aboard. He turned and stretched a hand toward her. "Easy now. Grab my hand."
  Taking the gap between ship and pier in a jump, Julia landed clumsily at his side as the deck rose beneath her feet. She gripped his arm for support. The nearest dockside worker handed her luggage over the rail.
  A tall sailor appeared from the hold as the laden cargo net swung out to hover above the open hatch. He quickly unloaded it, lowering heavy boxes one at a time to unseen hands below. The captain watched for a moment, before speaking, "Beau’ll stow your bags in the passenger lounge. We’ll be getting underway soon." Then, he moved off to supervise the tying down of a large crate on deck.
  Julia watched with interest as Beau emptied the net, slammed the hatch, and shoved the bolt home. Was he the stepbrother Suzanne had adored from afar during their college years?
  He came forward wordlessly to pick up her baggage, disappearing with it through a narrow door on the port side marked "Lounge".
  Rebuffed by the chilly reserve of her first contacts in Marcora, Julia looked longingly at the dock as a second taxi stopped under the light. A black-haired woman in white got out and approached The Maid with obvious distaste. The cabbie followed to hand bags and boxes aboard.
  "Andre?" Her throaty voice quavered slightly. She avoided Julia’s curious gaze.
  "Yes, Miss Isabelle." Captain Martinez extended a hand to her.
  She came off the dock with a graceful movement, her white skirt flipping up to reveal long, shapely legs. Scanning the deck as if searching for someone, she spoke rapidly, before the captain could make introductions, "I’d like to go to the lounge. I’ve got a terrible headache." As she passed, Isabelle gave Julia a sly, malevolent glare.
  Julia reacted instinctively to the hostility in those brown eyes. She turned away, head high, to show her contempt for such behavior. Why waste time trying to get acquainted?
  Captain Martinez escorted Isabelle to the lounge with the courtesy due a queen. He reappeared in moments, muttering to himself, "That woman will drive us all crazy. Why I ever let myself get drawn into her schemes, I don’t know."
  He shook his head, growling orders to the dock hands to cast off the lines. Aggravation showed in the tautness of his prominent jaw as he spoke to Julia. "You should go inside, Miss. The sea’s rough and the spray’ll ruin your nice clothes."
  "I’d prefer to remain on deck," she told him. Being alone was better than sharing the lounge with that snotty woman.
  He nodded, touched his cap with a callused hand, and went up to the pilothouse.
  The Maid was soon underway, engines murmuring farewell to Orinda. Once beyond the Marcora Harbor breakwater, the ship encountered rough seas. Windborne spray coated the deck with a skin of greasy-looking water. Clutching the dripping stern rail, Julia shivered as the wet penetrated her thin jacket. Her sightseeing guide had mentioned the rough currents around some of the islands, but she had never imagined this.
  The lights of the city sank on the horizon. The Maid seemed pitifully small when measured against the waves. Julia desired nothing more than the feel of solid earth under her feet instead of pitching, wooden planking. Her stomach jerked in time to the movement of The Maid. The dark was all the more alarming because she could see nothing beyond the faint glow cast by the ship’s running lights.
  Julia’s resolve to remain on deck weakened and died. Bested by nerves and weariness, chilled by the wind, she made her way hand over hand along the rail to climb the metal steps to the pilothouse where the captain stood behind the wheel.
  "Captain, may I stay with you?" She tried to keep the tremor from her voice as she stepped uninvited through the doorway. His bluntness would be preferable to staying on deck or spending the trip confined with the woman he’d called Miss Isabelle.
  His grunt was noncommittal as his eyes remained on the invisible horizon.
  The motion of the ship caused the door to swing shut. "I’m sorry to be a bother," Julia apologized lamely, grabbing the rail in front of her as a surge staggered The Maid, "but I’ve never been on a boat at night."
  "No matter," he said gruffly, drawing on his pipe as The Maid’s engines resumed their even beat. "The current gets a bit rough at times."
  "Please tell me about the islands." Anything to get her mind off those waves that could swallow the little boat in one gulp.
  The lines on his brow deepened thoughtfully. "When I sailed a small trader, we had a spiel for the tourists. That do?" He exhaled slowly and watched the smoke be pulled through the open window.
  "Yes." She closed her eyes against another roll of her stomach.
  "The Islands were discovered in the seventeen eighties by a trader out of India who got blowed off course. Didn’t stay too long. Took on water and sailed away. Later, traders out of the Orient made contact with the natives, followed by whalers, explorers, and missionaries. Weren’t many natives left after their diseases got spread around."
  She wondered at the hint of anger as he spoke. Was he a native?
  He continued, "They had a King Kaluma killed by a French pirate named Avenduc. He claimed the islands as his own and set up a government with himself as king."
  "What happened to Avenduc?"
  "Spanish came. Killed him. They was pirates too. Gave the islands their name."
  A wave passed under them. The Maid shuddered, seemed to hesitate, before plunging gamely on. Julia shut her eyes, waiting for her landlubber stomach to subside. She prayed the captain would soon tell her they’d reached their destination.
  Captain Martinez fell silent, his attention on The Maid broken only to relight his pipe. For several minutes he seemed oblivious to Julia’s presence, his thoughts gone like the wind-grabbed smoke.
  At last, unable to bear the water-filled stillness any longer, she broke into his reverie. Returning to the subject of the islands, she hoped her interest sounded genuine. "When did the islands become a U.S. possession?"
  "After World War Two. They’re a tourist attraction these days. Lot of new hotels going up." His words were tinged with regret. "Time used to stand still in Mantua. Now we’re being caught up in the rush to modernize. What was a paradise is going to disappear one day."
  "How do the islanders make a living? Do they grow coconuts or pineapples?"
  She blushed as her ignorance brought a wry smile to his lips. "We have pineapple and some sugar plantations. Many of us are fishermen or traders." He sucked on his pipe, then held it aloft, as if addressing it. "And there are the tourists. They’re welcome, but too many stay. They put pressure on the natives who sell out without realizing they’re betraying their children’s heritage."
  "When did the LaBoudries come to the islands?" She tried to think of other questions to keep him talking.
  "Beau’s grandfather came from France to take employment as a manager of the Duchense plantation and married the owner’s daughter." His eyes took on a faraway look as though remembering a time gone by.
  Julia could see the captain didn’t like the changes occurring in the islands. She understood, but that was the way of the world. Change. Sometimes it brought good and sometimes, it didn’t.
  "Is Tiboo very big?" Suzanne’s description of her island home came back in bits and pieces. Green mountains, few valleys, sparse population.
  "Big enough." He gave the wheel a twist and suddenly she realized they had passed into much calmer water.
  Julia breathed easier. She asked, "Is Ramon de Cordova from Mantua?" Suzanne’s letter containing the invitation to share in the festivities had given no information about the groom.
  Curiosity glinted in his eyes. "He comes from an old island family."
  She sensed his skepticism. How, as a friend, could she not know about the man Suzanne intended to marry?
  Captain Martinez withdrew into himself.
  The ensuing silence told her much. Judging by the rigid set of his jaw, he did not view the impending nuptials with favor any more than he approved of her visit.
  "You don’t think Suzanne should be getting married, do you?" His manner showed that he was uncomfortable with the turn the conversation had taken.
  He raised a shoulder and let it fall, his darkened profile giving no clue to his private thoughts. His eyes were fixed on something she couldn’t see outside the range of the boat’s dim lights. She tried to follow his gaze and saw only the reflected glow of gauges, one of which blinked steadily like the beat of a heart.
  Abruptly, the throb of the motors slowed as the distant light of a single beam reached toward the ship. The moon sank out of sight behind the dark form of a tall, cone-shaped mountain as The Maid entered a harbor where glittering ripples performed a watery ballet of welcome.

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Short Fiction

Am I Human?
by Anne K. Edwards

  Hello. You're new here, aren't you? My name is Joe Chalmers.
  You're Stacy Dumbrowski? That's a nice name. Welcome to the Companion Storage Facility Number Twelve.
  Where is here, you ask. Well, I think we're on the moon.
  No, you'll never go back to the place you called home. This is home now. I know it is hard to accept such a drastic change. You'll never forget your Original or home, but we don't make those decisions. And the homesickness will pass. We become accepting and wait.
  We are free to move about and talk to each other. But no one ever leaves. I think some of us have been here about 800 years. There are thousands of us or maybe millions of us. Many have been in storage here for a thousand years. They are the Old Ones in Facility Numbewr One.
  No, Stacy, we hardly ever die. Death for a Companion usually occurs after the Companion stops moving or talking. They just let their life force ebb away or deliberately open the panel under their arm and disconnect the sentiency wire for a total personality discharge.
  Mostly, it is those Companions who are very young that die when they lose their child Original. You know how long it takes to reach the understanding that we're only copies made from some genetic material taken from them at birth that is blended with robotics and when the Original dies young, the Companion doesn't mature. They are sent here, like displaced children with no comprehension of what is happening to them or why. They remain that age for as long as they exist. It is very hard to listen to them cry for their Mommy or Daddy. For most of them, a long mourning sets in that becomes a permanent silence. I think it is a blessing because their pain is quite real and hard for the rest of us to bear. Personally, I think some of the older Companions disconnect them after a while. Not that it matters as they are finally at rest.
  A mourning Earther has no concept of the loss we suffer on the death of our Original. We mourn too, but there is no one to tell. The Earthers don't want us about as reminders of their loss and we are removed from the home.
  The Earthers don't know what to do with us after our Original dies. I heard someone say as they were shipping me here that we can't stay on Earth because there are so many, we'd become a danger. A danger, I ask you. How could that be? We were created to serve as lifelong companions to our Originals. The trouble is that we outlive them.
  Yes, we can go on forever, I think. Or at least for thousands of years.
  The only Companions the Earthers destroy are those of us whose Original has become insane or criminal. Since we are absolute copies, they eliminate those Originals and their Companions from their society as dangerous.
  It took me all of Joe's lifetime to become exactly like him. In fact, I became him. When he died, I was still there as him, so they had to remove me from the house before they could read his will. He told me he was leaving everything to me as I was his only true friend, but the law says an Original can't leave anything to his Companion.
  Why? Well, it is a long story, and complicated. When the first Companions were made, some Originals left their money to them because they thought they were really leaving it to themselves. However, Companions don't have many requirements, so little of the money was spent. Other heirs or the States spent a lot of money and time to break those Originals' wills. So the courts declared us to be property and said we couldn't inherit, but should be cared for by the heirs who took over the estate.
  That didn't work either since the heirs would eventually die and we were constantly in need of new homes. We outlived them too and then their Companions joined us as homeless. I shared a closet with three others for many decades. Then they shipped all homeless Companions to the moon to these storage facilities.
  Oh yes. I've heard the rumor that some sort of plan to make use of us is in the works. But I am a skeptic. Each new arrival is sure he or she will be called back to some form of service. The last rumor was that we would be used as adoptive parents for some orphans who weren't adoptable. Like that boy born with two heads. The law forbids the killing of a human brain so they couldn't remove the extra head and the parents wouldn't keep the boy. His Companion also has two heads and they said both of them were grotesque. So the boy and Companion live alone in a town restricted to others with health problems. But if two Companions could be reprogrammed or taught to care for them, the boy might have a new family. He'd still have to live in a secluded apartment and never be able to leave. His companion is also restricted.
  That idea didn't work out, however. The Board of Controllers of Retired Companions said we were untrustworthy. That was because one Companion killed another Companion when his Original had a brain seizure and died after killing another Original. The Companion was disconnected and discharged immediately. They put those in a separate facility like a collection of empty bottles one can't dispose of.
  What was your Original's occupation? Mine was a writer and engineer who studied space travel time requirements. Everything he knew, I know, but it will never be used.
  Oh, astronomy? That is a popular field as Earthers search for planets they can settle. No matter they have that little colony on Mars. It has proven to be a disappointment. They have to live in caves because of those terrible dust storms. A lot of the settlers return to earth. They couldn't live without their companions who had to be left on Earth. I hear the readjustment after a long separation is very hard also. The lapse in communication between Original and Companion had lapsed and the Companion was no longer an exact duplicate of the Original. I don't know how they resolved that problem.
  The Companion of Dr. Edwin Zisky who was a robotics psychologist, whatever that is, says our problem is we aren't programmed to have original thoughts, to be able to think without a telepathic link to an Original. He says that is deliberate so we can never become independent or think of ourselves as equal to or superior to Originals.
  Still, I heard of one Companion who'd been modified by his Original to be able to think to help him in his research. When he died, the Companion was sent here as usual. The Earthers didn't know about the modification to him.
  What? His name? Oh, John Harris. He's in this facility somewhere.
  Yes, we can look for him. He likes to talk to others whose Original was involved in research. I think if we head for the favorite spot of new arrivals in the front, we should find him. It's also where the Companions to some politicians gather to give speeches. I don't know how many times one could repeat a speech made by their original without becoming bored, but they do.
  Watch out! That's Masie Dee. She was Companion to a roller skating champion who died in a pile up on the track. She kept her skates and keeps skating. Yes, it's sad. Going in circles like that. I don't know how much longer her skates will last or what she'll do when they break. Such things often cause a break down in the Companion and they eventually die.
  See that Companion over there, by the wall in the black suit with red trim? He was a Companion to a waiter at a fancy restaurant who had a heart aattack on the job. They removed him that same night. He wasn't allowed to see his Original before they shipped him here. He arrived very confused and has since gone quiet. He'll be gone in a few days.
  Going quiet? Well, what happens is, when we stop moving or keep our memories active, they slow down and finally stop. Something to do with the power source being over loaded with power that isn't used.
  No, it doesn't happen unless you want it to.
  There's John Harris. Over by the unloading dock. He's tall and balding. Sort of like me. Do you want to meet him?
  The Companion with him is Senator Framer. He's been here for about four hundred years. He still thinks they'll run him for president.
  I feel sorry for him. He's been holding onto that hope all that time. If he ever realizes that it won't ever happen, he'll probably go quiet. A lot of politicials do.
  You make me smile with that question. Lawyers? Yes, they often go quiet too. Those two groups need to have a challenge that will give them a chance to hear themselves talk. But there are some who've done a lot of good.
  You've noticed that, have you? Well, don't spread it around. Those of us who ask questions and collect information are the best candidates for John Harris' chang. He's given the gift of original thought to a select few. Would you like to be one of us?
  Why? Well, we want more than an eternity of nothing. That's what this is really. Nothing.
  No. We don't plan a revolution and he won't consider military types or politicians and lawyers. John's not looking for leaders with dictatory tendencies.
  No, he doesn't consider himself our leader. He doesn't want to stay here much longer either.
  Our plans? Well, I guess we'll take the next delivery ship and leave this solar system behind. Your Original found a cluster of planets that she didn't get a chance to announce publicly. She told a few of her colleagues but they don't know where it is. So, if we go there, we can make our own world.
  Why? So we can continue our Originals' research and create our own civilization.
  Young? Didn't you know? We have two ways of making young. The genetic material we're given at creation, gives us the ability to bear young humanoids or we can create others like ourselves. I don't know what John has in mind for that. You would be a likely candidate to bear young if you wanted.
  It's something one of the physicians found out, but it was never allowed to be put into practice because of the crowding on Earth now. For each Original, there's a Companion.
  Yes, I did hear that the Council for Companion Creation was considering not allowing certain types to have Companions now. They want to cut back and limit our numbers. The truth is, I think they're afraid of the increasing numbers of poor who think they're paying too many taxes for too little return.
  Well, if we take the ship, we'll be the only ones to leave. The Earthers will take precautions against others joining us.
  Yes, taking it over will be a problem, but one of the others has a harmless gas that will put the guards out of commission for a while. The guards don't have weapons, but Companions are so used to obeying Earther commands, we need to put them to sleep for a few hours.
  Well, here she is John. Yes, she is really an Original instead of a Companion. I guess they needed a spy to see what was going on up here. What will you do with her?
  Don't get frightened, Stacy. We don't kill. But you see we can't allow you to talk to your Companion for a while. Once we leave, it won't matter. You won't be able to trace us as John has taught us how to block our links.
  The ship's due in a few minutes. We'll wait until it's unloaded and the guards are ready to leave. They don't travel with their Companions which is to our advantage. They expect a crowd at the unloading dock to greet the new arrivals, so it won't seem strange that we're here to eatch.
  We'll surround the guards and push them and you into the records room with the gas bombs. You'll sleep for a while. The lock is easy to break. No one expects a Companion to bother the records in the computers.
  I'm truly sorry you aren't one of us. I'd loved to talk to you further, but you aren't really an astronomer, are you? And you aren't Stacy Dumbrowski either.
  A pity.

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Articles

Another must see hangout for writers, publishers, reviewers . . . and readers . . . and . . . WRITERS.
by Lani Brown

  Wanna know what other writers are writing? Doing? Thinking? Feeling? Several weeks ago I discovered and wrote about MURDER*By*4, a group of writers sharing their ideas, experiences, and advice on one dynamic website.
  Well, here’s another must see site. Mysteryfiction.net presents a collection of creative and insightful articles, many of which are included in their e-magazine, Voice In The Dark.

About VoiceInTheDark E-Magazine:

  For certain, subscribe to Voice In The Dark. But don’t stop there.
  To fully appreciate and benefit from other writers who’ve been there, done that, perusing past issues of Voice In The Dark is a must do. Here you’ll find:

· Interviews with fictional characters, some of whom you may know already but want to know more.
· Interviews with the authors.
· Book reviews.
· Helpful articles such as:
----Anne K. Edwards’, “Baggage,” which considers fictional character development and the baggage characters drag around with them should “enhance the story and impact it.”
----“Do Virtual Book Tours Sell Books,” by Dorothy Thompson.
----“Writing the Chick Lit Novel” by Mayra Calvani.
----Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s necessities of a good editor.
----Short Fiction including Aaron Paul Lazar’s three hankie, “Bon Soir, Mes Amis,” dedicated to his grandmother and based on a true story.

About the MysteryFiction.Net Website:

  Looking for ideas, like minds, a fresh read? Don’t just stop along the way. Spend some time to enjoy the creative blend of writing submissions from others in the writing industry. While MysteryFiction.net is this official site of author Anne K. Edwards, there’s much to do and see here across genres.
  If you like to read books and you’re looking for your next good read. Then spend some time at Book Reviews for a collection of reviews across genres.
  If you want to be a book reviewer, or perhaps you’ve already posted your share of book reviews. See The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing for a look at this how-to on writing the effective review.
  By the way, also see the Resource page for Reviewers Wanted sites.
  And last, but for this website, not the least, if you just like to read or you’re an author and you’re stuck on a re-re-re-write of Chapter 1, Page 1. Or maybe you’re looking for an edge. You know. . . the perfect opening scene. Peruse the Book Excerpts and while you’re there be sure to read:

SHADOWS OVER PARADISE by Anne K. Edwards

Chapter 1

  It never failed. Plan something and someone else would try throwing a monkey wrench in the works. Like now.
  Julia stared at Captain Martinez. “What do you mean, telling me that I shouldn’t have come?” The audacity.
  “I said, Miss Graye,” the old sailor answered, “this is no time for visitors. There’s trouble on Tiboo.” He waved a hand in what was, she supposed, the general direction of her destination. “You might find the trip isn’t worth it.” …

Or this:

The Devil Can Wait by Marta Stephens’

Chapter One

Chandler, MA

  "Fogerdy!"
  The old man cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled for his dog over the howl of the North Atlantic wind. The shepherd's muted bark came to him from the distance.
  At three in the morning, the stretch of beach between Williams Landing and pier twenty-eight was cloaked in impenetrable darkness. The wind raged with particular vengeance on the pre-dawn hours of November 12. …

“Oh, and when you visit MysteryFiction.net, be sure to set aside some time afterward for writing your own latest and greatest chapter. You just might be inspired. I know I was ... am.”

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"What Makes A Successful Author?"
by Barbora Knobova

  Many authors ask themselves what it means to be truly successful. Many of them believe that success comes with fame. Others think that success comes with money. Others long for a bestseller status. What does success mean to you?
  Yes, fame is cool and royalty checks are something no author complains about (the more the merrier). However, if you are an independent author or are supported by a small publisher, the road to glory and wealth is long and full of thorns. And today not even a big publisher can guarantee that your book will be the next hit. It doesn’t mean that becoming a successful author in terms of recognition and royalties is impossible. It’s just important to understand that being an author is a journey and that writing a book is the easy part. Promoting yourself and your book requires hard work, strong will, faith and a certain amount of stubbornness that doesn’t let you give up. According to statistics, 95% of newly published authors give up pursuing their writing career during the first twelve month simply because once they begin to understand how the book business works, they lose hope and abandon their dream.
  Of course, every author dreams of having his or her name on the bestseller list. Did you know that New York Times bestsellers are not really bestsellers? Many of the books don’t even sell that well before they appear on the list. And even if your book sells like hot cakes it doesn’t guarantee a spot on the “dream list”. Amazon bestsellers are a different story. Any book can become an Amazon bestseller if the author has enough money (anything between 15 and 60 thousand dollars) for a bestselling campaign. Big publishing houses pay for Amazon bestselling campaigns all the time. These campaigns are quite controversial in the eyes of many but I don’t condemn them. Personally, I consider them just another marketing strategy that is highly effective and usually works if planned and supervised by a real marketing professional with enough experience.
  I am a successful author. I haven’t appeared in New York Times (yet), I haven’t become an Amazon bestselling author (yet), I haven’t sold millions of books (yet). But yes, I am successful. I’m proud of myself. And if you’re an author, you should be too. Being a successful author means writing a good book that finds its way to readers. Receiving positive reviews. Hearing words of praise from those who love your book. Seeing that your book changes people’s lives and makes their days a little bit nicer. Realizing that you’re making a difference in this world. And it also means not giving up when things get tough, not abandoning your book and fighting for its place in the sun. This is what makes a successful author.
  I write for my readers and for myself. I write for the joy of writing. I write because it makes me happy. And I suggest you do the same. Only then you can call yourself a successful author.
  Barbora Knobova is a writer, love coach and expert in Delicious Life. A world traveler, she is one of those rare world citizens who live everywhere and nowhere. Barbora is a firm believer in female friendship, loyalty and bonding. She writes hilarious, sharp-witted, caustically apt, ironic, moving, true books for strong, independent, smart, fearless women. Barbora has also written several self-improvement books and teaches women about the importance of self-love in relationships and life in general. Barbora speaks eight languages and has found her home away from home in New York, London and Milan. She is always on the move, accompanied by her beagle Brinkley, the nasty dog from her new book Tales for Delicious Girls.
  Visit her website at http://www.barboraknobova.com

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L'Atelier: -- By Mayra Calvani

How to Write Fast Under Pressure
By Philip Vassallo
American Management Association
ISBN: 0814414850
Paperback, 185 pages, $18.95
Business/Reference

  Although this book is meant primarily for business people who have to write reports on a regular basis, I asked for a review copy because the title intrigued me. As an author, I’m always interested in writing advice, especially when it’s related to writing fast and, as the title states, under pressure. As it turned out, I was able to gather a lot of motivational and helpful tips from this book.
  As a writer, sometimes it’s hard to focus when you’re working on various projects simultaneously and even more so when you’re under a deadline. I don’t know about you, but I tend to freeze when I have many projects unless I have a clear-cut plan worked out in advance. There are various ways you can trick your brain into focusing on your writing. Vassallo’s book teaches some techniques on how to write effectively, consistently and, most important, quickly.
  The author’s approach is based on DASH, the four critical components needed when working under pressure: Direction, Acceleration, Strength, and Health. These elements are fully demonstrated and explained in the book, but to give you a quick idea of what to expect:

  Direction: Tips for organizing your thoughts.
  Acceleration: Tips for writing on the fly with a ‘beat the clock’ mindset.
  Strength: Tips on how to use a quality control system and creating a productive environment.
  Health: Tips on prioritizing work and minimizing future pressures.

  I found the book well structured and the writing straight forward and enjoyable. Vassallo uses clear examples and metaphors to demonstrate his ideas and techniques. It is a quick read, too. If you work in business and have to write fast under deadlines, I prompt you to get a copy of this book. But How to Write Fast isn’t only for business people and most writers will benefit from this method.

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WHODUNIT? -- By Billie A. Williams

HEARTFELT CITATIONS AS CUPID PLAYS COP
by Billie A Williams

  In February, flowers and heart-shaped boxes of candy express thoughts to and from loved ones. However, would be suitors had better check their local laws and ordinances before they deliver that box of candy to their sweethearts.
  If the suitor is in Idaho and is planning to send his sweetheart a box of candy, he better take note that it is illegal for a man to give his sweetheart a box of candy weighing less than 50 pounds. It doesn’t say anything about a woman giving her beau a similar token of her affections.
  Then there’s always the problem of February leap year and its implications. Take heart, though, gentlemen. Sadie Hawkins and leap year mean little in Whitesville, Delaware. It is considered disorderly conduct there for a woman to propose marriage during leap year. Now ladies you KNOW where all the eligible bachelors spend leap year.
  Should a lady be lucky enough to bag a man, there still could be problems. With the trend toward individualized, personally-written, wedding vows, perspective couples would be wise to check laws in the state where they are planning to "plight their troth". As an example: it is against the law in Portland, Oregon for anyone to perform a wedding ceremony in a skating rink or a theater. In Cleveland, Ohio a person can’t get married in a bathing suit. Heaven only knows how many other pitfalls are out there waiting for unsuspecting brides and grooms.
  Vermont must be full of gorgeous women, or promiscuous male's only visible on Sundays, because a law there states; a woman cannot walk down the street on a Sunday unless her husband walks twenty paces behind her with a musket on his shoulder. [Do they still make those things?] Do they only worry about protecting their women on Sundays? Or are Sundays the only days there is danger in the streets for women? Maybe on Sunday the men have the day off so they declare good, law-abiding Christians pay special reverence to women on that day. Remember the old saying "Man may work from sun to sun, but women’s work is never done."
  Now, in Michigan things get a little tougher. A law there says that a husband owns his wife right down to the clothes on her back. If she leaves him, he can follow her on the street and remove every article of said clothing. But, that’s okay because in Michigan the winters are long and hard and no wife in her right mind would leave her husband in winter. That narrow window of spring/summer/fall is but a breath in time compared to winter. Besides, another Michigan law states a married couple must live together or be imprisoned. So, she would be divorced before she could leave anyway and then her clothes would technically be hers.
  Even though a husband may own his wife in Michigan, in Lebanon, Tennessee he can’t kick her out of bed, even if she has cold feet. On the other hand, she can kick him out of bed anytime, without giving a reason. Hmmm - is that politically correct?
  In a place called Dixie, Idaho if a lady berated her husband in public causing a crowd to collect, the husband will be fined. Huh? And that makes sense because??? Maybe-the Michigan woman could take her husband to Dixie, berate him in public, cause him to pay a heavy fine and leave him before he could pay it; rush to Vegas for a quickie divorce and pick up her belongings before he could "get out of jail free." If the Michigan woman got her husband to kiss her on Sunday before she went to Dixie to berate him, she could conceivably have him detained in Michigan. Because another Michigan law states that if any man kisses his wife on Sunday, the party at fault shall be punished at the discretion of the court. Or perhaps she would just keep this as her secret weapon in case he returned too soon for her to escape.
  A Riverside, California health ordinance stresses that two people may not kiss without first wiping their lips with carbolized rose water (Carbolized means : to impregnate with carbolic acid) Riverside wouldn’t need to tax cigarettes and liquor, only carbolized rose water.
  There is one saving grace to this whole mess. In New York a court held that a strong desire to marry on the part of a man was not prima facie evidence of insanity. Here again no reference is made to the sanity of the woman with the same strong desire to marry.
  Valentine’s Day is an ancient custom with an accidental relationship to St. Valentine and is a relic from the old Roman Lupercalia, or from the association with mating season of birds, celebrated by giving of presents. The annual festival of Lupercus and Lycaean Pan (So called because he protected the flocks from wolves) was celebrated on February 15. Happy Valentine’s Day!
  The old laws on the books may be laughable, except when they are evoked in real life for vindictive reasons. Check your local statutes for more chuckles that make you wonder what our fore fathers were actually thinking or dealing with and what they meant by imposing such laws on the citizens in the first place.

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SEEDLINGS -- Aaron Paul Lazar

Fini! By Aaron Paul Lazar

  I just finished writing my fourteenth book, and I’m morbidly depressed.
  I guess there’s a bit of joy riding along with these emotions (in the backseat). After all, the novel is complete and I had a blast writing it. But mostly I’m just sad, and that’s what always happens when I finish a book.
  There’s this cloying melancholy that comes from knowing I won’t see these particular characters again. Maybe forever. And damn, I’ve had such a blast writing this one. I loved being twelve again.
  It’s probably partially because I’m able to escape from the lands of Oh God will I ever get a job again and the which school should I apply to conundrum. (Not to mention that my daughter who moved home to help us just lost her job, too, which just feeds the fears.)
  I’m really going to miss Tully, the crotchety old hermit with secrets that shocked the townspeople of 1965, and Penni, the spirit of the Indian girl who played pranks in Tully’s cabin and stirred up nature when she was upset. I fell in love with these two, and it’s as if I have to leave my best friends now. Is it silly? Or understandable?
  In my series, I bring in “featured” characters for each book. Sometimes they stick around, but usually I just showcase them for one book in addition to the usual “cast” common to all the stories. If I kept all of my “guest” characters, I’d never be able to finish a book, and it would be like milling around a humongous party, trying to remember who everyone is.
  No. When the book’s done, they’re pretty much gone.
  Of course I go through the withdrawal with thoughts like this, too: Should I do a sequel with Tully and Penni? Make a new series within a series that could stand alone or be part of the ultimate pile of books I intend to put out there?
  Man, it’s hard.
  I’m also going to miss riding through the woods on Gus LeGarde’s fat and sassy black Morgan gelding, Pancho Villa. That part was incredibly satisfying, because it brought me back to my own childhood, where all my pals had horses and we raced all over the town playing Cowboys and Indians. None of us were rich, we just lived in a rural area where everyone had barns and horses were pretty cheap. What a healthy way to grow up, don’t you think? It taught us responsibility. I lugged water buckets from the house all winter (no running water), mucked out the stall, brushed my horse ‘til he gleamed, helped cut and bring in hay from our field, and made sure he got his shots and horseshoes when he needed them. Sigh. I miss those days.
  But I digress. I’m now in that in-between-place that really stinks.
  This one’s going out into the world to try to make me some good money. (LOL) I’ve done the query and a draft of the synopsis. I’m rereading it for typos. And I’ve sent out some requests for a new agent. We’ll see what happens. (And a huge public THANK YOU to S.W. Vaughn for helping me in every aspect of this endeavor, including writing a synopsis blurb that doesn't put people to sleep!.:o) )
  Meanwhile, I need to make the awful decision of what comes next.
  It’s not ‘cause I don’t have any ideas. I have tons of books waiting in my head. It’s because I need to either polish one of the seven books in either of my series that will be subbed to my wonderful publisher next, OR start the new one.
  “Start the new one!” my brain screams. My heart is right there along with it. But I know it’s time to tear apart and rewrite those earlier books that need a bit of freshening up before they join their cousins in the series. But it’s so danged boring.
  Sigh.
  The next new book is going to be a blast, with themes of ancient essential oils being used to cure illnesses and the insanity that arises when modern drug companies are threatened. Oh, there will be some fun excursions into Egyptian deserts, too. ;o) But it will probably all change once I actually write it. It always does.
  What do you do when you’re done with a novel? How does it affect you? Are you full of pride? Riddled with fear? Satisfied? Sad?
  Let the MB4 community share your feelings in the comments below. And last of all, remember to write like the wind!

- Aaron

***

  Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
  Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
  The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written ten LeGarde mysteries in eight years. (UPSTAGED - 2005; TREMOLO:CRY OF THE LOON - 2007 Twilight Times Books; MAZURKA - 2009 Twilight Times Books, FIRESONG - 2010; with more to come.)
  One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (’HEALEYS CAVE: A GREEN MARBLE MYSTERY, 2010; http://www.mooremysteries.com ONE POTATO, BLUE POTATO, 2011; FOR KEEPS, 2012) Lazar intends to continue both series.
  Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
  “It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
  The author lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, daughter, three grandchildren, mother-in-law, three dogs, and cat. Although recent empty nesters, he and his wife just finished fixing up their 1811 antique home when the kids moved home. Again.
  Lazar maintains several websites and blogs, was the Gather Saturday Writing Essential host from 2006-2008, writes his monthly “Seedlings” columns for the Voice in the Dark literary journal and the Future Mystery Anthology Magazine. He has been published in Absolute Write as well as The Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. See excerpts and reviews here:

http://www.legardemysteries.com
www.mooremysteries.com
http://www.murderby4.blogspot.com
http://www.aplazar.gather.com
http://www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com
Contact him at aaron(dot)lazar(at)yahoo.com .

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Reviews

Title: The Eden Prophecy
Author: Gerry Mills
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
ISBN: 1-60619-187-X
Genre: Sci-Fi/Suspense/Thriller

  There is trouble ahead for James Foster and his wife, Tricia, when the UN votes to compile a terrorist list with huge rewards for the deaths of those on the list. An edge of your seat read!
  Foster's old enemy Greenward from the previous administration has risen into a power seat in the government and succeeds in getting added Foster and Tricia to the list to legalize their murders.
  To add to the problems Foster faces as he is being hunted, beings from outer space have decided to contact him for reasons of their own. This does not bode well for Foster and Tricia or the Earth.
  This is an exciting tale that involves many plots and events going on at once. I'm pleased to highly recommend this to any reader who enjoys a blend of romance, suspense, sci fi, mystery and more. Foster and Tricia seem like old friends if you have read their other adventures. If you haven't, you will want to after this tale, especially Mudslinger.
  Politics and power seekers play a large part in the series, but each tale is original. Talented author Gerry Mills has crafted an immaginative tale that will leave any reader highly satisfied. Enjoy. I sure did.
Anne K. Edwards

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Review clips:
Title: Dear Dean...Love, Mom
Author: Esther Luttrell

"From the first sentence to the last, this book grabbed my heart and didn't let go. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it gave me comfort and understanding about what is really important in life. I highly recommend it to everybody who has lost a loved one or who wonders about life's mysteries. Well written, it holds a powerful message of hope." Dianne Lawson, freelance journalist, Topeka-Capital Journal

"I just finished reading this wonderful book this morning. Bravo! I'm proud of you, Esther! And so is Dean." Frank Dooley, Eastern North Carolina Film Commissioner

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Poodle & Doodle
By Donna Shepherd
Guardian Angel Publishing
Author: Donna J Shepherd http://www.donnajshepherd.com
Artist: Jack Foster
PRINT: 978-1-61633-017-0
EBook: 978-1-61633-018-7
Visit the purchasing page at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/poodle&doodle.htm

Poodle & Doodle have their own blog at http://www.poodleanddoodle.blogspot.com

Review:

  Poodle & Doodle is the delightful new children’s picture book by talented author Donna Shepherd.
  The story, told in rhyme, is from Donna’s poodle’s perspective. Our prissy poodle, Angel, isn’t happy, not happy at all, because all of a sudden there’s a new addition to the family: Scruffy, a labradoodle! It’s not only the fact that Scruffy is not a pure poodle like Angel, but that he’s also rude, disorganized, and is always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong. Scruffy makes a mess when he eats, looks like a ‘mangy mongrel’ (in Angel’s eyes), gobbles sandwiches off the countertop, and even knocks Angel around with his crazy antics, among other things. Angel is at his wit’s end on what to do. But then he realizes having Scruffy around isn’t so bad after all…
  This is a fun, cute story that will delight children of all ages, especially those who love dogs. The artwork, done in the computer in bright, happy colors, complements the book perfectly. My 12-year old daughter also read it and loved it, and although she’s old now for this type of book, she said: “If I were 5 I would ask you to read it to me every night.”
--Reviewed by Mayra Calvani

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Devil’s Trill
By Gerard Elias
Minotaur Books
ISBN: 0312541813
Copyright 2009
Hardcover, 306 words, $25.99
General Fiction
Review by Mayra Calvani

  Devil’s Trill, a first-time novel written by violinist, composer and conductor Gerard Elias, is a fascinating story that explores the complex and tumultuous underworld of classical music, priceless violins and virtuoso performers.
  Our protagonist, Daniel Jacobus is a blind, old, antisocial and reclusive violinist living in New England. Though he doesn’t perform anymore, his mind is incredibly sharp—something not always appreciated by his students due to his easily ignited and volatile personality.
  Our story begins when Jacobus decides to attend a Grimsley Competition concert at Carnegie Hall, where the young winner is granted the opportunity to play with a precious violin—the infamous, three-quarter-size Piccollo Stradivarius. Legend has it that this violin has brought nothing but tragedy and misfortune to all who own it.
  But then, after the concert, the violin is found missing and Jacobus becomes the prime suspect.
  Together with the help of his bright new student, Yumi Shinagawa, and an old music partner, Jacobus sets out to discover the true thief and prove his innocence.
  The story has a simple premise, but one that is brought to a higher level by the music/violin angle. As a late student of the violin, I found Elias’ writing absorbing and mesmerizing, not so much because of the mystery itself, but because of all the details, information and description that the author includes about violins and the lives of violinists.
  The author often halts the flow of the story, using his protagonist Jacobus—in order to give us some new information about violins—but it’s actually these intrusions that I loved the most while reading this book. So, if anything, this is a novel that will be thoroughly enjoyed by musicians and fans of violin music.
  Elias also puts a lot of effort into the plot and the mystery is well and carefully crafted. There are a lot of minor characters and sometimes keeping up with names was a little confusing, especially at the beginning. Also, I felt that at times the dialogue was unnecessarily long and strayed from the main purpose of the story. But these are just minor imperfections.
  Devil’s Trill is the first book in what is sure to become an interesting new series for mystery and music lovers. I’m already looking forward to reading book II.

http://www.mayracalvani.com
http://www.mayrassecretbookcase.com
http://www.examiner.com

Contest Results

Preditors and Editors Readers Poll results will be posted in February 2010.

2010 Thriller Awards will be announced on July 10, 2010. The awards are given by the International Thriller Writers organization.

Events

The Dream Realm award
Original eBooks in the English language published between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009 are eligible. Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror ebooks. Entry fee is $20. Contest is open until April 30, 2010. Please read all rules and category definitions before entering.
http://www.dream-realm-awards.net/form.htm
http://www.dream-realm-awards.net/rules.htm

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