Note: This year again, I'll be interviewing featured authors who'll be attending the upcoming Love Is Murder Conference, February 1-3, 2013 in Chicago. My first author is David J.Walker, the author of twelve mystery/suspense novels, and the creator of the Wild Onion Mystery Series, as well as a new series starring Father Paul Clark. The first book in it is called Company Orders. David is a past president of the Midwest Chapter of … [Read more...] about An Interview with David J. Walker
Feight–A Zentangle Pattern
As some of you know, I've been certified as a Zentangle teacher. It's the most fun I've ever had with a craft. Probably, in part, because it's so incredibly portable. I can take my tangle stuff with me anywhere! At night, when I'm done with my writing, I sit down and tangle. This particular design came from a "mistake" one of my students made. See, in the world of Zentangle, there are no "mistakes" only "creative opportunities. And he made one. … [Read more...] about Feight–A Zentangle Pattern
Remembering My Mother
My sisters often send me photos of my mother's grave after they add new flowers. I appreciate the fact that my sisters are tending Mom's grave, but I hate those pictures, and I haven't found a way to tell Jane and Margaret my feelings until now. See, I don't want to remember my mother by visiting her grave. Yes, we picked a lovely spot in Port Salerno with a view of the water. Yes, it's an Episcopal church's graveyard, which would have pleased … [Read more...] about Remembering My Mother
Lucky 13 — Thirteen Kindle Reads FREE Only on April 13!
By Joanna Campbell Slan To celebrate the release of Ready, Scrap, Shoot, the fifth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery series (aka "Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series"), I wanted to do something really special. Something fun, something extra for my fans. So I've joined together with a dozen other mystery writers, and we're turning Friday the 13th into a lucky day for anyone who loves to read. Yep, today you can download thirteen great reads for free … [Read more...] about Lucky 13 — Thirteen Kindle Reads FREE Only on April 13!
Keep It Spare and Lean: An Interview with Chris Grabenstein
Note: Chris Grabenstein will be one of the Guests of Honor at Sleuthfest, March 1 - 3, 2012. He's the author of the John Ceepak series, for which he won the Anthony Award for "Best First Mystery." JCS: Chris, I know that unlike most authors, you didn't just get a wild idea and start writing. Before you started your Cepak series, you studied James Patterson's success. What sorts of decisions did you make? How have they worked for you? … [Read more...] about Keep It Spare and Lean: An Interview with Chris Grabenstein
How to Protect Your Library–Books Are Meant to be Loved
Reading to my dogs. Note the "red eyes." Sigh. Am I really demonic? In this Sunday's New York Times, someone wrote into the Social Q's column with a question that illustrates life as we know it. Seems that "Anonymous in Vermont" had a calamity during the annual Christmas party. Thirty adults and 30 kids were in attendance. Unfortunately, one of the kids puked on Anonymous's e-reader--and ruined it. Now Anonymous wants to know, … [Read more...] about How to Protect Your Library–Books Are Meant to be Loved
