The Thirty-Third Issue

 

        December! The end of the calendar is in sight. People everywhere are gearing up for the holidays. That brings with it the rush to finish projects for work or school, with the goal of enjoying a break.  A few days off or a week to relax, to reflect on the last twelve months of activity and celebrate together with friends and family.  And of course, football!

          Time for my thoughts on writing, the latest work in progress, an interview with one of my popular characters, and music. If you’re hoping for Christmas carols here, you’ve come to the wrong place.

          Let’s go!

 

Writing

 

          Years ago when I first got serious about writing, no one ever warned me about the necessary evil: promoting.  I focused all my time, energy and creativity to crafting a good story.  At the urging of a professor at the local college, I was working on short stories. When I had one ready, I’d refer to a list of magazines that were accepting submissions.  The story was sent.  If it was accepted, the magazine released it and I could brag about it.

          Then I jumped to novels.  The submission process is the same and then it’s ‘hurry up and wait’ for a reaction.  I always pictured seeing one of my books on the display table at the local Barnes & Noble or some other bookstore.  But the competition for that space is fierce and usually reserved for popular names with bestsellers.

          So I’ve been learning about promoting the hard way.

          Many authors will utilize various platforms on social media to promote their work. I’ve seen some they will have at least one post every day. Others are more scattered. The authors with frequent posts may be able to schedule a week’s worth in advance or have the time available to create fresh material every day.

          I’m more inclined to hit them when the opportunity presents itself. There are many services available to authors to help them get the word out about their books. It often becomes an issue as to what kind of return on your investment an author sees.  If I choose a particular service, will it result in an increase in sales? Will the volume of sales exceed the cost of the service? Will promoting one book lead to new interest in the other books in that series? Or the other series?

          Meanwhile, I do what I can, whenever I can. That includes social media posts, this newsletter, live events and podcasts.

          And I hope for the best.

Work In Progress

          A wise man once said, ‘timing is everything’.  Lately time has been elusive for me when it comes to writing.  But I should clarify that.

          For some people, you’re not really writing unless you’re parked in front of the keyboard or sitting with a notepad in front of you and a pen in hand. They expect to spend a certain amount of time writing, or perhaps a daily goal of the number of words written.

For others, you can be in the process of writing, anywhere, anytime. Even when you’re doing something else.  I’m a certified member of this group.

          There are times when I’m driving, working out, or going for a walk and my brain will shift gears. I’ll bounce ideas for plots and subplots or bits of dialogue back and forth in my skull. Then I’ll play with that idea and get it where it feels right.

          All of this takes place before I get in front of the keyboard. Then when the opportunity presents itself, I’m ready to go. The idea jumps onto the page, often expanding beyond my original concept.

          Some would say that in such a situation, I’m always writing. You won’t get an argument from me on that.  

 

Character Interview

 

          The holidays are just around the corner. Instead of featuring another author this month, I decided to give you, fair reader, a different type of gift.  An interview with not one but two characters: Jamie Richmond and Jefferson Chene.  Here's what they may look like. 

          News: Welcome to you both

          Jamie: Thanks. I’ve been here before, but this is the first time I’ve had to share the screen with anyone. (laughs)

          Chene: Hope my presence doesn’t crowd you.

          News: Let’s clarify a few things. While you each star in your own series, there’s been a bit of crossover too.

          Chene: That’s right. I made a guest appearance…

          Jamie: Cameo. (giggles) Or maybe you could be called a minor, supporting character in the story.

          Chene: (grins and shakes his head slowly) As I was saying, it was in your second book, “Vanishing Act” that the readers first got to know me a little.

          News: Well, you both live and work in the metro Detroit area. And there’s a police presence in both series.

          Jamie: (blushes) the fact that I live with Malone, who is also a state trooper, is true.

          Chene: Let’s just say our paths have crossed on several occasions.

          Jamie: Good answer, Cowboy.

          News: Why do you call him cowboy?

          Jamie: There was a great old western movie, “Shane”.  I know, I know, it’s spelled differently, but pronounced the same way. Anyway, the lead character in the movie takes on the bad guys, saves the townspeople and then rides off into the sunset, like a typical western. There are some very similar traits here.

          Chene: (laughs) Not because I usually wear boots?

          Jamie: No! You’ve caught a lot of bad guys.

          News: Why does Jamie keep appearing in your stories, Chene?

          Jamie: Because I’m irresistible!

          Chene: (rolls his eyes) That’s part of it. But she’s also got great research skills and a volume of contacts from her years as a journalist.

          Jamie: investigative reporter.

          Chene: Jamie calls in old favors, cuts through the fluff and nonsense and gets me information that’s pertinent to an investigation. Her familiarity with law enforcement helps too.

          Jamie: (bats her lashes at him) Admit it. You just use my talents as an excuse to visit me.

          Chene: (grins) Whatever gets you through the night. Seriously though, most of the cases the squad works on are high profile, complicated and have a deadline. So Jamie’s assistance is invaluable.

          Jamie: Priceless.

          Chene: Her modesty is legendary.

          News: Do you offer such assistance to other police departments?

          Jamie: Nope. This relationship is special.  I’m only willing to do a little digging for Cowboy.

          Chene: Which is greatly appreciated.

          News: Anything on the horizon?

          Jamie: In my latest adventure “Chasing Favors” I do meet a couple members of Chene’s team. But he’s not in the picture.

          Chene: (shrugs) I was on vacation.

          News:  Chene, which of your novels does Jamie appear in?

          Chene: “Your Turn to Die” and “The Wayward Path”.

          Jamie: They’re both better because of me.

          Chene: Modesty. So unusual in a redhead.

          News: Thanks for joining me today.

Here are links to the books where the characters make guest appearances.

Vanishing Act

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190T15Y6

Your Turn to Die

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MPPYY31/

The Wayward Path

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B114JLCD

 

Music

 

          Streaming services keep the music flowing for me. I like the options with Spotify and Pandora, particularly where I can pick an artist and designate some favorite songs.  Often similar tunes will crop up that get my attention as well.

     

Lately The Traveling Wilburys’ have been featured.  This collaboration of some of history’s greatest singers/songwriters still makes me smile.  Imagine putting together a band with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.  The guitar work and vocals are amazing.

          Here’s my top five favorites from the group.

End of the Line: https://youtu.be/UMVjToYOjbM

Handle with Care: https://youtu.be/1o4s1KVJaVA

Not Alone Any More: https://youtu.be/cko3dBWiyus

Last Night: https://youtu.be/_tMxLDTMatY

She’s My Baby: https://youtu.be/BnD0H4VeHuY