I “hired” 43 marketing experts!

As many of you know, I am a professor at George Brown College. I teach communications in the Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism. Another building on the same campus is home to the Faculty of Business. I popped by there several weeks ago and had a great chat with Tom Arhontoudis. Tom is the Coordinator for the Marketing Diploma Program. We talked at length about publishing and marketing in general and about Blood and Groom in particular. It was decided that creating marketing plans for Blood and Groom would be the final project for his Marketing students this semester.


I visited the class twice to give background and product info. The students asked a lot of very good questions. They wanted info on what I had done and what I planned to do. They asked particulars about the book and my target audience. Their assignment was two-fold: one, a written report (marketing plan) and two, a presentation.


On Wednesday April 21st, I saw all the presentations (I think there were twelve). WOW! Some of the stuff these guys came up with blew me away! Naturally, some ideas were better than others, a few ideas were good but don’t suit my purposes for the time being (maybe later...), some ideas were too expensive but may be doable down the road.


Keep in mind who these students are: They are all in the fourth semester of a three year Marketing program. I’d say most of the students are between 19 and 25 years of age. They are all pretty tech savvy; they’re up to date on various social media; in many ways, they themselves are my target market; and at a minimum, they represented a lot of word-of-mouth potential.


Some of the ideas were similar to things I’ve already done, although perhaps they offered a twist on it. They had suggestions for blogs that have thousands of daily hits from people in my target market demographic. They suggested creating an app for iPhone. They gave me many great suggestions for web redesign. Plus there were ideas for contests and cross-marekting and events.  And - not surprisingly - they offered several suggestions for Twitter and Facebook, etc.


Some of the coolest ideas were the ones that may seem a little bit out there... but what the hell, anything’s worth a try! Here are some of the highlights from the presentations:


There is a sidewalk artist, Dave Johnston, who does huge sidewalk ‘murals’ outside the Eaton Centre (mall). It might be worthwhile to talk to him about drawing the Blood and Groom cover. It could sure create a buzz.
Dave Johnston


They gave me ideas about “flash mobs”. A “flash mob” (or crowd) is hard to describe if you don’t know what it is. Wikipedia gives a good explanation here: Flash Mob


I had never heard before of Hippopost, but they do direct mailing and it’s free! They snail mail postcards for you – no cost – but the back of each postcard contains an advertisement. Hippo Post


Many of the students suggested doing some surveys to collect more solid info about who my Facebook fans/readers/buyers are. Many of the presentations suggested using Survey Monkey to create a questionnaire. This service is also free. Free Survey


Finally, Tamal, a student with a creative streak, made a new book trailer. I think it’s pretty cool. Have a look here: Very cool book trailer for Blood and Groom CHECK IT OUT!!!


I am glad I spoke to Tom about getting his Marketing students to work on Blood and Groom as their final project. Now that I’m finished teaching for a while, I will have time to start implementing some of these fantastic ideas.

Thanks to Tom A and the Wednesday afternoon Marketing group. You ROCK!

The Pick-Up Artist, A Mantra, and I See Dead People

One thing about book events is that you meet lots of people.  This is generally a good thing... except when it's not...


Anybody can wander into a store or a library.  When you're trying to sell books and build an audience, you've got to chat with people.  I have had some neat conversations with aspiring writers, bookworms, poets and mystery fans.  All good, all cool, some more than others.


And then you get the weirdos and time bandits.


Time bandist are easier.  They yak your ears off for 20 minutes and have no intention of buying the book.  Hopefully, though, they will tell  friends or relatives about meeting you and those people will buy the book.  Hopefully...


Okay, so that's the easy part of things... and then...


This weekend, I did three store events.  At the first store event, a well spoken, seemingly friendly man started chatting to me about writing and kept yammering away for a good long while.  It soon became clear that writing was of little interest to him.  He was trying to pick me up!  He wandered off for a while, then came back, feigned interest in my book, asked me to go for a drink, etc. etc. etc.  Wandered away, came back, suggested wine afte rthe signing... Um... no thanks... I don't use book signings as a clever way to meet men.  YIKES!


Then there was this lady who politely talked books with me for a few minutes.  She seemed kind of cool and New Age or Hippie, and seemed genuinely interested in my book, until... She asked if I am spiritual, if I meditate, and whether I have a mantra or not.  I said no.  So she gave me my very own mantra.  It's Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu - sung at a rather high and steady note for about a minute and a half.  I think it means good fortune or go away or  please buy my book or something.  Dunno.


Then there was the lady today who said she is a medium for dead or missing children.  She consulted/communed with/contacted the cover of my book and told me the second book would do much better than the first one.   Uh, okay, thanks, have a nice day...


So, that was my weekend.  Book sales are steady, very encouraging.  Blood and Groom is in a SECOND PRINT RUN!!!  So, I'll contnue to do store and library events and will meet all kinds of people.  Perhaps some of them will be inspirations for future characters!!!

A Book Signing... OMG!!!! What should I wear?!?!?!

So, I am still trudging along with book signings at the big box book stores almost every Saturday and Sunday.  It's fun and busy and I'm learning as I go.  There's one thing I hadn't given much thought to, though, until this morning: What should I wear?


Most of my book events of late have been squeezed in between work/school/social functions or commitments, so I've left home in the mornings dressed to suit all two or three appointments/engagements throughout the day.


Today was an easy day, however.  I had nothing "piggy-backed" on to today's book signing, and as I got ready to go, I found myself befuddled as to what to wear...


Should I look "authorish"?  I think that means something halfway between professorial and librarian.  Or perhaps "authorish" means Boho chic...  For a guy, I picture a tweedy blazer with leather patches on the elbows.

But what should women wear to signings?  The tone of my book is fast and funny, sassy and sexy, so a serious look or a suit doesn't seem to fit.  It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to dress like one of the characters in the book, but that would possibly only be effective with people who have read the book...?


Another thing I wonder about is hair and make-up.  Today I skipped the paint-by-number face and had the hair in a ponytail.  That's very natural and very "me", but I wonder if readers expect an author to look a certain way?

The only thing I am sure of as I go along is that I have greater success if I stand next to the signing table and say hello as people walk by.  They're more likely to chat (and buy!) than if I am seated behind a desk (I guess it seems I'm more approachable this way...).  So, because I stand for most of the time I'm at a signing, I have learned that comfy shoes are essential!

What I Learned At Tonight's Book Event

I did an event tonight with two other authors: Caro Soles and Rick Blechta.  This was my first multi-author event and I was lucky to be paired with two established writers.


Caro Soles has written and edited a number of mysteries, such as A Tangled Boy, Drag Queen in the Court of Death, Blood on the Holly; plus fantasy and other works.  http://www.carosoles.com/


Rick Blechta is the author of several mysteries, including The Lark Ascending, Cemetery of the Nameless, and A Case of You.  http://www.rickblechta.com/


So, these two know the ropes about events and readings and signings.  I learned a thing or two from a couple of seasoned pros.


1.  When it comes to reading from your own book, you can read any part; you need not begin at page one.


2.  Unless you're good at doing voices, select a passge that doesn't contain a lot of dialogue.


3.  If doing events with other authors, don't be shy about shamelessly promoting them - give them a shout out... it's pay itself back :)


4.  It may be worthwhile to get someone to read with you (i.e. if the passage has a lot of dialogue).


5.  Not all bookstores are created equally.  Authors will tell you - based on their own experiences - which stores do more to promote you and to publicize the event.


6.  When doing a reading, don't be afraid to skip parts.  Some words, sentences or paragraphs sound fine when you read silently, when it's just in your head, but don't work as well with a live audience.


So, there you go.  The bottom line - if you're a new author - is BE A SPONGE!  Soak up all the tidbits and advice established authors offer.  You never know what's going to work, but it's sure nice learning from those with experience.

Signings and Wannabe Writers

I have been doing a number of signings and library events over the last while.  They've all gone pretty well.  It's fun to meet folks, and to talk about the book.  People have generally been interested, enthusiastic, supportive and all around really good. 

However, I have to let loose with a minor ketch...

At almost every event, there is an aspiring writer who has lots of questions.  Now, I am more than happy to share my experiences and to give whatever bits of advice I have, but...

I remember reading a great book on writing ,publishing and editing called:

78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published

and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might

- By Pat Walsh

It was a great book and I learned a lot from it.  In it, he (I assume Pat is a he) describes a meeting with a wannabe writer - a friend of a friend situation.  He agreed to meet with the aspiring author.  Turns out, the person only had ideas for a book, but had not actually written anything.

Now, I get it! 

Some girl at the signing I did this weekend monopolized my time for a good 20 minutes.  I am not an expert on how to write or how to get published, but she decided to pick my brain.  (I'm not sure there's much there to pick, but that's another story...)

I was a bit irked - I was in the store to sell books, after all (sold 15, so I guess that's okay).  I am still trying to build a reputation, develop an audience and all that.  I am happy to share my own experiences, but of course every situation and story is different.  Anyhow, this girl kept pushing and badgering me and seemed angry that I wouldn't tell her THE SECRET to getting published.  

Finally, I asked her about her writing.  Turned out (drum roll please) that she had not written anything yet, she just had an idea for a book. 

Now I totally get the Pat Walsh anecdote.

And - I have to say this even if it is cranky - I think it was kind of schmucky of her to gab with me for so long and then not to even buy my book.  Kind of rude, IMO.

Recent Reads: Books on Words and Language

I have been meaning to write this post for a while, but was unsure what the "angle" would be.  I have long had a fascination with the English language and how and why it is the way it is.  I am intrigued by the changes in it over time, by nuances and subtleties, by its travels around the globe, and by the fact some call it "the Wal-Mart" of languages. 

Part of my interest comes from being a teacher (of grammar, essay writing, English as a Second Language, business communications and so on), but I think these books have helped me more as a writer than as an English teacher. 

I have read several books on English and what it's all about, where it's been, and where it's going.  The five below are some of my absolute faves - the ones I will pick up now and again, and flip through just for fun.

Each is fun and fascinating, all are targeted at a general audience (my interest in language wanes when it becomes academic, and starts to feel like work rather than leisure), there are good bits of humour here and there, and each of the five has a good tone.

Check them out.  They helped me as much as any rule book/thesaurus/writing guide ever did... perhaps more.


Spoken Here: Travels among Threatened Languages, by Mark Abley

 
The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary,
by Simon Winchester
 

 
 
Expletive Deleted: A Good Look at Bad Language, by Ruth Wajnryb
 
 

 
Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue, by John Mcwhorter
 
 

 
Mother Tongue, by B. Bryson

New cover look for Penguin Classics

Penguin has created new covers for eight of the books in their "Classics" series.  The covers feature text, specifically quotes from the novels themselves.

The covers are all done in black & white (Penguin) and red (in support of AIDS awareness).  I think they are stylistically striking, and the colour scheme is eye catching to me.  Have a look at all eight covers here: 

http://creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2010/march/penguin-and-red-covers


Not everyone loves the new covers, though, such as the post at the following link: 


http://blogs.forbes.com/booked/2010/03/04/covered-penguin-classics-pretentious-new-book-jackets/  

I happen to like them very much.  I think the idea behind them is good, I like the various layouts and fonts, and I think the "spillover" to the red bottom border is great. 

How much do you think covers have to do with sales?

Do you ever model characters on real people?

People often ask me about characters and real people.  They want to know if So and SO was based on (insert name of friend, colleague, relative here). 


I wouldn't say any character is based on any one real person.  However, some characters were

inspired or partly inspired by real people.  What I may do is give a character a certain relative's quirks or mannerisms, and a physical description similar to a friend, plus the aptitudes of a colleague.  Often the inspirations will be people I knew long ago, or people I did not know well, such as a teacher from grade school, or the teller I see regularly at the bank. 


As well, when I am trying to flesh out a character - give them a background, hobbies, phobias, experiences and so on - I often think of what people I know have said and done.  In Blood and Groom there is a mention that a character had once one trekking in the Himalayas.  That came out of hearing of an acquaintance's trip, but that's as far as it went.  The character in this case is male - the real person is female, the duration of the trip, time of year and all that were different.  In another situation, a character eats something that I never would, but had heard about from a friend. 


Another thing that I will draw on from people I know is references to pets.  I've never had any (wish I could, but I have allergies, damn...)  So, I may insert my friend's rambunctious puppy or my neighbour's parrot (who sits on her head all the time!).


I think as writers, we sort of observe day-to-day life, and see the story in it, or the appeal of it in creating a character, or a plot line, or a snippet of dialogue.


What do you think?

FUN FUNERAL TRIVIA

Some unusual rituals about death:

In ancient Rome, when someone was on their death bed, the eldest male relative would lean in close, inhale and catch the last breath of the dying person.

According to the great Greek historian Herodotus, the Calatians ate their dead. It was thought to be the family’s sacred duty. Queen Artemisia apparently mixed the ashes of her lover with wine and drank it.

In the Scottish highlands the deceased were buried with a small amount of salt and soil placed on their chests. The soil symbolized that the body decays and becomes one with the earth. The salt symbolizes the soul and like the soul does not decay or die.

In Northern Vietnam the deceased are buried in the land on which they lived. They are generally laid to rest in the middle of a rice paddy. After two years, the deceased's family digs up the body, cleans all the bones, and then re-buries the body in the family garden.

Who needs fertility drugs when you have a death shroud? In Madagascar, people dig up their dead relatives for a ceremony called famadihana. They parade the bones around the village and then bury the remains in a new shroud. The old shroud is given to childless newlyweds who place it on their bed.

Thralls were often sacrificed during a Viking funeral so that they could serve their master in the next world.

I couldn't make up this stuff!

I heard about a strange and horrible robbery here in Toronto yesterday.  A couple of jerks walked into a hospital and pretended to be visiting a sick friend.  They wandered into the room of an old and dying woman and stole her jewellery.  Yes, from her death-bed.  They will no doubt get caught (security cameras have their pictures and they've been splashed all over the local press).


So, I looked in to other jaw-dropping crimes and came across a website called Clumsy Crooks http://www.clumsycrooks.com/ .  Sure enough, it has the death-bed heist mentioned, but also some other eye-rolling and head-scratching crimes, like:

• the dentist who used paper clips instead of stainless steel rods in dental surgery
• a man who showed up drunk at his DUI hearing
• a man paying his crack dealer with Monopoly money
• a woman who called police because of suspiscious noises... that turned out to be her vibrator
• newlyweds who spent their first night of wedded bliss in jail

If I tried to put  these kinds of stories in a novel, the publisher would probably reject the manuscript and/or readers would find the plot hard to swallow.


Yes, truth really is stranger than fiction!

MIA and trudging along...

Hey there,


I've been MIA the last little while.  A combination of busy as hell at my full-time job (college prof... midterms...yikes) and doing book events (or planning book events) when I can.


Long before I was published, a writer acquaintance said the real work comes after the writing.  She meant all the promo stuff and all the effort that entails.  I'm not complaining, but I now get what she meant! 


The events themselves are usually fun and it's nice to talk to people about my book, about writing and so on.  The only bummer is if an event doesn't draw a crowd... but I guess that will happen at times - despite efforts to publicize the reading or whatever it is.


One thing I hadn't really expected is how hard and how easy it is to arrange an event, whether a library or a retail venue.  In some cases, it's all arranged in minutes via an email or two.  Date, time, place - poof!  Done!  See you soon.  In other cases, it's a series of calls, emails and faxes (who faxes anymore???) and a week or two before things get confirmed (or not).  I wish there were a recipe for this!


The one thing I am finding helpful and very supportive is local media, whether print or televised.  Community papers seem glad to cover events in their neighbourhoods, and local cable channels are eager to meet with you as well.


All in all, this has been one heck of a learning curve!

Invisible PR

Well, the bright side is that I am slowly getting some publicity... the not so bright side is that (for all intents and purposes) the little bit of publicity I have had has mostly been below the radar!

I have now done three interviews for newspapers (local ones, weekly publicatsions), plus I have now done two guest appearances on cable talk shows.

In each case, I have not been able to get a copy of the article or segment!!!  The local papers are local somewhere else (not here in Toronto) and teh  cable shows are a channel I don't  get (and they don't have an online version - ditto online for the print media).

I have emailed or called the various media people and asked if there is any way to get copies, but alas, I have not received anything yet.

It's kind of funny to know there is some publicity out there but I have no way of measuring its reach nor in seeing the final product.

Oh well, as they say: any publicity is good publicity!!

Nom de Plume

A few people asked me early on if I planned to use a pseudonym.  It never even occurred to me to do so.  I can't see why one would do so, unless an author were writing in completely different genres and trying to appeal to completely different readers.  For example, I know a mystery author who writes whodunits under her own name, but she also writes erotica... using a pen name.  'Nuff said. 

I can also even maybe understand the appeal of a nom de plume if you don't want to essentially compete with yourself, say if you have two series and the release dates are in the same season.  Mind you, this didn't affect Robert B. Parker and the Spenser-Sunny Randall-Jesse Stone novels (but then, hey, he was Robert B. Parker).

What I don't understand is when an author starts to blend the two names, as in the case with Nora Roberts and JD Robb.  I've noticed hardcovers books of hers labelled "Nora Roberts writing as JD Robb" and that seems odd to me.  It may have something to do with the publisher or with contracts or something else I have not considered...

There may also be (initial) resistance from readers who expect an author to, let's say, write gritty police procedurals... and the author may decide to give cozies a try.  I get that, really I do.

I'm wondering about this at the moment because I'm wondering what I might do if and when a new series idea comes to me...

What are your thoughts?

Library Event.... Zzzzzzzz....

Okay, I have to laugh at this!


I did a reading and Q & A at a library last weekend.  My half-brother Mike happens to work there, so he helped with the arrangements (thanks again!).  And, since this was something of a family event, our Dad came along.


Now, Dad has been supportive of me and the book.  He has bragged to his friends, he bought several copies, he came to the launch party.  Proud Papa to be sure.


I did the reading to a small crowd (only about 10 people besides my dad and Mike).  After the reading, people began asking questions - the usual, how long did it take to write Blood and Groom, was it hard to get published, etc.  Then someone asked "where did you get the ideas?" and I told the truth:  Many of the plot ideas came from Dear Old Dad.  But when I answered I said the following:


"My Dad - the guy who's fast asleep in the back row - gave me a lot of suggestions." 


Dad, clued in at that moment and woke up, startled, looked around, gave a deer in the headlights look to the group, and blushed a little.  Everyone else gave a nervous chuckle. 


So, Dad slept through the library event.  OMG....talk about feeling like a forgotten middle child ;) 


Luckily, I found it funny!

Bookgasm

I just came across this review on Bookgasm.com (learned of it via Google Alerts): 
http://www.bookgasm.com/reviews/mystery/blood-and-groom/
It's a fun and well-written review... and it's a very favourable review - here's an excerpt:


"Edmondson has a sharp and sassy style that’s deliberately not patterned noir, but a fresh and contemporary approach perfectly suited to her characters. It’s a remarkable first novel."

A great way to start the weekend!

Writing Column from today's Globe and Mail - Russell Smith

This is a neat article on what advice established authors have for aspiring writers.  Lots of it, it seems.  Interestingly (but not surprisingly), much of the advice is contradictory.  Hmmm...  what works for you?


Click The Writing Advice Industry to read the article.


I read a few books on writing when I began my first manuscript.  I came across many valuable tidbits.  I also came across a lot of drek, or at least advice that didn't seem like it would suit my needs/plot/personality (especially being told to write everyday, set aside an hour a day, etc... For me, long chunks of time - ten hours on a Sunday, for example, works best, but I digress...)


What I did find helpful, though, and I mean really helpful, was reading books on how to get published, how to query an agent/publisher, how to prepare a manuscript, and similar topics. 


I think each writer's voice is unique, as is each writer's story.  But we all work within the same industry (a surprisingly small one at that), and learning about the techniques and tricks to get your ms or query noticed was immensely valuable.  It also yeilded results.

Resources

When you're first starting out in a field or when you're learning something completely new, it's almost as if you're stumbling around in the dark.  You don't know what's out there, you don't know what questions to ask, you don't know where to get information.


Throughout the whole experience of completing my first manuscript, shopping it around, landing a contract, and having "Blood and Groom" published, I have been on one helluva learning curve!  I am amazed at all the things I didn't know, and at all the resources available.


A great starting point to get a ton of information is with the Writers' Union of Canada.  Their webpage has links about festivals, writing organizations, residencies and so on.  Check it out at:  http://www.writersunion.ca/lk_main.asp


Another equally valuable resource is the Writers' Trust of Canada.  It also has information on and links to events, contests, and other items of interest to writers.  Check it out at: http://www.writerstrust.com/links.html

Author Interview: Dorothy McIntosh

Hey mystery fans!  Here's a heads-up on an author to watch.  Dorothy McIntosh has signed a three book deal with Penguin for her Mesopotamian trilogy!  Dorothy is represented by the Bukowski Agency , and Dorothy is also actively involved in Crime Writers of Canada.   

Here's the interview!


1. You have a BA in English from the University of Toronto. What areas of literature did you most enjoy studying?




Amid rather intensive partying, student politics and other diversions, recalling all the literature I studied is a bit of a challenge! I loved the great English novelists and attended memorable lectures from Adrienne Clarkson on them. Thomas Hardy – a huge favourite, George Eliot and Dickens. Closer to the contemporary, D.H. Lawrence and F. Scott Fitzgerald were notable. I recently re-read The Great Gatsby and Thomas Mann’s Death in Venice and found them spellbinding all over again.


2. Next question – and surely you saw this coming – which areas of literature did you least enjoy studying?


I do remember having trouble with the antiquated language and syntax of earlier English authors. Edmund Spenser and John Milton would be two examples. I regret this now especially because I missed out on the great body of classic knowledge they opened doors to and now find that it’s very relevant to my writing.


3. You’ve obviously been a bookworm for many years, but what about the leap from reading to writing? Has writing been a life-long passion or dream?


From grade school on I loved writing poetry and essays but I had a real talent for drawing and painting and always assumed I would become a professional artist. Those plans faded when I had my daughter and started a planning career with City Hall. From time to time throughout that period I’d try my hand at writing but it was much more fantasy than practical reality. Being a single parent with a full time job simply did not leave me enough space to “write.” Only when I left my job could I fully concentrate on a new career and by then I knew with certainty that I wanted to become a “painter” of words on the printed page rather than on canvas.


4. You have had some early success with short stories (Hounds of Winter 2007, and A View To Die For). What was the most challenging thing about writing a full length novel?


There are so many challenging aspects to writing a novel it’s hard to pick just one out. For Hounds I do remember  the literally dozens of revisions I made to the original story and thinking at the time, well, I could never do this for a full length novel! Well guess what, I’ve lost count of the number of revisions The Witch of Babylon has gone through at this point. That requires stamina and perseverance. And you end up only seeing trees and completely lose sight of the forest. A debut author must carry through all that without any certainty the words will find a home with a publisher.  I’d also mention that cranking out a first draft, for me, is one of the single most difficult tasks. Apparently Jack London’s drafts were virtually ready for publication – the man was a genius!


5. Did you have a clear vision from the start that this would be a trilogy?


The Witch of Babylon focuses on Mesopotamian mythology so there is a certain logic to three books, each devoted to one of the great Mesopotamian cultures: Sumerian, Assyrian and Babylonian. That said, the more concrete idea for a trilogy tended to arise organically as I was writing Book One.


6. Now what about history meets mystery? Have you always been a history buff? 


Short answer? No. In fact it’s a case of “mystery meets history.” I’ve developed a strong interest in history due in part to all the historical mysteries I’ve read which do a brilliant job of making “history” come alive. A central premise of The Witch of Babylon is that myths originate with real events but their meaning changes over time depending on which culture communicates the myth. The original Sumerian story of Cain and Abel for example, differs significantly from the Judaic one. It was, in fact, an interest in mythology that first spurred my interest – adding the historical detail came much later.


7. Which authors do you think had the greatest influence on you as a writer?


For the most exceptional writing that I could never hope to emulate but am inspired by: Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses), Anne Michaels (Fugitive Pieces), Rawi Hage (De Niro`s Game), Jean Rys (The Wide Sargasso Sea) and Lawrence Durell (The Alexandra Quartet). I love poetic writing. Equally and closer to our genre - James M. Cain (Double Indemnity), Cornell Woolrich (The Night Has A Thousand Eyes), Richard Neely (Shattered), J.G. Ballard (The Drowned World).


8. In one sentence, how would you describe The Witch of Babylon?


What is the link between the ancient science of Alchemy, an Old Testament prophetic book and the great Assyrian empire – New York art dealer John Madison must uncover the secret or forfeit his life.


9. How do you research your novels?


Three words: Google, Google, Google. An absolute gold mine for any researcher; would be lost without it.


10. What is your writing routine?


I get up every day at 6 a.m., and armed with a strong cup of coffee, sit at my desk and churn out 3000 words then quit six hours later.   Ha! That is the ideal of course – in my case an absolute fabrication. If I told you my real writing routine you’d faint.


11. With whom do you share early drafts of your manuscripts? What kinds of feedback did you receive?


With my agent, close friends and my writing group. All provided excellent guidance on credibility gaps, writing style, characterization, plot points and more generally whether they felt compelled to turn those pages.


12. Every novelist has a half-written, unfinished manuscript tucked away in a drawer somewhere. Do you have any early works that you’ve orphaned, and if so why? The second part to this question is whether or not you’ll ever try to rescue an older, abandoned project?


I have one long abandoned manuscript and whenever I feel the need for a really good laugh, I take it out of the drawer. On the second question, I have several incubating short stories I’d like to get back to some time. I find the gaps of time allow me to see what’s good about them and where they need improvement more clearly. I do intend to finalize them in the future.




12. This last question may seem banal, but, really, I want to know, how has the whole Mesopotamian experience felt?  How has it changed your life (and don’t say it hasn’t because a three book deal is a doozy – every writer’s dream)?  Surely the roller coaster – from winning the Unhanged Arthur Award – to signing with Penguin – has been head spinning. Tell me about it.


I think 'head-spinning' is a very accurate description. I attended lots of ‘how to get published’seminars on the long trajectory to complete  this novel and by the time I had a respectable manuscript, the prospect of getting published seemed harder than sprinting up Mount Everest.  The first glimmer of the snow-white summit occurred when I was short listed by the estimable Crime Writers Association UK for the Debut Dagger.  Eureka moment! Things changed radically after that. I began working with a literary agent and won the Unhanged. Penguin’s endorsement arrived followed by sales to major publishers in Germany, Italy, Russia, Lithuania, Serbia and Bulgaria.


I can only say it’s been truly euphoric at times. Great luck to work with a consummate literary agent and a really skilful editor. Gratitude for all those who’ve helped me. I’ve gained a lot of confidence but I must point out, the jury awaits. The only test that really matters is whether the reading audience gives The Witch of Babylon gains their stamp of approval. That is ahead.


And there we have it folks!  Thank you Dorothy!

Bleeeep!!! The F-word

One of the first reviews of "Blood and Groom" was posted on the Dorothy L listserv by Don Longmuir of Scene of the Crime books.  It was a nice review, rather complimentary, except for one thing (sort of):  Longmuir mentioned that there were some, ahem, four letter words in the book.  He went on to say that the swearing wasn't gratuitous, and that it did indeed fit the character/the scene, and that the salty language didn't bother him. 


But, his comment made me wonder:  What do readers in general think of naughty words?  Do readers steer clear of effing authors who effing swear?  Do readers make alowances for four letter words when they're used by the bad guys or when naughty words clearly fit the character?  And, as a writer, would you sacrafice you voice (the character's voice) to please your audience (and your publisher)?


Just effing wondering ;-)

Famous/Funny Epitaphs

"The best is yet to come." Frank Sinatra 

"That's all, folks!" Mel Blanc

"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Winston Churchill

"She did it the hard way." Bette Davis

“Curiosity did not kill this cat." Studs Terkel

"I told you so, you damned fools." H. G. Wells


Mock Epitaphs

“This is on me.” Dorothy Parker

“Pardon me for not getting up.” Ernest Hemingway

“This is all over my head.” Robert Benchley

“I knew if I stayed around long enough, something like this would happen.” George Bernand Shaw

Conferences and Conventions

I'm starting to think about writers' conferences and convenions (and similar events)...  I have never before gone to one.  I have always wanted to go to "Bloody Words" - the one and only mystery fiction convention in Canada (usually held in Toronto).  For years, I just couldn't make it, but this time I'm in!  I've already registered and paid, and I am really looking forward to it.


But what about other conventions and conferences?  I know there are several that pertain to crime fiction, held in various milieux around the USA (Bouchercon, Killer Nashville, Sleuthfest, Left Coast Crime, and so on). 


I recognize  that conventions can be a lot of fun and a great way to network or to meet fans.  However, some of them get rather expensive, especially if you plan to attend more than just one or two.  Besides the enrty fees, there are also travle and lodging expenses, plus plus plus.


On the other hand, perhaps the connections made, or the sales generated, or the word of mouth created make it all worthwhile.


What are your own experiences with conferences and conventions?

Facebook Fan Page

I was slow to adopt use of Facebook, whether as a business tool or as a personal tool. However, I have changed my tune and now see the usefulness of using Facebook for promotion.

The Fan Page is separate from my personal page. Good. My initial worry was that friends and family would get inundated with book promo postings, but this hasn't been the case.

http://www.facebook.com/sashajacksonmysteries

(You can open the page without being signed in to Facebook, and can do so even if you do not have a Facebook account. Facebook gives you a free vanilty URL once you get 100 fans).

There are, of course, many benefits to having a "Fan Page." It's a fun way to reach an audience you may not otherwise have tapped into. You can get demographics and stats about who your fans are (just general demographics - no stats are linked to individuals by name). It's also handy for planning events such as readings & signings.

I have no idea if Facebook and Fan Pages lead to sales in the end, but the page is certainly great for at least getting your name out there.

R.I.P. Robert B. Parker...

I just saw the news online that one of the GIANTS in mystery fiction has passed away. Robert B. Parker, 77, author of the much loved "Spenser" series, plus many other fiction and academic works.

I don't think any writer influenced me more than Parker did. Much of the work I did for my MA was on mystery fiction. I read early essays by Parker, I wolfed down every Spenser novel, I referenced or quoted Parker/Spenser more than any other source.

I studied his novels and learned a lot about writing from them. The settings were great, the pace was just right and the characters... oooh... the characters: Spenser, of course, and Hawk! and Tony Marcus and all the recurring characters.

I will truly miss being able to run out to buy the latest Spenser release and then curling up in bed with a good mystery.

Thank you Robert B. Parker for all the stories and enjoyment. You shall be missed by many.

Book Judging & Book Awards

I’m more than a little curious to hear what you folks have to say on today’s topic: Crime Fiction Awards. What do they mean?

As you likely know, there are all sorts of awards for writing, from the “high-brow” awards for capital “L” literature, such as the Man Booker, National Book Award, PEN Award, Pulitzer, and so on. Then, of course, there are several genre-specific awards, for everything from romance, to western, to sci-fi.

For crime and mystery fiction there are several honours, including:

• The Edgar Awards, given by Mystery Writers of America
• The Hammett Prize, given by The International Association of Crime Writers
• The Dagger Awards, given by The Crime Writers’ Association
• There’s also The Anthony, The Agatha, The Nero, The Shamus, The Macavity; plus awards for sub-genres, such as cozy, thriller, romantic suspense, and on and on.

The first thing I wonder about is what these awards mean to readers, including book retailers and librarians. Do people make a point of watching for the announcements of shortlists and winners? Will an award prompt you to try a new author and/or a type of mystery you may not normally read? If you are a bookseller or librarian, do you routinely stock up on award winners?

Part of my curiosity stems from the fact that there are just so many books to choose from, and there is so much information out there about which books to curl up with (reviews in newspapers, and on Amazon, various blogs, Good Reads, etc.). With all these resources – all of which are accessible and immediate – why wait for an annual award...?

However, the above is only part of the reason for my curiosity. I have many more direct reasons for thinking out loud about crime fiction (and other) awards.

I am an author member of Crime Writers of Canada (CWC). Like other mystery fiction organizations, Crime Writers of Canada offers an annual award for excellence in crime writing. The awards are called the Arthur Ellis Awards (the pseudonym for Canada’s official hangman!)

The Arthur Ellis Awards (AE) are given in seven categories, including Best Novel, Best Debut Novel, Best Young Adult and so on.

Each category has three judges. The judges read each of the submissions for their category, and then they must come up with a shortlist for what they consider to be the five best books in their category. They must then choose one winner from the shortlist. There’s a party in early April to announce the shortlists, and then in June the winners are announced at the AE Awards dinner.

Like other writers’ organizations, CWC is a non-profit; much of their funding comes from membership dues. And, like several writing awards, the AE awards involve recognition, prestige, publicity... but not much in the way of cold hard cash, sigh... There are expenses involved in running the awards, though, not the least of which is shipping and delivery of all these books to all the different judges (who could be in any part of Canada).

Now here’s what you probably don’t know: many book awards and book contests have an entry fee, which is usually paid by the publisher when they submit your book(s).

I can understand that entry fees offset administration and other charges, and I suppose that charging a fee would ensure (to some extent) that only serious submissions are entered.

The fee to enter the AE is $35 (plus three copies of the book). Other mystery awards have no fee, and other literary awards (Stephen Leacock Awards) charge up to $100 to enter (plus TEN copies of the book or books).

The AE submission fee of $35 has created a bit of a stir among Canadian crime writers. Some feel this fee is too high (the fee was only $25 last year), especially when added to the cost of sending copies of the books.

So, what do you folks think of this? Should book awards have an entry fee? If you were an author and your publisher was unwilling to pay the fee, would you pay it yourself? And what about self-published authors? They don’t have a publisher who may (or may not) foot the bill.

Finally, do you think winning an award makes that much of a difference in overall sales?

I look forward to reading your comments!

Book promotion article from NY Times

Hi Folks,

This is a quickie post. I have to share this essay I read in this morning's New York Times Books section. Some great ideas about promoting your book. Have a look; it's a really good article!


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/17/books/review/Elliott-t.html?ref=books