Oh Where, Oh Where has my launch gone? by Debra H. Goldstein

Oh Where, Oh Where has my launch gone? by Debra H. Goldstein

June 28 is the release date from Kensington of my fifth Sarah Blair novel, Five Belles Too Many. As I write this blog, three days before it will appear on the Stiletto Gang blog, I have yet to confirm a physical launch location (which would be in mid-July). That’s unusual for me.

 

When One Taste Too Many, the first book in the series, was published, there was a table at Barnes & Noble at the Summit in Birmingham and not only did I have the initial signing there, but two nights later, I had an indie signing at Little Professor. Both were successes and the events were repeated when Two Bites Too Many was released. And then, a few weeks later, after I had additional live signings in Alabama, as well as in California, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado, the world shut down because of Covid.

 

We weren’t sophisticated with virtual panels and signings during the height of Two Bites Too Many’s

release, but we definitely were by the time Three Treats Too Many and Four Cuts Too Many were published. I crisscrossed the country doing zoom presentations. It wasn’t the same as being able to sign books live for readers, but it did give me an opportunity to partner with writers I adore from other parts of the country for the same presentation. I was sure by the time, Five Belles was published, I’d be able to have a launch similar to my first ones, but that isn’t the case.

 

B&N in my area of the world has not returned to live signings. Our indies are beginning to do events, but with certain health protocols still being followed. I am in limbo. I’m ready to meet fans in person again, but I’m not jumping through hoops to make the live signing happen. Instead, I’m taking a step back and watching and waiting, figuring the official live launch may be replaced by smaller bookstore gatherings in July and August.

 

In one way, it is a shame. Five Belles Too Many is my second favorite book in the series. In it, Sarah is forced to chaperone her mother when Maybelle is a finalist to win the perfect Southern wedding. When the reality TV show’s producer is found dead with Sarah’s greatest nemesis kneeling by the body, Sarah must find the true killer before any more of the contestants or crew are permanently eliminated. 

Because of the humor and nature of the book it would be fun to interact with a live audience, but that’s not to be. In the meantime, I’m going ahead with virtual plans, including a takeover of Joanna Slan’s Readers on June 20 and an incredibly special Summer Blast/New Release Party with three other cozy authors, Terry Ambrose, Maggie Toussaint/Volana Jones, and Nancy J. Cohen, on June 28 from 7-8 EST. I’ll also be participating in a Great Escapes Tour (June 17-30) and visiting other blogs including The Wickeds, Jungle Red Writers, Chicks on the Case, Dru’s Book Musings, and Mystery Lovers Kitchen. The fun part of the parties and blogs for readers is that there will be plenty of prizes to be won. I’ll also be offering additional prizes if you are a newsletter subscriber (you can sign up on my website – https://www.DebraHGoldstein.com ).

 

For more chances to read reviews, win prizes, and find out how Five Belles is taking off, don’t forget to visit me on:

Twitter: @DebraHGoldstein,

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DebraHGoldsteinAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debrahgoldstein/ , or

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debra-h-goldstein .

 

Or, make my day by pre-ordering a copy of Five Belles Too Many from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite indie bookstore. We’ll call it being part of the silent launch.

 

How do you feel about not having as many live signings? 

Come Read-A-Long with Me

Come Read-A-Long with Me by Debra H. Goldstein

I’m excited! Five Belles Too Many, which will be released on June 28, 2022. In anticipation, I’m throwing a multi-month celebration virtual Read-A-Long to give readers an opportunity to discuss each of the books in the Sarah Blair series and to ask this author anything you ever wanted to know.

 

In March, we discussed One Taste Too Many. The session was a huge success. Not everyone who was on the Zoom call had read the book, but it didn’t matter. We talked about concepts, themes, and why I did certain things without giving away any of the plot spoilers.

 

The next Read-A-Long, on April 19, features the second book in the series, Two Bites Too Many. Subsequent months will cover the next books until we pop the cork and celebrate the birth of Five Belles Too Many in July 2022. To join in the fun email me at DHG@DebraHGoldstein.com to get the study guide and the zoom link. Put on your calendar:

 

When: April 19 – Two Bites Too Many

May 17 – Three Treats Too Many

June 21 – Four Cuts Too Many

July 19 – Five Belles Too Many

Time: 7 PM CST/ 8 PM EST (and you can figure out the rest)      

 

The remainder of the series, Three Treats Too Many, Four Cuts Too Many, and of course, Five Belles Too Many, will be our topics for the May, June, and July sessions. The goal is to have fun and gain a better understanding of these books culminating in the month when Five Belles is published.

I mentioned above that I am celebrating the journey of the Sarah Blair series, and I am. I have had a blast writing Sarah, the woman who is more afraid of the kitchen than murder, but more importantly, it has been a joy getting to know you, the readers.

 

Want to catch up on Sarah Blair so you’re ready for the big finish in July? You can pre-order Five Belles. start at the beginning of the series (Amazon has the e-version of One Taste Too Many on sale for $1.99) or come in any week you want as the books, while a series, each standalone. Sarah, RahRah, and Fluffy hope to see you on April 19^th to talk about Two Bites Too Many!

Killer Workshop Features Short Story Authors and Dream Editing Giveaway

by Paula Gail Benson

If you’re looking for an online conference featuring talented and experienced short story authors (not to mention the opportunity to sign up for a dream editing giveaway), check out the Killer Workshop Virtual Event, taking place on Saturday, May 14, 2022, and jointly sponsored by the Palmetto Chapter and Capitol Crimes Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

The participants include:

E.A. Aymar

E.A. Aymar writes fast-paced thrillers as well as a monthly column, “Decisions and Revisions,” that appears in the Washington Independent Review of Books. He also runs the Noir at the Bar series for Washington, D.C., and has featured many short story writers in its virtual format.

Carla Damron

Carla Damron, author of The Stone Necklace, winner of the 2017 Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s Star Award, and the Caleb Knowles mystery series, also is an accomplished short story writer, whose work has appeared in Fall Lines, Offbeat Literary Magazine, Jasper, In Posse Literary Review, Six Minute Magazine, Melusine, and Jenny Magazine.

 

Debra H. Goldstein

Debra H. Goldstein’s short stories, which have been named Agatha, Anthony, and Derringer finalists, have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly, Malice Domestic Murder Most Edible, Masthead, and Jukes & Tonks. 

The Keynote Speaker, New York Times #1 internationally bestselling author of 23 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series, is Gregg Hurwitz. His short stories are in the following anthologies: First Thrills, Hint Fiction, Uncage Me, Meeting Across the River, Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night, and Show Business is Murder.

Roger Johns

Roger John’s short fiction has been published by Saturday Evening Post, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Mystery Weekly Magazine, Dark City Crime & Mystery Magazine, Yellow Mama, and Viral Literature: Alone Together in Georgia.

 

Terrie Farley Moran

Terrie Farley Moran’s short mystery fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, and various anthologies. She has been short-listed twice for the annual Best American Mystery Stories. And her story, “A Killing at the Beausoleil” was nominated for an Agatha Award for Best Short Story.

Charles Todd

In addition to over thirty titles including two stand-alone novels, Charles Todd has published an anthology of short stories and over twenty short stories appearing in mystery magazines’ and anthologies worldwide.

To register for the virtual Killer Workshop, the early bird rate is $25. After March 31, the virtual event rate is $35. (NOTE: the virtual event is available for viewing until July 31, 2022.)

Here’s a link to register: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Workshop

By checking out the information about the Killer Workshop, you can sign up for a dream editing giveaway at: https://capitolcrimes.wildapricot.org/Dream-Editing-Giveaway (If you register for the workshop, you are automatically entered in the giveaway!)

The editors contributing their services for the giveaways are Terri Bischoff and Barb Goffman.

Terri Bischoff

Terri Bischoff is the current Senior Editor for Crooked Lane Books. Terri’s previous experience includes 10 years spent as acquiring editor at Midnight Ink, publishing 36-40 books a year during her time there.

 

Barb Goffman

Barb Goffman is a short story author and a freelance crime-fiction editor. She’s won the Agatha Award twice and has also taken home the Macavity, Silver Falchion, and 2020 Readers Award given by Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine. She’s been a finalist for major crime-writing awards thirty-five times for her stories, including sixteen Agatha Award nominations (a category record), and multiple nominations for the Anthony, Macavity, and Derringer awards.

Love and Humor is in the Words

Love and Humor is in the Words by Debra H. Goldstein

Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. Cards and chocolates are flying off the shelves; flowers are being delivered. Here and there, on bent knee with ring in hand, there are even a few proposals of marriage being offered and accepted. It’s nice, but sometimes, there’s fun to be had at the expense of “love.” That’s exactly what I do in my upcoming Sarah Blair book, Five Belles Too Many.

 

I will admit that my NY editor loved the book and I giggle just thinking about different things in it. The premise of a reality show where the prize is a perfect wedding is simple. The complications are that the story is set in fictional Wheaton, Alabama and the wedding is being dubbed the perfect Southern wedding. Although different vendors are vying to be chosen for their invitations, flowers, food, and venue, the conflict comes from the finalists.

 

There are five finalist couples, who each represent a different segment of the population or

demographic. Being Alabama, there must be a couple who pull for Alabama and another who are die-hard Auburn fans. Mixing things up also requires a pure as the land couple (think Beverly Hillbillys) and one with a more goth edginess. The fifth couple is the charmer, though. That couple is Sarah Blair’s sixty plus mother, Maybelle, and her friend, George, who is a decade older than Maybelle. If you’ve read earlier Sarah Blair books, particularly Two Bites Too Many, you know Maybelle is feisty and well able to care for herself; but, all belles in the competition must have a chaperone.

 

That’s where Sarah come in. It seems silly to have a sixty plus bride-to-be with two grown daughters chaperoned, but rules are rules. So, twenty-eight-year-old Sarah is drafted as her mother’s chaperone. And that’s where the fun and humor begin.

 

Although I may be prejudiced, Five Belles Too Many was the most fun to write and one I think will keep you chuckling while also enjoying the more serious plotline. Five Belles Too Many will be published in June 2022 but is already available for pre-order. One of the reasons I think I enjoyed delving into the reality show world was that years ago, I was a Jeopardy contestant (and no, I didn’t have a streak like Amy’s). Were you ever on a reality show?

Resolutions? by Debra H. Goldstein

Resolutions? by Debra H. Goldstein

January 14. Two weeks since 2022 began. If you are like me, two weeks is more than enough time to have broken every resolution you made or contemplated making. That’s why, this year I didn’t make any resolutions. Instead, I decided to roll with the flow.

 

How’s that going? I’m not sure. I seem to be weaving down a lot of different paths. Some of them are fun to explore, but many are dead ends. Of course, even when I know which way I’m going, there have been many unforeseen obstacles ranging from the soaring Omicron numbers to realizing my new sneakers look pretty but don’t fit my orthotics and feet well for extended walking.

 

My writing seems to be following the same pattern as my life. Instead of resolving to write a set number of words a day or so many stories a month, I’ve been letting the muse guide me. How’s that going? Not well. I’m playing a lot more solitaire than I should be. What’s worse, I’m repeatedly surfing the net to see if there are any unread news stories, touching human interest articles, or exciting things reported by friends.

 

The latter makes me happy for them; but, if they are writers, it also prompts a little jealousy. Why are they getting things accomplished and I’m not? I guess they made resolutions that they are carrying through. There are still fifty weeks in 2022. I think there’s still time for me to make and act on a few resolutions. What about you?

 

An Open Letter to Stiletto Gang Readers from Debra H. Goldstein

Dear Stiletto Gang Readers,

I’m one of those people who still writes Holiday Letters and shoves them into my Seasons Greetings cards that are sent to friends I haven’t seen in years, but still feel close to. You are a different breed of folks, but I, as well as the other members of the Stiletto Gang, have a special affinity with you.

 

You fulfill our dreams by reading the words we write. At the very moment we feel down or lost, one of you posts a good review, sends a postcard or e-mail, or makes a social media comment that lifts our spirits up. Your support of our work keeps us actively involved in an unpredictable business world.

 

It is a world of editor and publisher subjectivity balanced by dollar signs. Very few of us become New York Times bestselling authors, but you give us the incentive to continue writing even if our expenses outweigh our profits. All writers want to make money, but the reality is that they don’t. In fact, many authors could make far more by ignoring the voices in their heads that demand to be expressed. Are we insane or, as some think, simply stupid?

 

I think the answer boils down to one word: passion. We have a passion to write that can’t be quelled. Luckily, when it does dim, you rekindle it. Thank you and happy holidays. Debra  

An Exercise in Motivation

An Exercise in Motivation by Debra H. Goldstein

People who exercise have always fascinated me. One of my friends thinks she’s in heaven if she gets two long walks in during a day; another one can’t survive without at least four yoga classes a week; one installed a dance bar and mirror in her home because ballet moves make her happy; and, then there’s the one who doesn’t feel satisfied unless he does an equipment circuit followed by at least a mile of laps in the pool. Although I like these people, I don’t understand them.

Exercise does not send little happy messages to my brain. It doesn’t make my aches and pains of aging go away. Rather, it usually increases them - like the time I raised my arm over my head and tore my rotator cuff. Despite various promises to myself that I will exercise, I usually can find an excuse to avoid it.

The pandemic proved to be a great excuse. After all, we were told to stay out of crowded places where people touched everything. That took care of the gym. We were told to wear masks. A bathing cap is one thing, but the thought of breathing through a soggy mask in the pool was too gross to even try. Rain and cold weather precluded outdoor walking (at least for me – you should have seen my diehard neighbor in her Northern long winter coat, earmuffs, and gloves breaking a sweat). But, I knew I had to make an effort.

So, after much TV watching of people sitting on a couch and peddling what looked like an elliptical that lost its top, I ordered one. It is cute and neither it nor the pad to keep it from sliding on the floor take up much room in my office. To motivate myself, I said I could watch a show with talking heads (and the time in the corner of the screen) only if I was peddling. It worked until the night I was too tired to do anything except watch from the comfort of my oversized large chair.

Eventually (several days later), I forced myself to go back to my routine. Things seemed to be going reasonably well with my modified exercise program (it wasn’t daily because, as I told myself, my body needed to only be stressed alternate days), until disaster struck. I went to move my Cubii Jr and somehow I picked up the slip pad, the telephone rang, I dropped the pad, and when I came back, I discovered the pad had dropped draping the machine like a shroud. I haven’t had the heart to move it.

There are times that my motivation to write is like my desire to exercise – shrouded. All the carrots I dangle in front of myself – I have a good idea, it’s nice to see a piece accepted, this is why you left your day job, so you really should put some effort into it, are meaningless. The adage of just putting my bottom in my chair and writing only works as far as where I place my derriere.

I tell myself that not writing, like not exercising, is bad for me. My mind counters that by noting I’m still alive, so not exercising hasn’t compromised me too much. But then, I realize it has. I weigh more and lack the stamina for going up hills or walking long distances that I had a few years ago. I understand that if I don’t start moving, there won’t be as many options for me to move in the future. It’s the same with my writing. If I don’t do it, the momentum I’ve started building will die and the ideas will shrivel in my brain. Not a pleasant thought.

It’s time to start writing and then to uncover my Cubii Jr. What about you? What writing or reading goal is it time for you to uncover (and how do you feel about exercise?)?

Watch Out – the Frying Pan is Armed! by Debra H. Goldstein

We all know that I’m not Suzy Homemaker, but this time even I don’t know what I did. I hope some of you out there can tell me how I blew up my favorite frying pan.

 

As you recall, during the pandemic, I’ve cooked more in the past year than in the previous thirty-seven years of my marriage. So far, I’ve learned that if I see an F3 or an F8 in the digital portion of my stove, the oven is either on fire or I’ve blown the contraption’s brain. This time, because the stove didn’t send me a digital message that I can google, I’m at a complete loss.

 

Lately, to make my life a little easier, and because it is easy for me to follow simple directions that come with pictures, I’ve been having two to three dinners a week delivered from Home Chef. They have proven relatively easy to make and what they send seems to be of good quality and more than enough for two bulk eaters. The only thing is that rather than broiling or baking, many times they have you use a non-stick frying pan and a drop of oil to make parts of the meal.

 

Okay, picture this. I’m frying two boneless chicken breasts in a drop of oil in a non-stick pan for 5-7 minutes per side on medium heat. Suddenly, I hear a bang like a gun being shot. I have the sensation that something flew upward, but I can’t really say I saw it. I did notice the gas stove’s flame leap up a drop, but nothing alarming. With the exhaust fan turned up a notch, I continued cooking. The same thing happened again, rattling me. I couldn’t see anything that seemed out of place.

 

I plated the meal – brussel sprouts made in another pan and the two wonton breaded chicken breasts and we began to eat. Suddenly, I noticed something silver on my plate. Definitely not the color of a brussel sprout or chicken - and it was metal. Could it be a flattened bullet? I pushed it aside, checked for any more metallic items on my plate, and finding none continued eating. After the meal, I looked in the frying pan and saw a twin metal button. I examined the frying pan and realized they were the caps from inside the pan that covered the screws. They’d blown off (and probably up).

 

I’ve used this frying pan for months without being attacked or sabotaged by it. What do you think happened and is it safe to continue using the pan?

Three Things: With Debra H. Goldstein

 by Shari Randall

If you're a reader of the blog, you've made the acquaintance of the multi-faceted Debra H. Goldstein. Judge, litigator, author are just a few of the words that describe her. 

I thought it would be fun to play a game to learn a bit more about Debra, things you might not know. I stumbled upon a Facebook game called Three Things that was a lot of fun, so here's "Three Things With Debra!" I loved learning more about her, especially our shared love of pizza and dark chocolate.

Three Things You Might Not Know About Debra H. Goldstein

Three favorite foods:  Pizza, ice cream, dark chocolate
Three places I've lived: New Jersey, Michigan, Alabama
Three jobs I've had: Salesperson, litigator, judge
Three things I can't do without: Family, books, and it is a toss-up between pizza and dark chocolate
Three favorite places: Beach (any place with water), New York City (Broadway), almost anywhere in Europe (I love exploring)
Three favorite hobbies: Reading, Writing, Piano
Three things I'm looking forward to: my son's wedding; more grandchildren (this may take awhile to achieve); Four Cuts Too Many (Sarah Blair Mystery) was released on May 25, 2021, but I can't wait for Five Belles Too Many to come out in June 2022.

How about you, readers? What are three things about you that you'd like to share?

Shari Randall is the author of the Lobster Shack Mystery series. Yes, she plays too many games on Facebook. Three things about her? She loves to dance, can't do without cardigan sweaters, and writes the new Ice Cream Shop Mystery series as Meri Allen.

Interview with The Stiletto Gang's Newest Blogger - Meri Allen

Interview with The Stiletto Gang’s Newest Blogger - Meri Allen by Debra H. Goldstein

I’m delighted to introduce you to The Stiletto Gang’s Newest Blogger, Meri Allen, through this “Three Things” interview.

Meri Allen is the author of the new Ice Cream Shop mystery series. Her debut, The Rocky Road to Ruin, stars Riley Rhodes, a former librarian for the CIA who takes on management of a friend's ice cream shop in the charming New England village of Penniman, Connecticut. When a body is discovered in the barn behind the shop, Riley discovers that she has a talent for sleuthing.

Three Things with author Meri Allen:

Three favorite foods:  Tacos, strawberry shortcake, cherry vanilla ice cream from Buttonwood Farms

Three places I've lived: Connecticut, Virginia, Massachusetts

Three jobs I've had: waitress, library page, writer

Three things I can't do without: Family, books, cardigan sweaters

Three favorite places: the beach, Disney World, Venice

Three favorite hobbies: Traveling, Antiquing, Going out to eat (I'm not a cook!)

Three favorite books (non-mystery): Jane Eyre, Harriet the Spy, The Reapers Are The

Angels 

Three things I'm looking forward to: Gathering with family at the holidays (I'm a Christmas nut), Going back to the theater, The release of my second Ice Cream Shop mystery, Mint Chocolate Murder

One Thing That Might Surprise You: Meri Allen is the pen name of Stiletto Gang blogger Shari Randall, author of the Lobster Shack Mystery series.

Follow Meri on social media:

Instagram @meriallenbooks

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Meri-Allen-110203361174899

Sign up for The Scoop, Meri's newsletter chock full of New England cozy goodness and book fun. https://meriallenbooks.com

Buy the book: https://us.macmillan.com/author/meriallen/

Are there three more things you'd like to know about Meri or Shari?

 

Clicking Our Heels - Summer Vacation Preferences

CLICKING OUR HEELS – SUMMER VACATION PREFERENCES

Can you believe summer is almost over? Three more days and no more white shoes or white pants! Before summer ends, the Stiletto Gang members thought we’d share our favorite summer vacations – indoors/outdoors, beach/mountains, or staycation.

Debra H. Goldstein:  The Beach! Something about the white capped swirling water and glistening sand is my nirvana.

Anita Carter: Definitely outdoors. One of my favorite vacations was when my husband and I traveled to Hawaii for 10 days. We island hopped. We had the best time at the beach and hiking through the mountains and around the volcanos. I’d love to go again.

T.K. Thorne: I have to see the ocean regularly or something inside doesn’t get fed. Also, I live on a mountain, so I get my tree and fresh air fix every day.

Debra Sennefelder: Staycation. I really don’t like summer weather. I much prefer air conditioning.

Kathryn Lane: My husband and I spend the summers in the mountains of northern New Mexico near Taos, where we enjoy outdoor adventures as well as watching wildlife drift by from our cabin deck.

Dru Ann Love: I like sightseeing various locations, so outdoors. Staycations are good as well.

Kathleen Kaska:  It’s the beach for me – anytime.

Robin Hillyer-Miles: Beach or staycation!

Lois Winston: I much prefer a warm getaway in the winter, but I’m not a beach person. I love exploring museums, ancient sites, and foreign cities.

Linda Rodriguez: Anymore, I’m a stay-at-home person most of the time, thanks to health issues. In summer, you’ll find me inside in the air conditioning or sitting on my spacious porch, spinning or knitting and chatting with my neighbors.

Shari Randall: I’m a culture vulture, so I’d love to somewhere with great museums and theater. I live near a beach, so I’ll admit it, I’m spoiled.

Mary Lee Ashford: My summer vacation preference would be outdoors with a beach and a book! Staycations are fun but since I’ve been working from home since March 2020, I am more than ready to see some walls that aren’t my own.

Gay Yellen: Mountains. Hiking in a cool mountain forest is the best break from summer in the city.

Lynn McPherson: I love the beach and the mountains. I'm home most of the time so when vacation time rolls around I'm ready to go explore new places.

Cathy Perkins: What is a vacation these days? When I can travel again, definitely the beach!

Bringing Home the Gold (or the Silver Falchion)

Bringing Home the Gold (or the Silver Falchion) by Debra H Goldstein

The Olympics produced many discussions from what is the twisties to whether Americans have the wrong mindset in terms of medals. The reality is that we celebrate winning the gold, but don’t have the same excitement for silver or bronze. Who ever saw a bronze medalist on the “Breakfast of Champions” Wheaties box?

 

An August 9, 2012, Scientific American article, “Why Bronze Medalists are Happier Than Silver Medalists,” noted that both silver and bronze medalists focus on what might have been. The silver medalist frets about how close to winning the individual came and consequently is disappointed. The bronze medalist is happier because that winner’s comparison is the person who finished fourth-out of medal contention. The thrill for the bronze medalist is having squeaked through with a medal victory.

 

As a semi-finalist for the 2021 Silver Falchion cozy award for Three Bites Too Many, the third book in

Kensington’s Sarah Blair mystery series about a woman who is more frightened of the kitchen than murder, I am excited. I’d like to win, but I’m honest enough to admit that I’m in good company in the cozy heat. Tina deBellegarde, Kay DiBianca, Bonita Y. McCoy, Lori Robbins, Colleen J. Shogan, Maggie Toussaint, Cathy Tully, Becki Willis, and Lois Winston are all tough and worthy contenders. I’d love to hear the Killer Nashville announcer call out “Debra H. Goldstein,” but I think any of us should consider ourselves gold medalists. Why? Because somewhere and sometime this past year, the books we are nominated for brought readers joy. A medal would be nice, but what’s better than touching other people by giving them a few hours of fun and escape from their daily lives? What do you think?

 

 

Why Do You Read Blogs? by Debra H. Goldstein

Why Do You Read Blogs? by Debra H. Goldstein

In the past, I’ve written about the reasons I write blogs. Some include interacting with readers, hoping to attract new readers, sharing my thoughts in a forum that reaches more people than journaling would, and because I enjoy it.

I also subscribe to several blogs and read them religiously for their humor, insight, or because I like the people who write them. At this point, I keep telling myself that I shouldn’t sign up for another blog, but I feel an obligation to follow friends or people who interest me. Of course, if they tend to be too longwinded, I merely glance at the heading and hit delete (do you ever do that?).

 

To me, the soft spot for a blog is 300-500 words. Just enough to take in immediately. Just enough to make one major point that the reader should leave with. Although a lot of bloggers do giveaways or share personal tidbits, that’s not why I follow them (okay, maybe for the personal tidbits. Let’s be honest, I also read People magazine and TV Guide from cover to cover).

 

Why do you read blogs? Why do you follow this specific blog? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of my new Sarah Blair mystery, Four Cuts Too Many (mass market or e-book, but U.S. only). I’ll look forward to reading your answers.

Looking Forward to Mystery in the Midlands

by Paula Gail Benson

Dr. Kathy Reichs

Next weekend, on Saturday, June 26, from 10:00 am to 2:45 pm ET, the Southeast Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and the Palmetto Chapter of Sisters in Crime, are proud to present their second virtual Mystery in the Midlands. Until Covid, we gathered in Columbia, S.C., for a celebration of authors and readers. Hopefully, an in person gathering will be possible next year, but until then, we are going to delight in being with a fabulously talented group of writers and hearing what they have to tell us about their craft and lives.

Our wonderful participants include Dr. Kathy Reichs, who will be interviewed by Debra H. Goldstein (today, she talks about preparing for their talk on Writers Who Kill) and three panels that will be moderated by Dana Kaye. The panelists are Frankie Y. Bailey, Michael Bracken, and Barb Goffman, talking about short stories; Laurie R. King, Lori Rader-Day, and Caroline Todd, talking about historical mysteries; and Yasmin Angoe, Robert Dugoni, and Alex Segura, talking about suspense.

We would love for you to join us. You can register through this link. If you can't attend the program, by registering you can watch the recording. At $5, it's a bargain!

Following is a little game to match our participants with fun facts about them. See how much you know about our distinguished authors and check your results with the answers at the end.

Hope to see you on Saturday! Don't forget to register:

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/mystery-in-the-midlands-2/register?fbclid=IwAR2i_QEHxLdD3yd8WgAumPOv2lfPVQWyEQS0KsNBOdWdOz19tlI4rtbHUxM

AUTHORS

1. Yasmin Angoe

2. Frankie Y. Bailey

3. Michael Bracken

4. Robert Dugoni

5. Barb Goffman

6. Laurie R. King

7. Lori Rader-Day

8. Dr. Kathy Reichs

9. Alex Segura

10. Caroline Todd

FUN FACTS

A. Writes about contemporary and historical detectives

B. Criminal Justice Professor

C. Sales on 2 books recently passed $250K and $50K

D. Debut novel, to be released in November, has already been optioned for television

E. Expert witness at the Casey Anthony trial

F. Marketing Director for the Waco Symphony Orchestra

G. Left-handed vegan who has been to space

H. Story awarded the EQMM Readers' Award has been nominated for an Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity

I. Married on top of the Empire State Building

J. Loves traveling, history, mystery, and collaborating

ANSWERS

1. D

2. B

3. F

4. C

5. H

6. A

7. I

8. E

9. G

10. J