My Swan Song by Marilyn Meredith

Swan song definition, the last act or manifestation of someone or something; farewell appearance: 

Yes, this will be my last scheduled appearance on The Stiletto Gang blog. I've been a member since it was first created, but now I find that I need to cut back on a few things and this is one of them.

I've had a great time writing posts for this great group of women writers, and loved getting to know each one. 

I have my own blog, and am a regular on two other blogs, and when I forgot my regular time on The Stiletto Gang and neglected to write a post, I knew it was time to cut back.

For those who don't really know me, I'm much older than anyone who contributes to this blog--and I'm even a great-great grandmother!

Great-granddaughter and her little-one.

This baby was a surprise to the whole family, including her mom. Docs told her she had something wrong with her spleen. If I wrote something like this in a novel, no one would believe it.

My family is way bigger than most--and many of them live nearby, including another granddaughter and hubby and two little girls and a great-grandson and his wife all share are big roomy house. As the years pass, I want to spend as much time enjoying everyone as I can.

Yes, I'm still writing--I have a new Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, Seldom Traveled, and I'm working on a new Rocky Bluff P.D. 

I'll be popping in from time to time to see what these gals are up to. And that's my Swan Song.

Marilyn Meredith

Clicking Our Heels - Our Summer Reading and What We Read Again and Again

The Stiletto Gang are all writers, but we also enjoy a good read. In fact, we have summer reads and books we simply enjoy reading again and again. We thought you might be interested in both our summer and comfort reading.

Marilyn Meredith: I love to read anything by William Kent Krueger any time of the year – but there are so many others, especially female mystery authors. I’ve read Gone With the Wind several times – though I must admit I skipped over some of the parts about the Civil War. At my age, I can reread about anything and it seems new.

Paffi Flood: Stephen King. It’s great to read horror stories late into the night, because the sun is out J. I was amazed how timeless Salem’s Lot by Stephen King was. Although it was originally released in 1975, when I re-read it in 2014, the cadence, the language seemed so contemporary. Of course, there were the references to 8-track tapes and car carburetors, and some things from the ‘70s.

Jennae M. Phillippe: I find favorites so hard to pick! I have more reading time in summer and usually catch up on the recommendations my friends have sent me over the year. Recent ones that stand out are Gail Carriger (Steampunk fantasy action romance), Anne Mendel (humorous post-apocalyptic), and James S.A. Corey (Science fiction). If you have recommendations, send them my way! I love to revisit my old favorites, particularly the ones from my childhood, like the entire The Song of the Lioness series from Tamora Pierce, or the Anne of Green Gables books from L.M. Montgomery. There is something about reading books from your childhood that makes you feel like a kid again.

Dru Ann Love: I don’t have seasonal authors. I read all year round and whoever I’m reading at the time becomes a favorite, especially if their book is part of a series. Naked in Death by J.D. Robb is the only book that I have re-read multiple times and each time I discover something I missed the first go-round and fall in love with Eve and Roark all over again.

Sparkle Abbey: Some of our favorite summer reads are Laura Levine, Carolyn Hart, and when we’re looking for something a little darker, Lisa Gardner. We’ve both re-read Laura Levine books occasionally simply because they’re such great escapes. And sometimes you need to escape! LOL.

Linda Rodriguez: I re-read many books. I’ve read Shakespeare, the King James Bible, most of Dickens, Austen, Trollope, and Virginia Woolf many times. I re-read many favorite poets again and again. I’ve re-read everything Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers (at least, her mysteries) so many times I couldn’t begin to count.

Bethany Maines: I usually try and read something fluffy in the summer. I’ll re-read a Terry Pratchett (British humor) or pick up an L.J. Wilson (sexy romance). The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery – I loved it as a teenager and even more as an adult. The idea of casting aside inhibitions to pursue the life you want is a message that is always good to hear.

Juliana Aragon Fatula: Manuel Ramos, Mario Acevado, and High Times Marijuana for Everybody by Elise McDonough, Denise Chavez. The first time I read Indian Killer by Sherman Alexie, I tore through it with vigor because I wanted to know who did it. The second time I went through, took notes, marked pages to review, and savored the writing. It was once for pleasure and twice for writing style. I re-read it because I switched genres from poetry to mystery.

Kay Kendall: There is no seasonal difference in my reading habits. For me it is mysteries, every day, all the time. Or whatever the broadest term is that includes suspense, spy novels, and the occasional thriller. I am not fond of police procedurals or books featuring serial killers. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It has everything. Historic sweep, feisty heroine, suspense, a touch of Gothic horror, and Mr. Rochester. Each time I have reread Jane Eyre, I marvel at its depth. It holds up very well. I first read it as a young teen so of course I understand some of its underpinnings better now.

Debra H. Goldstein: Summers are meant for catching up on light mysteries, biographies, and literature. This summer’s books ranged from The Nightingale to Sisters in Law (Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor) to the new Harry Potter. I’m not a big re-reader but there are a few I often refer to for style or concept like Edna Ferber’s Giant, Agatha Christie’s books, or anything I think might incorporate a style or an idea I’m thinking about.

Clicking Our Heels - What We Hate Most About Computers

Clicking Our Heels – What We Hate Most About Computers

I’ve had that kind of day! (Debra speaking) My computer ate my words written for the day before deciding frozen was the position it would like to be in. Even though I normally love computers, today, I asked my fellow Stiletto Gang members “What they hate most about computers?” Here’s what they said:

Dru Ann Love: The updates and how it messes with my settings.

Bethany Maines: The thing I hate most about computers is that I can’t punch them. I want to start a business selling nerf computer replicas that come with their own baseball bat.

Juliana Aragon Fatula: They aren’t faithful. I have a relationship with a new computer on average about once a year and they are unfaithful and I have to move on and go with a younger, newer model. Sometimes I hate the fact that they make me want to pick them p and throw them out the window or at the very least take a stiletto to the screen.

Kay Kendall: Just when I get used to and comfy with a program, the company that produces it changes it radically, then all the PCs move to favoring that, and then I have to learn the new program. It is invariably trickier and just does more things that I don’t really need. Annoying!

Jennae M. Phillippe: The update cycle. I’ll be fresh and excited to start working on a project, turn on the computer, and have to wait like 20 minutes for the thing to update. Or worse, I’ll be in mid-project which it does one of those mandatory shut down thingies. Totally throws me off.

Linda Rodriguez: I hate that some programs (I’m looking straight at you, Microsoft Word) try to make decisions for me that I want to make for myself.
Paffi Flood: Nothing, now that I have an Apple J.

Paula Benson: That computers understand so many things intuitively, except how to fulfill my needs.

Marilyn Meredith: What I hate most about computers is what I have to learn how to do something new – which seems to happen too often.

Sparkle Abbey: We don’t know what we do without computers. We work on them, we write on them and we use them to keep in touch with each other. We both think we’re pretty computer savvy, but there have been a couple of times when the computer has eaten a work in progress or not saved it correctly. That’s frustrating!

One of My Favorite Places in California by Marilyn Meredith

This is a great shot of Morro Rock in Morro Bay. I've visited this area many times and always find something new to enjoy and love. Besides all the beautiful vistas, there are some great restaurants with fabulous seafood.

Here's a photo taken through the window of one of the restaurants.

Because I love the area so much I decided to write a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery set in my favorite beach town. Most of the Crabtree mysteries are set in the mountains, much like where I live.
When her son who lives in Morro Bay plans his wedding there, of course Tempe and her husband, Hutch join in the festivities.

The tale spills over into the nearby towns including San Luis Obispo.

There is much Indian lore in the area--and of course much of it centers around the mystery itself.

Do any of the rest of you write about places that are special to your heart?

Marilyn

So How is Your 2016 Going?

Mine is starting fine. I've learned through the many years that I've been on earth that my attitude has a lot to do with how things are going. Of course, I have my frustrations. Hubby and I both are feeling our age which has made some things we used to enjoy doing now impossible like taking long trips on airplanes, dancing, driving into and through big cities.

However, we've made up for it in other ways. If we really want to visit someone who lives somewhere the driving will be difficult, we ask the daughter who lives closes to us to do the driving. She loves to drive and it gives her a break from all she does as a preacher's wife.

Instead of dancing, we enjoy watching all kinds of movies and TV series together with the aid or our Roku.

My biggest joy is spending time with family--and we have a big one. Lots of grands and great-grands to enjoy.

And I'm still able and enjoy writing and reading.

At the end of 2015 one of my publisher put out a list of which books did best: http://otpblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/otps-most-popular-books-in-2015.html
Two older books in the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery series ended up on that list.

As a Christmas gift, I offered a free Kindle copy of either of my series to 25 readers, and I'd like to offer the choice of one of my series to anyone on this list, either the Rocky Bluff P.D. series or my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. I'll send a Kindle copy of your choice to the first 5 who contact me via email. mmeredith24@ocsnet.net

You can check our the books on my website; http://fictionforyou.com/

Wishing you all a great year and plenty of good reading.

Marilyn who also writes as F. M. Meredith

Here are the latest in each series:

Stiletto Gang Black Friday Gift Guide

by The Stiletto Gang

Want to avoid the crowds, but still get a little shopping done?  Sit back, peruse this list of 2015 Stiletto Gang Releases, and order the gift of the written word from the comfort of your own couch.

Sparkle Abbey

Downton Tabby (The Pampered Pets Series)
Amazon 5 Star Review: How would you like to find a dead body in a swimming pool, have two friends disappear, be followed by a black SUV and have your ex try to take away your clients? That’s what Laguna Beach’s animal therapist and sometime sleuth, Caro Lamont, faces in another page turning, suspense filled, and occasional humorous adventure as she tries to find a killer, disappearances of two friends, and dealing with a scurvy ex.

Need a treat today? Of course you do! Grab some snacks, your fav drink, and settle down in a comfy place and relish this latest mystery that’s pet friendly too!

Paula Gail Benson

Let It Snow: The Best of Bethlehem Writers Roundtable, Winter 2015 Collection
Discover tales, all as different as snowflakes, in "Let it Snow: The Best of Bethlehem Writers Roundtable Winter 2015 Collection." The multiple award winning Bethlehem Writers Group, LLC brings you stories in a range of genres selected from their bi-monthly Writers Roundtable Journal. So, while the weather outside is frightful, curl up by the fire, read, and Let It Snow.

Fish or Cut Bait: A Guppy Anthology
Fish or Cut Bait, the latest installment in the Guppy Anthology Series, presents a collection of mystery stories by rising stars of the mystery and suspense field. Tales of revenge and retribution...police detectives...cozy characters...hardboiled P.I.s...there's something here for every fan of crime and detection!

Killer Nashville Noir: Cold Blooded
Bestselling authors Jeffery Deaver and Anne Perry join rising stars like Dana Chamblee Carpenter and Paula Gail Benson in a collection that proves Music City is a deadly place to be when your song gets called.

Marjorie Brody

Twisted, a novel of psychological suspense
Amazon or Barnes & Noble

A gang assault at a high school dance forces a young teen to confront the secret she hid from everyone, including herself.

TAA Best Young Adult Fiction Book Award, Honorable Mention, Great Midwest Book Festival, Finalist Red City Book Awards, 2015 Best Reads-Middlesex County College Library

“6 Stars Out of 5!” TWISTED, a multi-award winning psychological suspense, addresses sensitive issues in a stay-up-late, page-turning way.

“Brutally honest,” yet “tasteful,” and “hopeful.”  NYT Bestseller Sharon Sala declares TWISTED “Unforgettable.”

Anthologies, featuring Marjorie Brody
Short Story America Anthology, Vol. I, II, III, and IV
Short Stories by Texas Authors, Vol. I

Lynn Cahoon

Killer Run (A Tourist Trap Mystery)
Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More—has somehow been talked into sponsoring a 5k race along the beautiful California coast. The race is a fundraiser for the local preservation society—but not everyone is feeling so charitable…

The day of the race, everyone hits the ground running…until a local business owner stumbles over a very stationary body. The deceased is the vicious wife of the husband-and-wife team hired to promote the event—and the husband turns to Jill for help in clearing his name. But did he do it? Jill will have to be very careful, because this killer is ready to put her out of the running…forever!

Dressed to Kill (A Tourist Trap Mystery)
Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the tucked-away town of South Cove, California—is not particularly thrilled to be portraying a twenties flapper for the dinner theater murder mystery. Though it is for charity…

Of course everyone is expecting a “dead” body at the dress rehearsal…but this one isn’t acting! It turns out the main suspect is the late actor’s conniving girlfriend Sherry…who also happens to be the ex-wife of Jill’s main squeeze. Sherry is definitely a master manipulator…but is she a killer? Jill may discover the truth only when the curtain comes up on the final act…and by then, it may be far too late.

The Bull Riders’s Collection
Saddle up and get ready to ride with three of the sexiest cowboys in spurs. These heroes aren't afraid of danger or a challenge, and neither are the sassy, smart women in their world. Slip on your boots and get ready to crown these men champions of the heart with The Bull Rider's Brother, The Bull Rider's Manager, and The Bull Rider's Keeper

The Salem Gathering (The Council Series)
A babe in jeopardy, a coven on the loose, and only one witch hunter team can save them. Parris McCall knows her best friend’s life in in danger, but when Parris gets orders from The Council to track down Coven X, she has no choice but to follow orders.

Ty Wallace knows there’s more to The Council’s directive than meets the eye. Can he figure out what’s not being said before he loses Parris to her distant relatives or worse, forever?

Kay Kendall

Rainy Day Women
"5 Stars! Kendall delivers a spectacular mystery. The protagonist, Austin Starr, balances being a wife, a mother and an investigator with great skill. This is definitely a coming of age story, for women and for our country. A revolution occurred during the sixties, changing the roles for women, politics and war. She shows it all.

Bethany Maines

High-Caliber Concealer (A Carrie Mae Mystery)
All Carrie Mae’s top covert agent, Nikki Lanier, wants is a quiet vacation on her grandmother’s farm. But her visit is complicated by dangerous drug smugglers, the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, and the sudden arrival of not only her mother (who is obviously hiding something) and her teammates, but also her current boyfriend – CIA Agent Z’ev Coralles. Now Nikki must choose between doing what’s right and revealing what she really does for a living, if she wants to keep all of them alive. Nikki may be a High-Caliber Concealer, but this time it might not be enough.

An Unseen Current
When Seattle native Tish Yearly finds herself fired and evicted all in one afternoon, she knows she’s in deep water. Unemployed and desperate, the 26 year old ex-actress heads for the home of her cantankerous ex-CIA agent grandfather, Tobias Yearly, in the San Juan Islands. But soon. Tish is thrown head-long into a mystery that pits her against a handsome but straight-laced Sheriff’s Deputy, a group of eccentric and clannish local residents, and a killer who knows the island far better than she does. Now Tish must swim against the current, depending on her nearly forgotten acting skills and her grandfather’s spy craft, to con a killer and keep them alive.

Marilyn Meredith / F.M. Meredith

Not as It Seems 
Tempe and Hutch travel to Morro Bay for son Blair’s wedding, but when the maid-of-honor disappears, Tempe tries to find her. The search is complicated by ghosts and Native spirits.

Violent Departures
College student, Veronica Randall, disappears from her car in her own driveway, everyone in the Rocky Bluff P.D. is looking for her. Detective Milligan and family move into a house that may be haunted. Officer Butler is assigned to train a new hire and faces several major challenges.

Julie Mulhern

The Deep End
Swimming into the lifeless body of her husband’s mistress tends to ruin a woman’s day, but becoming a murder suspect can ruin her whole life.

It’s 1974 and Ellison Russell’s life revolves around her daughter and her art. She’s long since stopped caring about her cheating husband, Henry, and the women with whom he entertains himself. That is, until she becomes a suspect in Madeline Harper’s death. The murder forces Ellison to confront her husband’s proclivities and his crimes—kinky sex, petty cruelties and blackmail.

As the body count approaches par on the seventh hole, Ellison knows she has to catch a killer. But with an interfering mother, an adoring father, a teenage daughter, and a cadre of well-meaning friends demanding her attention, can Ellison find the killer before he finds her?

Guaranteed to Bleed
With his dying breath, Bobby Lowell begs Ellison Russell, “Tell her I love her.”

Unable to refuse, Ellison struggles to find the girl the murdered boy loved. Too bad an epically bad blind date, a vindictive graffiti artist, and multiple trips to the emergency room keep getting in the way. Worse, a killer has Ellison in his sights, her newly rebellious daughter is missing, and there’s yet another body in her hostas. Mother won’t be pleased. Now Ellison must track down not one but two runaway teenagers, keep her promise to Bobby, and elude the killer—all before her next charity gala committee meeting.

Cathy Perkins

So About the Money
CPA Holly Price juggles dodgy clients, flakey parent, ex-lovers and a murdered friend before she gets to the bottom line in this fast and fun read. ~ Patricia Smiley, bestselling author of Cool Cache

When Holly Price trips over a friend’s dead body, her life takes a nosedive into a world of intrigue and danger. With an infinitely sexy cop—Holly’s pissed-off, jilted ex-fiancé—threatening to arrest her for the murder, the intrepid accountant must protect her future, her business...and her heart...by using her investigative skills to follow the money, before the killer decides CPA stands for Certified Pain in the Ass...and the next dead body is Holly’s.

Linda Rodriguez

Every Hidden Fear 
"This suspenseful and sensitive tale of small town secrets is captivating from page one. An absolute page-turner!” – Hank Phillippi Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Mary Higgins Clark award winning author

“Engrossing” – Library Journal

“A peaceful college town goes berserk in Rodriguez’s solid third Skeet Bannion mystery.”– Publisher’s Weekly

“Cherokee heritage and the often very painful legacy of secrets have long been hallmarks of this excellent series. … Every Hidden Fear is another very good read from an award winning author and a book well worth your time.” – Kevin’s Corner: Book Reviews and More

Staying Organized

That sounds good, doesn't it?

I'm using that title because people are always saying that I'm organized. I don't really think I am--but this is what I do to help me not forget.

I keep a paper calendar--a big one. It's on my desk. I put everything on it, places I need to be and blogs that I"m going to be on. I check the calendar at night and again in the morning.

I always get out the clothes I'm going to wear the next day depending upon if I'm going somewhere or just working at home. I always get dressed because I never know when someone might stop by. (I have a big family and they tend to come over whenever they get an urge to do so.)

I have a list of what needs to be done (also on paper) beside my computer. I add to it all the time. Crossing something that's done off the list give me great satisfaction.

What I don't do is housework. Fortunately, I have family members who need extra money who are willing to clean for me. I still do the laundry and cook most of the evening meals. We always have family members eating with us--and sometimes one of them will cook. I enjoy cooking and I don't know how to cook for just two. (Hubby and I raised 5 kids and we always had guests for dinner-the kids' friends or ours. Later, we owned and operated a home for 6 women with developmental disabilities and I fixed all the meals for them--and just like it's always been, there were always extras around the table.

The older I get, the shorter the days seem to be and I don't get quite as much accomplished as I once did. However, I still manage to write two books a year, do all the promotion they require, attend my weekly writers' critique group, a Sister in Crime meeting when I can (I belong to three), participate in book events, teach a kids' Sunday School class nearly every Sunday, do things with my family and when possible, sneak away for a day with my hubby (might just be doing errands, going to a movie, and nice restaurant meal.)

And yes, I do read whenever I get the chance, and hubby and I love to watch movies together in the evening.

That's as organized as I am.

What tips do any of the rest of you have about staying organized?

Marilyn

I'm still promoting Not as it Seems.

Some Mystery Related Influences from my Childhood

Many mystery authors attribute reading Nancy Drew mysteries for the writing they do now. I also read Nancy Drew, but looking back, I believe many other things from my childhood had a greater influence on what I do today.

Most of you know I'm much older than all the rest of the contributors to this blog. I grew up during World War II--and when I was about 10 I was convinced I would be asked to be a spy if the enemy landed on our shores. I lived in Los Angeles and we had black-outs, air raid drills at school, and I was highly influenced by the newsreels at the movies.

As for movies, we went every Friday night and stayed for both features. The 2nd one was always a B movie usually about gangsters, but often a mystery. My parents never questioned whether anyting was appropriate for their daughter or her 5 year younger sister.

At home, I listened to the radio faithfully. Having my own radio (a Christmas present) in my room meant I heard nearly every episode of all the mystery shows: The Whistler, Suspense Theater, The Adventures of Sam Spade, The Shadow, Inner Sanctum.

My little Philco radio also picked up police calls--which I was forbidden to listen to, once my mom found out about them. However, I still listened to them at night--and I heard the reports when the Black Dahlia's body was found. Gave me nightmares for weeks.

My family subscribed to three newspapers: The L.A. Times, The Herald Examiner and The Daily News. I don't think my dad ever read them--but my mother did. The Daily News had the most gossip and "best" photos. The articles I remember most were about the Black Dahlia murder and also the murder of Lana Turner's boyfriend--by her daughter. Any death reported in their pages always carried the lurid details and graphic photographs. I didn't pay much attention to the other news, but devoured all the reports about murder.

And one last memory. One of my mother's church friends murdered her husband. While he slept on the couch, she hit in in the head with an axe. I was young and don't remember many details though I do know she was put into a mental institution. One more thing, I heard one of my mother's friends say, "He was the most boring man I ever met. If I'd been married to him, I might have done the same thing."

Okay, you other authors, any similar childhood memories influence you?

And readers, what happened in your childhood that might have influenced you to read mysteries?

Marilyn

P.S. Yes, I do use some of what I remember in my books--old and newer memories.

Oh, Boy, Doing Income Tax Makes Me Wonder by Marilyn Meredith

I've always done my own income tax even back when I had to do it by hand on all the forms.

No I do it using Turbo Tax, much easier. I have to admit, I keep up with my income from writing and what I've spend at least montly, so it's not such a chore at the end of the year.

No matter what the ease may be now, when I'm all done it does make me wonder why on earth I'm spending so much time writing. My income for all my efforts certainly doesn't make up for how much I've spend on traveling and promotion.

So, you might ask, once you've had this proof why do you keep doing it?

As any writer will tell you, even the ones in similar shoes to mine, it's not possible to quit. Writing is a powerful addiction.

I write two mystery series and if I didn't keep writing, how would I find out what happened to my characters?

As any writer knows, traveling around to do promotion or going to conferences or conventions is not only fun, it's a time to visit with other writers and meet readers. Writers lead fairly solitary lives while working.

(Me at last year's PSWA Convention.)









Now, I have to share that I do have balance in my life because I have a big family, and there's always something going on. We have lots of weddings, and of course the babies follow.


 I'm blessed to live fairly close to most of my family members so I do get to spend time with many of them.

Our three daughters in the middle, me and hubby on either end.

 Wow, I do digress--back to the income tax situation--who cares if I'm not making lots of money, I am doing what I like and have a full life.

Anyone else have any of these feelings?

Marilyn

My Humble Opinion of the Movie, American Sniper by Marilyn Meredith

I'm not a fan of war movies--but hubby is, so with some reluctance from me we went together.

First I should say that I've read all the controversy over the movie--but I also read comments by my daughter and several friends who loved it.

First off, it isn't a pro-war movie--it is a factual movie about war, if anything, it's the opposite.

Second, Chris Kyle was not a coward--he was a hero, and his main mission was to protect our men.

And third, and the most important part, the movie was a good depiction of what happens to a man and how the changes affect a family.

How do I know it was factual portrayal? Because I experienced some of what his wife and family did.

Hubby spent 3 tours in Vietnam as a Seabee. No, he didn't shoot anyone, but he and the base he worked from were underfire all the time. When he worked with the heavy equipment building roads and airstrips, he was shot at--and a Marine riding with him shot back--but they kept on working.

Like Chris Kyle, he didn't like to talk about what went on over there--and still doesn't.

Like Chris Kyle, between tours he wasn't the man I married. And he was always anzious to go back (something I couldn't understand), though he turned down the 4th tour and soon retired with 20 years of service.

Besides the worry of whether or not something may happen to the amn you love and the father of your children, not only does he change while in combat--but you change too. When you are the one running the home and taking care of the emergencies (with 5 kids there were plenty of those), you become independent and it's hard to give up being in charge when hubby does come home--especially if it's only for a short time. (This wasn't depicted in the movie, but I know it happens.)

I remember once saying to my husband, "You may be a Chief in the Navy, but I'm the Admiral of this house." I don't remember his reaction, and it's probably a good thing that I don't.

I was blessed because I still have my husband, and over the years he's mellowed.

Marilyn

My Love/Hate Relationship with Oscar by Marilyn Meredith

I've been watching the TV broadcast of the Academy Awards since the first time they came on TV in glorious black and white.

My father worked for Paramount Studios while I was growing up and he had little respect for most of the movie actors. Despite that, our family went to the movies every Friday night to see a double feature.

As a kid I collected movie star photos and autographs. The best place to get them was at radio shows and catching the stars in the parking lot behind the theater where the broadcasts were made.

Things I remember about some of the earlier Academy Award shows (in no particular oder):

Edith Head almost always won for best costume design.

When the guy streaked across the stage at the Oscars--and charming David Niven handled it in elegant stride.

The  many times Bob Hope was the announcer.

(In my opinion, no one does it as well these days as those old timers.)

When Jack Palance did one-handed push-ups.

When Marlon Brando didn't show up for his Oscar, sending an Indian woman in his place.

I saw these all, but only remember Sally Fields, "You love me, you really love me."

And here's the nominees for best picture for this year.

Nominees

Best Picture: American Sniper · Birdman · Boyhood · Grand Budapest Hotel · The Imitation Game · Selma

I've only seen The Grand Budapest Hotel, and didn't much like it. Hope to see the others.

Best Actor: Steve Carell · Bradley Cooper · Benedict Cumberbatch · Michael Keaton · Eddie Redmayne

Best Actress: Marion Cotillard · Felicity Jones · Julianne Moore · Rosamund Pike · Reese Witherspoon

Director: Wes Anderson · Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu · Richard Linklater · Bennet Miller · Morten Tyldum

Best Supporting Actor: Robert Duvall · Ethan Hawke · Edward Norton · Mark Ruffalo · J.K. Simmons

Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette · Laura Dern · Keira Knightley · Emma Stone · Meryl Streep

I didn't see most of these performances--except for Keira Knightleys and Meryl Streep's in Into the Woods. Of course Meryl was wonderful--but I think the movie itself lacked something.

I usually catch-up on all the nominated movies eventually. Netflix makes it easy to do.

Through the years I've often been disappointed in who and what movie actually wins the Oscar--but who cares what I think? 

So, folks, what are your feelings about the Academy Awards and he nominees for this year?

Marilyn

The Neighborhood Bookstore

As promised I'm giving my report on how my day at The Neighborhood Bookstore turned out.

This was not a real bookstore but a home with 8 authors setting up displays in different rooms of the house: in the open small office, the living room, a den, and another living room--that's where I was with two others.

The kitchen saw the most action because that's where the coffee, wine and various delicious snacks were available.

Every author promoted in her own way--and I know announcement were left at the local small theater, several libraries, given out at book clubs and writing groups, and of course announcements on Facebook and Twitter.

A sign that just said Book Store with an arrow was put on the corner of the main street and the one where the house was. Another at the other end, and one in front of the house.

Several people came because they saw the signs, a couple who were on a Christmas home tour and just decided to add the bookstore as an extra stop.

I shared a table with another author, and having my display rack worked out great.

A steady flow of people came in the open front door and flowed through the house from 12 to 5.

I was delighted to see old friends and met a lot of people.

And I'm sure you want to know how sales went--far better than many venues--I sold 25 books, maybe more because I wasn't very good at keeping track.

We did have someone who took credit cards, so if folks didn't want to pay in cash--most did--we could accept credit card sales.

One man--a fan of both series--came with a list of my books he and his wife already had, and he bought those they didn't.

Another young man came in specifically looking for me because he loves my books and had seen that I would be at this event in a newspaper article. He bought two books he didn't have anymore.

A woman I hadn't seen for years came specifically to see me--and she bought two of my latest books.

People I didn't know who loved mysteries bought a copy or two of my books.

Toward the end of the day, our hostess made a pot of soup, so between the wonderful snacks and the soup, we were well nourished.

It was a great day, and our hostess plans to do this again in the spring.

And that's my report on the Neighborhood Bookstore.

Marilyn

Titles and Covers Too Similar? by Marilyn Meredith

Frankly, I always thought it was a good thing that the covers in my Deputy Tempe Crabtree mysteries are similar. And though my titles are all short, I hadn't thought about any being too similar.

However, with my latest two books, it seems that both the titles and the cover are similar enough that I've  had one person tell me she already had a copy of one book when I knew she was referring to the one that came before ti.

The stories themselves are not similar at all.

The latest book is River Spirits.

The blurb for this book is:

While filming a movie on the Bear Creek Indian Reservation, the film crew trespasses on sacred ground, threats are made against the female stars, a missing woman is found by the Hairy Man, an actor is murdered and Deputy Tempe Crabtree has no idea who is guilty. Once again, the elusive and legendary Hairy Man plays an important role in this newest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.

The book right before this one is:

The blurb for this one is:


Ghost hunters stumble upon a murdered teen in a haunted house. Deputy Tempe Crabtree's investigation pulls her into a whirlwind of restless spirits, good and evil, intertwined with the past and the present, and demons and angels at war.

The mysteries are very different despite both titles having a similar word in them: Spirits and Spirit.

I've been fortunate to have the same artist design most of the covers so they all have a similar style, but I really think if there is a problem, it might be with the titles. 

When both books are on display side-by-side, no one seems to even mention the resemblance.

Readers, what do you think?

Writers, have you ever had a problem like this?

Marilyn

A New Type of Book Event by Marilyn Meredith

Recently I received an email from a woman in a neighboring city who is planning a book event in her home. She mentioned the writers she'd invited and asked if I'd like to be a part of what she and another author were planning.

Of course I said yes.

The plan is that there will be advertising in the local newspaper and cards about the event spread around the city and the various towns we writers come from.

On the day of the event, she'll have a banner in her front yard that says, Neighborhood Book Store.

Inside her lovely home, the authors will be situated in various rooms in her house--there are many.

Because I can't attend the meeting she's having with the various authors, I stopped by to meet her and see her home.

In her large kitchen will be wine and snacks which we writers will bring. A couple of husbands will supervise this part.

The event will be held the first weekend in December and sounds like a lot of fun. Whether we'll have many customers remains to be seen.

Has anyone tried anything like this?

Too, too busy! by Marilyn Meredith

Here I am, an old lady, retired from several jobs over the years--now I'm just supposed to be a writer.

However, I'm still doing some consulting for folks who are either in the residential care business or want to be. For the first mentioned, I do a monthly newsletter, attend their organization's meetings, and answer questions via phone. (I used to teach various subjects to these same people and have become somewhat of an expert on regulations.)

For the folks who want to get into the business, I write program designs. Sometimes that is a fairly easy prospect--at others so complicated I wish I'd charged double my going fee.

The only reason I'm mentioning both, is because it seems this is the time of the year when I'm being asked to do a record amount of these things. What I really need to be doing is working on my next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery. It should have already been finished and sent to the publisher. Fortunately, she's moved the publishing date a couple of months away from the original one.

And of course, I'm in the throes of promoting my next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, River Spirits. On November 1st, I embark on a virtual book tour. Here is the first two week's schedule in case you are interested in following along.

Nothing ever happens without problems, so instead of beginning on Nov. 1, I have two posts on November 2nd.

Nov. 2    http://judys-stew.blogspot.com                   

Coming Up With a Title

Nov. 2    http://lindathorne.com/

The Bumpy Road of Publication for the Tempe Crabtree Series

Nov. 3.   http://wordmuseum.com/

Where Deputy Tempe Crabtree Came From

Nov. 4    http://Susanvankirk.com   

The Setting for the Deputy Tempe Crabtree Series

Nov. 5   http://gumbojustice.blogspot.com/

Indians or Native Americans

Nov. 6   http://livevicarrieous.com 

A Few Questions and Answers

Nov. 7  History of the Indians I Borrow From

http://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

Nov. 8 http://drusbookmusing.blogspot.com 

A Day in the Life of Kate Eileen Shannon

Nov. 9. http://mmgornell.wordpress.com/ 

My Relationship with Tempe Crabtree

Nov. 10 http://pat.wrtersforum.blogspot.com/  

How Tempe Got Her Name

Nov. 11   http://lornacollins-author.blogspot.com/ Where My Inspiration Comes From (after writing so many books}

Nov. 12  http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com/  

How Long Will the Series Continue?

Nov. 13  http://murderousmusings.blogspot.com/  

My Writing Process

Nov. 14 http://gdcramer.com gdcramer@msn.com 

Why it’s Okay to Take a Break from Writing

Nov. 15   http://www.marywelk.com/  

The Supportive Mystery Writing Community

Nov. 16 http://crimewriters.blogspot.com 

Where I Get My Energey

Nov 17 http://jwillsbooks.com/ 

Avoiding the Jessica Fletcher Syndrome

Nov. 18 http://bookbrowsing.wordpress.com    Promotion Tips

Blurb for River Spirits:

While filming a movie on the Bear Creek Indian Reservation, the film crew trespasses on sacred ground, threats are made against the female star, a missing woman is found by the Hairy Man, an actor is murdered and Deputy Tempe Crabtree has no idea who is guilty. Once again, the elusive and legendary Hairy Man plays an important role in this newest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.

Bio:

Marilyn Meredith is the author of over thirty-five published novels, including the award winning Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series, the latest River Spirits from Mundania Press. Marilyn is a member of three chapters of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. She lives in the foothills of the Sierra. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilymeredith.blogspot.com/

Contest: The winner will be the person who comments on the most blog posts during the tour.

He or she can either have a character in my next book named after them, or choose an earlier book in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series—either a paper book or e-book.

Oh, and I didn't mention, I have a bunch of kids, grandkids and great grands I like to spend time with too.

Marilyn