The Long Tweet Goodnight

by Bethany Maines

J.M. Phillippe

In celebration of Mother's Day my friend and fellow writer, J.M. Phillippe watched and tweeted the 1996 action flick The Long Kiss Goodnight.  You can read all our tweets at Storify. J.M and I watched the movie, tweeting as we went and then discussed the film before rating it on Feminism, Action, and Romance.

Synopsis:

The Long Kiss Goodnight is centered around Samantha Cain (Geena Davis) the schoolteacher mom who washed up on the Jersey shore with amenesia eight years before the start of the movie. Now firmly ensconced in suburban life with her darling daughter and sweet fiance, Samantha still wonders about her past and has hired a less than professional hard drinking private detective (also ex-cop and ex-con) Hennessy (Samuel L. Jackson) to discover who she was. When she's attacked in her home by a one-eyed psychopath (who wants his eye back, bitch!), Samantha discovers that maybe she wasn't always the Suzie Homemaker she appears to be.  As she and Hennessy track down her past they discover that Samantha Cain is really Charly Baltimore, a hard core spy with a foul mouth, smoking habit, and penchant for violence.  While she's been away, raising her daughter, a lot has changed on the espionage front. People who were her friends are now trying to kill her and Timothy, the man who may be the father of her child, is just plain evil. She and Hennessy are in over their heads and Samantha/Charly must reconnect with her past and make peace with her present role as a mom in order to thwart the bad guys and save their own lives.

Discussion:

J.M.: I never got back to your question earlier about the last time we saw this. I feel like we bought this during one of those Blockbuster used video sales in college, but I feel like it's been a few years since I watched it. Few as is more than 5. Maybe almost as many as 10? I'm going to stop thinking about that because I already feel super old now.

Bethany: That would explain why it's not in my DVD collection - it probably went out in the great video cassette purge of 2003.

 

J.M.: I think the first time I saw it I was blown away by the action, which was pretty good for the time, but mostly because it was a woman doing it all. But I also remember wishing that the dude she ended up with was more bad-ass. Like, maybe she'd redeem Timothy or something.

Bethany: I actually remember seeing this in the theater with my brother and thinking for sure that she would end up with Timothy or Samuel L. at the very least.  Timothy was TOO good looking AND the father of her kid.  I thought for sure he would find out he was the father and then turn, but probably still die.  I didn't like that she went back to the boring fiance.  Not that there was anything wrong with him... just that he was boring.  Watching it this time, I don't feel let down that she didn't end up with Timothy or Samuel L., but it does feel a little convenient to end up back with the guy she started with.  Although, ditching him after he took care of the kid would have been lame.

 

J.M.: I also don't remember thinking that the kid was as whiny back then. But this was Geena Davis from Beetlejuice -- same hair and practically the same wardrobe, at least in the beginning, and it was shocking to see her transform. Even in Thelma & Louise, she was the "softer" one. I don't think I ever really thought of her as tough until A League of Their Own. Judging the action by modern standards, I bought her fight scenes way more than some contemporary actresses. What really sucks is that she sort of drops of the film scene after this, outside of a few kids movies.

Bethany: I think Geena Davis was married to the director, Renny Harlin, and after they got divorced it feels like she stopped making that style of movie (he also directed Die Hard 2).

 

J.M.: We really don't have a lot of women in the movie, and the others have like two little scenes. This is the Charly show, with only her daughter getting any real screen time as a female character. I think some of the henchmen got more screen time than the other women. I can't say any of the other characters stood out to me enough to comment on. The dudes were sort of typical villains of the era -- evil and tough and that edge of psychotic. Charly ends up having something sexual with all of them, even having to go into the crotch of the dead assassin trainer dude to get his gun. Plus there was that gratuitous shower scene, which is probably as close as it was gonna get to gratuitous boob scene (a staple of every action movie in a certain era). Still, I think they were softer on the objectification than even more modern movies. Like Mr. & Mrs. Smith has a whole scene where Angelina Jolie is dressed as a dominatrix in order to go kill a dude. Sex was one of her weapons, and while they hinted at that past with Charly, they mostly showed her being tough.

Bethany: They were way softer on the objectification.  And if nothing else, they spent 3 minutes of screen time lambasting Hennessy/Samuel L. for leering at a female jogger.  But I remember watching this in the theater and being uncomfortable with Charly's sexual aggression. It was unusual then and I feel like it's still unusual on film today.

 

Ratings:

Bechdel test:

J.M.: She does talk to her daughter, but I feel like this is supposed to be a conversation between two adult women. Other than Charly sort of talking to her other self, this never happens - that I can recall.

Bethany: No! I'm totally counting that.  Her kid plays a pivotal role in saving the day on two occasions and they use the conversations with her daughter to illuminate Charly's character.  I say, it passed.

Feminist Rating:

J.M.: High, four burned bras (out of five). They did actually seem to think about what a female spy's life would be like and the action didn't feel like it was written for a dude, but they put a woman in it. This was a story genuinely centered around a woman, and a mother's, experience.

Bethany: I'm giving it five out of five for slipping in a few feminist points aside from the main plot and action.

Action Rating:

J.M.: Five High Kicks (out of Five). Her fights/stunts were at least on par with the dudes of the era, with a few stand-out moments, like the fight in the kitchen, shooting the ice, the wheel, and even being a sharp shooter and saving Hennessey.

Bethany: Also five out of five for me. Great stunts, great explosions (raining cars!), it was everything you want from an action movie, and I feel the movie itself was well constructed.

Romance Rating:

J.M.: One heart (out of 5). The fiance in the beginning just sort of exists to dove-tail the story and give it a happy ending, and Charly and Hennessey have more of a bromance going on, with an extra layer of sexual tension. This is not a romantic action movie.

Bethany: Ditto. The Bromance is awesome, but not even the loosest interpretation of "romance" can count that for more than one heart.

 

Conclusion:

J.M.: Overall still one of my favorite action flicks. I'll have to put it in more regular rotation.

Bethany: I agree - thanks for the mother's day gift! I'm glad to own it.  Find out more about J.M. Phillippe and her forthcoming novel Perfect Likeness at www.jennaephillippe.com

Bethany Maines is the author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, Tales from the City of Destiny and An Unseen Current.  You can also view the Carrie Mae youtube video or catch up with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Candid Camera, Alive and Well

by Marjorie Brody

Before the nurses wheeled my mom away for surgery, she handed me the necklace she always wore around her neck. “Take this,” she said. 

I thought she meant I should hold it for her until after her operation. “It belonged to your grandmother,” she said. “I haven’t taken it off since she gave it to me. I want you to have it. Just  promise me you won’t take it off.” 

While the surgery wasn’t considered life threatening, I knew Mom was scared. (The last time she had surgery, the doctors refused to believe what she told them about her reaction to anesthesia. Sure enough, she had that reaction. A reaction which caused her heart to stop.) I probably would have promised Mom anything to give her a sense of peace and ease her fear before the procedure. 

“I promise,” I said.

Famous last words.

Fast forward two weeks. 

Grandma’s heirloom distracted from the necklace and earrings I wanted to wear for my presentation to the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association 2015 Convention. I tried to hide it inside the top I was wearing, but the effect was frumpy and unprofessional. So, I removed the necklace I’d promised never to take off. 

A packed room of journalism students attended my workshop on “Plunging into Fiction” They were bright and engaged and I thoroughly loved the experience. 

As soon as I got home, I changed my clothes for the writers guild meeting I was attending that night. I put my grandmother’s necklace around my neck, the braided gold chain long enough to hold the ends in front of me and watch my fingers close the clasp and fasten the security hook.

The next morning I got up, dressed, put on a new pair of earrings, and realized—the necklace was gone.  

Heart thumping, I immediately pulled my bed apart. Surely the necklace lay tangled in the sheets or blanket. No such luck. 

I searched the entire house. Pulled apart couch cushions. Inspected the floors. Checked the car, the driveway, whatever path I took outside the day before. 

Sadness mingled with my growing panic. The necklace was the only personal item I possessed of my father’s mother. I not only lost that heirloom, but I broke a promise to my mom. 

I flogged myself with guilt. All I could think was: Mom’s going to kill me. She’ll regret entrusting me with that family treasure. (I can really identify with the character in my current novel who, because of her backstory, can’t trust anyone’s promises.) Worst of all, Mom’ll be disappointed in me.

I called the venue of the writing guild meeting. Could only leave a recorded message.

I Facebooked what happened and—this is just one example of writers supporting writers—not only did my Facebook friends show empathy, make suggestions about where to look, but Marilyn Tucker drove back to the venue, combed the parking lot, hunted through the entire inside of the building, and even went through the trash in case the necklace fell off into a pizza box or onto the paper tablecloths. (We had a pot luck dinner that night).

By that time, the awful feeling churning around my gut had migrated to my head. I knew I needed to call Mom and tell her what happened. I stalled by having two other people search my car and house—inside and out. 

I stalled more. 

I had to return to the TIPA Convention for the Hall of Fame luncheon. I decided I’d stop by Mom’s house on the way home and tell her in person.

I got into my car. Put the keys into the ignition. Fastened my seatbelt. Straightened my blouse and smoothed the neckline. 

No way. 

No way!

I thought, I must be in a Candid Camera skit.

I was wearing the necklace.

I didn’t see it looking in the mirror that morning, and the two people who helped me look for it, didn’t see it on me either. Remember, I said it was long enough to clasp in front of me? The necklace was hiding inside my blouse. 

In an instant, relief flowed through my entire body. I didn’t need to wait until after the luncheon to call Mom. I pressed the buttons on the car phone. 

“Mom,” I told her, “I couldn’t find the necklace you gave me. I’ve spent the morning looking for it.”

Her reaction? An expression of understanding how bad I felt, total caring and concern.

“I found it,” I blurted out so she wouldn’t be kept in suspense. “Just three seconds ago.”

“Where was it?” she asked.

“I was wearing it.”

A moment of complete silence. 

My chest filled with laughter. It poured out and filled the car. Mom’s laughter joined mine. It echoed throughout the car. Filling it with joy and Mom’s love. I should have known better, for once again, Mom showed her belief that people are more important than things. I knew that about her, but the “lost” necklace was a great reminder. 

Yes, it was nice to carry a reminder of my grandmother around my neck, but it was even better carrying the awareness of the caring words, the empathic acts, others do, in my heart. Life really isn’t about “things”. 

So, to Mom, and my friends who came to the rescue, thank you for the reminder.

Have you had any embarrassing or panicking “like, duh” moments?

Marjorie Brody is an award-winning author and Pushcart Prize Nominee. Her short stories appear in literary magazines and the Short Story America Anthology, Vols. I, II and III. Her debut psychological suspense novel, TWISTED, was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2013 Great Midwest Book Festival and won the Texas Association of Authors 2014 Best Young Adult Fiction Book Award. TWISTED is available in digital and print at http://tinyurl.com/cvl5why or http://tinyurl.com/bqcgywl. Marjorie invites you to visit her at www.marjoriespages.com. 

THE CALL

Two years ago, the RT Convention was in Kansas City, where I live. How could I not go? RT is one of the largest reader conventions in the country. There would be authors, and editors and industry professionals.

At the time, my first book, a New Orleans-set historical romance with a dash of murder, was making the rounds with editors in New York. One had even asked for revisions. I was sure I was days away from THE CALL.

In the meantime, what better way to spend my time than with others who loved books?

The convention was…eye-opening. I met best-selling authors. I met new authors. I learned so much in three days that my head hurt.

The convention ended and THE CALL did not come. In fact, the editor who’d requested revisions called and said that the sales department couldn’t figure out what to do with my historical romance/mystery with a few ghosts floating around. She passed.

I tried to write a straight up romance. I did. But, the characters kept finding themselves in the library with a candlestick or the upstairs hallway with a rope. I put that book aside and wrote The Deep End.

THE CALL wasn’t really a call. My agent messaged me while I was at lunch with a writer friend…on my birthday.

I know it sounds incredibly rude, but if you’re a writer with a book on submission your phone is always on. My writer friend understood. Especially when—with shaking hands and tears in my eyes—I slid the phone across the table so she could read my agent’s message. Henery Press wanted The Deep End plus two more books. BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!

This year, I’ll return to RT as a published author. So exciting! If you’re there, please find me and say hello!

As for the historical romance with a dash of murder, it too sold. It will release July 28^th.

 

Julie Mulhern is a Kansas City native who grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie. She spends her spare time whipping up gourmet meals for her family, working out at the gym and finding new ways to keep her house spotlessly clean--and she's got an active imagination. Truth is--she's an expert at calling for take-out, she grumbles about walking the dog and the dust bunnies under the bed have grown into dust lions.

Memories of Malice Domestic 27

Memories of Malice Domestic 27 by Debra H. Goldstein

Not enough sleep as toastmaster Toni L.P. Kelner urged all of us to get during the weekend, but there definitely was plenty of fun, friends, and sharing of stories, beverages, and new experiences at the 2015 Malice Domestic Convention that now is in the history books.  Held in Bethesda, Maryland, Malice is billed as a fan conference.

Since I began attending in 2012 when I was on the Academic Panel talking about my mystery on the University of Michigan’s campus, Maze in Blue, I haven’t been certain who the fans really are because I think the writers and the non-writers equally qualify as fans.  I know I am thrilled when the two non-writers who met me at the 2012 New Authors Breakfast make it a point to find me and tell me that they have followed my career this year (For their loyalty, they both will receive free copies of my new book, Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery, when it is published by Five Star in February 2016). But, the truth is that I am personally excited to meet writers I have held in esteem for years and newbies that I can’t wait to follow. See if you recognize a few of both in these pictures that capture some of my Malice Domestic 27 memories:

2015 Academic Mystery Panel - Susan Van Kirk, Lori Rader-Day, DHG, Triss Stein, Neil Plakcy

Jungle Red Writers Game with Hallie Ephron, Rhys Bowen, Charlaine Harris, Roberta Isleib/Lucy Burdette, Hank Phillippi Ryan and the game players including DHG

Picture One:  Nikki Bonnani, Susan Van Kirk, Marilyn Levinson, Grace Topping

Picture Two: DHG, Catriona McPherson, Barb Goffman

Picture Three:  Maggie Toussaint, Nancy J. Cohen, Maggie King, DHG

Picture Four:  Terrie Fairley Moran & DHG

Picture Five: Kathy Waller & DHG

Picture Six:  Edith Maxwell & DHG

Picture Seven:  Leslie Budewitz & DHG

Look at my grin --- who says writers aren't fans?  Do you admit it, too?

Anyone for tea and crumpets...and murder?

by Sparkle Abbey

We're so excited about our new book, Downton Tabby, which is due out in June. Our fab publisher, Bell Bridge Books, is doing some fun promo with a cover reveal at Goodreads on May 15th, a blog tour, special pricing on our backlist, and the placement of a short, featuring Toria, the feline star of Downton Tabby.

We thought you might enjoy reading the short so here goes...

The Pawleys 
A brief episode in the British family history of Lady Toria Cash, the feline fatale of Downton Tabby

“Can you believe that alley cat?” Lady Meow Grandcatham lifted her whiskers in disdain. “Thinking I’d simply fall under the spell of his gorgeous green eyes.”

I shook my head. “He does seem rather cheeky.” I’m Annakatrina, Lady’s Meow’s lady’s maid, and the alley cat she was referring to was Alexander Kittingham who’d apparently made a play for Lady Meow in a big way.

I carefully folded the lace frill she’d worn to dinner and reached for the brush I used every night on her silky black fur. Though I would never bring it up to Lady Meow, talk below stairs was that Alexander Kittingham was not actually a purebred British shorthair. He was often referred to as “Alley” in a disparaging tone, by Thomas Cat, Lord Grandcatham’s valet. Alexander was quite a handsome fellow and a favorite of the ladies around the dinner bowl.

He was nice looking with dark brown fur and deep green eyes, but I was not impressed. You see I’m madly in love with Mr. Bait. Poor Mr. Bait is currently locked up in the pound, but I had no doubt he would soon be freed.

“Beyond cheeky, I’d say.” Lady Meow lifted her paw to her neck. “Would you help me get out of this collar?”

I pulled on the diamond collar with my teeth and it snapped off easily. Carefully placing it in the ornate trinket box, I picked up the brush again.

Suddenly, there was a scratch at the door and I moved quickly to open it.  Lady Vi, Meow’s grandmother, stepped into the room. She was a formidable feline and referred to as the Dogwagger Countess because even the dogs at the neighboring estates were afraid of her. I don’t believe she’d ever actually bitten anyone, canine or otherwise, but all it took was a hiss and the very slight unsheathing of her claws and it was clear she meant business.

“Grandmother.” Lady Meow purred. “What a surprise.”

“Not an unpleasant one, I hope.” The older feline stepped closer so Lady Meow could bump noses with her.

“I’ll leave you.” I moved quietly on soft paws toward the door.

“No, please stay.” The Dogwagger waved her tail in my direction. “I know Meow trusts you.”

“What is it, Grandmama?” Lady Meow dropped on her haunches. “Is something wrong?”

“What is wrong is my sources tell me someone is publishing a catty tell all tome about the Britain’s aristocats. I am told there’s a whole chapter devoted to the Grandcatham Family.” She leaned on the edge of Lady’s Meow’s bed and smoothed her fur.

Lady Meow began to pace. “Have you told Pappa’?

The Dogwagger shook her head. “No, nor your mother. It will be up to us to sort this out.” She gave a deep sigh and tipped her head to look at me. “We must find out who this low-life is and stop him or her before our good name is dragged through the litter box.” Sharp blue eyes pinned me in place.

“What can I do to help, M ‘lady?”

“My dear, you must be our eyes and ears.” The Dogwagger put her paws together as if it were all settled. “You can go places we must not and you will never be noticed.”

I had the thought that not being noticed was hardly complimentary, but knew she was right.

“You will help us, won’t you, Anna?” Lady Meow crossed the room in a single smooth leap to stand in front of me. Her golden eyes searched my face.

“Of course, I will.” I bowed my head.

And thus began my new career as Annakatrina, Cat Sleuth.

What would Mr. Bait think?

Downton Tabby, book seven in The Pampered Pets Mysteries by Sparkle Abbey, is now available for pre-order at Amazon. Pre-order now and send us an email with "Downton Tabby Pre-Order" in the subject line and you'll be entered in the drawing for this adorable Andrew Cardew teapot and a canister of special blend, Downton Abbey tea.

Also, if you're missing any of our backlist this is a great time to grab them. Details here.

And if you want to make sure you're up on all the Sparkle Abbey news, stop by our website and sign up for updates at sparkleabbey.com.


Art credits: 
Siamese Cat in a straw hat © Nizhava1956 | Dreamstime.com 
Loving cats in 1900 © Lestoquoy Véronique | Dreamstime.com

Treat Yourself for Mother's Day!

By Kay Kendall

In celebration of my second mystery coming out in July, my publisher is offering through Mother's Day my first mystery at 99 cents on Amazon. Imagine--the Kindle version of Desolation Row, for less than a dollar. 

I have officially hit the fun stage for the new book, It is edited within an inch of its “life,” and proof read backwards and forwards. Eight authors read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and wrote fantastic blurbs for Rainy Day Women. I'm excited and eager for its birth.

All of a sudden, I’m in a very different life. I had become accustomed to sitting holed up in my (messy) writer’s lair, composing in solitude. Those early drafts are sheer terror. That blank computer screen, waits impatiently to be filled with thousands of words. Sometimes when I've written a few paragraphs that are really tough to pull out of my teeming brain, I stagger to the door out of my cell—er, I mean, writer’s lair—and clutch the frame, stopping to catch my breath. This doesn't happen often, but it does occur. I am astonished at how difficult the early drafts are, and I don't enjoy them. This alone stage lasts a very long time, like forever!

Obviously, this is a stage I must burst through in order to get to the good stuff. I love editing and can do it for hours on end. I love playing with words, choosing just the right ones. I adore working with my editor, and we have conversations back and forth about points I might never have pondered without her questions. This is stage two—with a partner for company, my editor. It lasts only a few months.

Then there is the stage I've just entered now—the third and highly public part. I get to introduce my new baby to the world. Talking about what I put into my mystery is a treat. After all, I wouldn't have written what I did if I weren't eager to share my thoughts with the world. When someone wants to talk about my writing, my goodness, there is nothing better. Ever since I took three years of debate in high school, I have loved public speaking.

Since I already have one book published, I know better what lies ahead for this second one. I am surprised that I am as excited with the new book, however, as I was with the first. With luck, this excitement will never go away for any future books. I never want to grow jaded with the process.

Stage three lasts six to nine months, while the book is new. I go to mystery conferences and meet readers, hold events at bookstores, and generally have a whale of a great time. I came late in the day to my career as a writer, but thank heavens I got here. Better late than never!

Speaking of better late than never, if you've never read Desolation Row, and take advantage of the Amazon Kindle special pricing, then you will be ready when the sequel, Rainy Day Women, launches on July 7.

In the second book, intrepid amateur sleuth Austin Starr searches for a killer of female activists in 1969, a year after Desolation Row took place. A murderer stalks the members of women’s consciousness raising groups at the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia.

During the week of the Manson murders and Woodstock, new mother Austin bundles up her infant son Wyatt—just three months old—and flies with him across the continent to help her dear friend Larissa during her personal crisis. The Mounties have fingered her as their chief suspect in at least one of the murders. More trouble ensues. 

=======================

                                                                                                                                  

 Kay Kendall is a long-time fan of historical mysteries and now writes atmospheric mysteries that capture the spirit and turbulence of the sixties. She is also an award-winning international PR executive who lives in Texas with her husband, three house rabbits, and spaniel Wills. Terribly allergic to the bunnies, she loves them anyway! Her book titles show she’s a Bob Dylan buff too. 

Who Should I Kill Off Next and How Should I Do It?

Having just written the end on the next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, it's time I started thinking about the next Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery. When you write two series--two books a year, one has to come right after the other.

Oh, I'm a ways off from sending the Tempe book to the publisher as my critique group hasn't finished hearing all the chapters, but I'm reading two each time we meet. I've also gone over all the chapters looking for inconsistensies and glaring errors and typos. Of course I'll do that again before I send it off.

In the meantime, I need make some plans for the Rocky Bluff P.D. mystery. In the last one, Violent Departures, the murder victim was female and drowned in her bathtub. So maybe I should find a male victim this time.

And how to do away with him? I've used many methods in the past to kill off victims: poison, decapitation, so many ways I can't remember them all. But my hope, of course, is to come up with something new and unusual.

I always like to have some sort of twist in any mystery I write--and to be honest, I seldom know what that will be until I'm actually writing the book.

Once I start coming up with characters: their names and who they are, the relationships, etc. the ideas will start to flow. They always have and I don't expect anything different this time.

And by the way, for anyone who'd like to start this series from the beginning, this is the last day of Final Respects being free on Kindle.

http://tinyurl.com/opaatdv

This is the book that started it all, why not give it a try?

Marilyn aka F.M. Meredith

Barbara Vey Weekend - Notes from the other side

I have to admit, I've never been to a reader's luncheon before. So when my writer friend, Megan Kelly told me I needed to check out this event in Wisconsin, I hesitated.

Tickets went on sale so the NEXT day, I decided to check out what tables were open. I was hoping to snag a chair on Duffy Brown's table. Duffy's a cozy mystery writer, like me, and I was excited to meet her.

Besides, Tess Gerritsen was going to be the keynote speaker. Tess is great, funny and entertaining. I decided I'd go.

There were three seats left. Not three seats on Duffy's table. Three seats out of the five hundred they'd set aside.

So I nabbed a seat with Kimberly Lang, a contemporary romance writer who specializes in Southern settings.

Best decision I ever made.

Not only did I learn a lot about marketing and branding over the weekend, I had a chance to relax after a stressful first quarter. And I won a pretty amazing door prize, entry to and lodging for Heather Graham's conference in September in New Orleans.

Now that was worth the five hour drive and the price of admission.

And I got to meet an author I'd launched my career at Crimson Romance with - Kate Fellows.

Have you been to a reader's luncheon?