How Do You Feel About Emojis?

by Gay Yellen

Once upon a time, I had a comfortably introverted life. That all changed in 2014, when my first book came out, and my publisher urged me to join the rest of the world on Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms.

Facebook

At first, it was tough to emerge from my cocoon, but little by little, I was posting like a pro. I came to feel pretty comfortable about it, too, until last year, when I read an article in The Wall Street Journal about the generation gap in how people interpret what the little emoticons mean.

Take the smiley face, for example. People over the age of thirty generally use it to express happiness, or to indicate a positive response, like saying "good job!" Or perhaps, "I'm happy for you." But you might be dismayed to know that twenty-somethings and teens find it patronizing, and if they use it at all, they deploy it sarcastically.

The skull and crossbones icon has also been reinterpreted by the younger set. Instead of pointing to danger, they use it to show that they are laughing so hard, they're dying. And the frowny face? For most people, it's a sign of disapproval or frustration. But for the younger set? They are more likely to be pining for the unobtainable object of their affection.

Since reading the WSJ article, I second-guess myself almost every time I reply to a post. Does my response feel genuine to the person receiving the message? Or does it come across as ironic when it's meant to be sincere?

And what to make of the pile of Poop emoji, especially if it's smiling? Even after consulting the internet for the answer, I'm not really sure, although I did learn that, in 2015, it was the most popular emoji in Canada, while the Eggplant reigned supreme in the States. Excrement and sexual innuendo. Lovely.

Thank goodness there's one icon whose meaning we all seem to agree on. We still feel good when the universal symbol for love is delivered to us, although it may help to know that various heart configurations and colors connote different degrees and types of affection. These days, younger people prefer to use the word "fire" and its icon to indicate their strong positive feelings, especially when the response is to a "hot" person or idea. Heart-hands are gaining on in popularity, too.

If you're concerned that people may misread your intentions when you use emojis, you could try consulting emojipedia.com or a few emoji bloggers for an answer. Be warned, however, that you might end up even more confused.

As for me, I'm thinking the safest bet it to revert to an old standby that has worked to express our true feelings for centuries: words.

Readers, how do you feel about emojis?

Gay Yellen writes the award-winning

Samantha Newman Mysteries including

The Body Business,

The Body Next Door

(available on Amazon)

Coming soon,

The Body in the News

Request for a Time Management Intervention

by Donnell Ann Bell 

Well, it’s happened. I survived my sixth book release. I wrote blogs, put out a newsletter, attended Facebook parties, attended a fantastic Zoom presentation with the Corrales Community Library (near Albuquerque), appeared on my local community radio program, worked on my own blog, and made some valuable and very sweet connections by doing so.

In between that, I went to the grocery store, paid bills, changed my sheets, vacuumed, and mopped my tile floor. (I live in a desert. If dust builds up, you may never see me again.) I also had agreed to judge The Colorado Gold, part of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and my deadline came due during this time.

I take contest judging very seriously as I’ve been a contestant and I know what happens on the other side of the spectrum. There is so much hope when aspiring authors submit their entry. Chances are, too, they’re not wealthy, and I want them to get the most for their entry dollar. I finished those entries, and can pretty much guarantee I gave them their money’s worth.

Last night, I joined my husband and watched a beautiful sunset, then as he went off to bed, I snuck back into my office and typed out labels for marketing books to mail, and wrote thank you notes to the very generous experts who advised me on Until Dead, A Cold Case Suspense.

A glorious New Mexico sunsets 

This morning, I’ve thrown in another load of laundry. I’ve still yet to make my bed. Will do so after I finish this blog after which I’ll be out the door to ship them off at the post office. I hope to come home and exercise (I pray last week’s housework counted for something because my formal exercise routine surely escaped me during all of the hustle and bustle). This afternoon I have a dentist appointment and I swear between now and Wednesday I will get a pedicure! 

Some of you may wonder why a woman who no longer works outside the home is trying to cram so much into her schedule. I’m leaving for Colorado this Thursday for a month. This is a welcome respite to visit with my family, play with the grandkids, take my mom to her doctors’ appointments, and of course catch up with her. I’m actually looking forward to my road trip where I can listen to books on audio and just breathe!  My favorite alone time!

For the most part, I have a lovely life and recognize I am so so blessed. I also know there are twenty-four-hours in a day but now the experts are saying in addition to exercise, sleep is critical. My Fitbit now tells me it’s time to go to bed! Sorry to tell you this, Fitbit; I’m a rebel and often am forced to ignore you.

I know/pray my busy season is coming to an end so I can get back to writing. I’m already planning my alone time in Colorado so I can return to my work in progress. Which brings me to the point of this blog: How did I ever work forty hours a week, raise a family, do volunteer activities, and write books?

Finally, now that I look at my calendar, I realize this blog isn’t due until next week. Can you believe it? Doesn’t matter. This baby’s going in.

So I ask you. How are your time management skills? Are you sometimes overwhelmed? Confused what day it is? Please tell me I'm not alone and how you fit everything in!

Donnell Ann Bell is an award-winning author of four bestselling romantic suspense novels and two mainstream taskforce suspense novels. Until Dead, a Cold Case Suspense, was released on May 31, 2022, and she is currently working on Book Three. Readers can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or BookBub. For social media contact or to learn more, find her at www.donnellannbell.com

 

 

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? 

The Parts of a Book

 

By Bethany Maines

 

Recently, we’ve added Harry Potter to our daughter’s bedtime story reading.  Once we’ve completed a book, we watch the movie version.  But then, of course, she wanted a wand and an owl. There’s not much I can do about the owl, but a kindly auntie did provide a wand for Christmas and a potions “class” with dry ice and tea that turns blue.  (Butterfly Pea Blossom Tea if you’re interested, but be forewarned, don’t google the Latin name if you’re at all prone to laughing at dirty jokes.)  But now, she wants the fancy potions bottles.  So after some quick youtubing around and going Dr. Frankenstein on a recycling bin test subject, I’m prepared to have an afternoon of magic potion bottle making. 

None of which has anything to do with writing, except that plotting out how to turn something random into magic is pretty a good definition of what it a writer does.  There was even the “oh shit” part where I was pretty sure I screwed it up and it was going to be a disaster.  I believe that every book I’ve ever written has featured that part. 

In fact, there are many parts to writing a book that don’t get discussed in English classes.  For instance, the “Oh Shit” part is sometimes followed by the Drinking part. Which is often then followed by either the Dawn of Inspiration or the Damned Recycling Bin of I Hate You.  And my next paranormal romance featured the three week long Hiatus of Indecision.  My personal favorite part is the Shining Hope of a New Project.  Sadly, it’s frequently followed by the Hopeless Disillusionment phase.  But if you’re lucky you can make it through the Weary Slog to the End part and end up with a book full of characters that you love and a feeling of accomplishment that the story got told. 

If you’re interested in seeing how the Hiatus of Indecision resulted in a story about vampires that don’t glitter and a shifter wolf who got a little more than he bargained for on his way to rob a bank, you can check it out below.

MAVERICK: Maverick Lacasse, shifter wolf, bank robber and rebel didn’t mean to take Deya Jasper with him on his way out of Littleton Texas, but fate had other plans. But as the two flee for California, vampires dog their every step, and both Deya and Maverick find themselves questioning if the unexpected bond they feel can withstand the dangers they face.

PREORDER NOW

Maverick takes place in the Supernatural world of the 3 Colors Trilogy, but is a stand-alone novel.

**

Bethany Maines is the award-winning author of the Carrie Mae Mysteries, San Juan Islands Mysteries, The Deveraux Legacy Series, and numerous novellas and short stories. When she's not traveling to exotic lands, or kicking some serious butt with her black belt in karate, she can be found chasing her daughter or glued to the computer working on her next novel. You can also catch up with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and BookBub.

 

A Nod to Writers and Artists

By Kathryn Lane

In every novel of my Nikki Garcia mystery series, I’ve mentioned a writer or a visual artist whose work I admire. Since my mysteries are set in foreign countries, this detail adds a touch of that country’s culture.

Waking Up in Medellin takes place in Colombia and I wove in the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Laurette in Literature for One Hundred Years of Solitude, and the sculptures of Fernando Botero into the story.

Research on Fernando Botero's sculpture

Danger in the Coyote Zone takes place in Mexico and I mentioned Leonora Carrington, a British woman who lived and worked among the surrealists in Paris and moved to Mexico to escape the ravishes of World War II. She remained in Mexico, married the Hungarian-born photographer Emerico Weisz, and lived in Mexico City for the rest of her life. Leonora infused her surrealist paintings and sculptures with a feminine perspective, and she played an important role in the women’s rights movement in Mexico. In my novel, I only mention that Nikki notices one of her surreal sculptures on a street in San Miguel de Allende. To my amazement, I received an email from Wendy Weisz, Leonora’s daughter-in-law. Wendy had read my first novel in the series and had purchased the second one too. She was pleasantly surprised to find the mention of her late mother-in-law’s sculpture. Hearing from her was thrilling to me, especially since I’ve never met anyone in the Weisz family though I’ve always admired Leonora’s art and sculpture.

Leonora Carrington's Self-Portrait in New York's Metropolitan Museum

Revenge in Barcelona includes action scenes that occur at Gaudi’s architectural sites, such as the world famous Sagrada Familia Basilica. Not only did I research Gaudi’s work, but also I made two trips to Barcelona to make certain I had the facts right. (That Barcelona is my favorite city in the world did not influence my decision to travel there to fact check!)

Author and her husband. She was researching Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. 

While writing Missing in Miami, I took a slightly different approach. I’d read Klara and the Sun by Ishiguro. Josie, Ishiguro’s character, suffers from an illness that is never fully defined. My character Andrea, the missing girl in my novel, also has an illness. I mentioned Ishiguro’s novel despite his lack of ties to Cuba to subliminally correlate his Josie to my Andrea. I never mention Ishiguro’s character or her illness so I don’t expect many readers to catch the comparison unless they’ve read both novels.

The author loves Ishiguro's novels!

I’m currently writing a novel about a math prodigy. In it I’ve mentioned Miguel de Cervantes and his picaresque novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha. It’s prompted me to reread the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, a novel I love despite the fact it was written in the early 1700s.

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza on their steeds.

***

Do you incorporate allusions, a nod, or direct references in your novels to either writers or their work?

***

Kathryn's Nikki Garcia Thriller Series - on Amazon

About Kathryn

Kathryn Lane started out painting in oils and quickly became a starving artist. To earn a living, she became a certified public accountant and embarked on a career in international finance with a major multinational corporation. After two decades, she left the corporate world to plunge into writing mystery and suspense thrillers. In her stories, Kathryn draws deeply from her Mexican background as well as her travels in over ninety countries.

Visit my website at https://www.Kathryn-Lane.com

Photo credits:

All photographs are used in an editorial and/or educational manner

Botero Sculpture - by Kathryn Lane

Leonora Carrington's Self-Portrait - Pinterest

Sagrada Familia - by Kathryn Lane

Klara and the Sun - Amazon

Don Quijote de la Mancha - Amazon

Sleuthing In Stilettos Has A Cover

 

Happy June! Can you believe we're six months into 2022? It feels like I blinked and the year was half over. Honestly, I hope the same happens for the next three months because I really dislike the hot, humid weather. I'm much more a fall kinda gal. :) But, the month I'm really looking forward to this year is December! That's when SLEUTHING IN STILETTOS releases!!! And I got the cover for the book the other day. I absolutely love it. It fits the story so well.

Writing this story was so much fun for me for so many reasons but I can't go into those reasons because they'll be spoilers. Let's just say, Kelly Quinn finds herself up to her false lashes in hot water and big trouble. So, you see why I loved writing the story so much. Here's a little bit about SLEUTHING IN STILETTOS.

 

Kelly Quinn, owner of a high-end consignment shop, is a booster for her Long Island town’s small businesses—but now a store owner’s murder has brought big trouble . . .

Locals in Lucky Cove seem to harbor hostility toward Miranda Farrell, proprietor of a new shoe store. Nevertheless, Kelly invites her along to a Chamber of Commerce meeting. But soon afterward, Miranda’s body is found in her shop, with Kelly’s uncle—who’s had multiple public arguments with her—standing nearby. Could her uncle really have committed murder over a business dispute? Or is Miranda’s death related to her late husband’s long-ago embezzlement case?
 
Kelly feels compelled to investigate, despite her detective boyfriend’s objections—not to mention her commitment to promoting Small Business Saturday. But her effort to pump up sales may fall flat. After her presentation to the committee is sabotaged, the Chamber gives her the boot—and tongues start wagging. Now she has to do some fancy footwork to find the killer . . .

The book releases on 12/6/22 and is available for pre-order at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

When I received this cover from my publicist, it truly made my day. I've had crushing back-to-back deadlines, so having this bright spot pop into my day was amazing. BTW, I did meet both those deadlines. Yay! And I've managed to do some reading. Over on my personal blog, I shared what I've read so far this year and three books I'd like to read next. My current read is The Art of the Decoy by Trish Esden. Set in New England and centered around antiques. I love it! 

What are you reading? I'd love to know. Because, you know, the TBR pile can never be too big. 

 

 

 

Debra Sennefelder is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series and the Resale Boutique Mystery series. She lives and writes in Connecticut. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, exercising and taking long walks with her Shih-Tzu, Connie. You can keep in touch with Debra through her website, on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So You Want to Write a Book

By Sparkle Abbey

Part 2: Old School Research

Welcome back to So You Want to Write a Book!

There’s a book in everyone, right? If you’ve decided that there’s a book in you and you’re ready to embark on that journey, we’re excited for you!

Last month we talked about where to start when writing a book for the first time. We asked you a lot of questions, such as:

• Are you passionate about a particular storyline?
• What type of book are you interested in writing?
• What idea is constantly on your mind?

You may remember there was also an assignment. We hope you took our suggestion to write down ALL your ideas. If so, pull out that notebook where you jotted down them down, and let’s talk about what you wrote. (If you didn’t take that step, there’s still time. Just take that step today.)

By now you should have decided what you’re passionate about and what type of book you’re going to write. You should know if you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. A thriller or a memoir. Romance or a self-help book.  

Okay, are you ready for step two? Step two is what we call Old School Research. And we’re the first to admit, that not everyone agrees on this. We believe to write well in any genre or subject, you need to be well-read in that area. What is currently being written? What type of plot resonates with you? What characters speak to you? How do the best-selling stories unfold? What can you LEARN from books you love as well as books you put down after a few pages?

Back when we first started writing we read over 100 books in our genre. While we aren’t telling you to read 100 books before you start writing, we are telling you to read extensively in the genre or subject in which you’re going to write. There are some who disagree with this approach for various reasons. They may worry about copying another author’s work. Probably not. After 100 books, one thing you’ll notice is there’s really no new plot. And how you write your story is all about what you uniquely bring to the table. However, by reading deeply in your selected subject, you’ll have a better understanding of how to make your book stand out from the crowd. You’ll also begin to understand the importance of reader expectations. (More on that down the road!)

Well, what do you think? Are you onboard to read, read, read for the next few weeks while you’re thinking about your book? As you read, keep your notebook handy. Take notes on what you learn, how you’ll be different, what works, and what doesn’t.

If you’d like, share in the comments what you’ve decided to write and what you’ve learned from reading extensively in your subject, and how you’ll use that to write a book that stands out from the crowd. And as always, if you have questions, feel free to ask us.

Next month we’ll talk about knowing where you’re headed. Sound intriguing? 

Sparkle Abbey's latest story (written in first person) is a short but fun one. If you've not yet
checked out PROJECT DOGWAY, this is a great time to do that. 

Sparkle Abbey is actually two people, Mary Lee Ashford and Anita Carter, who write the national best-selling Pampered Pets cozy mystery series. They are friends as well as neighbors so they often get together and plot ways to commit murder. (But don't tell the other neighbors.) 

They love to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, their favorite social media sites. Also, if you want to make sure you get updates, sign up for their newsletter via the SparkleAbbey.com website

Clicking Our Heels - Physically Moving Outside Our Comfort Zones?

Clicking Our Heels – Physically Moving Outside Our Comfort Zones?

In last month’s Clicking Our Heels blog post we discussed our favorite forms of exercise. Our answers were quite varied, but what if we had an opportunity to physically move outside our comfort zones? What if we had the option to skydive, bungee jump, mountain climb, or ??? – would we or would we opt to be couch potatoes?

 

Mary Lee Ashford: Oh, no. No skydiving, bungee jumping, or mountain climbing for me. Boating could be a yes, but I would undoubtedly take a book along.

 

Bethany Maines: I’ve been indoor skydiving (total blast), I would go bungee jumping given the opportunity, I’ve hiked up a few mountains, and I like being a couch potato but usually someone in my family is hogging it. Frequently, it’s the dog.

 

Gay Yellen: The beautiful city park across the street makes for easy, almost daily walking jaunts.

 

Lynn Mcpherson: I’ve been skydiving three times. It was amazing. I’m not good at sitting around. I like to get outside and have some fun.

 

Donnell Bell:  I love taking hills, not necessarily mountains-I tried that and lost two toenails!!

 

Barbara J. Eikmeier: I would be willing to go zip lining.

 

Lynn C. Willis: Oh, mountain climbing! I have books on training to climb Everest but have recently realized I don’t like the cold.

 

Lois Winston: None of the above. However, I do love to take long walks.

 

Robin Hillyer-Miles: I like hiking. I am not a dare devil!

 

Dru Ann Love: Definitely a couch potato. Give me a sci-fi movie and I’m in heaven.

 

Kathryn Lane: Love mountain climbing!

 

Debra Sennefelder: No to everything in that question. LOL I won’t climb a mountain, but I love a good hike. So there you have my level of adventure.

 

Anita Carter: If those are my only choice, I guess I’m a couch potato. LOL The most adventurous active I’ve ever done was ziplining.

 

Linda Rodriguez: I love the idea of bungee jumping with my walker with specialized support for my wrecked shoulder. I think I’ll go with that.

 

Shari Randall: No, thank you! Couch for me!

 

Debra H. Goldstein: All of these require exertion – even getting on and off the couch. I think I’ll take a long hot bath while reading a good gossipy magazine.