Behind the Scenes: In Edinburgh!

As I begin work on the sequel to The Seventh Tapestry, my first art crimes mystery, I started by rereading The Seventh Tapestry and taking notes. OK, I was disappointed to find a typo (soon to be fixed), and I'm not sure I like the cover, but I was drawn into Sandra and Neil's story -- how they met, how the thefts at the Museum of Medieval Art brought Sandra into danger, and how beautifully the Lion and the Unicorn tapestries were at the heart of this mystery.

Chapter 5 reintroduced me to Lady Stairs Close and that apartment where we stayed for a month a few years back, some five stories above the inner courtyard, just next to The Writers' Museum. Each afternoon, rain or shine (and it does rain in Edinburgh), we could watch people visit this lovely museum, paying homage to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. 

Of course, our apartment became Sandra's apartment in The Seventh Tapestry.

The view from our apartment in Edinburgh,

just off Lawnmarket.

The Castle at Edinburgh,

a short walk up the Royal Mile

(source: Anita on Pixabay)

Just like Sandra and Neil, we wandered through the halls of Edinburgh Castle, saw stone walls covered with tapestries and met with weavers working on a replica of the Hunt for the Unicorn (originals at the Cloisters just outside of New York). Did I tell you that The Seventh Tapestry was inspired by our visit to Cluny in Paris, where we spent hours admiring the six tapestries that make up the Lion and the Unicorn series?

"Sight" from the Lion and the Unicorn set of tapestries, 

Cluny Museum, Paris.

So this morning, when I pulled out my travel journals for Edinburgh, Paris, and Egypt, and a thick, 3-ring binder dubbed 'Art Crimes Bible,' another surprise awaited. I haven't looked at this wip since last June and deep in revisions of Scattered Stones (1840s Scotland), somehow forgot that I have nearly 50 pages of a draft of this new story set in Egypt, single-spaced! Now, my work truly begins!

May the rest of August bring you a few cool days, good times with family and friends, and a bit of a read.

  Scattered Stones, perhaps the last in the Stones series, awaits you! Let me know what you think.

IWSG August 3: I'm late, I'm late!

Alice in Wonderland, down the rabbit hole! I'm late. I'm late!

Sorry guys. On August 3, the date I should have posted, we were recovering from a 400-mile driving day home from Vancouver, Canada.

Every month, the Insecure Writer's Study Group announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These prompts may lead us to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. 

Here's IWSG's August 3 question: When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original or do you try to give readers what they want?

I'm not sure at all how to answer this month's question because when I begin to write a story, I'm thinking of the characters or the setting, maybe the genre, and wondering where this story will take me. 

I do care about readers, but the big question for me is given where my characters are, what happens next?

Sometimes travel plays a role. I already know my next project is set in Egypt. Not that we can go now, but we did spend a month in Egypt a while back, traveling down the Nile, exploring the pyramids (we even walked underneath one, looking up to see misshapen blocks that weighed tons above us). Have you ever been accosted by a merchant selling silk rugs who invites you into his shop for tea? Or gotten lost wandering through an open air market where English is not spoken at all? Or spent hours and days at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a treasure house of art and culture?

I like to write series. This gives me a chance to know my characters more deeply with each story. So, my first art crime mystery, The Seventh Tapestry, will now take Sandra and Neil to Egypt! It's time to get my journals out, gather my research together, and start dreaming and drafting. Prepare to hold your breath for a few years, for even with outlining and a sense of direction, writing takes time!

Now to share some good news: Scattered Stones, the latest in my 1840s Scottish series, is live! After nearly three years of writing, I finished the formatting, both e-book and paperback. You can catch up on Moira and Dylan's story HERE and celebrate with me!

Special thanks to co-hosts for IWSG's August posting go to: Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

What is IWSG? To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting for IWSG: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

E-Book Launch: Scattered Stones

Outside, one of the cooler days is predicted for the coming week, and the temps are headed for the upper 90s. Inside, if I were working with pen and paper, scraps and notes would litter my desk and the floor! 

Scattered Stones is out in ebook format, reviews are starting to come in, and now I'm chiseling my way through formatting to complete the paperback. It's been a busy two mornings, thanks to Amazon's document template and three pages of guidelines. 

You might suggest that readers don't care about typos, extra blank lines or pages, or even unexpected shifts in font or font size. They do. Yes, I could pay someone else to do this formatting. After all, I'm already thinking about that next story. But, I'm a frugal indie writer -- and stubborn. Otherwise, I wouldn't get anything done at all! You can expect the paperback version to go live in about another week. That is IF I can master making the cover. Wish me good fortune on that one.

We're still settling back home after being on vacation with friends in Vancouver, B.C. Yesterday afternoon, we ran errands, and I got to go thrifting, on the hunt for shorts and tops to wear at home for the next few weeks of August's brutal hot weather. Trust me, I found this outrageous pair of turquoise baggy shorts I will never wear anywhere but at home. Comfort! 

Smoothies and fresh fruit await for the grandkids who come tomorrow morning for breakfast. What could be sweeter? 

Did you know that leaving a review is the BEST WAY to let others know when you like a book? And that reviews encourage writers? If you read Scattered Stones and leave a review, know that your efforts will be deeply appreciated.

Have a wonderful August! 

And what are you reading?

Summer turned hot suddenly, so what's better than cuddling next to the air conditioning and reading a good book?

Last week's author interview is this week's book highlight! 

Kathleen Kaska's Murder at the Menger is Book 5 of the Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series, and is a delightful stand-alone read. 

From the opening sentence, we are immersed into Sydney's world. Sydney, a feisty private investigator, discovers a dead body at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio. The story quickly spirals into a series of twists, adventures, and, of course, more dead bodies. Is it easy to be a female investigator in the murky underworld of the 1950s? Not at all, but Sydney packs a gun and takes no guff. Well, except from her cousin, a sharp contrast to Sydney with her love of shopping, and yet who gladly follows Sydney's cases with her own brand of feistiness.

Kathleen has a real gift for telling a compelling story. She also brings the settings and characters to very vivid life! Here, just one example as a minor character complains about a suspect:  "That woman spins lies better than a tarantula." The reader is pulled along Sydney's investigations and greatly entertained along the way.

Here's a little more about Kathleen Kaska: 

She is the author of the awarding-winning mystery series: the Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series set in the 1950s. Each of these five mysteries is set in a different historic hotel. Her first two Lockhart mysteries, Murder at the Arlington and Murder at the Luther, were selected as bonus books for the Pulpwood Queen Book Group, the country’s largest book group. 

Her Kate Caraway Animal-Rights Mystery Series, which includes Run Dog Run, and A Two Horse Town. A third book in this series, Eagle Crossing, will be released later this summer.

Kathleen also writes mystery trivia, including The Sherlock Holmes Quiz Book. Her Holmes short story, “The Adventure at Old Basingstoke,” appears in Sherlock Holmes of Baking Street. She is the founder of The Dogs in the Nighttime, the Sherlock Holmes Society of Anacortes, Washington, and is a scion of The Baker Street Irregulars. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.

Find out more about Kathleen at:

• https://metaphorwritingcoach.com/
• https://twitter.com/KKaskaAuthor
• http://www.facebook.com/kathleenkaska
• https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B001K88UMQ
• https://www.instagram.com/kathleenkaska/

You might just want to read a little more about the Menger Hotel which just happens to be on the Ghost Tours of San Antonio, Texas! 

The Menger Hotel, 1865 (Source: Wikipedia)

May you enjoy some fine summer reading and stay cool! 

Meet the Author: Kathleen Kaska

I first met Kathleen Kaska via Sisters in Crime and became entranced with her feisty heroine, Sydney Lockhart, a brash, unafraid, and curious new reporter, eager to earn her way in a man's world -- with no easy career paths in the 1950's. 

What inspired you to write the Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series? How did Murder at the Arlington lead to Murder at the Menger?

     I was working on my Kate Caraway Animal-Rights Series at the time, but I was also reading humorous mysteries by Janet Evanovich, Carl Hiaasen, and Elizabeth Peters. Their stories and characters were uplifting and enjoyable, especially after a stressful day of teaching middle school students. After reading dozens of their books, a seed must have been planted in my brain, and Sydney Lockhart sprouted. It happened in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

My husband and I spend Thanksgiving week at the historic Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs every year. On one of those trips, I met Sydney Lockhart while unpacking. She walked out of the bathroom and told me she was not happy because there was a dead man in her bathtub. Then she told me her story. All I had to do was write it down. By the end of that week, I had the basis for the series.

I decided that the Sydney Lockhart series would be set in the 1950s, each one at an actual historic hotel. And every time Sydney checked in, she’d become involved in a murder, usually as a suspect. Since Murder at the Arlington, Sydney and I have written, Murder at the Luther (Palacio, Texas), Murder at the Galvez (Galveston, Texas), Murder at the Driskill (Austin, Texas), and most recently, Murder at the Menger.

Murder at the Menger, just released in June, takes place in the historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. From the first book to this one, a lot has happened in Sydney's world, most of which was a surprise until I started writing.

What can you tell us about yourself?  Okay, here goes: Ten things to know about me.

1. I grew up in the small Czech/Catholic town of West in Central Texas.

2. When I started writing my Sydney Lockhart series, I realized I could write humor, not something you’d expect from a shy, quiet, easily intimidated child, which I was.

3. After college graduation, I went to New York City to celebrate and stayed for a year and a half.

4. I realized in my forties that I was moderately dyslexic, which explained a lot.

5. I started running marathons when I turned 60. I’ve chalked up 27 so far. I plan to keep it up until I turn 80.

6. I love birding, which led to the publication of my book, The Man Who Saved the Whooping Crane: The Robert Porter Allen Story.

7. I’m a Sherlockian—a fancy name for anyone obsessed with reading Sherlock Holmes. Check out my book, The Sherlock Holmes Quiz Book.

8. I have three wonderful, fun, beautiful sisters who inspire me and make me happy to be alive.

9. I have a wonderful husband who does the same thing.

10. I love dogs!

What were the key steps in developing your editing services?

    I was born to be a teacher; writing I had to learn. So at age six, I sat my little sister in front of a blackboard and tried to teach her what I had learned in school that day. Her attention span was short, but she was two years old. I did my best to keep her in her seat. You can guess how that turned out.

    I went on to teach seventh-grade life science for twenty-five years and loved every minute of it—well, almost. Once I started writing, it was only natural that I wanted to share what I learned with others.

    Fast forward—after I retired from the classroom and had published several books, I went to work for a publishing company as their marketing director, but I also edited manuscripts, which I loved doing. Unfortunately, the company closed two years ago because of COVID, so I decided to start my own editing and coaching business, Metaphor Writing Coach. I work with new and published authors, editing and evaluating their manuscripts and other writing projects. The coaching part of my business also involves working with new writers by helping them complete their WIP and, in some cases, find a publisher.

Any surprises? Any lessons learned you’d like to share? 

Two surprises and a lesson:

    Surprise one: Soon after I started my business, I was surprised when a woman contacted me looking for a ghostwriter for her autobiography. Ghostwriting is an entirely different business, requiring a lot of time, which would have taken me away from my writing. Besides, writing someone else's story just doesn't work for me. It’s true, I've written a biography about ornithologist Robert Porter Allen, but his life’s story dealt with saving endangered birds, which is a passion of mine. I told the woman to write her story, and I would edit and evaluate it. I didn’t think I’d hear from her. Then a year later, she called. She’d finished her autobiography—150,000 words. Now, I have a massive project to tackle. 

    Surprise two: Up until a year ago, the subjects of my blog posts were writing and publishing. I never considered writing about my personal life until I had to give a motivational speech on that very topic. I used humor to tell my story, and I was surprised by the overwhelming response I received. Moreover, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing about my childhood. That led to a new blog series, “Growing Up Catholic in a Small Texas Town.” I found that a lot of folks can relate to that.

    Lesson: The best lesson I learned was from an agent who told me not to worry about who will publish my book but instead focus on finishing my manuscript. The editing, publishing, and promoting will come later.

How do you approach social media? Any advice to give?

    In this day and time, engaging in social media communication is a must. Publishers expect their authors to use it to promote their books and increase their readership. Even though connecting with folks through social media is fun, it competes with my writing time. Although I’m good at meeting deadlines—thanks to the nuns who taught me at St. Mary’s School—I do experience stressful moments trying to juggle everything. Of course, I wouldn't do it if I didn't love writing and teaching. I just have to prioritize and allow for relaxation and exercise. 

    My social media advice is to select two or three of your favorite social media platforms in which to engage and set aside time every day to be active on them.

How would you describe your reading? Any books to recommend?

    I read for enjoyment, inspiration, and learning. Enjoyable books allow me to relax. Inspirational books help me to continue to write. I learn how to improve my writing by reading books by bestselling authors.

    I also like reading books by other Texas authors. I recently discovered Attica Locke's Darren Mathews Mystery Series set in East Texas. The first is Bluebird, Bluebird, and the second Heaven, My Home—just released. She’s captured the rich, mystical setting of the Piney Woods in Texas. HarperCollins author Taylor Moore’s first Garrett Kohl mystery, Down Range, was published this spring, and his second one is coming out in August. I was so taken by these two authors and their series that I recently wrote an article about them for Mystery & Suspense Magazine.

    Other books I recommend keeping nearby? Anything written by E.B. White and his stepson, Roger Angell, both of whom wrote for The New Yorker magazine. Anyone who wants to learn to write or write better must read these two fabulous authors. I have several of their books, and I reread them often.

What advice would you like to give other writers?

    I always share the advice that the agent gave me about finishing my manuscript. I also advise readers to read, read, read, especially the genre in which they write.

Thank you, Kathleen, for talking with us this month. I was caught up in Sydney Lockhart's world right from the opening scenes of Murder at the Arlington and Murder at the Menger. Maybe because I remember the 1950s pretty well, even as I felt restive from requirements that women wore skirts no shorter than mid-calf, that we must wear gloves when going to town, and we should never interrupt a man when he spoke. Of course, the 1950s did lead to the 1960s, but with these delightful murder mysteries, we get to experience and explore how feisty women achieved their goals, well before women's lib!

Tune in next week to learn a little more about Murder at the Menger.

For more about Kathleen Kaska, visit her website at: http://www.kathleenkaska.com

Monday Morning and Scattered!

 Today in Vancouver, the morning begins with clouds, occasional rain, and a high of 70F. I'm watching a cityscape of folks off to work as yachts, scullers, and little aqua bus boats ply the False River, some 12 stories below. Yes, the morning has been busy!

First, advance review copies of Scattered Stones are available. Just let me know if you'd like an advance, free copy -- if you're willing to write a review for Amazon or GoodReads. And if you really don't want to wait for the official release date of August 1st, an e-book of Scattered Stones is now available on Amazon.

Amazon didn't like my cover because it already had text on it. So, I made a new one using their Cover Creator. Now, here's a question for you: Which cover do you like best and why?

Please let me know in the comments below or by e-mail. I truly appreciate the feedback! Just because your opinion matters, and I just might need to change that cover!!!!

May it be sunny and warm where you are -- with only good days ahead.

Beginnings and Endings

 For the last two weeks, here in our condo above False Creek in Vancouver, we've watched the large parking lot twelve stories below fill up with long-haul trucks, massive white tents, and then workers who assembled rows of tables, put up and taken down, with crews cooking, and a fleet of pickups and cabs and limousines coming and going.

We didn't know what was happening until on one of our walks, Allen stopped to ask, and we learned this was one of several staging areas for the filming of Amazon's Wilderness series. Just this summer here in Vancouver. Next year, this somewhat twisted love story can be watched on Amazon Prime. If we wanted a head start on understanding the story, we could read B. E. Jones, Wilderness, the book that inspired the series.

Meanwhile, as morning lights up Vancouver, the trucks roll out, and a line of buildings face the rising sun, a kind of modern Stonehenge.

Now why I've called today's post, 'Beginnings and Endings,' is very simply for nearly the last 8 days, I've struggled with a bad cold. But not today. For as the trucks load up and leave, I can now return to writing -- and exploring this beautiful city. Temperatures remain somewhat cooler than elsewhere, in the mid to upper 70s, and the walkway along False Creek beckons, as do those untouched files in my laptop. All is well. Enjoy the summer!

IWSG July 6: What book world would I live in?

The first Wednesday of the month is set aside as Insecure Writers' Support Group. On this day, writers post an update to share what's going on in their writing life. They may respond to the monthly question or share news. We try to read at least 12 other posts; it's pretty wonderful to be a part of an online writing group. I hope you will join us!

July 6 question - If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

If I were a teenager, reading science fiction books by the boxful as I once did, this would be an easy question to answer. I loved immersing myself in alien worlds, fantastic journeys, and pursuing quests that took me unexpected places.

That was many decades ago. Right now I'm polishing the very last connections between my historical fiction series and my new (last?) book in this series, Scattered Stones, slated for launch sometime in August, which tells the story of a couple separated by happenstance in 1840s Scotland. I call this story "blue collar gritty" for the average person struggled to make a living in those far off days. So I've been living in this book world of my own making for quite a while, but feeling ready to finish and next to jump into contemporary mystery/suspense stories about art crime in Scotland and Egypt.

Note: If you would like a free review copy of Scattered Stones when it's released, just let me know by e-mail or comments below, and I'll send you the link sometime in the next few weeks!

We're also on the road, a month-long stay in Vancouver, where all is new and slightly different. Our condo overlooks the small False River near Grenville Island. Little aqua-boats churn up and down as do yachts, sailing boats, and smaller sculling boats powered by oars. We're in the midst of downtown with mountain views and busy city life around us. A 6-minute walk takes us to Urban Fare, an upscale grocery store with sushi and Italian food, a bakery, and organic fruits and vegetables. Every nationality seems represented here. Diverse, energetic, young people stroll along the river as do we.  At night, the buildings light up in a breathtaking panoramic view.

And yet our condo is quiet, perfect for writing in a tiny nook or for reading that next book. On my list for the month: Erik Larson's Isaac's Storm and Kathleen Kaska's Murder at the Menger.

May your month go well, with new stories and many words coming your way. Stop by to say thank you to our co-hosts this month: J Lenni Dorner, Janet Alcorn, PJ Colando, Jenni Enzor, and Diane Burton!  And, consider signing up and participating in our monthly blog posts by going HERE!

Don't forget about the IWSG Book Club featuring IWSG writers!

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On the Road: Oh, Canada!

 Staying home is comfortable. Everything that I need is right at hand -- books, computers, sewing projects, all those kitchen necessaries. So why is going on the road so attractive?

We paired a week in Banff to celebrate a family reunion/50th wedding anniversary with a meandering trip across Canada, winding up in Vancouver, our home for the rest of the month. We camped in hotel rooms, hiked when we could, ate some of the wildest food (bison while we're quasi-vegetarians!), and appreciated every moment of being in the Canadian Rockies as we drove from Banff through Yoho, Glacier, Revelstoke, and finally to British Columbia.

There's something about being out in the wilderness, even when we walked along Marble Canyon with hundreds of other tourists.  The loud rush of the water down that narrow gorge. The smell of sharp, clean air, and pines and moss.

Yes, there were tourists, everywhere we went. Yet there were quiet times as well as we sought out those less well-traveled places. We did see a grizzly, out in a wide field, munching away on his meal of grasses and dandelions. A gray wolf sprinted along a steep hillside just as our car rounded a turn. He was too big to be a coyote.

And those mountains. That moment very early in the morning as the sun came up, bringing light to snow-topped rocky craigs, just outside Golden. 

The raven that touched down briefly just a few feet away from our patio table. 

The challenge of walking (with our hiking sticks) over stones in Rock Garden, finding the path . . . slowly. 

The laptop awaits as do writing projects. Tomorrow we begin our month in Vancouver, our apartment just a few blocks away from Stanley Park. A highlight? A corner nook that will serve as my office. Vacation begins!

May your summer be filled with family and fun, busy with all you care for and about, and quiet time as well.

Meet the Author: Anne Louise Bannon

Today, Anne Louise Bannon releases Death of An Heiress, Book 4 in her Old Los Angeles historical mystery series. This fascinating story takes us back to 1895, a time when women doctors were not easily accepted, tensions between landowners and workers ran high, and dead bodies kept showing up in unexpected places. 

Anne kindly answered a few questions for your enjoyment:

--Can you tell us a little about yourself? Not much to tell. I've been writing most of my life, starting with my first novel at age 15. It wasn't necessarily a good novel, but I wrote it. I've worked as a journalist and TV critic. My husband and I write a wine blog, OddBallGrape.com. He makes wine and bread. I make soap, bread, and sew clothes. We like to joke that we make the things most sane people buy. We live in Southern California with our basset/beagle mix TobyWan, and cats Medusa, Xanax, and Benzedrine.

Anne's cat, Xanax

--When did you begin to write stories? Well, apart from the novel I mentioned above, I wrote my first story in fourth grade as part of a classroom assignment. It was about a jungle expedition and had knives falling out of trees and all sorts of ridiculous stuff. But then, the summer I turned 15, I realized that if I was going to get away with doing all the daydreaming I was doing, I should write it down. So, I did.

--How would you describe your writing process? Ever-evolving. Everything starts in my head, though. Usually, the characters start talking to me (it's very noisy inside my head). Or I'll see something weird and think, "That's interesting. Maybe useful . . . ." It's a lot harder for me to write if I haven't had significant time to think about it. That's one of the reasons I spend so much time walking. Once I've got a story, I'll find different ways to organize it, depending on my mood, and what toys I have to play with. 

Yes, I'm a geek. If there's some new bit of software, I'll play with it. Right now, my fave organizing tool is Aeon Timeline (love the new upgrade!!). I also love "handwriting" my notes on my iPad with GoodNotes. That has been an amazing experience - being able to take advantage of the neural benefits of handwriting while still being able to take my notes everywhere without having to haul around a file folder or worry about bits of paper getting lost.

Finally, I apply my fanny to the seat of my chair and start cranking. Once the characters are talking, things usually go smoothly. Sometimes, they're a little more reticent. But I keep going. That's how a book gets done.

--What brings you joy in writing? Dorothy L. Sayers in Gaudy Night has her character Harriet Vane talking to someone else about how it feels when she writes something. It's absolutely right, and she knows it to her core. I forget the exact quote, and Google didn't help me just now. But I remember reading that and thinking. Yes. Hell, yes! That is it! That is the moment. There is nothing better than writing a bit of narrative, a really good turn of phrase, and knowing that you have nailed it. And I generally have.

-- How do you connect with other writers? with readers? I connect with other writers through various writing groups, such as Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Historical Novel Society. It was actually a smaller group that connected me with two of my best friends, but it was for writers. As for connecting with readers, I do everything I can. I give talks at the drop of a hat. I hand out cards every so often. I sell books to my husband's home winemaking club. All sorts of things.

--How did your blog evolve into what it is today? It started with a novel I wrote in the late 1980s, a romance between a U.S. president and his aide, that never really ended. So, in 2007 or so, when blogging was just happening, I decided to turn that novel into a blog - hell, blogs don't end, right? That became White House Rhapsody, which is currently only available as an ebook on Smashwords. As time went on, I folded my TV blog, then decided that for my personal blog, I'd write about the stuff I was really interested in. But then, I had this series of novels that I'd written in the early 1980s that never went anywhere, and while they needed re-writing, they were still pretty good, and since I had one fiction serial. Next thing I know, I'm putting those on the blog. 

The wine blog, OddBallGrape.com, happened as a joint project with my husband, and we featured the kinds of wines no one had ever heard of, such as negrette and blaufrankisch. But then we realized that winemakers who were women and/or people of color weren't getting any press, and that profiles and wine education got us more readers than tasting notes. So, that's the current focus of that blog.

--What is the best writing advice you’ve received? Best?? Hmm. I've gotten a lot of advice in my time, but not much that really sticks out as good advice, for some reason. I'm always willing to learn, don't get me wrong. I do remember this one incident. In my novel Fascinating Rhythm, there is a scene where author Freddie Little is telling his new friend and editor Kathy Briscow about how his book had been with several other editors, and no one could offer any suggestions that made sense to him until he got Kathy's letter, and it was as if Moses had come down from the mountain and said, "This is the way thou shalt go." 

Well, I'd polished and re-written Fascinating Rhythm. Re-written and polished. Then sent it around to the editors and agents, and got lots of good comments and lots of things that they thought needed fixing, but nothing consistent. Then this one editor said, "It needs more urgency." Bing! Bing! Bing!! It was exactly like the scene in the book. Moses had come down from the mountain. And that's what I fixed.

--What would you tell other writers on how to improve their writing life? Develop persistence. You'll need it at every phase of the process, from getting your novel together and written, to putting it out there, to selling it after it's published. 

Secondly, try everything. I was at a talk once where the speaker was proposing this very time-intensive, nit-picky, and formulaic process for editing. I remember watching her and thinking that there was no way in hell I would get anything done if I did that. And yet, when I got stuck on a scene a few days after that talk, I looked up her acronym, and it got me out of the scene. That's why my process is ever-evolving. There's always something new to learn and you can learn a lot even from what doesn't work for you.

Anne with TobyWan

Thank you, Anne, for sharing your story-telling background and giving us such excellent writing advice. Your passion for writing, your energy, humor, and curiosity come through clearly.

I first met Anne as part of Sisters in Crime. She is a prolific writer. In addition to the Old Los Angeles series, you can check out her Kathy and Freddy 1920s mystery series, the Operation Quickline (romance/espionage). All of Anne's books are available on Amazon.  I can promise you intriguing characters, realistic settings that immerse you in time and place, and a really good read. And, don't forget her blog!

 https://annelouisebannon.com/

And what's next?

In two weeks, we leave for a car trip through Canada, already looking forward to summer, blue skies, and driving through the wilds from Banff to Vancouver, where we'll stay a month in an apartment with a nook for writing.

My laptop is ready, but I am not. Doctor appointments and news a dear friend has died, as other dear friends stuggle with Covid mean I'm looking forward to a respite, a time of healing.

I haven't been writing.

Or I write a little one day and nothing the next.

This morning, I gave myself a shake and settled down to make that pros/cons list for I have two projects simmering away. 1) to finish Scattered Stones, the fourth and final book in my historical fiction series that's percolating away with notes and edits from beta readers, hopefully close to completion, and 2) to start on that next new and shiny story: The Last Sarcophagus, a mystery set in Egypt.

And then I noticed a new review from MAR, an anonymous reviewer on Amazon. She reviewed four of my books in under a month -- and gave extraordinarily helpful feedback on story strategy, character development, and (aargh!) typos! On all four books! I can't even say thank you because I don't know who she is!

Thank you, MAR, wherever you are, for helping me see what's next. I'll finish Scattered Stones and then dig right into those changes you suggest. I'm packing my notes, laptop, and we're ready.

May your own summer bring you flowers, moments of peace and celebration, and if you write, may you discover many good words.

Lilacs in Manito Park (June 2022)

IWSG June 1: Why do we write?

 How did we get here to the first of the month so fast? You probably already know that the first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. 

On this day, we post on our blogs to talk about writing. Some of us will reveal doubts or discuss struggles or triumphs. We try to visit at least 12 others in in the group and offer words of understanding or encouragement. For on this day, we writers are a unique online community of support. As our fearless leader Alex Cavannaugh says, "Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!"

This month's optional question: When the going gets tough in writing the story, how do you keep yourself writing to the end? If you have not started the writing yet, why do you think that is? What do you think could help you get started?

Setting aside the horrific news that shapes and saddens our world, this month has brought unexpected twists -- and not plot twists! 

First, I followed that tried advice to put my rough draft aside while waiting for beta comments. As those comments slowly trickled in, I was reluctant to start again with revisions. Perhaps part of me truly longed to be finished! I doubted my ability to do justice to this story I loved. Another week passed with no progress. And then, another. I met with a trusted writing friend who said, "You have to tell your story. No one else can!" Just like that, her belief pushed me back into a writing routine.

A friend confided he was losing his sight, and he just wanted to finish his book. Could I help him? Sure, I could and did. Only sheer stubborness kept me working on my own writing -- and copy editing his. Do you realize how much we take our sight for granted? How many typos, extra spaces, or lapses in story telling we might make if we can't see? How difficult is it to accept what has changed and to ask for help?

An e-mail brought news that a dear friend we've travelled the world with suffered a stroke and now is in hospice. At our age, such news is not unexpected, and yet, I feel helpless. Our only recourse is to persevere with our beliefs and actions, in hopes of making our world a little better.

I am grateful for every moment with those I love, for writers and readers, grandchildren, family dinners (regardless of how chaotic), for friends near and far. This moment, this now, is what we have. 

Our favorite dogwood tree,

taken on a daily walk (May 2022)

Consider joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group: Just go to the IWSG's home page and sign up! Post your thoughts on your blog and visit our co-hosts for the June 1 posting: SE White, Cathrina Constantine, Natalie Aguire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Jacqui Murray!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you feel supported in your own creativity -- and that the coming month brings us all healing, strength, and the ability to cherish each day.

A Spring Poem: Entropy

The scientist casually,
far too casually, 

brushes a white coffee mug
off his desk. It shatters and 

a rain of fragments spill on the floor.
Entropy, the scientist explains 

degrees of disorder;
everything dissolves into nothing

at random, over and over again.

What is whole becomes broken,
a one-way process repeated
every day, in every sense of time; 

our earth wobbles as it circles the sun. 

Even the universe expands and expands 

and curls outward

and destroys itself.

Despite my careful efforts
to create order,
only the seasons remain, 

winter, a dusting of snow that melts into spring,
a cycle of fragile flowers that bud 

as green sprigs open into leaves.

We walk slowly along a gravel path 

in a small lilac garden, 

shades of purple and white;
a brisk spring wind hints at winters past
and winters to come.
Entropy, I repeat,

my friend is sick. I stare
at the flowers and wonder
who will come to see the lilacs next spring
or the year after that?

Lilacs at Manito Park (May 2022)

Even so, winter seems to linger longer this year, as we all face unexpected challenges on top of all else that grabs the headlines. Today, a dear friend is sick. My thoughts are hopeful, yet realistic, for we are now in that decade when we must learn new lessons about life that begins and ends.

Writer's Resource: What's a Beta Reader?

Like many other writers committed to a large project, I finally finished my first rough draft of Scattered Stones, set in 1840s Scotland. "What's next?" I wondered, after putting the novel aside to 'marinate' for about a month. "How can I efficiently finish this story?"

At first blush, I knew I needed reader feedback. Did my story work as I hoped? Diving back into research, I discovered so many resources, some paid, some not, to help me reach 'launch date'.

Beta readers could help me reach that goal to publish, but I wasn't quite sure.

What's a beta reader? A beta reader is someone who reads a free copy of a nearly finished novel and agrees to provide feedback to the writer. Said feedback depends on the beta reader's expertise and interest.

Here's what I've learned . . . so far. Surprisingly, the very first step is to analyze more precisely what I need with this story. Do I need:

• Proofreading or copy editing to check spelling, grammar, punctuation, or consistency of voice or style because my story is just about perfect in every other element? In other words, it's nearly finished! NOTE: Most professional writers will say, "You need to hire an editor!" But some beta readers can copy edit.
• Developmental editing to analyze my story concept, plot coherence, character development, or story arc to find if something's just off? Because I sense something is missing, maybe a plot hole?
• Structural editing to analyze the story's plot, pacing, characters, setting, theme, and overall style to discover if the 'bones' of my story are working together effectively?
• Reader response to simply find out what folks who read my genre think about my story. 

OK, I'm in. Now, how do I find a beta reader? I began by reaching out to writers I know locally and who I've met through writing groups I belong to (for example, Sisters In Crime, the Insecure Writer's Support Group, and Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers). I posted a call for beta readers on my author Facebook Page, and here on this blog. As I have served as a beta reader for other writers, I reached out to those writers as well.

My goal was to create a Beta Reader Team, a group of folks with diverse interests and skills, who would give me feedback. The results have surpassed my initial hopes. Comments from my wonderful beta readers hit every category summarized above, giving me focus and new insight into what's next to revise that nearly final first draft.

Sisters in Crime hosted a fascinating online discussion about how different writers thank their beta readers. In addition to that free copy of a novel, nearly all writers acknowledge the contribution beta readers have made in an afterword. Some give extra, more personal gifts, swag, or gift certificates. A writer I did a beta read for, M. J. Hudon, gave me a set of potholders featuring werewolves, really charming and related to the theme of her book. I'm looking forward to reading her work again.

And that's the point to building that Beta Reader Team. In much the same way that we reach out to our readers and want to connect with them, our beta readers give us valuable feedback as well as a supportive community. Of course, the wonderful feedback I've gotten from about eight beta readers will lead to several more months of hard work, but I'm so thankful for their thoughtful comments. 

I hope this discussion has been helpful to you. If you're a writer, have you worked with beta readers? What did you learn? What questions do you still have? Here's a link to "The Ultimate Guide to Beta Readers" at The Write Practice, if you'd like more suggestions. 

Meanwhile, spring is finally morphing into early summer. May your writing go well. 

May Morning: A Poem

Two ravens soared
down from the sky this morning,
hopping atop the thick green spring grass,
heads twisting as they hunted;
their beaks flicked through pink cherry blossoms
scattered by my walkway.
They did not see me, yet I wondered
what message they brought,
these hardy warriors of the sky,
as they hopped in this moment,
their croaking cry a reminder
these are talking birds. Some believe
ravens connect this world with the next.

Perhaps this small patch of grass

didn't hold enough for their meditations,

for in a flash of black,

they were gone, and I was left

with cherry trees still in bloom, petals falling,

and green, green grass around me,

a sunny morning now too quiet,

as if even the morning waited

for what will come next.

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

You can read this fascinating summary of cultural beliefs about ravens  to understand its complex history. In the same family as crows, these birds are intelligent, perhaps the Creator/Trickster these stories reveal.

Update: Now that that month-long challenge of writing a poem each day is over, I'm back to writing and revising Scattered Stones, feeling I have "miles to go before I sleep," and hoping each Wednesday to post a little something, like today's poem. 

May Spring bring you warmer days.

IWSG: Balanced between the best of times . . .

Today marks the first Wednesday of the month with a writing challenge, the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Nearly 140 writers, including me, post our thoughts today to celebrate writing in some way -- maybe sharing doubts or concerns, maybe celebrating our writing achievements, or offering encouragement to each other.

If you'd like to participate, please sign up, post your own thoughts on your blog, check out the guidelines on the IWSG LINK, and visit about 12 other writers! Why not start with our co-hosts for this month: Kim Elliott, Melissa Maygrove, Chemist Ken, Lee Lowery, and Nancy Gideon.

Now, here's the May 4 question: It's the best of times; it's the worst of times. What are your writer highs (the good times)? And what are your writer lows (the crappy times)?

The best of times: Spring. I can almost truly believe that winter's snows will not reappear this year -- at least not until Thanksgiving. Every day, new flowers bloom, trees greener than yesterday, and the sun a little warmer, a little more present. 

The best of times as a writer, for me, are when:

• The words simply fly off my keyboard into scenes that truly work.  
• A reader sends me a note, even about a typo, that connects to my story's intentions. 
• I can see steady progress towards my writing goals.
• I finish a major project and hover over the new story, researching and building possibilities.
• I write in the morning so the echo of ideas and new information follows me all day.

And those worst of times are when:

• I wait and wait and wait for feedback from beta readers, wondering if my story really works the way I hope.
• I doubt every marketing decision or step taken (and not taken).
• I accidentally delete that new scene.
• I can't write because my 'to do' list is far too long.

When I don't write, I almost feel as if something important is missing. I have so many blessings to enjoy that I don't need to write. I could quilt, instead. Or read, or plan a family dinner, or play with the grandkids (we've downsized, so no garden to nurture). Yet the writing anchors me. There's some small kernal of stubborness that says: I will write because it truly gives me an excuse to explore ideas, create something new, and connect with others in unexpected ways.

Given our current political arguments, the war in Ukraine, global warming, I find much that is depressing. Yes, I feel helpless to 'fix' or 'change' much of anything at that level. And so I write, paragraph by paragraph, and quilt, block by block, just because it helps me find meaning. In the process, I try to cherish each day, cook meals, clean house mostly, and  love my family. What more is there?

Block 3 of Jason Yenter's "Enchanted Garden"

May the coming month be good to us all. Write on!

And just a little plug: If you enjoy reading art crime mysteries,

check out The Seventh Tapestry, set in Scotland.

May 1: May we begin . . .

How do we begin a new month? Especially in the first blush of spring? (I'm remembering snow on the ground just two weeks ago!) With optimism and planning, yes?

About the writing: While waiting for comments from beta readers (holding my breath), I've stepped away from writing, focusing instead on April's challenge to write a poem a day. Now, inspired by Anne R. Allen's newsletter/blog, I'm asking:

• Do I have a SERIES BIBLE for my art crime mysteries that began with The Seventh Tapestry, set in Edinburgh, Scotland? The short answer is no, and I'm poised to begin research on book 2, The Lost Sarcophagus. According to Anne R. Allen, a series bible will help keep track of key characters, plot lines, conflicts, and settings -- for each book. Sounds helpful when the two lead characters encounter their next art crime set in Egypt. 
• When drafting, how can I bring SECONDARY CHARACTERS to life? Again, Anne R. Allen suggests defining their goals and motivation as these shape dialogue, action, and even images.
• I'm working on FINAL REVISIONS for Scattered Stones, that last story (?) in my historical series that began with Standing Stones. You know, waiting for beta reader comments is really hard, even with writing gurus suggesting I put aside that final draft for a month. So, I'm now working on launch plans and lining up advance reviewers. If you are interested in receiving an ARC (advance review copy) of Scattered Stones, please drop me an e-mail!

About travel: Our family is gathering near Banff and Lake Louise, Canada, in late June to celebrate a combination reunion/anniversary/graduation. We'll drive up and along the way, stop in a few favorite hiking spots. Meanwhile, I'm daydreaming about another stay in Merida, off the beaten tourist path on the east coast of Mexico, and planning ahead for a stay in Las Cruces, New Mexico next winter (avoid the snow). Rattle those suitcases!

Image by Jörg Vieli from Pixabay

And other preoccupations: Well, health could be that first preoccupation, but we all face health challenges at one time or another. Plug along, do what the doc says, and hope for a good outcome. I'm feeling grateful for loving hugs from family and friends -- and coffee! Would love to have a kitty to pet, but then I'd have to give up those suitcases.

Quilting update: After drooling for nearly a year over his gorgeous pattern, I've finally started Seattle quilt designer Jason Yenter's "Enchanted Garden." Oh, those tiny pieces, a lovely distraction. Here's the first block, with 11 more to create.

I'm wishing you a happy spring, one with many satisfying projects, time with family and those you love, and most of all, appreciation for each beautiful sunny day, even gardens -- all without snow!