Hey, Hey, Hey...

…It’s a new release today!! The third book in my Broken Vows mystery series, In Sickness and in Death, is now available.


Please join me in applauding everyone at Midnight Ink Books, not only for doing a bang up job of publishing the novel but also for being one month ahead of schedule. Praiseworthy, I think.

Here’s the summary of In Sickness and in Death:

When her sheriff’s deputy husband, Ray, brings home a shaggy haired and sulky twelve-year-old boy and introduces him as their new foster child, Finger Lakes sports car dealer Jolene Parker doesn’t know what to think. The impulsive son of a jailed car thief, Danny is a handful whose main talents include picking locks and hotwiring cars.

After Danny takes a brief joyride in a car that he claims belongs to his dad, Jolene and Ray discover a horrible surprise in the trunk: a woman’s severed arm. While Ray hunts down the victim’s identity, Jolene races to find out whether Danny’s father did the foul deed, driving her straight into the twisted killer’s sights.

I’m delighted to have my third book on the market, but the timing is bittersweet. My first book signing for my debut novel, For Better, For Murder, was at our local Borders. The store manager placed me at a desk by the front door and put up a big display featuring the book. Dozens of my friends and family showed up in support, some bringing me flowers and buying copies of the novel for every member of their family. In contrast, today the Borders’ store clearance signs are up, and I know that my third book will never be on their shelf.

But hopefully you still can find In Sickness and in Death at all the other usual outlets.

To get things started right, I’m giving away ten copies of the book over on Goodreads, so by all means if you’re a member, check that offer out.

And if any of our InkSpot friends would like a chance to win an autographed “trilogy” set, please feel free to email me at Lisa@LisaBork.com to sign up for my mailing list and enter the drawing to win For Better, For Murder, For Richer, For Danger, and my latest release In Sickness and in Death.

Hey, hey, hey…it’s giveaway day.

The Little Things

My stint in the publishing world is short (three years) and my novels are “critically acclaimed” as opposed to “bestselling”, but I’m satisfied with this venture. It’s the little things that make me feel this way.

Earlier this year, my son’s third grade teacher phoned me. When she identified herself, she paused after her name, as though waiting to see if I recognized it. While it’s been five years since my son left her class, I never forget someone I’ve met and certainly not if I liked them. She was calling because she’d seen my books written up in the local newspaper. She’d run out and purchased them, and she wanted to know if she could come over to our house to have me sign them. Heck, yes. Come to find out, her son works for Harlan Coben’s publisher, and she’s learned a lot about publishing, including how important it is to support new writers.

A couple months ago, my husband suggested I contact Life in the Finger Lakes magazine to ask them to review my second book, For Richer, For Danger, which was set in the region. Before I had a chance, the magazine’s editor contacted me and asked if I could send a copy to their reviewer. Heck, yes. The review came out last month: “A most entertaining tale.”

Over the last few months, I’ve spent a few minutes a week friending people on Goodreads and asking them to check out my books. I always wonder if people find being approached in that manner more annoying than friendly. But in May, two reviewers specifically said they were “so glad” I contacted them.

A family friend doesn’t read often, okay, almost never. But she purchased my first book and read it within a couple days. Her husband said she just finished the second within a day and can’t wait for the third.

When I entered the publishing world, my only goal was to write a book that a recognized publisher would buy. Everything else has been icing on the cake.

So, care to share any of your own warm fuzzies? What little things of late have made your life choices that much more satisfying?

The Debate

In Sickness and In Death, the third installment of the Broken Vows mystery series, releases September 2011.


Here’s the cover blurb:

“Jolene Parker isn't sure what to think when her police deputy husband, Ray, unexpectedly brings home a new foster child. The impulsive son of a jailed car thief, twelve-year-old Danny has talents that include picking locks and hotwiring cars.

Following Danny's brief joyride in the car that he says is his dad's, a horrific surprise turns up in the trunk: a woman's arm. While Ray hunts down the victim's identity, Jolene tries to determine whether Danny's father did the deed. And it drives her straight into the killer's sights.”

The Broken Vows mysteries have an underlying story arc involving family relations that hangs in the balance from book to book. Those of you who read the first book in the series know it had a happy ending for the protagonist. Book two, not so much. I debated with book three. It could have easily gone either way and the mystery would not have lost any of its punch. I had a perfect moment and a perfect line for a happy or a bittersweet ending.

I debated whether readers who now have a vested interest in the family saga would tolerate two unhappy endings in a row. Is that too much of a downer? Are most readers like me, preferring the “happily ever after” ending? Of course if they are like me, they write that ending in their own heads and wait to see if that’s what occurs in the next book.

So, when you’re vested in a character and a series, do you prefer a happy ending or doesn’t it matter? Does your answer depend on whether the series is more of a cozy or not? Whether it’s the last book in the series or not?

(Psst…In Sickness and In Death is available for pre-order. Pass the word, please.)

Car Talk

During this year’s Malice Domestic, I participated in the New Kids on the Block Panel moderated by Margaret Maron. Margaret pointed out the protagonist of my Broken Vows mystery series sells high performance cars. Then she asked what I really know about them. I replied, “Let’s not put it to the test.”

But today I’m going to state what I know—or think—about cars. If I’m wrong, please be so kind as to not disagree. Here we go:

• In America the overall number of passenger vehicles outnumbers licensed drivers. (Hence I thought cars might be of interest to some readers.)


• Automatic cars are simpler to drive than standard (read: the accelerator can be used like an “on-off” switch which is how I like it).


• Drivers’ tests are easier in an automatic, even one the size of a Dodge Polara (read: boat).


• My protagonist drives a standard—a Porsche. I drive an automatic (see above). This is not to say I have never driven a standard. It is to say I didn’t learn to do it well, which is why I never drove my husband’s Corvette or Porsche.


• Good visibility is important. My first car was a used 1972 Ford Gran Torino (Clint Eastwood’s car in the 2008 movie Gran Torino, only navy with a black top). It had a lot of horsepower and very little rear window visibility, especially for a petite teen. I backed into the trash cans in our driveway, which my dad still finds hilarious.


• It is always fortuitous to resell your first used car before the bolts rust through and the transmission falls out on a major roadway. (Consider the slogan: “Have you driven a Ford lately?)


• Never buy a used Monza (car number two) at night in a dim garage or you might end up with an oxidized hood and white leather upholstery covered in dog hair.


• $800 off the sticker price of a new Chevy Cavalier IS NOT a good deal, even if your father thinks it is.


• Red sporty cars like an Eagle Talon attract attention and compliments. They are not, however, convenient for car seats and must be sacrificed upon birth of first child to obtain a four-door Subaru Legacy. Having beloved Talon crashed by new teenage owner within a week only adds insult to injury (the teenager was fine, really).


• It is not so much fun to be a racer’s wife when your husband’s car is slammed frontend-first into the wall right in front of you and your children. It’s better to be one when your husband gets out of the car, hopping mad.


• With time and skill, a crunched or rusted car can be awesome again. [Kinda wished I still had that Gran Torino when Clint’s movie came out.]

I own a Mazda Tribute now. So, anyone else want to share car tales? What was your first or favorite car?

Why the Finger Lakes?

The Broken Vows mystery series are set in the Finger Lakes region of New York State for two main reasons:

1) It’s a beautiful area, worth recommending.
2) A lot of my happiest days occurred there.

My first book, For Better, For Murder, opens in Wachobe, a fictional town on the region’s western border. With a fictional town I hoped to write whatever I wanted without being corrected or offending anyone. But in the eastern Finger Lakes, Skaneateles hosts a Dickens Christmas that surpasses the Dickens Festival in my book.

In the second book, For Richer, For Danger, my protagonist travels to Canandaigua, where I spent childhood summers camping, swimming, exploring, and riding the carousel in the Roseland Amusement Park which closed in 1985. My family enjoyed the summertime Waterfront Arts Festival and the Canandaigua Art and Music Festival for years and the more recent holiday-time European-inspired Christkindl Market and Festival of Trees.

As kids, when not in Canandaigua, we spent weekends in the western part of the region on a hill above Hemlock Lake, where my grandfather built a cabin on ten acres across the road from his birthplace. We picked blueberries, played games, swam, planted sticks that magically grew into candy, etc.

Nowadays, my family hangs out on Keuka Lake, where it is possible to:

• Buy tasty Mennonite baked goods and gorgeous handmade quilts


• Boat or drive to scenic restaurants and wineries with excellent offerings


• Go fishing, catch nothing, and still come home with a cooler full of fish because friends will share their catch


• Fall off your friend’s jet ski, be unable to climb back on, and have said friend swim out to rescue you, your small child, and the jet ski


• Have a dozen strapping young men appear on cue to carry your newly assembled boat hoist into the water and position it for you (several times) even if they have to stay under water longer than really wise


• Attempt to water ski, wipe out multiple times, and still have your neighbors cheer your success


• Find talented retiree labor when you need help installing drainage ditches, water pumps, wood flooring, etc.


• Swim all day—and not think about the fish, turtle, or snake that lives under your dock


• Relax by the water and have friends float by just to say “hi”

Mind you, I’m not saying all these experiences are mine or my loved ones. I’m just saying the Finger Lakes are a great place to be.

So, what’s your favorite summertime vacation spot? Favorite summer memory?

Blessed with "Bigmouths"

I signed a contract with Midnight Ink for books three and four in my Broken Vows mystery series. Pretty exciting considering the first book, For Better, For Murder, only came out in September. Given the continued interest in the series, that book must be doing all right. What a relief!

I need to thank my “bigmouths:” the people who talked up my book, some more excited than me to see it in print. My apologies if I miss anyone—and thank you, too.

First, the reviewers: Kirkus Reviews, CrimeSpree Magazine, Booklist, BookPage, Mystery News, Mystery Scene, Cozy Library, The Mystery Reader, and Once Upon A Romance. I credit my publicist, Courtney Kish, for seeking the attention of so many including The Finger Lakes Times and The Naples Record, distributed in the region where my series is set. In turn, a librarian who read about my book in The Finger Lakes Times invited me to speak at her library. Love it when promotion snowballs!

Then the librarians. Our local librarian took my book flyer to a countywide librarian meeting. Next thing I know, my book’s on loan in multiple branches and our town library held their first local author signing and book sale—and I was invited! Sweet!

And the booksellers. When I arrived at my second book signing, a woman was waiting. She said she comes to the bookseller every week and the manager puts the newest mystery releases in her hand. Mine was one. Great to know the booksellers are on the job!

And my family. I’m not much of talker, but I’m blessed with a family of them. My dad gave bookmarks to restaurant waitresses and his exercise class. My aunt used this sales pitch: “My niece just published her first book, and you must buy it.” Under anesthesia in November, she pitched her nurse. My mother-in-law purchased more books than anyone else. My brother put me on his Facebook page. That’s how we learned his classmate from high school works for Llewellyn. Small world! A cousin selected my book for her book club discussion. My husband offered bookmarks to all his office visits and posted online announcements to his car buddies. Even my kids told their teachers.

Last, but not least, my friends. My fellow writers and critique partners took my bookmarks on vacation to Mexico and Florida, left them on subway trains, and carried them to mystery conferences. One sent my book overseas to the troops. My book club attended my first book signing, bringing their friends and relatives. My neighbors put my book on their Facebook pages. I was invited to guest blog and recommended through online lists and discussions. Best of all, my friends bought and read the book and suggested other people read it, too. Awesome!

All this leaves me grateful and with ample time to polish book four. Book three is done. I just wanted to be sure to thank my “bigmouths” and wish them—and you—a very Happy New Year!!!!

Now What?

Having a book published is a lot like getting married or giving birth. Even if I don’t remember all the details, I know I was there. Important words were exchanged and actions taken, and in the end, it’s a done deal. But it’s a surreal experience in many ways. And at times a little nauseating.

When I saw my son for the first time, I remember looking at my husband. We were both thinking the same thing, “Now what?” All that waiting and anticipation had led to the big day, but we hadn’t thought too far beyond it.

This week, after months, years really, of anticipation, my debut novel For Better, For Murder is published and on the market. And again I’m thinking “Now what?”

I’m also thinking, “Will it sell?”

Good news, it did get positive reviews. CrimeSpree Magazine said, “Lovely book.” Kirkus Reviews said, “Bork juggles multiple puzzles deftly in her witty debut.”

My ten-year-old daughter read the Kirkus review. She said, “What does deftly mean?” I knew the answer—I’d already looked it up just to make sure.

“It means skillful.” She scrunched her forehead. “It means I’m a good writer.” She nodded.

Then she asked, “What does witty mean?” I knew the answer to that one, too. Yes, I looked it up, just to ensure I understood all the nuances.

“It means very clever and humorous. It means my book is funny. That’s what I wanted it to be.”

She smiled. All was good in her world. I could only hope the same for mine.

I know “Now what?” includes promotion. I’m doing my best. I don’t really like to toot my own horn, but it’s hard to stand out in the crowd of mystery writers without making the effort. I’ve sent email announcements to book clubs, flyers to independent mystery bookstores, and registered for Bouchercon. I’ve contacted my alma maters, the local press and booksellers as well as visited with my town librarian. I’ve written guest blogs, posted announcements on all my yahoo groups, and scheduled my first signing. Everyone has been very nice and receptive. I can only hope it pays off in book orders.

I do have a few other self-promotion ideas, all of which require me to be less reserved than usual.

Did I mention I’m a homebody, perfectly happy to be the solitary writer? Not so eager to be the worldly promoter? But I’m doing it nevertheless.

I’m doing it because I enjoyed writing For Better, For Murder, and I think people will enjoy reading it. It is a murder mystery. It’s also part romantic suspense, part family saga, part tourism, and part car trivia. It’s fast-paced, light-hearted and cozyish. The protagonist, Jolene Asdale, is interesting, smart, and capable, not to mention attractive and unwilling to suffer fools. Overnight, her life is filled with murder and mayhem, but she’s up to the task. Her almost-ex-husband is uncompromising, an honest deputy sheriff who takes his job seriously. Her sister, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. The three of them are a potent combination.

Now I can only hope skillful, clever, and humorous is an equally potent—and selling—combination.

Goals and Dreams

Last year I watched with amusement as Ellen DeGeneres set out to entice the elusive George Clooney onto her television show. She eventually succeeded. This year Ellen set her goal to be on the cover of Oprah’s magazine. It was almost too easy. Then Ellen needed a new goal.

Goals are a very hot topic in life. We all know about New Year’s resolutions, which are just a different term for goals. Weight loss is always associated with targets or goals. And who hasn’t been asked in a job interview about their short term and long term career goals?

Writers talk a lot about goals. Some make themselves sit for a certain amount of time each day, writing words—whether they’re publishable words or not. Others force themselves to write a certain number of words per day, no matter what. Ever wonder if some days they write #*!!**# over and over?

Often writers give themselves one year (or two or more) to finish a book. They talk less about what the term “finish” means. Is it 80,000 words, perfected, proofread and ready to publish? Or is it an unedited stream of narrative, description and dialog that will need another year (or more) of revisions before it can be marketed?

When I decided to write a book, my goal was to write a mystery that a publisher recognized by Mystery Writers of America would deem worthy of publication. (Note that my goal was not to be published—that’s a goal fraught with peril, IMHO). For Better, For Murder will be released in September. For Richer, For Danger will follow in 2010. The third book in the series is ready for market, too.

Now I need a new goal. It can’t be too easy, like the Ellen/Oprah magazine cover. And it has to be measurable, reasonable, and attainable. Otherwise, it’s not motivating, and a goal should be motivating. And fun, because life should be fun.

I could write more books in this series. That would be fun, because I love these characters. They talk to me in the shower and the car and sometimes even when someone else is talking to me. But I don’t see any point to it yet, so it’s not motivating. Maybe if the sales on my first book go wild by year end, I’ll get busy on book four. Still, I need a goal now.

I could set a goal to write a different standalone book or series. Now here’s the rub. I don’t feel like it. Plus the characters from my Broken Vows mystery series might get jealous and stop talking to me.

I’m thinking about a goal to write a saleable screenplay. I have no experience or training in writing one of those either. But I love movies almost as much as books and I bought a book on how to write screenplays. That’s a start. And I understand and appreciate formulas, which seems to be what Hollywood is sticking to at the moment. Who can blame them? Formulas work.

And if my screenplay should by some miracle get the green light, maybe I could get Ellen to set a goal to entice George Clooney to star in the movie.

Dream big, right?!

My Character’s Overweight?

My protagonist in For Better, For Murder, sports car boutique owner Jolene Asdale, bears an uncanny resemblance to her estranged husband’s favorite actress, Valerie Bertinelli. That’s what first attracted him to her. Let me tell you what attracted me to using this description in the debut novel of the Broken Vows Mystery series.

You may think I picked Valerie because she’s getting a lot of press lately. In reality, I picked her before all this press started, and, as a result, it’s been a little stressful.

I picked Valerie because I wanted someone who had been on television when my characters were children. Her girl-next-door image from One Day at a Time and her attractiveness fit Jolene Asdale. And some days Jolene can only take life one…day…at…a…time. The symmetry of it all was perfect—or so I thought.

My first hint of trouble was a note from one of my critique partners. It said “what if the reader doesn’t know who Valerie is?” I thought this might be my critique partner’s subtle way of letting me know she had to look up Valerie on Wikipedia. I brushed this concern off—we all use Wikipedia.

Then, a month after I started sending out queries to agents for this novel, I was pushing a grocery cart through the store when I spotted Valerie on the cover of People magazine. I rolled closer, only to read about her undesired weight gain. My first thought was—okay, I can’t tell you my first thought. But my second thought was that I had written a size eight character that had, according to the report, blossomed to a size fourteen. Not the desired imagery at all.

I studied the picture of Valerie at size fourteen. I thought about the fact that the average American woman is, I believe, a size fourteen. I decided Valerie still looked fabulous. I rolled my cart away.

It seemed like less than two months later, I’m in the grocery store checkout line and Valerie was gracing the cover of People again, now a slimmed down size something. Once again, she looked fabulous. I mentally thanked her for being a team player.

A couple months ago, Valerie’s on People magazine in her size six bikini with belly button ring, looking fabulous yet again. However, my character Jolene Asdale would never wear a belly button ring. She wouldn’t want the pain and wouldn’t see any reason for it. She prefers her belly button covered; she doesn’t like drafts. She doesn’t like to exercise and would never run unless chased.

It’s too late to talk to Valerie about being a team player. I’m going to have to say it’s all fabulous. That’s all I can do.