It takes a village, people

One of the most important page in our books is the acknowledgements. There we pay homage to those who have helped us along the road to being published. Our critique groups. Our agents and editors. Our mothers.

Today, I’d like to acknowledge those who are helping me now. Helping me marketl my books, find a fan base and along the way, create my career as an author. Last weekend, I drove 400 miles down to Southern California to sign books. I’m amazed at the number of people that were required to make it happen.

So thanks go out to:

My friend, ML, who introduced me to her in-laws, Dr. and Dr. G, who put me up for the weekend. The three of them fed me, sheltered and supported me in all ways great and small. Every artist needs a patron and lucky me to find two with a fabulous wine cellar.

The shop owners. Mary at The Fabric Patch in Montclair didn’t know me at all when I called up and suggested she might want to have me sign books in her store. In this economy, heck, in any economy, it takes a leap of faith to spend your inventory dollars on an unknown quantity. Mary took that leap and we sold many copies of WILD GOOSE CHASE and OLD MAID’S PUZZLE.

Joan Bunte of Stamp Your Heart Out in Claremont jumped on the bandwagon early and put me on her schedule before STAMPED OUT was released. She ordered several dozen books. We sold out and had an exciting afternoon, with stampers and writers.

The employees, who set up cookies and snacks and made sure the customers were happy and having a good time. A special shout out to those who'd read the book and were enthusiastically recommending it to all within earshot.

I stopped at several book stores and found copies of my books on hand and gratefully signed them. It was evident everywhere I went that shop owners were being cautious. I thank the book buyers and owners that have my book on their shelves.

The fans, of course. One gentleman had taken three buses and a train to get to a signing. Yet another, Simmy, came just hours after having evacuated from the Chino Hills fire. Safely.

These are some of the people who made that weekend possible. Everytime I do a signing, there are a legion of people working to make that happen. For those past and present events, I say thanks.

Launch is different the second time around

I've had two books come out this month. Old Maid's Puzzle, the second in the Quilting Mystery series from Midnight Ink and Stamped Out, the first in the Stamping Sisters series from Berkley Prime Crime.

Two books, two launches. It's different this time around. People treat me differently. With three books under my belt, I have a certain level of credibility that I didn’t experience when WGC. No one is patting me on the head saying, how nice for you, dear. Two books in a month tend to make people pay attention.

It takes a little getting used to, this attention. I’m still the same person. My opinions, that no one cared to hear this time last year, are pretty much the same. My level of expertise hasn’t changed but still people look to me for answers. I can suddenly sit on panels, speak with authority. It’s a little daunting to see the look in people’s eyes,like I’ve suddenly have the key to origin of the universe.

No wonder Britney shaved her head.

It was with this attitude that I attended the East of Eden writing conference last weekend. I've been going for years, but always as a student. This time my name badge said "Faculty." I was part of a late night panel of mystery authors with Lee Lofland, Halle Ephron and Dave Corbett. I'm usually in the audience at those things, cracking wise under my breath and occasionally heckling the speakers. It was fun to get to heckle from the other side of the podium. The panel was easy, talking about what we love to do, write mysteries.

In the morning I gave a breakfast talk, and afterwards I was the Pro portion of the Ask-A-Pro. I couldn't imagine what wisdom I had to offer the people who signed up to talk to me, but speaking with them was interesting. All most of them needed was an attaboy and a confirmation that they were on the right path. And their projects were fascinating.

I learned something that day. I'm having a blast.

So, with apologies to Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, my version of The Second Time Around.

Launch is lovelier the second time around
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
It’s that second time you see your book title on the shelf
Makes you think perhaps that publishing, like youth, is wasted on the young
Launching a book’s more comfortable the second time you fall
Like a friendly home the second time you call
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we’ve found?
There are those who’ll be published but once, and yet
I’m oh, so glad to be published the second time around

Inspiration

Old Maid's Puzzle has begun to ship from Amazon. Just in the nick of time. My readers have been begging for another look at Buster. He's the hunky homicide detective that Dewey falls for in Wild Goose Chase. In the new book, Buster is trying to keep to his promise to get to know Dewey better before falling into bed again. He's instituted a one-sided celibacy ban. Some of my fans who have been clamoring for more sex may have to settle for more sexual tension.

People want to know who Buster is based on. What he looks like. I describe him as a black-haired, blue-eyed, strong-jawed, tall, brawny guy. Think Robert Urich (Spenser) or Christopher Reeve. He wears his hair short and he likes to iron his dress shirts with plenty of starch.

I've only recently confessed who really inspired Buster. Ready? Here it comes...



That's it. The real model for Buster. Season Four American Idol runner-up, Bo Bice. No, Buster doesn't have long hair or tattoos or play in a rock band. Although I did give Buster a guitar in homage. But Bo was the inspiration.

Bo was almost too old to be on AI. He was definitely too rock and roll. And yet, week after week, he commanded the stage and had a sexy voice that drove fans wild. Even Simon Cowell was impressed.

I was one of those fans. When the show was over, I bought his single, Vehicle, and listened to it before settling in to write. I'd think about being too old to pursue a dream.

I'd wanted to write a book for a long time, but hadn't gotten around to it. I was well into my fifth draft of Wild Goose Chase when AI aired that year. Bo had been pursuing his dream of a big record deal for nearly fifteen years. But he never seemed to tire of trying. He came on stage each week, happy to be there, grateful for the shot, and ready to give it all he had. I tried to infuse Buster with that kind of attitude. That attitude inspired me to keep writing and beyond. Write another draft, pursue another agent, look for the right publisher.

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Where does yours come from?