Playboy April 1997

Well, yes – it’s true. Raymond WAS James Bond for nine books. I mean, you can’t get any closer than than, can you? Just take a gander at Raymond here – talk about imersing yourself in your work! But he does look great, doncha think? I have to give him a lot of credit though – imagine wearing a tux all the way through ZERO MINUS TEN (1997), THE FACTS OF DEATH (1998), HIGH TIME TO KILL (1999), DOUBLESHOT (2000), NEVER DREAM OF DYING (2001) and his finale – THE MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO (2002). That’s quite an impressive set of credits. And even more fascinating (besides being Bond for so many years)-The Japanese Bond fans aka the Kagawa Prefectural government-this year opened a permanent ‘007 MAN WITH THE RED TATTOO MUSEUM on the island-and have honored Raymond with the title of Ambassador! Now, those are fans!! Add to all this – he’s done the film novelizations for TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY. And did I mention his non-fiction – THE JAMES BOND BEDSIDE COMPANION? Yep, that’s his as well. And then there are the computer games, the stage plays he’s written and directed, and uh, let’s see – oh, hell – go to his website: http://www.raymondbenson.com

But there is much more to Raymond’s writing career besides Bond – so much more – it would take an hour just to type his credits. You can read all about that on his website – and please do – Raymond is truly a renaissance man! Last year he spent nearly three weeks in Italy promoting the re-issue of ZERO MINUS TEN, a week as a judge of the Courmayeur Noir Festival along with Val Kilmer and Jeffery Deaver. Currently, his work can be found in the anthology -THESE GUNS FOR HIRE, and earlier this year – he interviewed Hugh Hefner for CINEMA RETRO, and there’s more – EVIL HOURS will be re-published in Italy! Raymond’s newest – SWEETIE’S DIAMONDS is out and is one heck of a terrific read – so start there and then you’ll see what a truly talented guy this is.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about this amazing guy, come see what he’s got to say –

EE: So, Raymond – I imagine having to don a tux while writing those Bond books became annoying after a time. I’ll bet your neighbors did a double-take when you took out the garbage.

RB: Ha! Most of the time I write wearing only underwear or (gasp) less. That’s the luxury of working out of one’s home. My commute from the bedroom is ten feet. I must admit, though, that when I do interviews like this, I dress a bit more formally. I have a white shirt on, but no pants. (and it was nine books – six originals and three movie novelizations!)

Ahem – I do hope the shirt is buttoned at least.

EE: Uh, I don’t think I’m going to ask you what your Walter Mitty dream is – I mean, you lived it through NINE books, but well – is it possible you still have one you’d like to tell us about?

RB: I suppose I may have ‘lived it’ while writing the Bonds…but I certainly wouldn’t want to be Bond. I don’t have that kind of tolerance to torture and pain. I really dislike the kind of martini he drinks, and even some of the meals Bond eats turn me off. I’m a coward when it comes to gambling at a casino, and I’m even more of a wimp with the physical stuff like jumping out of airplanes without a parachute, fighting someone on top of a moving train, driving like a maniac in heavy traffic while bullets are flying all around, or having less than a minute to disarm an atomic bomb. (Hmm…the ladies…now tht might be a different matter…) But I suppose my Walter Mitty dream right now is simply to make a success of my recent non-Bond novels and the stuff I have yet to write!

Oh, darling…that’s no Walter Mitty dream! After what you and Bond have been through – that’s a cakewalk.

EE: I’m told you and your pal, Hugh Hefner had quite a difficult time staying on track during that day at the Mansion when you two were reminiscing about your your six appearances in Playboy – the excerpts from the novels and the two Bond short stories Hef published in Playboy – just what caused all the interruptions?

RB: Hef is not only a kind and generous person, he’s also an animal lover. On the grounds of the Playboy Mansion are kinds of exotic animals. In fact, I believe he’s the only private citizen in L.A. with a zoo license. There are flamingos and dozens of other species of strange birds, monkeys, Japanese koi, dogs and more dogs, it’s amazing… oh, did I mention the bunnies?

Bunnies? Ohh, how sweet! I just love rabbits. So cute, so cuddly…so… Wait. We’re are talking about rabbits, aren’t we?

EE: Rumors are you’ve had to hire two bodyguards or your November 25th book signing at Murder by the Book in Houston due to the unprecedented number of female fans expected. Can it be true those women don’t realize you’re NOT Bond?

RB: Don’t ask, don’t tell!

Oh, like that, huh? Hells bells – my lips are sealed.

EE: One of my most trusted spies has informed me that you are persona non gratis in Hong Kong. Is it true several of the main Triads have a price on your head because your description of their ceremonies in ZERO MINUS TEN were so on the money – the cops can’t guarantee your safety?

RB: You know, I really thought I would be come the Salmon Rushdie of the Bond novelists. It’s true that I described in detail the sacret initiation ceremony that Triads used in that book. But the Royal Hong Kong Police gave me a transcript of it! (This was back in 1996 before the handover). I asked them if I could get into any trouble if I used it…and the two inspectors who specialized in Triads just looked at each other and grinned.

Aieee!! Well, you could always call on Jackie Chan if you get in a pinch.

EE: While we all know Sean Connery is your favorite Bond, and you even thought Timothy Dalton did a great job – the buzz around Thrillerville is that when you gave the producers of the new Bond flick – Casino Royale – a thumb’s up on Daniel Craig as the new Bond – Craig was so grateful – he’s been sending you flowers. Flowers? Is this a new guy thing?

RB: No, no, it wasn’t flowers. It was socks. He’d heard about the usual outfit I wear when I work at my computer. He thought I could use some.

Oh. Socks. Okay. I feel better now.

EE: But back to your other life – Is it really true you were bored to teares while doing research for your latest – SWEETIE’S DIAMONDS? Gosh, I’d think checking out the adult porn industry would have been rather exciting, er, illuminating.

RB: Research? Who needed research? Ahem. Seriously, folks, I do take pride in the amount of research I do for all my books. For Bond, I had to get the weaponry and technical and British-ness right. For TOM CLANCY’S SPLINTER CELL, I had to get the military jargon right. For SWEETIE’S DIAMONDS I had to…you know.

Yes, well – we’ll just have to use our imagination I suppose.

EE: And what about those computer games you’ve so successfully created? Was this hiatus from writing block-busters prompted by your inner child crying out?

RB: Actually, the computer game portion of my side-winding career was an unexpected left-turn that happened to come around at the right time and in the right place. I was always a game-player and by the 1980’s I had become enamored of role-playing games like ‘Dungeons & Dragons’. When home PCs started becomming big in the mid-80’s, this style of interactive story-telling game was a natural port over to the computer. I got in on the ground floor an dedid it for about ten years. I left the industry behind, though, when I started writing novels full time. A funny thing about that ‘inner child’ stuff…I was usually one of the oldest people working at the various game companies that employed me!

Well, we’re just glad you got Dungeons & Dragons out of your system and turned to writing!

EE: You won’t need your tux for this, but we’d all like to know which writer would you love to have all to yourself in a cozy corner of the bar at next year’s ThrillerFest.

RB: You, Elaine.

And now that I’ve buttered you up, let’s see if I can think of some runners-up. So many of my favorite writers are already friends of mine, so dragging them to a corner wouldn’t be that difficult. Actually, some of them I really wouldn’t want all to myself in a cozy corner. Eww. I suppose I’ll just let that question slide and see if anyone seeks me out for a cozy corner.

Well, now that you buttered me up – I’ll do the same – you won’t have a problem, okay? You’ll probably need those body guards again. When the gals out there see you in your tux, you’ll be swamped!

EE: So, is it true that since you are officially an Ambassador to Kagawa Prefecture in Japan, you insist your students at William Rainey Harper College address you as ‘Sensei’ in your classrooms?

RB: No, but I do insist that they bow every time they enter and leave the classroom.

I’ll try to remember that next time we meet. But, my memory does depart me on occasion. 🙂

EE: Who would be your ideal SWEETIE’S DIAMONDS book tour mate? Be careful here, your wife may be reading this.

RB: Well, if my wife is unable to make it, then I’d want the actress playing the lead character in the movie that should be made based upon the book. It’d make a terrific vehicle for a talented and attractive leading lady in her 40’s. (Are you listening Hollywood?)

Drat. That leaves me out. I just turned…well, nevermind.

EE: You’re having six guests for dinner, other than Miss Moneypenny, who would you invite, and what would you serve?

RB: I assume I can name dead people as well as living. Whenever I’m asked a question like this, I always name my heroes – Ian Fleming, Stanley Kubrick, John Lennon, Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx (sorry Zeppo, no room!), and Marilyn Monroe for some glamour. Gosh, they’re all dead. What does that say about me? And what bizarre conversations would incur! It would be such a lively even that we’d all forget to eat, so who cares what I’m serving…

You forgot one guest – I think you’d need a medium too.

Many thanks to Raymond Benson for playing ON THE BUBBLE with us today. Might I add that the real Raymond – is just as charming as any of the Bond men – and I look forward to seeing him again next year at ThrillerFest. It’s been great fun to chat with this incredibly multi-talented guy, and a thrill (no pun intended) to read his extraordinary escapades with 007! But wait until you read SWEETIE’S DIAMONDS! WHEW!

See you next week, when my guest will be…well, you’ll have to check back to find out. I mean, this is a ‘mystery’ blog, right?

Resolutionary!

I’m quite lazy at heart. I’m driven, but I need a chauffeur. Since I need to set myself goals to ensure I finish things, I always make New Year’s resolutions. So here are my 2007 New Year’s resolutions.

Reso #1
I’m not to work so damn hard. Last year, I worked like a demon. I wrote everyday and usually didn’t stop writing until midnight. That’s not acceptable in 2007. I need time away from the keyboard. I want to play with my dog and I’d like to see my wife when she’s not asleep. It only recently occurred to me that I don’t have any outside interests. They were put on the back burner in 2006. That really sucks. I want some playtime. That said, I have a pretty busy schedule ahead. I have two novels out in 2007 that will need promoting. I became the president of the NorCal chapter of Sisters in Crime. I have Murderati and my newsletter to feed, not to mention a new novel to write. That’s more than enough to worry about, I think.

On the downside, I’ll being saying “no” a lot more often than usual. I hate disappointing people—it’s a horrible English affliction—but it has to be done. I’m looking forward to finishing up the current novel over the next couple of months and then taking a break for a month while I have some fun. My motto for 2007 is work, rest and play.

Reso #2
Now that I’ve got my foot in the door of New York publishing, I plan on cementing my presence there. I’ll be bringing my own concrete. I’m not sure how I’m going to achieve that but I think by writing the best damn books I can is a start, don’t you think?

Reso #3
I need to find an agent. I say this every year and fail in the task, but one of these years I’ll do it. Finding an agent represents one of my rolling goals that never seems to pan out. Sooner or later I have to roll a double six, haven’t I?

Finding an agent falls into my bucket of improbable but possible wants. Other things that rattle around in that bucket include getting published in Ellery Queen, Alfred Hitchcock, Cemetery Dance and The Writer. Landing a hardback book deal is another as is seeing one of my books come out in audio format. A hardback book is the pinnacle showcase of a writer’s work. Having an audio version come out will make my mum happy. Like she always says, “I’m getting old and wills can be changed. So get cracking, boy.” I love you too, mum.

Reso #4
I want to do something new. I’ve always had a hankering to fence. No, not stolen goods, silly. There’s good money to be made, but the market is saturated with vendors at the moment. No, I mean fencing as in sword fighting. Since I can’t play soccer anymore, I need a new sport. I think it’s time to upgrade. When I was little I would fix a strainer to my head with rubber bands and duel my sister with broomsticks. Putting a weapon in my hand worries Julie. She doesn’t think I should be allowed anything sharper than a spork. You accidentally stab someone (twice) at a BBQ and suddenly everyone thinks you’re a danger to the human race.

Also I’d like to learn Spanish. I love visiting Central and South America and I’ve picked up a little Spanish along the way but I really should learn the lingo. So an evening off from writing could be spent learning Español.

Reso #5
I want to hang out with my little Julie. As I go into my 9th year of writing, my door has been closed off in the evenings and she doesn’t get to see me unless I’m sticking a manuscript in her hand. I’m planning on not working on weekends so that we can actually say hello and she can take the name badge off her chest.

2007 is going to be about a lot of hard work, but it’s also about getting my priorities right.

Happy New Year,
Simon Wood

ON THE BUBBLE – PERSONS OF INTEREST

I spent the holiday season pondering this case. After consuming two fruitcakes, more eggnog than usual, and a partridge in a pear tree – I threw my suspect 5×8 cards up in the air and decided the first three that landed right side up would lead me to my perps. How foolish one can be when one is in a sugar down slide. Alas and alack – there were too many variables. Too many nut-case civilians trying to play sleuth back at me. I was faced with answers that had no relevance to my questions, bore no semblance of sanity – facts were skirted – allegations scorned – my superior methods of interrogation were ignored – all in all – it was a total cock up.

And these last five interviews? Ha. An ex-cop looking for some old grubby statue of a falcon, a guy who get’s off on amusement parks and has a signing dog, a wee lass who’s hung up on shoes, a dignified looking gent who’s really a pool shark and a blonde who looks like an angel and writes stuff about the devil. I mean, are these people for real? I dread writing up my report. My Chief is gonna think I’ve lost it. Maybe I have. Maybe I should just hand in my keyboard and sail off in the sunset. No. That won’t work. I get seasick. The mountains, maybe? No. I have allergies. The desert. Yeah, that’s …no. I hate brown on brown. I’m a color person. Honolulu? Yes! The Moana in Waikiki. The verandah and pu-pu’s…and Chi-Chi’s…lot’s of Chi-Chi’s…and…

BUT FIRST:

SCENE OF THE CRIME: ON THE BUBBLE – DAY FIVE – 2007

THE CRIMES: Writing some of the best damn fiction out there.

THE SUSPECTS:

ROBIN BURCELL http://www.robinburcell.com

The good news is that Robin will have a new book out this year – THE FACE OF A KILLER. The only bad news is that she’s kept her readers waiting far too long. The other news is check out this photo – and then remember that even though she’s no longer a cop – she still knows how to use that thing – so don’t mess with her, okay?

EE: So, Robin – my San Fran spy tells me you were seen hovering over lattes at Starbucks on Union Street with a certain famous romance writer who lives close by. Is it true (Oh, please God!) she’s run out of plots and called you for help?

RB: Well, that’s what I told the paparazzi that were snapping photos of the event, but the truth was that I happened to walk in at the same time as her, and she asked me to pass the sugar. I said, ‘raw or regular?’ And she said, ‘Which is best?’ So you can see how that was misinterpreted. I’ll take my photo ops any way I can get ’em.

Okay, we’ll buy that for now.

EE: And what about that rumor that you’re a high-ranking member of James Lincoln Warren’s (aka JLW) PHART’S, but you’re afraid if it gets out you’ll have to go into a witness protection program?

RB: Highly over-rated rumor. Not true in the least. Besides, even if the truth did leak out, the organization is so highly secretive, it makes the secret society of Freemasons look like the public information office.

Damn, but she’s a hard nut to crack.

EE: Word on the street (I love cop shop talk) is that your former role as Prez of NorCal MWA was really a cover up for a special ops job you’re doing for the Maltese Society to find that damn falcon.

RB: Well, that was before I realized the dang falcon was right there where we meet each month in the display case at Historic John’s Grill in San Fran all along. Of course, I’m a trained investigator. Not everyone can lay claim to such refined skills.

Huh? I went to several of those meetings. It was there? All that time? Doesn’t say much for any of us so-called sleuths, does it!

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN http://www.chrisgrabenstein.com

Even though Chris is guilty of writing TV commercials – we can ignore that part of his shady past. After all – anyone who can rescue a wonderful guy like Fred (the one without the shades) – he can’t be all bad. Fred, by the way, was a star on Broadway appearing in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ – and is helping Chris weather the pressures of stardom after winning the Best First Novel Anthony for TILT A WHIRL.

EE: Rumors are rampant that Bruce Willis – your former comedy troupe member – is hankering to become a mystery writer, but you’re not returning his calls. What’s up with that?

CG: Yes, he’s ready to moonlight again. But every time he calls, it sounds like he’s trapped in a building without any shoes hiding from German terrorists with semi-automatic weapons. I remember when Bruce did his first movie, back when we were still doing improv comedy for ten dollars a show down in the east village in a basement theater just off the Bowery and he had to shave his head (something he seems to do on a regular basis these days) to play a bald guy riding the Roosevelt Island tram.

Gosh, I like the way you skirted that question. But hey, who needs another mystery writer, huh? I mean, we can live without Bruce in the bookstores.

EE: Okay, time for your Walter Mitty Dream Sequence. Whatcha got for us?

CG: I’m on stage. People are blowing into sticks of candy like flutes. I hear the strands of ‘Toot Sweet’. I jump on the bad guy. Okay, it’s Fred’s dream…but I want to have stage credit’s as good as our dog’s!

Hold that thought – I’ve got Carol Shorenstein Hays on the other line – we’re working something up. Just make sure I have two front row center’s on opening night, okay?

EEO: Which sex symbol do you think you most resemble?

CG: Fred Flint stone. Maybe Barney Rubble. Oh, you should have seen me eighty pounds ago…which is how much weight I lost three years ago. Weight Watchers On Line and Book Writing. Perfect together.

You LOST weight writing? Yo.

DONNA MOORE http://www.free space.virgin.net/Donna.Moore

I don’t know who the hell Donna Moore’s muse is – but I want her! Ken Brien has called her the Dorothy Parker of Scotland. Charlie Stella said – it’s like having Grouch Marx feeding you one-liners over your shoulder the entire trip.’ Is it any wonder Donna’s hilarious debut book – GO TO HELENA HAND BASKET has been nominated for a Lefty next month at Left Coast Crime?

EEO: Isn’t it true, Donna – that you’re madly in love with Bob Haskins, and patterned Robin Banks after him? Well, okay – so you made him a bit taller, but still?

DEM: Isn’t EVERYONE taller than Bob Haskins? We have the same test for telling a good book me and Bob. Apparently when he gets a new script he takes it to the lo and if he’s sitting there and his bum goes cold and numb – then he knows the script is a good one and he accepts the role. I’m the same. The number of times I’ve fallen off the loo reading a Ken Bruen…

Charming. Thank you for sharing that with us. I’m sure Ken Bruen is delighted to know he is found in all the better places.

EE: Rumors abound that now that Helen Mirren has let Jane Tennison retire, she’s interested in playing Helena – but you’re trying to convince her to play Heidi instead. So, what’s the scoop on that? Think Helen can handle it?

DM: Well, having seen the last episode of Prime Suspect, I’m beginning to think it was the cocktails that were the attraction, rather than the role of Helena. And let’s face it, Elaine, ANYONE can handle the role of Helena. She’s so dim. For some reason my family think she is based on me. I have no idea why.

Surely you jest! You’re not at all like Helena. Well, maybe a little bit…now that I think about it…there is a similarity. Not physically, of course. I’m sure it’s your great sense of adventure. Oh, wait! I know! It’s the shoes. That’s it. The shoes.

EE: And speaking of shoes (?) – I understand Imelda Marcos is angling for a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for having the most shoes – and she’s challenged you to surpass her. Is it true you’ve enlisted David Corbett to go undercover and get Imelda’s shoe count before you embark on your shopping spree?

DM: When they raided her wardrobes they also found some bulletproof bras. I asked David to sneak out a couple of those for me. You can never have too much bulletproof lingerie can you? Apparently she was most annoyed when it was reported that she had over 3,000 pairs of shoes and was reported to have said, "I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty." Yeah, like that makes a difference Imelda. For the record, I only have 100 or so pairs (do you like the ‘or so’, by the way?)

Like it? I love it. Never, ever, cop to the number of ANYTHING you have. Keep ’em guessing, chickie. That’s my motto.

ROBERT FATE http://www.robertfate.com

Philosopher? Riverboat Gambler? Rare Book Dealer? Nope. How’s about Oscar winner (special effects for DUNE) and the debut author of BABY SHARK – one of 2006’s most talked about books?

EE: So, Bob – going along with ‘write what you know’ – care to tell us how many roadside pool halls you frequented in order to soak up atmosphere for BABY SHARK?

RF: Like I can remember? My buddy, Snake, and I used to slip out the window during Ms. Herbert’s class and go to Chili Jake’s to shoot nine ball. That’s all I recall, and that’s all you get.

Oh, sure. Memory loss. Happens all the time. But okay, we’ll buy it for now.

EE: We will assume the rumors of the mini-rumble you supposedly were involved in at Ruby’s Red Dragon Bar in Waco wasn’t your fault, right? You were just kinda setting things up for those knock-out scenes in BABY SHARK to get some flavor, right? I mean, we all know it wasn’t really your fault the place went berserk.

RF: You’re never gonna let me live that down. Have I got this right? The blonde in the purple corset said she’d be right back and I was just waiting around. It was all a mistake from beginning to end. Well, that brass knuckles business was a little bit my fault.

Well, I wasn’t going to mention the blonde in the purple corset, but since you did…

EE: But the real buzz around ThrillerVille is that Efren Reyes – the top men’s money maker in the game – hoped to convince you to model your protag after him instead of a woman. Is it true you had to let him beat you at pool to soothe his ego for being rejected?

RF: I’m thinking you know an awful lot about snooker and such, Ms. Flinn. But re: Mr. Reyes – not on his best day can he take me at the table – and you can tell him I said so.

Darling, I know a lot about a lot of things – but there just isn’t space here. I’ll pass your message on to Efren when I see him later. We’re having…er…coffee at his place.

ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF http://www.alexandrasokoloff.com

Who’d a thunk this gorgeous blonde – posing so angelical – seeming so lost in thought – perhaps about a favorite Debussy strain – could write such scary monster scenes? I had to leave the light on for weeks after reading THE HARROWING. I’m sure as hell glad Alex has joined us here at Murderati. I mean, I think it’s always prudent to be good friends with horror writers. One never knows when one might find themselves in their books. And not as one of the good roles either.

EE: So, Alex – that year in Istanbul? You wanna tell us about that when you were sixteen? Or, do you want to save that for another time? 🙂

AS: Seriously, it was very hard. I was blonder than I am now and so, so obviously American. I was harassed everywhere I went – abduction attempts – not fun. But that’s the year that I threw every practical plan out the window and decided to go into theater, because life is too precious not to do what you love. And Istanbul itself is a phenomenal city – it was life-changing.

Life changing? How about life CHALLENGING? Abduction attempts? Aieee! But wait – there could be a story here. I can see it now – Jude Law is at an outdoor cafe at the Grand Bazaar – the one commissioned by Suleyman…sipping thick Turkish coffee, pondering his life when he witnesses an attempt to kidnap a young girl. He springs to action… I mean, think about it, okay?

EE: Rumor has it that John Travolta is begging you to teach him ballet for his next film – but you turned him down. Was it because you just couldn’t envision him in tights, or what?

AS: I don’t have the slightest difficulty in imagining ANY man in tights – I have this Elizabethan fetish. I wouldn’t presume to teach JT anything about dancing – but I’d dance with him any time, any place, anywhere. Can you set that up?

Can I set it up? Darling, you’re talking to moi. Consider it done. John and I go back, you know?

EE: My favorite little spy tells me that you’re working on new lyrics for a duet with Paul Guyot for next year’s gala at ThrillerFest, but Guyot wants to make it a three-some and have Tony Bennett do back up.

AK: I have no doubt Guyot would be up for a three-some thing, but Tony Bennett wouldn’t have been my first guess for a third. Works for me.

You sure about Bennett? I mean – I can talk to Guyot. Between us – we could pull a few strings and get someone else. I hear Wayne Newton is writing a thriller and could use the exposure.

**********************************************************************************************************************

OKAY – THE REPORT IS COMPLETE. THINK THEY CAN FOOL ME, HUH? I’VE GOT THEM RED-HANDED. GUILTY AS CHARGED. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. I HOPE THEY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE. LIKE THEY SAY – IF YOU CAN’T DO THE TIME – DON’T DO THE CRIME. YOU BE THE JUDGE.

My very sincere thanks to all the terrific writers who had the courage and great sense of humor to play with me here – at ON THE BUBBLE. So – to end the year, let me once again offer my thanks- in order of appearance- to: Denise Hamilton, Stephen Booth, Paul Guyot, Robin Burcell, James Lincoln Warren, David Montgomery, Gayle Lynds, Gregg Hurwitz, Louise Ure, Jim Rollins, Laura Lippman, Ian Rankin, Alex Kava, Chassie West, Tess Gerritsen, Sarah Weinman, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Dylan Schaffer, Linda Richards, John Hart, M.J. Rose, Alexandra Sokoloff, P.J. Parrish, Chris Grabenstein, Raymond Benson, Robert Fate and Donna Moore.

MY LINE UP FOR 2007 IS ALREADY BURSTING – SO STAY TUNED!

Marcus Sakey and the Combo Platter

Most of you reading this know him, or know of him.

Marcus Sakey

One of the myriad of Killer Year authors, which I guess needs to be known as "Killer Year 2007" because apparently, it’s a franchise now and there’s going to be a Killer Year gaggle every year.

Anyway, I’m not here to talk about that. I want to talk about Marcus Sakey. And I really hope this gets read by people who don’t know about him. If you’re already aware of Sakey, please forward this permalink to someone who doesn’t know about him.

So… Marcus Sakey. You’re probably thinking he’s my buddy, right? Because the only thing more common in the mystery community than a book with a dead body is pimping one’s friends.

But guess what? I’ve never met Marcus Sakey.

And I doubt he has any idea who I am, nor does he care. The first time I ever heard of him was at Thriller Fest last July. He was part of a panel that I was taking in. I’ve never even read his book THE BLADE ITSELF. Well, all of it, anyway. Let me explain.

I saw Sakey on this panel and I knew that he was a good writer. Very, very good. Just by listening to him. By hearing the way he talked about writing. See, the people who get it – who truly get writing, they talk about it differently than the rest of us, who are simply trying to convince people we know what we’re doing.

Afterward, I was mentioning my impression of Sakay to someone and one-thing-led-to-another and suddenly I had an ARC of THE BLADE ITSELF in my hand. At least I think it was an ARC. It was loaned to me. "Here, read it and give it back," the person told me.

I went to the Biltmore lobby and started reading. At page forty-seven, the person walked up and said, "I need that back. I’m not supposed to show it to anyone." So I never finished. Never even got to page forty-eight. And those that have been lucky enough to read the book, you know that page forty-seven is NOT where you want to stop reading!

After that, I checked out Sakey’s web site, read some Q&A’s with him, read his thoughts on writing, read a couple of excerpts from the book. And after all that and those forty-seven freaking pages, I knew that Sakey wasn’t just a great writer…

He has the combo platter.

See, there are great writers. And there are great storytellers. And every once in a very rare while, God looks down and hands the combo platter to someone. A great writer AND a great storyteller. You may think there’s a lot of them out there, but guess what – you’re wrong. And I know a few of you believe great storytelling is great writing and vice-versa… I used to think that, until I read each without the other.

Now, I love a good story. If it’s written well, or even just decently, I’ll go with it. But I also love reading great writers. Even if the story sucks, I admire the greats and their way with the language, the imagery, setting. The NYTBSL is packed full of great storytellers. And every so often a great writer manages to make the list as well.

But damn, when you come across someone with the combo platter, it is as good as it gets. And to find a new writer with the CP, well, I am just really, really excited.

Some of you might think I’m overstating, but… you’re wrong. You can cruise writer web sites and see how few great writers are out there, even fewer with the combo platter. Actually, most greats have little or no web site content. The writers with pages and pages of fancy 411 on themselves are usually not that great. They’re compensating. Just look at their "advice for aspiring writers" sections. It’s all rehashed bullshit, the same blatherings just reworded. Not that they’re not great people, now, but we’re talking craft. Art, even.

Oh, by the way, I’m including myself in all this. I am not a great writer. I think I’m a pretty decent storyteller, but I have a long way to go to be a great writer. And my stuff for aspiring writers – other than the Hollywood business part of it – is all rehashed bullshit. Hell, it’s pretty much all bullshit.

Anyway, look at some random writer’s advice pages. Then look at Sakey’s. Read some random to-be-published writer’s excerpt of his or her opus, then read Sakey’s. Look at his writing and storytelling – his use of the language, his dialogue, his ability to give vital character and/or story information without one extra word. Notice how visceral his telling of the story is. How he is able to keep his imagery so strong without ever being overpowering or overwrought.

And if you want a nice reality check, do what I did: after all that, look at your own stuff. Chances are huge that you’ll be like me, and realize you’ve got a lot of work to do. Unless you’re some full-of-yourself asshat. Then life is great all the time. Good on ya.

Do I sound a little angry in this post? I don’t mean to be. But maybe I am. I guess I’m a little jealous of Sakey’s talent… but actually, I’m not. I’m excited by it. I’m turned on by it. I’m inspired by it.

What it is, is I’m pissed off at myself. I know a large number of you don’t give a shit about great writing so long as the story works. And a lot of you can’t stand reading amazing prose if there’s no story to grab you. As stated, I can enjoy both. I guess it’s because the combo platter is so rare, that I’m used to settling as a reader. Taking what’s out there. So then, when I do find it – especially in someone without a dozen books under their belt – it makes me look in the mirror and think: perhaps if I had understood earlier, or worked harder, studied more, pushed myself more… maybe I could’ve had the combo platter.

But I doubt it. I think it’s even more rare for it to be learned, as opposed to a God-given gift.

Okay, let’s end this rant. Marcus Sakey. He’s not just another debut author, he’s something special, folks. If you don’t agree, guess what – you’re wrong. He’s got the combo platter, and in the coming years everyone’s going to realize it. I can’t wait for Left Coast Crime so I can buy the book and finish THE BLADE ITSELF. Yes, I know I can order it from Amazon, but I’m really trying to get off my Internet-induced-fat-ass and buy more from independents. Whether you buy from Ammy or an indy, buy THE BLADE ITSELF, and learn while you’re entertained.

Feel free to comment all you want about how great Marcus Sakey is, or what an asshat I am, or anything else specific to this post. But I’m asking you, no, I’m telling you, don’t start listing all the other authors you think have the combo platter. Save that for another post, or another blog. It would be disrespectful to Sakey and this post, and this blog. And I’m pissed off enough that I’ll probably just go in and delete them.

Guyot

As always, Floyd Landis is innocent. If anyone knows an investigative journalist, please send them here.

Snow and Kahlua

by Pari Noskin Taichert

For the past few days, my world has been blanketed in white. Burdened tree branches bend to the carpeted ground and we pray our skylights won’t cave in. Traffic is iffy at best, stalled at worst.

The weathermen thought this history-making storm might drop an inch or two in Albuquerque. Instead, it has deposited more than a foot in my neighborhood. Our friends, who live a few miles closer to the mountains, report 21 inches.

As a convenient metaphor for 2006, the unprecendented weather might work. Or, not.

What is true is that much of last year went in different directions than anticipated.

For example, I planned to write two novels.

And, I did.

The only problem was that I had to write one novel twice.

2006 was like that: loads of activity and not much to show for it. I’d push hard toward a goal and end up somewhere else.

It felt as if Sisyphus and I had traded places. So many ambitions unattained. I didn’t write the first manuscript in my new series. I didn’t finish the short stories. I didn’t attract the attention of a major publisher. I didn’t get a mondo advance for my new book. So many hours "wasted." Wah.

I could fuss just like the people here in Albuquerque who are angered by the stopping power of snow.

But why do that?

Overall, the column of 2006 accomplishments balances the missed opportunities and inefficiencies. I DID finish and sell a manuscript. I DID start a relevant monthly column for Mystery Writers of America’s newsletter. I DID get Murderati up and running with some of the best writers around. I DID commit to the new series and have developed enough of Iris Martin’s backstory to begin composing her life through novels.

Sure, I’m not a national name — with my name, that’ll be a challenge anyway — but, I continue to build audience and readership. Both of my current books are still, happily, in print and making money.

Right now, I’m sitting at my desk. The wall behind my computer is cluttered with inspiring quotations:

"Don’t get it right . . . Get it written!" James Thurber
"You try and you try and you fail, and then you go deeper." Shunryu Suzuki

It also bears two blue practice targets with bullet holes not quite in the center, but close. Tony Hillerman’s blurb for my new book is affixed there, as are both of the Agatha Award nomination letters. One phosphorescent pink Post It stares back at me, its middle cut out in a nice one-inch square (this is a nod to Annie Lamott’s advice to write at least that much a day).

Today, most of these will come down.

You see, I’m one of those goofballs who actually make New Year’s resolutions. In the past, I’ve kept them pocketed away in my computer. Not this year. I want them where I can see them every day.

Sure, they look much like last year’s goals. Again, I’ll push hard and won’t know what directions all that energy will turn and flow . . .

Outside my window, the snow continues to frustrate many people in my town. Me? I built snowmen with my kids.

I packed a wad of the cleanest white and stuffed it hard into an earthen mug. With brio, I doused the ice with Kahlua and milk.

Yeah, I think 2007 is going to be a good year.

Happy New Year to you all.

Rockin’ New Years Q & A with Duane Swierczynski

What better way to ring in 2007 than by talking with "hard-boiled punk rock" author Duane Swi…Swier…Swierczynski?

Okay, so I can’t pronounce his name. Just make sure you remember it, because if you miss Duane’s The Blonde, you’ll be missing out on one of the most original, adrenaline-fueled thrillers in years.

Duane was kind enough to chat about his newest novel, the writing process and the thrill of being an author.

MM: I remember reading "Lonely and Gone" in the Dublin Noir anthology, and thinking it had the making of a novel. Did you know the story would turn into a full-fledged book?

DS: I had no friggin’ idea. I thought the story would be it, but the plot device kept nagging at me. Lately, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to just write a short story. Every story idea demands to be the wife, not just a piece on the side. (I may regret that comparison later, when my wife reads this.)

MM: Both The Blonde and The Wheelman were totally unpredictable. I never knew what was lurking on the next page. How do you accomplish this?

DS: With THE WHEELMAN, it was easy: I was made it up as I went along. In fact, whenever I started to consciously plot, the characters shut down on me.

THE BLONDE, however, was outlined in full, down to the last minute. So I’m glad to hear you say it was unpredictable. Part of that comes from good advice I received from an editor friend years ago, which was: "Keep the surprises coming, and never let the reader get too comfortable. Keep ’em off kilter whenever possible." (I actually have this advice printed out and taped to a wooden rule I keep in my desk.)

If I have a process, it seems to be this: Jump right into the pool and knock out anywhere from 3 to 7,000 words to see if an idea will fly. If it does, great. If not, I move on. If I’m stuck, but really can’t get the story out of my head, I’ll write a bunch of notes or brief outline. To me, that first burst of 3 to 7,000 words is important; it tells me if the voice will work or not. Every book has its own way of telling itself.

Which is another way of saying it’s all about the voices in my head.

MM: In a world of bloated books you give us a thriller clocking in at a lean 226 pages (The Wheelman was almost exactly the same length). Did you make a conscious decision to write a shorter novel?

DS: I absolutely love short novels. Ken Bruen was the one who taught me that length really doesn’t matter; the novels in his brilliant WHITE TRILOGY are damn thin, but you really don’t notice. Maybe it’s the journalist in me. Ink is a precious commodity; it kills me to waste any. Even electronic ink.

Plus, I’m deathly afraid of boring the reader. To me, that’s the ultimate failure. I’ve put down many more 500-page novels than I have 200-page novels.

MM: Was there ever any pressure (say from your publisher) to write a longer book?

DS: I thought there would be. Being an eager-to-please sap, I was fully prepared to add 40,000 words upon demand. Thank God it never came to that, or THE WHEELMAN would have a lot more scenes with clouds in them.

MM: If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times-the modern thriller needs more clouds.
I enjoyed how you strung some of the characters from The Wheelman into The Blonde.

DS: Like Kevin Smith’s View Askewniverse, I liked the idea that my books make up a loose "Swierczy-verse." (Try saying that three times fast.) The fun for me is to make really strange connections between the books. My next one, SEVERANCE PACKAGE, features one character from THE BLONDE, and can be seen… if you squint real hard… as a kind of a follow-up, but the two books couldn’t be more different.

MM: My secret insider sources (your book jacket) tell me that The Wheelman has been optioned for a film. Who would be your dream cast? How about your dream director? Guy Ritchie would be my pick. I just loved his work on Swept Away.

DS: Paul Giamatti… IS… Lennon. As for my dream director, I already have him: Simon Hynd, the Scottish director whose debut will be an adaptation of Stona Finch’s SENSELESS, is a ridiculously talented guy. I can’t wait to see what he does with the story.

And I’m not just saying that because he forked over the option dough. If someone where to execute Simon, I wouldn’t be happy until they cloned him and/or reanimated his corpse so he could get back to work on THE WHEELMAN.

MM: Name one author we aren’t reading yet should be.

DS: Aside from Mike MacLean?

Okay, I’m going to presume everybody is already reading Sara Gran, Allan Guthrie, Megan Abbott, J.D. Rhoades, Theresa Schwegel, Sean Doolittle, Ray Banks, Victor Gischler, Charlie Huston, Jim Born and Simon Kernick, just a few of the new-ish authors who have made a big name for themselves in the past few years.

So that said…

One writer who’s really hauled ass out of the gate is Canadian writer John McFetridge, whose DIRTY SWEET is supremely fast-moving, kinky and violent. I just received a copy of his latest, EVERBODY KNOWS THIS IS NOWHERE, and I can’t wait to get crackin’ on it. I think you’re going to be seeing his name a lot in the coming year.

And seriously, folks: Mike MacLean.

MM: That just earned you twelve dollars American my friend.

If you could jab a hypodermic full of killer nanobots into one person’s neck, who would it be? (This question makes a lot more sense if you’ve read the novel.)

DS: Sheesh, Mike. I’m no killer.

(But I’d probably keep the hypodermic handy, just in case.)

MM: So far, what’s been the greatest thrill in your writing career?

DS: This is the toughest question of the lot. Because really, it’s all a big fucking thrill. Writing the book. Seeing it in print. Hearing from readers. I can’t pick one moment, because I’ve been blessed with hundreds of them in the past two years.

My thanks to Duane for fielding a few questions. I also thank all the Murderati readers out there for stopping by. Now go hoist a pint (or five) and have a happy New Year.

Mike

A Very Good Year

Simon made me do it.

I had another post all set to go today but Simon’s post wrapping up
his year has compelled me to do my own, because I’m just, you know,
obsessive that way.

The thing is, I know a recount will be good for me. I’m a
workaholic (oh, just admit it, THIS crowd? You all so are too…).
I’m always focusing on what I NEED to do, rather than what I’ve done.
More than that, I beat myself up about what I haven’t done. For a
non-Catholic, non-Jew, I have the guilt thing down to a science.

But when I look back on it, it really was an amazing year. Let’s see now…

– My first novel, THE HARROWING,
was published by St. Martin’s Press in September. Now, that alone is
a year’s worth, right? I’m an author now. And having lived a good
long time as a professional writer, slave to Hollywood, I can tell you
that author is something else, entirely.

– I joined Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Horror
Writers of America, Romance Writers of America and the International
Thriller Writers as a published author – and met hundreds of the most
incredible authors, readers, librarians, bookstore owners/staff, all
over the country. (And let me tell you, the librarians have the best
parties of ALL…).

– I went to PLA in Boston, Malice Domestic in Arlington, ThrillerFest in Phoenix, BEA in DC, World Horror Con in San Francisco, ALA in New Orleans, Bouchercon
in Madison, World Fantasy Con in Austin, SIBA in Orlando, NCIBA in
Oakland, the LA Times Festival of Books in Los Angeles, Cape Fear Crime
Festival in Wilmington, Heather Graham’s Writers for New Orleans
in Paris (just kidding – I got to go to New Orleans again for that
one…). I’m always saying I want more travel in my life – well, I’ve
got it now, in spades.

– I debuted with the Killer Thriller Band as
a Killerette and got to sing and dance with some of my all-time
favorite authors who are also kick-ass musicians. Yes, I am a rock
star as a hobby. Clearly I’m doing something right….

– I went on a nine-state book tour: North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida, California, Arizona, Louisiana, Texas and Wisconsin.
See travel fetish above.

– I finished my second novel, THE PRICE, also a supernatural thriller, which will be out from St. Martin’s at the end of 2007.

– I wrote my very first short story, “The Edge of Seventeen”, for THE DARKER MASK,
an illustrated anthology of, well, dark, superhero stories, which will
be out from Tor in January of 2008. I am beyond thrilled with how it
came out and how fast and fun it was to write (I did a whole rough
draft on the plane from Raleigh to L.A.) and it made me realize that
there’s something to this short story thing after all.

– WriterAction, the website
and union Town Hall I founded for professional screenwriters, hit 1900
members in our third year. I am in my small way following in the
pro-union, Commie footsteps of giants: my idols Dorothy Parker and
Lillian Hellman. The people united will never be defeated.

– I joined this horrifying, reprobate crowd at Murderati – the blog
I most wanted to be a part of but never dreamed I’d actually be asked. Now THAT’S what I call a Christmas present!!

– I made the most amazing friends. Truly. I already have the most
amazing friends on the planet and now I have this whole new crop of
miraculous, witty, sexy, talented people in my life. In one year I
feel completely part of this incredible mystery community – it’s like
family, and like heaven… and enough like hell to give it that edge,
you know?

I am so grateful.

And I am so ready for 2007.

And now I want to hear about your 2006!

Happy New Year to all…

Alex XX

L.A. MIX PROFILE: Librarian and Book Club Organizer Gary Warren Niebuhr

Me2006 NAOMI HIRAHARA

Anyone who attends a Bouchercon mystery convention has seen the rail-thin figure of Gary Warren Niebuhr, usually in the center of a boisterous crowd—the eye of the storm. My girlfriends and I refer to him as Gasa-Gasa Gary because he always seems to be on the move. A career librarian and die-hard mystery fan, Gary has written books about his passion for the genre, the latest being on how to conduct a book club.

Book clubs can be a godsend for midlist mysteries. As an author, I’ve done my share, ranging from a Japanese-themed dinner in Phoenix to a phone conversation with a group in Seattle. Many were arranged by friends and acquaintances, but some resulted from contact through my website. Normally no Angeleno would invite a stranger to her home—no Angeleno would think of going to a gathering of complete strangers in a home, but books serve as a bridge.

Gary’s book is designed for readers and librarians, not authors. But we can learn much from his tips and experience. So, Gasa-Gasa Gary, speak out!

Tell us about the reference book you just released.

READ ‘EM THEIR WRITES A HANDBOOK FOR MYSTERY AND CRIME FICTION BOOK DISCUSSIONS is a guide for people who want to lead a crime fiction book club. The book reveals how to organize your group, get participants, select book club titles, prepare for the meeting, and conduct discussions. The main content of the book is a breakdown of 100 titles that can be used for discussion purposes. For each book, information is provided including biographical information on the author with web sites and reader’s guides, a short plot summary, geographic settings, time period, series information, subject headings, appeal points and read alike suggestions. Then, I provide about a dozen questions that can be used to discuss the selected title.

Did Greenwood approach you or did you approach them?

I have had such good luck falling into the publishing business. My first book (A READER’S GUIDE TO THE PRIVATE EYE NOVEL. G. K. Hall, 1993) came about because I answered a one-inch ad running in Drood Review for someone to do a book in the series G. K. Hall was putting together on various sub-genres in the field. My second book (MAKE MINE A MYSTERY, Libraries Unlimited, 2003) came about because I attended a children’s author lunch at the Public Library Association and decided to sit down next to the acquisition editor from Libraries Unlimited.

This book was offered to Libraries Unlimited after MAKE MINE and they loved the concept. I loved doing this book and by far, it was the easiest to complete.

Can you tell us a little about your background? How long have you worked as a librarian? And tell us about the library you current work at.

I was born, schooled and worked in the city of Milwaukee for my entire life. While attended college and attempting to spend five minutes in every major that they offered, I came to the realization that my part time job as a shelver in the Milwaukee Public Library could be a career path. After earning an M.A. in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I worked two years for an engineering college (like living amongst aliens) and two years as a clerk in a public library (in a building that is now a funeral parlor). Then, for reasons still undetermined, the Greendale Public Library hired me to be its library director and I have been there for 26 years.

When did you begin reading mysteries?

I read all types of books growing up including Freddy the Detective and the Hardy Boys. But I gravitated to science fiction for most of my youth despite still having the complete Sherlock Holmes collection my parents bought me when I was a teen. When I went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I took literature classes as time off from my other classes. Looking back now, I wish I had realized what really appealed to me and just read my way through the university experience.

After exhausting all the science fiction, fantasy and utopian electives in the English Department, I enrolled in a crime fiction survey course that began with THE BIG SLEEP by Raymond Chandler. This set me on a lifetime of reading mystery and crime fiction. Early in my reading of this genre I was able to ground myself in the history including reading everything from Carr, Christie, Sayers, Stout, etc. However, I always found myself drawn to the private eye.

Around 1978, I formed a mystery book discussion group with Beverly DeWeese (1999 Bouchercon Fan Guest of Honor) and some other civilians. The group met at my house. I no longer remember what we read or even how we operated. Eventually we heard that a mystery book discussion group called The Cloak and Clue Society had formed at a brand new mystery bookstore in town. Deciding it was silly to have two groups, we merged the two groups and that is how I met Beth Fedyn (2005 Bouchercon Fan Guest of Honor).

Cloak and Clue has been meeting ever since. While for a time my attendance was spotty (I was too busy doing community theater because I enjoyed wearing makeup for legitimate reasons), I have had a long association with this group and could not have done the new book club book without the experience I gained with this group.

In a conversation I had with Otto Penzler in 1981, who was discouraging me from trying to buy every work of crime fiction ever published like Allen Hubin had, he suggested that I specialize in the type of detective that I enjoyed the most. So, I now have 6,000 private eye novels in my basement. So much for specialization.

Somewhere in the eighties, while selling mystery books out of the basement of my house, I met Ted Hertel (2002 MWA Robert L. Fish Award recipient and current MWA-Midwest President) and we have been steadfast friends ever since. Ted, Bev, Beth and a host of other fans created EYECON’95 to honor the Private Eye Writers of America by having a convention in Milwaukee in 1995. Four years later in 1999, the same crew ran Bouchercon in Milwaukee.

During the Bcon experience, Ted and I met Sandy Balzo (2004 MWA Robert L. Fish Award recipient). After Bouchercon, Ted and Sandy had this crazy idea to form a crime fiction writers group. So The Noirsketeers have been meeting for six years. Ted and Sandy were the first readers for READ ‘EM.

And when did you decide to have a mystery book club at your library?

In 1992 I began the Greendale Park and Recreation Crime Fiction Book Discussion Group. People who want to be a part of the group sign up through Park and Recreation and pay a small fee. We meet in the Community Room of the Greendale Library from September to May (skipping December). We read one book for each session. There is no food.

Explain how you set up your book club. Is it different every year? How do you select your books?

Every year in May I create a list of about fifty books I think would make a great book discussion title. I pass the list out to the current members and let them vote on which title they would like to read. After gathering the ballots, I try to see a pattern in the top vote getters so that I can establish a theme for the next year. Here are some examples of the last few years’ lists:

2006-2007 THE SINS OF THE FATHERS AND SOME BAD MOTHERS TOO

9/26/06: Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s THE SHADOW OF THE WIND

10/26/06: Carol Goodman’s THE SEDUCTION OF WATER

11/16/06: Donna Tratt’s THE LITTLE FRIEND

01/25/07: Anita Shreve’s THE WEIGHT OF WATER

02/22/07: Jonathan Lethem’s MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN

03/22/07: Jodi Picoult’s THE PLAIN TRUTH

04/26/07: T. Jefferson Parker’s SILENT JOE

05/24/07: Minette Walters’ ACID ROW

2005-2006 THE SUN NEVER SETS ON YOUR BODY IF YOU DIE IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Minette Walters’ THE SHAPE OF SNAKES

Mark Haddon’s THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT with Michael Chabon’s THE FINAL SOLUTION: A STORY OF DETECTION

Jacqueline Winspear’s MAISIE DOBBS

Ian Pears’ AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST

Erin Hart’s HAUNTED GROUND

Rhys Bowen’s MURPHY’S LAW

Michelle DeKrester’s THE HAMILTON CASE

Darren Williams’ ANGEL ROCK

2004-2005 MURDER THEY WROTE, MURDER WE READ

Dan Brown’s THE DA VINCI CODE (2003)

Alice Blanchard’s THE BREATHTAKER (2003)

Thomas Cook’s THE CHATHAM SCHOOL AFFAIR (1996)

Minette Walters’s THE BREAKER (1998)

Matthew Pearl’s THE DANTE CLUB (2003)

Alexander McCall Smith’s THE NO. 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY (1998)

Carolyn G. Hart’s LETTER FROM HOME (2003)

Donna Andrews’s YOU’VE GOT MURDER (2002)

2003-2004 OVER THERE: MYSTERIES IN INTERESTING PLACES

Giles Blunt’s FORTY WORDS FOR SORROW (2001)

Robert Wilson’s A SMALL DEATH IN LISBON (2003)

Elizabeth George’s A TRAITOR TO MURDER (2001)

Anthony Piper’s LOST GIRLS (2001)

Larry Watson’s MONTANA 1948 (1993)

Minette Walter’s THE ECHO (1997)

Ken Breun’s THE GUARDS (2003)

Elizabeth Inness-Brown’s BURNING MARGUERITE (2002)

What makes a mystery a good book club selection?

I talk a lot about this in the book but let’s cut to the chase. The best titles for book discussions are ones that have a strong theme and along the way do something to piss people off. With varying degrees of strength, all novels have plot, character, setting, subject matters and style. While you can hook a discussion on any of these elements, it is my contention that it is theme that will anger people the most and make them really want to discuss a title with someone.

I wrote READ ‘EM because I got so tired of people asking me how we could discuss crime fiction for 15 years when the only thing to discuss is "who did it." If they only discussable element of the book is the plot, you have picked the wrong crime fiction book to discuss.

How can an author help book clubs?

Authors need to understand the difference between books that are great entertainment and books that are great book discussion titles. Some books are never going to work as a book discussion title. Be kind to those who do not feel confident in discussing your title.

However, to help, an author could put a readers’ guide on your website with some suggested discussion questions.

What makes a good book discussion question?

We cover this extensively in the book, but the first rule is never write a question that can be answered yes or no.

Do you network with many other libraries or book clubs?

I do connect with other book discussion leaders. We all have the same problems and the same joys. Some ambitious book discussion leaders have started one city one book discussions (a concept invented by Nancy Pearl in Seattle) where an entire community (libraries, schools, private groups) all read the same book. Some libraries have book discussion kits. There is a lot of cooperation.

If a group is planning to launch a book club for the first time, what tips do you suggest?

Believe in the book and stay focused on a discussion about it. It is a great way to express yourself, learn about others, and feel the joy of sharing stories.

***

Thank you, Gary. And looking forward to seeing you at Left Coast Crime! Here’s more info on his book:

READ ‘EM THEIR WRITES A HANDBOOK FOR MYSTERY AND CRIME FICTION BOOK DISCUSSIONS

ISBN: 1-59158-303-9

ISBN-13: 978-1-59158-303-5

Libraries Unlimited; $35.00
Ordering information for the book can be found at http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/LU3039.aspx.

***

BIG BIG BACHI AVAILABLE IN JANUARY: Yes, it’s SUMMER OF THE BIG BACHI in large print. Happy New Year from Crown City, Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Central!

2006 IN REVIEW–Swings and Roundabouts

It’s been a strange year. There’s been no middle ground. It’s either been amazing or disappointing. A lot of things fell through this year. A small press publisher collapsed literally days after receiving a contract offer for my novel, We All Fall Down. A number of my regular markets closed their doors this year and I’m sorry to see them go as they’ve been greater supporters of mine. A lot of plans were canceled, whether it be book projects, speaking engagements or other writing related projects that took left turns at the 11th hour. Also I had a tendency to miss the boat in ’06. I’d find out about a writing opportunity the day after it closed. I really took it on the chin short story-wise this year. The short story market is tight but there have been quite a few high profile anthologies out there this year. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut for any of them. Definitely, my poor showing in the short story world has been my biggest disappointment of ’06.

Of course, with every disappointment comes a pleasant surprise. Working Stiffs came out. It looked great and it picked up really nice reviews. I’m really proud of the book. But the year’s highest points came out of nowhere. I couldn’t have predicted Dorchester Publishing would jump on Accidents Waiting To Happen, giving me my break in New York publishing. Another novel deal has also been agreed to, but I can’t discuss details at the moment. So my novel writing career seems set for the foreseeable future, which is a big boost.

2006 is the year where I really overextended myself. I took on too many things, which left me working every spare minute of the day on writing in some shape or form. That will have to stop in 2007. I’m going to be much more selective about what I do in the future. A couple of little things woke me up to the fact that I need to do a little bit of stopping to smell the roses from time to time.

On a private level, the year has just been as unpredictable. Julie’s family took some hard knocks, some things I’ve mentioned and some I’m not going to mention. Our house keeps telling us it’s 50 years old and wants attention. And every time we find a penny, we drop a dollar. All I can say is that we made it out the other side and we’re doing fine, but we’d really like not to have a repeat in ’07.

On the whole, 2006 has been a mixed year. I’m very critical about everything I do. I have a lot to be thankful for, but the disappointments have dampened my successes resulting in the lows canceling out the highs. This is going to make me more determined next year.

So I go into 2007 in good shape. There’ll be two novels out in the calendar year and who knows where they will lead? Hopefully, those will provide a stable platform for more novel sales. There’s a lot of ricochet in writing. Events bounce off other events and novels create the biggest bounces, so I’m hoping the raised profile from the novel releases will create some new opportunities. Definitely, I need to assess my short story work and look where I can do better than I did this year.

This makes me sound a little grumpy and snarly. I’m not–not really. I’m annoyed and I’m going to do something about it. Look out 2007. You’re coming with me.

Simon Wood

L.A. MIX PROFILE: Librarian Padmini Prabhakar

NAOMI HIRAHARA

Oh, what would authors do without librarians and libraries? Most of us devoured books in our youth in libraries. My local library was nestled among deodar cedar trees in Altadena. At the time it was brand spanking new, but now it is decidedly retro-Seventies; the architecture has held up well over time.

Most librarians love mysteries because they are among the most popular books in their libraries. In metropolitan Southern California, libraries frequently hold author talks and some even offer a token honorarium.

A couple of years ago, I was invited to Cerritos Library’s inaugural Mystery on the Menu luncheon event. Cerritos is on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, right next to the Orange Curtain (OC). Known for its excellent school system and large automobile dealership center, Cerritos has definitely been on the fast-track of development, both economic and cultural. I myself was blown away with its state-of-the art library. When I returned home from the event, I told my husband that I would want to move to Cerritos just for the library. Of course, as usual, he thought I was crazy.

Behind the scenes of the spectacular author events at Cerritos Library is Padmini Prabhakar, one of the most thorough and professional librarians I’ve ever encountered. If you are ever in Los Angeles for a book tour, definitely have your publicist or publisher contact Padmini to see if she might be interested in hosting you for an event.

Tell us a little bit about your background. When did you decide that you wanted to become a librarian? Where did you study library science? What other libraries have you worked at and when did you join the Cerritos Library?

I originally come from Chennai, (formerly known as Madras) India. I have lived in Cerritos since 1979. I used to bring my two children to the original Cerritos Library to Storytimes and to check out books. A new wing was added to the Library in 1985. I thought it would be exciting to get a part-time job as my kids were growing up. I applied for the part-time Library Assistant job and was surprised to be hired as I was then a housewife with a Bachelor’s degree in Botany. I was also an Art Consultant at a local elementary school and it was a real challenge working two part-time jobs and taking care of the family. In 1991 I was promoted to the full-time position of Young Adult Librarian to serve the needs of the teens in the community.

When I realized we were remodeling the Cerritos Library, I wanted to be worthy of working in this fabulous building. That’s when I decided to get my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I graduated from San Jose State University in 2003.

I heard that the Cerritos Library building was made out of titanium? Is that true? Any other nifty trivia about the building? When was it constructed?

The outside of the Cerritos Library is clad in titanium tiles. The Library was the first titanium-clad structure in the United States. Titanium expresses the concept of change as it has subtle color shifts from reflecting the angle of the sun and atmospheric conditions. Titanium also allowed for a fluid design with compound curves. The material suggests the Library’s "Save the Planet" theme as it does not have a negative impact on the environment and is maintenance free.

The library has a series of themed spaces designed to make you feel as if you are journeying through time, from an old world reading room, to a Craftsman style great room, to an art deco area inspired by the old Pan Pacific Auditorium, to the "21st Century" level designed to feel like a library of the future. The children’s area is probably the most impressive. A 15,000-gallon salt water aquarium, complete with sharks, a moray eel, and hundreds of colorful tropical fish is located in the lobby area. Stan, a full scale T-Rex skeleton from the Black Hills Institute in South Dakota, a space shuttle and a rainforest tree are a few special features in the Children’s area. I would like to invite everyone to come visit the Cerritos Library, the world’s first "experience library" and enjoy several commissioned art pieces, including a Chihuly glass sculpture.

When will this year’s Mystery on the Menu be held? What authors will be participating? Why did you decide to launch Mystery on the Menu and who helped you?

The third annual Mystery on the Menu will be held on Saturday, January 27 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. I have confirmed the following authors so far: Sheryl Anderson, Brett Ellen Block, Stephen Cannell, Joanne Fluke, Lee Goldberg, Tod Goldberg, Gar Anthony Haywood, Susan Kandel, Kelly Lange, Robert Levinson, Barbara Seranella and Walter Satterthwait. It is a fun event. I would encourage all mystery buffs to attend.

Couple of years ago, I attended a panel discussion with three mystery authors and I heard about the annual Men of Mystery event with 50 authors. I thought I would invite 10 mystery authors and request the Friends of the Cerritos Library to sponsor the luncheon. President Janice Dawson and other boardmembers were willing to give it a try and because of its success, our second luncheon had 12 authors and I am working on inviting 14 authors for Mystery on the Menu III. The all-day event will start off with the first panel of authors discussing their careers and books followed by a delicious lunch. Next the second panel of authors will address the audience and all the authors will sign their book provided for purchase by Linda Bivens of Crime Time Books.

What suggestions do you have for libraries that may be thinking of integrating mysteries into their programming? How popular are mysteries among your library constituency?

I am finding that most of the authors we host are mystery ones. That tells you that this is the most popular genre in Cerritos. I may also be partial to mystery as I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Erle Stanley Gardner.

Librarians who are interested in getting in touch with local mystery authors should contact local bookstores and see who is signing books there. Los Angeles Times Sunday edition’s Book Review section lists author events every week. It is always good to attend some of these events and make contact with the authors or their publicists and let them know that their libraries are interested in hosting them. There is a lot of talent in Southern California and all these authors love to visit libraries.

What advice would you give authors who want to approach libraries about author talks?

I would request all authors to update their websites and keep their contact information and calendar of events current. I am sure your fans would like to come to your programs and meet you in person and discuss what you are planning to write. American Library Association offers a program to its members called authors@your library. Publishers can get in touch with ALA at http://www.authorsatyourlibrary.org/ and register to be part of this program. Very often the Friends of the Library would sponsor author events. This is a great group to get in touch with to schedule visits to libraries. Many of your authors may already be aware of these resources.

***

Thank you very much, Padmini!

If you ever have time while you are in Southern California, please visit this magnificent library:

Cerritos Library

18025 Bloomfield Avenue
Cerritos, California 90703
Phone: (562) 916-1350

If you have ever worked with Padmini and want to sing her praises, please do so in the comments section. And if you have any other fabulous librarians, library events, or plain library memories you want to mention, add them as well. I’ll be continuing this theme of librarians with another profile on Friday. Who will it be? I’ll give you a clue: he’s very gasa-gasa.