So Much to Do, So Little Time

Readers are aware that I'm making the Loser Mysteries mine by getting new covers, re-editing (which I shouldn't do but can't stop myself from), and re-releasing them. That's enough to keep me busy...sort of. The problem is there's lots of wait time. Wait for proof copies. Wait for beta readers to comb through for those last few niggling mistakes. Wait for more proofs. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Because I can't stand to be idle, I took up a side project: the sequel to SHAKESPEARE'S BLOOD. I blame this on a reader who claims it's the best book she's read in years--how's that for incentive?
When I had an agent for SHAKESPEARE'S BLOOD, she told me to work on the sequel while she shopped the book to publishers. Being the good girl I am, I did that. Then after a year, I got a letter saying she couldn't sell the book (though she said she still loved it) and she was dropping me as a client. That's how it goes in the biz.

Anyway, I had the book, and Amazon had begun making it easy to do your own e-books, so I released it that way. There were glitches, because it wasn't quite as easy to do a good e-book as I'd thought, but eventually I got it right and it was out there. A while back I decided to make it a paperback. Got a new cover and did that, which is how the reader I mentioned above got hold of it.

With her comment, I recalled the sequel, pretty much finished but just lying at the back of my computer. With time to wait for Loser, I brushed up CHARLIE DICKENS' DOCUMENTS and sent for proofs of that one. Teaser: Mercedes Maxwell, the protagonist of SHAKESPEARE'S BLOOD, returns to Britain for a second adventure, this time chasing the secrets of Charles Dickens so she can find, maybe rescue, her SO, Colm Kennedy.

So yeah, now I'm waiting for TWO books to be ready...It never ends!

Double Toil & Trouble x 2/3

Here's the new historical romance, and the answers to a few questions.
1. Another romance?
    I know! I didn't think I'd ever do it, but the story was so much fun I had to.
2. Available where?
    Amazon for e-book for sure.
    Amazon in print any minute now.
    Ingram in print someday soon. Since Ingram connects to bookstores, it's nice to have the book offered there, but they take longer to get things set up. Give it a week before you ask your favorite library or bookstore to get it for you.
    Hometown folks-It will be at Tom's, but probably not until March. It's just the way things worked out for me.
3. So what's it about?
   Jenna and Jessie, two more of Macbeth's nieces. If you remember Tessa from Macbeth's Niece, my very first book, you'll see her again. Because it's ten years later, I didn't call this a sequel. It's more like a relative.
4. Where do the characters come from?
If you happen to know sisters named Jenna and Tessa, you might guess my inspiration for these books. People often ask if characters authors create come from the real world, and I guess in my case the original idea does. Once I've chosen a name and a basic personality, though, the character becomes herself and bears little resemblance to the original. I also like the study of names (as anyone who sat in my English class can attest) so I collect interesting ones to use as minor characters. They have no relation to real people, so don't go thinking if my villain is named Gallivant, it's because I once disliked someone with that name.
5. Who should read this book?
If you liked Macbeth's Niece, I think you'll like Double Toil & Trouble. If you didn't read MN, you won't have a problem with the new book, because the situation is different (though still related to the troubles Macbeth's family might have suffered from his deeds). One of the beta readers who loved it gave it to her husband to read, which makes me cringe a little. Still, I think there's enough action in the story to allow non-romance readers to enjoy it (even if they are male).
Other questions? Just ask.

Soon-to-Be Book--Not What You Expect

Many years ago, my first book came out. Macbeth's Niece is a romance set in--well, the time of Macbeth, around 1053. Here is what Five Star Publishing did for its cover.

And here's what I did when the rights reverted back to me and I re-released it as an e-book. Theirs is prettier, but mine shows more of Tessa's fiery personality.



Why did a mystery writer start with a romance?
Well, they say to write what you know, and as a long-time English teacher, Macbeth is very familiar to me.  I always loved the story and felt sorry for Macbeth, who didn't comprehend that things seldom turn out the way you imagine they will until it was much too late.

The story of a girl living at his castle who has her own adventures and comes to the same conclusion (though with a happier ending) seemed to form itself in my head without much effort (though writing it down was a little more difficult.)

I was shopping two books at the time, and two different agents tried to find a publisher. The thriller was never picked up. The romance was. So I became a published romance writer with no intention of ever writing another romance.

But the story of the macFindlaech family wasn't finished. Tessa had several sisters, and their stories kept showing up in my head. I tried writing two of them but was never happy with either one.
Some time ago I came across the files in my computer and realized that the two girls' stories had to be told together. They are twins, and their adventures are more exciting when told as the sisters are separated, struggle against terrible odds, and then are eventually reunited.

It came together well, I think, and Double Toil & Trouble will be released early in 2016. While it isn't my usual fare nowadays, those who liked Macbeth's Niece will enjoy the adventures of Jenna and Jessie, two more nieces of Scotland's former king.

(Cover art here as soon as I get it!)

Saturday, Sept. 26: Alpena Book Festival

Welcome to the Alpena Book Festival!

All visitors who register for the ABF will receive a free Passport. At each panel or participating business they visit, they’ll get a stamp on their Passport. A completed Passport (10 stamps) enters the visitor into a drawing for baskets of prizes donated by authors, publishers, and Downtown businesses.

Visitors who donate to READ* ($10.00 suggested donation) receive a tote bag filled with books and other freebies. Tickets found in the tote bags can be used to enter drawings for additional prize baskets. Tickets can be purchased separately, but the tote bags are a great deal.

Sessions listed below are open to all, but space might be limited. All sessions run 50 minutes, leaving 10 minutes to get to the next one. Authors will return to the bookstore that has their books after their sessions to meet readers and sign.

10:00

Panel discussion: Stories That Inspire-Olivet Book & Gift

Panelists: Christine Johnson/Zachary Bartels/Delores Liesner/Tedd Galloway/Jenna Mindel

Inspirational books are reader favorites: great stories, great characters, and a sense that with the right outlook, the world isn’t such a terrible place.

Panel discussion: The Allure of Mysteries-Blue Phoenix Books

Panelists: PJ Parrish/ Dan Ames/ Elizabeth Buzzelli/ Susan Froetschel/ Douglas Cameron

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Join 5 excellent mystery writers to discover how they devise those deadly plots!

Children’s Program-Alpena Public Library (10:00-12:00)

Children of elementary school age will be entertained at the library with book-related activities.

11:00

Panel discussion: Non-fiction: Real Books-Art in the Loft

Panelists: Mark Thompson/Elaine Stenger/Tedd Galloway/Delores Liesner

They say truth is stranger than fiction. These authors tell stories they didn’t make up: stories of things that really happened.

Panel discussion: Exotic Times, People, & Locales-Olivet Book & Gift

Panelists: Susan Froetschel/ Peg Herring/Pegg Thomas

Other times and places fascinate readers. Join these authors who write about them and learn how they research to get it right and write it to pull you in.

10:00-12:00

Pitch Advice (15 minute sessions)-Cabin Creek Coffee Meeting Room

Some of our panelists have agreed to meet with aspiring writers and talk with them about their work and how to present it to agents and editors in order to grab that publishing contract.

NOTE: You must register for these sessions before the Festival. Call or email Blue Phoenix Books to set up an appointment

READ is the Alpena Library’s adult literacy program, promoting communication development among those who face reading challenges.

12:00-3:00

The Long Conversation-Thunder Bay Winery Meeting Room

Join the authors for an informal discussion of books, writing, reading, and publishing. We’re sure the Winery won’t mind if you buy yourself one of their wonderful wines as you chat.

1:00

Panel discussion: Creating Memorable Characters-Blue Phoenix Books

Panelists: Connie Doherty/Christopher Chagnon/Zachary Bartels/Colleen Nye

Readers often argue about whether plot or character is more important in creating beloved books. These authors discuss how they create characters you love—or love to hate.

YA Session: The Many Current Choices for Young Adult Readers-As You Wish

Session leaders: Chanda Stafford/Laura Kolar

Dark or sunny, romantic or adventurous, realistic or fantastical: Writers today offer readers “in the middle” some great choices. Join our YA authors to talk about books and get some for free!

2:00

Q& A Session: Comics & Graphic Arts-Bob’s Bullpen

Join owner Bob LeFevre to learn about comics, drawing, and working in the field.

Panel discussion: Local History-Alpena Public Library

Marjorie Brandenburg/Tuffy & Bonnie Cross/ Deloris Law/Gerald Micketti/John Porter/Janet Young

What makes Michigan such a wonderful place to read about? The history, the land features, the people—and more.

What Makes a Genre, & Which One Do You Read?-Blue Phoenix Books

Panelists: P.J. Coldren/Christopher Chagnon/Connie Doherty/Laura Kolar/Christine Johnson

Genres, subgenres—what are they? When you look for a book, it helps to know what the industry calls what you like. Are you a cozy person or a noir fan? We’ll help you figure it out.

3:00

Panel discussion: Series: Continuing the Story-Olivet Book & Gift

Panelists: Peg Herring/PJ Parrish/Dan Ames/Elizabeth Buzzelli/Douglas Cameron

Writers of series face unique problems: keeping it fresh, allowing for characters’ life changes, and even killing off characters (but never the dog!)

Panel discussion: Romance between the Pages - Alpena Library

Panelists: Chanda Stafford/, Pegg Thomas/ Jenna Mindel/Colleen Nye/Angela Aaron

Stormy courtships, intriguing secrets, happy ending--romance is a wildly popular genre with a wide range of heat levels. Join these romance authors for a run-down, from sweet to Oh My!

4:00

Poetry Slam-Fresh Palate

Come and hear the Alpena area’s creative types read their work!

Panel discussion: Publishing in 2015-Alpena Library

Panelists: P.J. Coldren/Elaine Stenger/Mark Thompson/Angela Aaron

What does it take to sell books at this point in time? In some ways it’s easier than ever. In others, it’s much harder.

 5:00 Drawings for many wonderful prize baskets with gifts from downtown stores and books from visiting authors and their publishers.

Freebie Day 3: April 13, 2015

Her Majesty’s Mischief

Want 2 free copies of this book? I'm giving away two books each day until the release of the 3rd Dead Detective Mystery, DEAD FOR THE SHOW, on April 20. The books are mixed up, so if you want a specific title, watch this spot daily until the one you want shows up. Then respond here or on Peg’s News on Facebook to be entered in the daily drawing.

Yesterday's winner is  Lori C.N. Congratulations!

 

NOTE: This one isn’t out yet, so you’ll have to wait until I get copies, May-ish.

Book #4 of the Simon & Elizabeth series

Setting: Tudor London & Scotland

Elizabeth I sends her loyal friend Simon to Scotland to bring back an honest assessment of Mary, Queen of Scots. While Simon’s away, his wife and son get into hot water trying to solve a murder. Nobody has a good time for a while, but things work out in the end.

Check out DEAD FOR THE SHOW on Amazon, where it's up for pre-order for Kindle and will be available in print one week from today!