Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Mourning in Miniature


Today is the release date for my latest Miniature Mystery, MOURNING IN MINIATURE. Subtitle: High School reunions can be murder!

This is my 12th novel - not a big number compared to others in this group, but I got a late start!

Question to self: are you as excited as when your first book came out 12 years ago?

I know the stock analogy, about how a mother loves all her children equally. (Really?) I still remember the first time I saw THE HYDROGEN MURDER, printed, with a jacket, my picture on the back flap -- quite a thrill. I made up a nice binder with everything that was ever mentioned about the book, even a simple listing in a tiny paper and all the invitations and flyers surrounding my events.

For the second book, I did the same -- almost, maybe with a little less conscientiousness. By the 5th and 6th books, I was tossing relevant literature into a large plastic box.

(Similarly, when my husband's first grandchild was born, his parents created a website for him, with daily updates on his micromovements. And for the second in that family? Let's just say we always get photos at Christmas.)

However, when anyone asks what's my favorite book, it's always the latest one. My most recent book is the best, not because of the particular plot or twists of phrase, but simply because it is the latest, and between books, I get to be that much better a writer. I'm better now than I was even eight months ago. Since then, I've written at least another 100,000 words (another book, plus blogs, short articles, interviews); I've had many more hours of brainstorming, critiquing, and preparing for writing classes. Of course I get better, so I can say with certainty, this book is the best one out, and MONSTER IN MINIATURE, due April 6, 2010 will be even better!

Do you have a favorite among your children, uh, books?

Celebrating my best with a DRAWING! If you'd like to be entered in a drawing for a mini crime scene, send an email to camille@minichino.com with KILLER scene in the subject line.

12 comments:

Karin Corbin said...

Congratulations, keep them coming! I will look for it at my local store where I purchased your last mystery.

Donna Lea Simpson said...

Congrats on the new book! I am enjoying your wonderful piece on 'Why I Write Mysteries' at Cozy Murder Mysteries today, as well!

I hope your readers check it out:
http://cozymurdermysteries.blogspot.com/2009/10/margaret-grace-why-i-write-mysteries.html

Anonymous said...

I'm glad it doesn't take 12 children to feel you've finally gotten it as a parent! But that first book or child is so special because it is the start of a different, new life and a grand contribution to the future. Isn't it great to see the progression? I will NEVER forget book #1 and all that it offered and meant at that point in time. xoxoxoxo

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

It's a terrific cover--and we're all thrilled to see your newest work. I'm sure this latest book set in the miniature world will be a BIG success.

Camille Minichino said...

Thanks, everyone, for the support.

12 children, huh? I wonder if I'd lose track of their characteristics as I do with plots of books sometimes!

Camille Minichino said...

Thanks, everyone, for the support.

12 children, huh? I wonder if I'd lose track of their characteristics as I do with plots of books sometimes!

Audrey said...

I am wishing you the best on the new book! I believe I have already entered the drawing, wishI could win all your books as well as others fromthe other authors on this blog.
I love your writing and your inspiration!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Congrats on the new book, Camille. And, yes, I get excited each time a new book comes out--love 'em all!

Terri Thayer said...

Congrats! Twelfth time's the charm!

Betty Hechtman said...

I'm late with my congrats. Wow, 12 books is amazing. Great timing with Bouchercon next week. My next stop is cozymurdermysteries.

Betty Hechtman said...

I tried leaving a comment on cozymurdermysteries, but it would go through. So, I'll repeat it here. Nice piece, Camille. I didn't know that puzzle makers sometimes put in extra pieces. Talk about not playing fair.!

Anonymous said...

Hi Camille - this is great!!! I'll pick up a copy when I see you at xmas.....
love Joan