Tuesday, July 5, 2011

We Had Fireworks

We are very fortunate to live alongside a park. Even better, they do a gangbuster job of Fourth of July fireworks. Best of all, the park is situated on a moderately steep hill, the fireworks are set off at the bottom, and many of us sit along the walk across the top of the hill, so the fireworks seem to go off immediately overhead. Spectacular! Last night's display was excellent, lots of them, lots of varieties, and very often two or three sent up at once. And this year the ice cream truck was stopped right next to where we were sitting, which was not only convenient, it made for some terrific people-watching. I think some of the people, all unknowing, may turn up as peripheral characters in one of my books.

Our air conditioner went out this weekend, and I've found myself back in my pre-air-conditioning childhood. I've been badly spoiled by central air and heating. It was difficult to fall asleep and I woke up earlier than I wanted. Interesting how what once were luxuries become necessities. We need to get a repairman over here TODAY.

On Monday, July 11, we're driving up to Brainerd, Minnesota, to do a "brown bag" lunchtime appearance. Brainerd is not far from the Cass County setting of Buttons and Bones, so I'm hoping for a good turnout. They're expecting me to do a brief reading from the book, and I can't decide just what part would make a good reading. Maybe the humorous turtle race? Or the unsettling part where they find the skeleton? Hmmm . . . Normally, I just read from the first chapter, but I don't think that's a good selection this time.

Okay, fellow authors, how do you choose what to read? And readers, what do you like to hear?

5 comments:

Dee W said...

Personally I like the idea of finding the body. That was such a pivotal moment, I was caught up anyway, but that did it for me. I stayed up and finished. Can't wait for the next book. I read alot, but you are one of my favorites.

Dru said...

I like to hear authors read passages from their book and also any anecdote related to the book.

Betty Hechtman said...

I try to end the reading on a cliff hanger.

Your 4th sounded nice.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I usually read from the beginning of a book to set the mood, Monica, and to hint at what's to come... but of course it depends on the story.

Julie said...

At a romance panel, I chose the run-and-jump-and-chase-the-bad-guys scene, just to illustrate that there is more in a romance than the love scenes. (I can be a little--enthusiastic--on the subject.)