Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Superstitions and me

As you may know, I have a new mystery series starting later this year: the Superstition Mysteries from Midnight Ink.  The first one, LOST UNDER A LADDER, will be an October 2014 release.


Even before I started writing this series I was a bit superstitious, although not overly so.  Or at least that's my opinion.  But these days my mind slides to any superstition I'm reminded of in my everyday life.

For example, I've generally ignored coins that aren't heads up if I see them on the ground.  But recently it even took me a while to open an envelope from some charity that sent me coins with the idea I'd send them a whole lot more money in return.  They'd fastened the coins face down, which made me sure I didn't want to contribute to the organization... and I even hesitated opening the letter at all.  
 
I worry about talking about stories I'm working on while the contracts are still in the works, in case that jinxes them. 

And, yes, these days when I tell a friend I'm crossing my fingers on her behalf, I actually do it.  And/or actually knock on wood. 

I'm really looking forward to my Superstition Mysteries' publication.  Will that make me even more superstitions--or less so? 

Guess I'll find out.  And meantime I'm collecting all sorts of lucky things for myself, and possibly even to distribute to some of my readers--hematite and jade, for example, and things with four-leaf clovers that I picked up around St. Patrick's Day this year. 

Oh, and by the way, did you hear about the accident earlier this week caused by a teenager holding his breath while driving through a tunnel because of a superstition?  Four people apparently were injured.  Sometimes it may be better not to try to comply--at least not while you're driving a car.  Holding his breath rendered this driver unconscious... 

How about you--are you superstitious?  Do things that you read or write affect your whole life at times? 

8 comments:

Tonette Joyce said...

No,I'm not exactly superstitious in general ways...I am not afraid of 13 anything, or stepping on cracks, that sort of thing.I have figured out that if I talk too much about anything planned, I jinx it...truly,I need to keep my mouth shut!
Avoiding walking under ladders is always a good idea in the practical sense. I love black cats but even a nice orange and white one can trip you.(I have experience in that matter almost daily!)

Linda O. Johnston said...

Some superstitions do make common sense, Tonette, like not walking under a ladder. And the number 13 and I have always gotten along fine, too. Everyone I've spoken with seems to have her own wonderments about superstitions, though!

Betty Hechtman said...

What a great cover, Linda! I am with you when it comes to being concerned that talking about something will jinx it.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Thanks, Betty. Love your cover for Knot Guilty, Too!

Tracy Weber said...

I'm not overly superstitious, but when I see a penny on the ground, I always pick it--just in case leaving it really DOES bring bad luck! Congrats on the new series. I can't wait!

Linda O. Johnston said...

It can't hurt to pick up those pennies, Tracy. And thanks!

Katreader said...

I pick up pennies no matter what side is up and I believe black cats are good luck. I live with 2 of them. I also choose the number 13 a lot. However, I do knock on wood.

Linda O. Johnston said...

I do think that some superstitions work differently for different people, Katreader. As I said in an earlier comment, the number 13 and I get along well. But I'll knock on wood as I post this that we all remain lucky!