Random Thoughts

The Once Upon A Crime bookstore’s mass book signing on Saturday went spectacularly well. Copies of Writes of Spring flew out the door. Many of the attendees stayed all afternoon to get successive groups of authors’ signatures. It was warm, crowded, jolly fun. I was happy and honored to be in such great company, and grateful to Pat and Gary, owners of the bookstore, for including me in this anthology.

It’s only April and I’ve already played golf twice. I only play the nine-hole, par-three course at a local public range. Last time there were wood ducks on the pond – gorgeous birds! (http://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-id/wood-duck) – and red-eared turtles sunning on its banks. One of the pleasures of the game is the beautiful setting. Spring is early in Minnesota this year, though this morning it’s very chilly. But daffodils are blooming, tulips are budding, and the lilac bushes in the neighborhood are about to burst with lavish lavender blossoms and the heavy familiar scent. Though I sent my first ball off the tee onto the fairway of the adjoining hole, my second shot went onto the proper green, so it wasn't a totally awful beginning. I’m still a duffer, will probably always be one, I still enjoy the game. Did anyone else see the thrilling finish to this year’s Masters?

One of the complaints about the traditional mystery genre the authors on this blog write is that is isn’t realistic, it doesn’t reflect “real life.” Authors who write darker, more violent, fiction find their work described as “gritty” and “gripping,” but rarely as “unrealistic.” But how many of us know a lot of quilters, as compared to private eyes? How many of us encounter muggers and rapists as compared to people who go to church on Sundays? I agree that it’s exciting to read about the dark side of life, but really, the dark side is a pretty narrow slice of life as it is actually lived in America today. Besides, when you've been searching for a particular pattern or a discontinued color of embroidery floss, it can be quite thrilling to find it!

I’m having trouble getting organized right now. The forthcoming book is written and being edited. The new book is tangled in a synopsis that, if I can work it out, is going to be good. There isn’t a book to read I’m excited about – you know, one you can’t wait to get back to – though there are a couple I’m reading and mostly enjoying. Things feel a little flat. Maybe it’s an after-Easter letdown. I had a great Easter Sunday. I wore a hat to church, one so elaborate that, even though I’ve had it for five or six years I’ve only worn it in public about four times. (I’ll have to get a photo of it posted on my web site.) Then friends came to a big ham dinner where all the food turned out great, and we played a new favorite card game while watching the Masters. Last night I went to a post-Easter dinner with in-laws that went really well, good food and good talk. As noted above, Spring is springing early and beautifully. So why am I not bubbling with energy?

A quote from Sarah Hoyt: “Writing is communication. Your objective is to communicate with as many people as possible. Or at least to amuse them, distract them, or make the burden of life less burdensome for a while. Wishing to feed your family is also an acceptable goal.” Amen.