As I mentioned last week, my new release HOUNDS ABOUND, the third Pet Rescue Mystery from Berkley Prime Crime, became officially available yesterday.
And as I additionally mentioned, HOUNDS ABOUND is also a milestone for me. It’s my 30th published novel!
I’ve always liked the numeral 3, and now it has two related connotations for this story--book 3 in this series is my 30th published novel. Or maybe I’m stretching things a bit.
Even so, I recalled from my journalistic days that I was taught to end a story by adding -30- at the bottom. I never knew exactly why, so I just looked it up. The most common explanation seems to be that the use originated around the time of the Civil War when the telegraph was being used a lot, and telegraphers would end a transmission with XXX to show they were through. XXX is the Roman numeral for--you got it!--30.
Of course in my case I don’t want 30 to signify the end. Fortunately, I do have some other books in the works, including my first Harlequin Romantic Suspense, UNDERCOVER SOLDIER, which will be a July 2012 release. There will also be at least two more Pet Rescue Mysteries, as well as at least one more in my Alpha Force miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne about a covert military force of shapeshifters.
In addition, I’ve always heard that the number 13, which also contains a 3, is supposed to be unlucky, but I’ve decided it’s the opposite for me. Why? I don’t know, but I like it!
Do you have any numbers, or any other oddities, that have any significance for you? If so, why?
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11 comments:
I'm particularly fond of the number 4. Don't ask me!
Congrats on #30.
You also were number three on the waitlist for Malice Go Round at the upcoming Malice Domestic convention, and that's worked out well for you.
I've always been a little bit superstitious, though I try to fight it. So I'm not fond of the number 13. On the other hand, when I was looking for bargain flights to Florida last month, I discovered the best prices were for people willing to fly on the 13th - so I did! And suffered no complications whatsoever.
I am asking, Janie, because I'm curious. I'd love to hear why the number 4 is meaningful to you.
Hey, Anonymous, that's great! Another thing to add to the meaning of 3 to me.
That seems to be what the number 13 is to me, Monica--kind of the opposite of what it feels like to other people.
I'd forgotten about the -30- thing I used to type at the end of my college news stories. Interesting where it came from.
My favorite number is 23 and I have no idea why.
Congrats on number 30!
Thanks, Betty. I'm curious about where your affinity for 23 came from--something hidden in your past? Okay, my imagination has been jogged!
I was born on the 3rd, so I like it, too!
But what I really want to say is CONGRATULATIONS, Linda! 30 books! I hope you celebrate in a grand way.
Ah, another reason to like the number 3, Camille. And thanks for the congrats! I plan to celebrate all month.
My favorite numbers are primes, and the powers of two. I've been exposed to enough math and computers to realize how useful they are.
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