A Halloween Invitation--and A Gift for One Lucky Commenter!

Skyler and Lexie at the Pumpkin Patch...sort of.

It takes a bit of getting used to, but here in Florida, a "pumpkin patch" is a concrete slab decorated with pumpkins. I grew up wandering muddy fields with dying vines and rotting orange globes. This is MUCH more sanitary--and a bit scary. Here's a photo of my drop-dead gorgeous niece Lexie and her 3-year-old son Skyler picking out the gourd to go ghoulish. As you might guess, Skyler is our own "pumpkin." We're having all sorts of fun watching him grow. He's going to be Spiderman for the big Spook Fest.

On Wednesday night, I'm lucky enough to escort Skyler to the Jupiter (FL) Community Center where they're having a Halloween event especially for kids his age. I'm so excited I can barely wait! I love Halloween! I'm dreaming of Snickers bars. Sigh.

In the spirits of the spirits, I'm giving a Halloween party ONLINE on my new Facebook fan page. From 9 p.m. to midnight (Eastern Time) on Halloween (Monday, October 31) join me at http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbellSlan  Simply watch for my status updates and participate by reading the comments.

We have a great line up of guests. So far, we have commitments from Mollie Cox Bryan (Scrapbook of Secrets: A Cumberland Creek Mystery, coming February, 2012); Penny Warner (How to Party Like a Killer Vampire); Camille Minichino (Malice in Miniature); Sparkle Abbey (Pampered Pet Mysteries);  Julie Compton (Tell No Lies and Rescuing Olivia); Deb Sharp (Mama Sees Stars); and Linda O. Johnston (The More the Terrier). And since I've been slow about sending out the invites to my author pals, you can bet that list will grow. Most of the authors will offer copies of their latest books or ARCs (Advance Reading Copies) to give away.
I hate the fact that I need to move folks from my "old" personal FB page to a fan page, but...the times are a changing. Here's a great explanation of the advantages of a fan page.

Okay, so what would encourage you to come to my fan page? Hmmm? How can I bribe you to make the switch?

Speaking of bribes, we have a copy of A MISCELLANY OF MURDER: FROM HISTORY AND LITERATURE TO TRUE CRIME AND TELEVISION, A KILLER SELECTION OF TRIVIA to give away to one lucky commenter, thanks to one of the five co-authors, Stephen D. Rogers.

So come on, readers--tell me what you're thinking! One of you will randomly be selected to receive Stephen's new book.

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead. The fourth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series is Make, Take, Murder, and its release date is May 1, 2011.

Joanna will be appearing at Sleuthfest, March 3 through 6, at Deerfield Beach, FL.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. Linda will be signing Beaglemania, the first in her new Pet Rescue Mystery Series, at Bookstar in Studio City, California, on Saturday, March 26, at 3 PM in conjunction with the weekly pet adoption event by Kinder4Rescue on Ventura Boulevard.

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead. The fourth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series is Make, Take, Murder, and its release date is May 1, 2011.

Joanna will be appearing at Murder in the Magic City (Birmingham, AL) on Feb. 5 at the Homewood Library in Birmingham, AL. On Feb. 6, she'll participate in Murder on the Menu in Wetumpka, AL.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery. The first, Beaglemania, will be published in March--coming soon!

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead. The fourth book in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series is Make, Take, Murder, and its release date is May 1, 2011.

Joanna will be appearing at Murder in the Magic City (Birmingham, AL) on Feb. 5 at the Homewood Library in Birmingham, AL. On Feb. 6, she'll participate in Murder on the Menu in Wetumpka, AL.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery. The first, Beaglemania, will be published in March--coming soon!

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery. The first, Beaglemania, will be published in March--coming soon!

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery. The first, Beaglemania, will be published in March--coming soon!

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery. The first, Beaglemania, will be published in March--coming soon!

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is finishing some Harlequin Nocturnes and will soon begin her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery.

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is celebrating the release of her newest book You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--

Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

She will also be visiting the Statesboro Public Library in Statesboro, GA, on Monday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is finishing some Harlequin Nocturnes and will soon begin her third Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery.

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is in Chicago signing copies of her newest release You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--
Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Joanna will be a featured guest on November 13, at Murder and Mayhem in Muskego. For details go to http://www.murderandmayheminmuskego.com/ She will also be visiting the Statesboro Public Library in Statesboro, GA, details to be announced, in December.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.She will be appearing: Friday, Dec. 3 - Eagan Community Center, give two talks to a big gathering of librarians from Dakota County. (Contact: Mary Costello, Wentworth Library); Sat., Dec. 4, 11:30 - Luncheon then talk (and selling books), Embroiderers Guild of America chapter, at The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 910 County Road D, Roseville, MN. On December 7 - Join Monica for a Publishing Party! for Buttons and Bones at Once Upon A Crime Mystery Bookstore, 604 W. 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN. The party starts at seven pm.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her second Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery, as well as her next Harlequin Nocturne.

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is in Chicago signing copies of her newest release You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Announcing our new line-up--
Mondays will be Joanna Campbell Slan, Tuesdays will be Monica Ferris, Wednesdays will be Linda O. Johnston, Thursdays will be Terri Thayer, and Fridays will be Betty Hechtman. Stay tuned for fun, guests, comments and contests!

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

On November 6, Joanna will be a featured guest of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime. See their website for details. On November 13, Joanna will be appearing at Murder and Mayhem in Muskego. For details go to http://www.murderandmayheminmuskego.com/ She will also be visiting the Statesboro Public Library in Statesboro, GA, details to be announced, on December 1 and 2.

Tuesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.She will be appearing: Friday, Dec. 3 - Eagan Community Center, give two talks to a big gathering of librarians from Dakota County. (Contact: Mary Costello, Wentworth Library); Sat., Dec. 4, 11:30 - Luncheon then talk (and selling books), Embroiderers Guild of America chapter, at The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 910 County Road D, Roseville, MN. On December 7 - Join Monica for a Publishing Party! for Buttons and Bones at Once Upon A Crime Mystery Bookstore, 604 W. 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN. The party starts at seven pm.

Wednesday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her second Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery, as well as her next Harlequin Nocturne.

Thursday's author, Terri Thayer, is celebrating the release this week of False Impressions, the latest in her Stamping Sisters series.

Friday's author, Betty Hechtman, is editing You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

NEWS and APPEARANCES

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is working on the fifth book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Ink, Red, Dead (April 1, 2012). A release date of May 1, 2011, has been set for the fourth book--Make, Take, Murder.

Tuesday's author, Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace), is working on the sixth Miniature Mystery, Mix-up in Miniature.

NEWS FLASH! Camille has launched a new blog, "The Real Me," blogging every Thursday. She's working on the sixth miniature mystery: "MIX-UP IN MINIATURE."

Wednesday's author, Monica Ferris, is home from traveling and is working on Threadbare, a new Betsy Devonshire novel.

Thursday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her second Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescue mystery as well as her next Harlequin Nocturne. Come see her at the Los Angeles Romance Authors meeting this Sunday as she speaks on point of view.

False Impressions, the latest in the Stamping Sisters series by Friday's author, Terri Thayer released this week.

Saturday's author, Betty Hechtman, is editing You Better Knot Die. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

**

This Week on Killer Hobbies...

This week the Killer Hobbies Blog Sisters will be writing about "Favorite Vacations."

**

Visit us every Sunday--

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

News and Appearances

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, turned in Book #4 of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Make, Take, Murder. The release date will be May 2011. She posted all her upcoming events on Book Tour. Just go to the site and put in "Joanna Campbell Slan" or "Joanna Slan" and her dates will come up. Or you can view her upcoming schedule on her personal blog.

Tuesday's author, Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace), is celebrating the release of MONSTER IN MINIATURE, the fifth Miniature Mystery, on Tuesday, April 6. It's the story of a Halloween decoration gone bad. Check minichino.com for a full schedule of appearances in April and May.



Wednesday's author, Monica Ferris, will be appearing March 20 at the the Write of Spring event at Once Upon a Crime Mystery Bookstore in Minneapolis, MN. On Fri., April 16, at 6:30 p.m., Monica will be at the Myrtle Mabee Public Library in Belgrade MN.

Thursday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her first Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer mystery.


Friday's author, Terri Thayer, recently put the finishing edits on her latest book, False Impressions.

Saturday's author, Betty Hechtman, is going to be signing books at the Los Angeles Festival of Books, Saturday April 24, from 4-6 in the Sisters in Crime booth. She'll be at Malice Domestic April 30-May 2 in Washington DC. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Coming soon...

The Killer Hobbies authors are crafting a progressive story. You won't want to miss this, so sign up to be a FOLLOWER.

Visit Us Every Sunday...

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

Those Misplaced Modifiers Dangle, Too!

When I chose my topic for this week, I thought I’d only be talking about misplaced modifiers. That was the term I’d learned years ago for one of my pet peeves of grammar--and I’ve got a lot of those. It turns out that my major peeve is more about dangling modifiers, the term I learned as I started researching the topic.

Interestingly, I happened upon a dangling modifier almost the moment I took on this topic. It was right in the middle of a best-selling novelist’s thriller, and the editors hadn’t caught it. I won’t name the book or author, but here’s most of the sentence: “At twelve years her junior, she felt like she’d be robbing the cradle.” The reference was to the subject’s attraction to a guy who was twelve years younger than she is. However, the way this reads, she is, herself, twelve years younger than herself! In other words, the modifying phrase “at twelve years her junior” refers to the subject of the rest of the sentence, which is “she.” Definitely an impossibility.

So how should this read to be correct? How about something like, “Since he was twelve years her junior, she felt like she’d be robbing the cradle.” That’s an easy fix, right?

I’m a believer in synchronicity, and, not unexpectedly, I ran into another example of a dangling modifier while I was pondering this blog post. One of my sons had to send a letter to a credit card company explaining a complaint against a retailer. It was an excellent letter but, smart guy that he is, he asked his mom to look at it. One of the sentences read more or less as follows: “After questioning the capacity of this subwoofer, the salesman assured me it was a great woofer that would have no problem handling the power.” Of course the salesman wasn’t questioning the capacity; my son was. However, the initial phrase appeared to be referring to the subject of the sentence, the salesman. The fix I suggested? “After I questioned the capacity of this subwoofer, the salesman assured me it was a great woofer that would have no problem handling the power.”

This kind of language issue can happen a lot. Is it the end of the world if you use one? Of course not, but a reader can be knocked out of the story for a minute if the incorrect usage is odd enough to make that reader start pondering what the sentence really means. Better to avoid the problem in the first place.

Now, to my other topic: misplaced modifiers.

What do you think when you read the following sentence:
The crying woman visited a shrink with extreme emotional issues.
Who appears to have the issues? The shrink, of course. If the modifier was in the correct place, the sentence would instead read, “The crying woman with extreme emotional issues visited a shrink.” The first way was an example of a misplaced modifier.

Where a modifier is placed makes a big difference in the interpretation of a sentence--even a small modifier! For example, look at how moving the word “just” changes the meaning of each of the following:
Andrea was just designated to be the hostess on the reality TV show.
Andrea was designated to just be the hostess on the reality TV show.
Andrea was designated to be the hostess on just the reality TV show.

Hopefully, those examples give you enough information to remind you to watch where you place your modifiers.

Have you ever come across dangling or misplaced modifiers that caught your attention while reading?

Platforms and Themes: Typecast and Loving It!

I write mysteries. I write romances. My mysteries always have some romance in them. My romances always have some mystery or suspense in them.

As I mentioned in a post several weeks ago, I seem to be getting known for the combo. Last weekend at Left Coast Crime I enjoyed being on the panel From Romance to Murder: Love and Death. Not all of the panelists wrote romantic mysteries. In fact, some were more inclined to have love interests murdered. Me? I love writing genre fiction, partly because you know you have to have a satisfying, and perhaps happy, ending.

My romances always end on a happily ever after, and the suspense or mystery is resolved, too. Even if they’re part of a mini-series, the romances need to be able to stand alone, so a satisfying wrap-up is necessary.

In my mystery novels, all murders are solved by the end, although the relationships don’t necessarily get resolved. But hopefully the endings entice readers to look into the next story to see what’s happening on the romance side.

I’ve finished the first manuscript for my new spin-off mystery series about Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer. Yes, she has a love interest--at least a potential one. We’ll see where she wants to go with it...

This coming Sunday is when I appear on a cross genre panel for Mystery Writers of America, Southern California chapter. With me will be a sci-fi mystery writer and a writer of mystery graphic novels. I, again, will represent combining mystery and romance.

My Story Stew University on-line class Blending Romance and Suspense begins on April 19. I’m really looking forward to it. Once again, here’s the link to Story Stew U: www.storystewuniversity.com Join me there! I’d love your input on combining the genres that are so much a part of my life. I’ll, of course, be teaching what I know, or think I know, and giving my suggestions and opinions there, too.

And... this just in! I’ll be presenting a morning workshop at the September meeting of the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America. The topic? Looks as if it, too, will be about combining romance and suspense!

Am I being typecast? Maybe, at least to some extent. But I also have a panel on the paranormal coming up, as well as some for which I don’t yet have a topic. Plus, I’m working on other ideas that don’t fit smack into a romance or mystery.

But if I do turn out to be typecast to some extent, at least it’s for something I really enjoy!

Are you typecast in anything? And do you enjoy the combo of mystery and romance?

Anticipation

Left Coast Crime starts today--Thursday! (That’s if you don’t count the Crime Lab tour that occurred yesterday, which I didn’t attend since I was delighted to tour the lab a few years ago soon after it opened.)

I’m really looking forward to LCC, especially since it’s here in L.A. I get to take the subway there. (Yes, L.A. has a subway.) There are lots of fun sounding panels scheduled, plus parties and other get-togethers. It should be fun!

I know some of my fellow Killer Hobbyists will be there, too: Camille Minichino and Betty Hechtman. If any of the rest of you will be there as well, please let me know!!

I’ll be on two panels:
“Cozy Up,” on Friday afternoon at 3:45, and “From Romance to Murder: Love and Death” on Saturday morning at 8:30.

I’ll also be staffing the Mystery Writers of America table tomorrow morning from 9 - 10 AM.

If you’re at LCC, please be sure to stop by at any or all of the above and say hi!

In case I don’t get the opportunity to respond to your comments for a while today, you’ll know why--but please do give your opinions on Left Coast Crime and other writers’ conferences!

News and Appearances

The Killer Hobbies Blog Sisters present "Nuts and Bolts Week for Writers and Other Savvy Communicators."

Join us Sunday, March 21, through Saturday, March 27, for a special week where we'll be covering usage, homonyms, punctuation, spelling, misplaced modifiers, and the ever pesky "that" and "which." Our special guest will be Chris Roerden, author of the Agatha Award winning Don't Murder Your Mystery.

Monday's author, Joanna Campbell Slan, is editing Book #4 of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, tentatively titled Make, Take, Murder. She's also prepping for a panel at Malice Domestic on Sunday, May 2, and for a visit to Festival of Mystery on Monday, May 3. Later next week, she's leaving for Costa Rica. Stay tuned for more!

Tuesday's author, Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace), is getting ready for an Academy Awards party on Sunday eve! Rooting for Colin Firth for actor and Hurt Locker for picture. And, of course, Meryl Streep.

A new short story, LAST RIGHTS, is now available on Kindle and on smashwords!

Wednesday's author, Monica Ferris, will be appearing March 20 at the the Write of Spring event at Once Upon a Crime Mystery Bookstore in Minneapolis, MN. On Fri., April 16, at 6:30 p.m., Monica will be at the Myrtle Mabee Public Library in Belgrade MN.

Thursday's author, Linda O. Johnston, is busy being ordered around by her dogs. She is working on her first Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer mystery.


Friday's author, Terri Thayer, recently put the finishing edits on her latest book, False Impressions.

Saturday's author, Betty Hechtman, will be on a cozy mystery panel and signing books at Left Coast Crime, March 11-14. Check her out at BettyHechtman.com.

Coming soon...

The Killer Hobbies authors are crafting a progressive story. You won't want to miss this, so sign up to be a FOLLOWER.

Visit Us Every Sunday...

For news and updates. Be sure to check out our websites for more information about our books. You can go to http://www.blogger.com/www.booktour.com for scheduling information on many of your favorite authors!

Unusual and Inspirational

I saw something very cute yesterday. Unusual, too. It’s something I think I may have to use on one of my stories—either a Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery, or a Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer mystery.

What was it? Well, I was visiting a place where a dog and cat were best friends! The dog was black and moderate in size. The cat was calico, although mostly white, and also looked middle-sized for a kitty. The dog was standing by himself when the cat approached. I expected fireworks, or for the cat to change her mind and bolt. Neither occurred. Instead, they stayed close to one another, even nuzzling each other, until the dog walked away. The cat followed. Soon, they were near each other again, and again acting very friendly.

Someone who knew them well said that this was their normal treatment of each other. I thought it was adorable. Animals that are generally considered sort-of enemies, or at least incompatible, were buddies.

Friends of mine who have both dogs and cats have told me that they often get along together—a quiet truce--but I’ve never heard of any being that friendly.

What about you? Do you have pets that are different but nevertheless become close friends?

Do things that seem unusual to you ever inspire your writing or reading?

Themes

As a Killer Hobbyist, I’ve made pets the main theme in many of my posts. I write about pets in my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series, and will also write about pets in my upcoming Kendra spinoff about Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer.

In addition, I write a paranormal romance mini-series for Silhouette Nocturne about Alpha Force, a secret military group of shapeshifters. More animals! I’ve also written one Nocturne about a woman with Valkyrie powers, but so far there aren’t any sequels in sight. My next Alpha Force story will be a January 2011 release: Alaskan Wolf. Yes, a werewolf!

So, pets are definitely a theme in my writing. But they’re not the only one. Just recently, I’ve had that made very clear by three separate opportunities that were, coincidentally, thematically related!

Monica posted a really great KillerHobbies blog entry recently about how, to be a published author, you also need to go out there and promote yourself and your stories. Definitely true.

When I was contacted about possibly giving an on-line class at the new Story Stew University, I suggested that I present one about blending romance and suspense, since I write... romances and suspense! My mystery protagonists all have some romantic interests, and my romances all contain suspense, so this seemed like a good topic for me.

I’m also attending Left Coast Crime this year. Why not? It’s in Los Angeles. I recently received my panel assignments. I’m on one about cozy mysteries, also featuring our very own Betty Hechtman. The other one? It’s about combining romance and mysteries.

Also, just this week, I was contacted about participating on a panel about cross-genre writing, sponsored by the local chapter of Mystery Writers of America. One panelist combines horror and mystery. Another combines sci-fi and mystery. I was invited to participate because I combine... what else? Romance and mystery!

So, it looks as if combining mysteries and romance is my current theme, even though I didn’t sit down and make a concerted plan to obtain publicity from it.

What’s your theme? Does it involve your hobby? Crafts? Types of writing or reading?

BTW, please check out my Story Stew University online class, to begin on April 19: Blending Romance and Suspense. Here’s the link to Story Stew U: www.storystewuniversity.com You’re all welcome to take the class! (Although I know that a lot of you know much of what I’ll be discussing. But you never know what secrets you might learn...!)

Writing Companions

I have to admit--as if I haven’t done so zillions of times before--that my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Lexie and Mystie are my writing inspirations, especially since a lot of what I write incorporates dogs. Not always Cavaliers, though. I’m working on the manuscript for the first story in my new Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer series, and not a single Cavalier appears in it. They may in future stories. But it does contain a lot of dogs, both purebreds and mixes.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about when I sat at the computer to work on today’s Killer Hobbies post, but when I looked down, I knew. Both of my dogs were on the floor at my feet, sleeping. Keeping me company. Keeping me inspired.

While editing my Pet Rescuer manuscript, I’ve been sitting at my kitchen table a lot. That’s Lexie’s spot. She knows that, when I’m sitting there and not eating, she’s always invited to lie on my lap. She gives me kisses on the chin when she first arrives on my lap, then settles down to sleep while I read and make notes on the page. Sometimes I sit on my sofa, and then she always snuggles beside me.

Mystie likes to leap up onto my lap when I’m working at the computer. I know that, if she doesn’t snuggle down right away, and instead hugs my face, she needs to go outside. Woe is me if I need to finish a thought first and not take her out immediately. By then, she’s really serious!

Then there are the sounds they make as if responding to my talking to them. Mystie sometimes heaves big sighs. Lexie will make an affirmative noise at times, or a sarcastic snort at others.

If this is repetitious, then I apologize. But I love to talk about my canine inspirations!

What are your greatest inspirations to writing and otherwise?

By the way, my thoughts are with those of you who’ve been pelted by yet another snow storm. I grew up in Pittsburgh and empathize--although I finally put down roots in Los Angeles. We had more thunderstorms and sleet in L.A. a couple of days ago. Our latest storms ended with two gorgeous rainbows--one brilliant and an entire arc, and the other parallel and misty. We also could see snow on the mountains beyond the San Fernando Valley but didn’t have to deal with any related difficulties. How are you dealing with the snow?

And an earthquake in Chicago?? Fortunately, my older son, who grew up in L.A., pretty much slept through it.