Who needs a calendar? As the economy flounders deeper into the toilet, everybody and his dog (or accountant) is sending out their monthy bills earlier and earlier. Do they they think you'll make a mistake and send them two payments? Not until I and the rest of the people pinching pennies and clipping grocery coupons start getting those checks of ours twice a month. It's just not going to happen.
Wouldn't it be nice, fellow writers, if the accountants who get out advance and royalty checks did that too? Oh, well, I know that's just not going to happen either.
On a brighter note, the book I talked about in my last blog is out now. STRANGER IN PARADISE came out in hard cover from Five Star. And I actually got a royalty check for the large print of SPANISH EYES that came out in Nov. of 2008.
Last month I was asked to speak at the opening of a beautiful new library in Jacksnville, Arkansas (eleven miles away from Cabot where I live.) I have always had a soft spot in my heart for librarys and said fine - I'll be there. Then I found out they wanted me to speak on "How to Write a Novel." That was a challenge, since there are as many ways to write a novel as there are recipes to fix spaghetti or homemade chili.
I approached the problem like I write (I hear those who know me chucking already). I just wrote down all my thoughts, problems, hopes, wishes, everything except profanity (and I don't write erotica either) then eliminated about 90% of it and voila!
This brought me up to questions from the floor which is always fun. The best thing about writing is the people you meet. Writers, other readers. And the friends you make along the way. Not to mention the fun it is to read all the good novels you hear about.
The main things I stressed was if money is your main ambition, you should find another line of work. If you love to write, write. And never ever get discouraged. One of the best quotes I've heard from another writer I've got typed out and taped beneath my monitor. "Nobody can call you a failure until you quit!"
Break's over!
Jackie

First Merrivale and DEAD ON ARRIVAL

New cozy mysteries and sample chapters are coming soon. The first Merrivale cozy mystery novel from Zumaya Publications is scheduled to come out in November, 2009 and sample chapters will be posted on its page at my web site. The Maryvale name is changed to Merrivale but my characters still have all their good points, freckles and all, so come get acquainted with them and the gifted citizens too. The first of the series is THE DEVIL IN MERRIVALE and it's a big and beautiful (and comfortable to read) trade paperback.

I will be speaking at the grand opening of the new and beautiful new library in nearby Jacksonville, Arkansas on April 26 at 10:30 AM and I'll say more about this series then. Please stop by and say hello if you are in the area. They have asked me to speak on "How to Write a Novel" so I have my speach all finished and my 'props' ready. One of the things I'm taking is an article about Janet Evanovich to give those in attendance the courage not to give up when they get discouraged. I'll also have a drawing for an ARC and explain what those are.

The main body of my talk will be how to JUST GET STARTED, giving some of the tools and helpful things available for a budding writer.

Of course, the first thing I'll point out is there are as many ways to write a novel as there are recipes for spaghetti - so do come by if you can. There will be questions from the floor and your two cents and your presences are welcome. That's another good thing for writers, to talk with and network and enjoy meeting other readers and writers.

Keep checking on the sample chapters on my site, as well as news about other things.
Break's over!

Lost in Googleland!

Hi, everyone! Anyone? I hope there's someone out there - this is the first blog with my new e-mail address. I'm now a gmail user and off we go!

First of all I'm still trying to find my way around and recover some addresses and things I seem to have lost in the rush.

Mainly, my new books coming out now are:
STRANGER IN PARADISE: HC from Five Star, romance suspense 3/09
THE DEVIL IN MARYVALE: TR from Zumaya Publishing, first of the Merrivale cozy mystery series, 11/09
DEAD ON ARRIVAL: HC from Five Star, first of a new Maggie and Joe cozy series 1/10

Late bloomer or not, I love to write and plan on writing as long as I can see the monitor LOL :-)

The very best thing I've discovered about writing is meeting new friends, fellow readers and writers - so please, visit often and sign the guest book and know your input is welcome. Since I have a gripe-in session once in a while, please feel free to tell me all your good news and bad news, and of course, any funny or helpful or warning experiences you want to share. I look forward to hearing from you.
Break's over!,
Jackie