Next Manuscript!

Whew, it's been a while, but I've finally got my next manuscript finished! It's entitled A Proper Murder and is my latest murder mystery. It's always satisfying when you get to type "The End" at the end of a draft, but this is especially fun when it's a historical murder mystery. My agent really liked a previous murder mystery I gave her, and wanted to see something similar, so I suggested I try writing a new one in the same "universe" as my previous one.

Although this story definitely shares some DNA with my previous murder mysteries, it's definitely an entirely new read. I've also sharpened up my mystery chops these past few months, studying the genre and reading and writing non-stop to get the narrative as tight and entertaining as possible. It was also a lot of fun to write!

Below is a brief blurb of A Proper Murder. I've got a few trusted Crit Partners giving me feedback now, but if anyone else would like to give it a read, please let me know. I'm always happy to reciprocate. Thanks! 

A Proper Murder

1940. London. Don't let her prim and proper demeanour fool you. Jane Primrose may be a bookish typist with spectacles and a boarding school education, but when her boss in British Intelligence dies under a blitz bomb, Jane thinks it's no accident. With her peculiar penchant for using books to solve crimes, she soon realises that someone is somehow luring victims to the exact location where blitz bombs will fall, even though that shouldn't be possible. Teamed up with a sceptical shell shocked officer, Clive Masterson, Jane discovers that her boss was killed while attempting to uncover plans for an impending Nazi invasion of Britain. Racing against time, Jane and Clive must solve the murder and out the culprit before the invasion can take place and they become targets of the killer themselves. 

Deadly Verse

Checkout my good friend Elizabeth Varadan's newest novel, Deadly Verse! I'm super excited to share her work, as it's always well written and well researched. Plus it's just a lot of good, clean fun to read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, then Deadly Verse is for you!

The Braga Romana festival provides the exotic backdrop for Elizabeth Varadan's exciting new murder mystery. When an old friend gives amateur sleuth Carla Bass and her husband an original sonnet by Portugal's greatest poet, Luís Vaz de Camõens, for safekeeping, it's not long before Carla finds herself embroiled in theft, deception, intrigue and... murder! Carla must solve the mystery while winding her way through a five-day festival celebrating Braga’s Roman past with parades, skits, dances, musical performances and mock battles between centurions and gladiators.


Elizabeth Varadan is an American author and former teacher. She has written children’s fiction as well as adult flash fiction, fantasy and poetry. She lives with her husband in Sacramento, California.

"In DEADLY VERSE, Elizabeth Varadan once again sends us to Portugal in the company of the delightful Carla Bass. A cozy though sharp-eyed mixture of mystery and suspense, with vivid descriptions of that fascinating country as an added bonus. A fun read."

--- Dennis Palumbo,  author of the Daniel Rinaldi thrillers. 

Author Links

Blog: http://elizabethvaradansfourthwish.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethvaradan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/4thWishVaradan

Link to Trailer

https://vimeo.com/724543646?fbclid=IwAR0IL0xIFpUWW82LGkq1Aq0_aC7gFQ9MBAkpLRjLrvQcq34ehOnLcwoDgbw

Purchase Information

Amazon

Belanger Books

Release date

August 4, 2022

Unbreakable

Fellow author, Kristin Smith has come out with another amazing read, Unbreakable. If you like YA dystopic novels, this is for you. Check it out!

From best-selling and award-winning author Kristin Smith comes the riveting fourth and final book in the Deception Game series.

A terrible discovery that will change everything.

 

Armed with valuable information, Sienna and her friends find asylum in the east coast province of Pride. While initially grateful for Pride’s open arms, they begin to question exactly what kind of loyalties its president is after.  Sienna must grapple with her new condition, Trey has to figure out how to win a war without losing Sienna, and Zane needs to recreate a gene regeneration therapy to cure Sienna without knowing if he’ll ever win her heart. When they learn Trina survived the Zenith Camp bombing, they also discover she’s been living a nightmare. 

 

In the end, Sienna and her friends must somehow come together and fight a war for a government they aren’t sure they can trust.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60301691-unbreakable

Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zkVumD

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unbreakable-kristin-smith/1141107477?ean=2940161147238

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/unbreakable-133

About Kristin

Kristin Smith is the best-selling and award-winning author of the DECEPTION GAME series. Her first book, CATALYST, is a 2018 IAN Book of the Year Award finalist in the Young Adult category.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Kristin currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and five sons. To read more about Kristin or her books, please visit her website at kristinsmithbooks.com.

https://www.kristinsmithbooks.com/

Stand with Ukraine

We continue to live in extraordinary times, and none more heartbreaking than the current war in Ukraine. I won't waste time recapping what we all already know, and the obviousness of such naked aggression against the men, women, and children of Ukraine by Putin and his armed forces. None of us want to see anyone die, neither Ukrainian nor Russian. Just as we see incredible heroics by the Ukrainians themselves, there are also strong voices of protest from within Russia as well. President Zelensky has truly shown himself to be a modern day Churchill in his courage and determination to continue to remain in and defend Kyiv.

So what can we, the rest of the world do? We certainly cannot sit idly by while a literal warmonger invades one sovereign nation today when he might easily do the same to any of us tomorrow. The threat of nuclear conflict hangs over every decision, further complicating an already complex situation. But as the saying goes, all that is required for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing. That is a luxury none of us can afford.

So please stand with Ukraine today, any way that you can. They need money, logistical and material support. Refugees in neighboring countries need supplies and funding too. The disinformation war is real, and even humble blogs (like this one) or other social media that state the truth and solidarity of the free world present one more obstacle to the forces of oppression. 

Donate what you can. Show what support you can. Speak the truth whenever you can. Pray. Love. Help. 

And stand with Ukraine.

 

New Manuscript!!

Well, finally I've managed to produce something good in my writing since this entire pandemic began. I'll admit it has not been easy to write these past couple of years, but I'm glad I persevered, because now I have a new manuscript to share!

It's entitled Skullduggery, and is a piece of historical fiction set in the 17th century Caribbean during the "golden" era of piracy.

I've started putting out my manuscript with several trusted CPs, but I'm always open to new crit partners (and always willing to gladly reciprocate). If any of you are interested in reading my latest and greatest novel-to-be, check out the blub below and drop me a line in the comments. I'm always happy to share, whether someone wants to read just a few chapters or the entire book. This one definitely feels special. I hope you enjoy your day, as I know I will:) 

Thanks!

Skullduggery

1686. The Caribbean. Dante is a young, idealistic conquistador when he falls for the beautiful Isabella, mistress of the powerful, ruthless Hidalgo of the Yucatan. The jealous Hidalgo sends Dante on a suicide mission against local pirates, but the pirates capture Dante instead and force him to join their crew. The buccaneers take Dante to the pirate port of Petit Goave, full of adventurous cutthroats and alluring courtesans, but he never forgets his love for Isabella nor his hatred for the Hidalgo. When Dante purloins a map of the Hidalgo's treasure fortress of Las Marinas, the Hidalgo learns that Dante is still alive and puts a price on his head. Dante convinces the pirates to raid the Hidalgo's fortress using a secret entrance revealed on the stolen map. The race is on to reach Las Marinas, get the treasure, and rescue Isabella before the Hidalgo and his soldiers try to kill Dante and his newfound pirate friends first.   

Book of Boba Fett

Ever a Star Wars fan, I've really been enjoying the storytelling in the newest series called "The Book of Boba Fett." I enjoyed other Star Wars series online, such as the Mandalorian, but I was surprised that some fans weren't as crazy about Book of Boba Fett. And I have a theory why.

The Book of Boba Fett feels more like an actual book, rather than a typical TV show. It follows the bounty hunter Boba Fett and his unexpected rise as a local warlord with his own sort of ethics of right and wrong in a world where nothing is what it first seems. The characters are gray, not black and white, and you really get to follow side stories of intriguing secondary characters as well. Like I said, it feels more like a book than a TV show, and that's what I like about it. Temuera Morrison's acting is really good too as the title character.

Anyhow, check it out if you like a good SciFi story with a twist of a western feel to it. New episodes come out every Wednesday on Disney+. Tiny spoiler, if you liked "Baby Yoda," he's in this series too. 

Reverence for Life

Albert Schweitzer

It's been ages, but with all the ups and downs of the past months, I'm trying to get back in the blogging habit. One book I really wanted to share that's really inspired me in these troubled times is an oldie, but a goodie: Reverence for Life, by Albert Schweitzer.

A preacher, missionary, doctor, and author in the early 20th century, I found his words to be impressive and invigorating because his book stills holds up with an ever-changing world and rings with goodness and truth. Although he writes as a Christian author, I don't think one has to be Christian to get something out of his works. I found each chapter to be not only beautifully written, but intensely practical in how each of us can live our everyday lives in fulfillment and harmony with the universe around us. I was particularly struck by certain concepts that at first seemed mysterious, but made more sense as I read further. Ideas like a reverence for life is a way of life, and how even in the midst of suffering we are blessed, and many other nuggets of wisdom.

I strongly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light at the end of the tunnel in these dark days, but also for anyone who wants to really embrace the tranquility that comes from helping others and feeding our souls by living life as it was intended. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading it.

Helping Graduating English Majors

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the past couple of years haven't been easy for anyone, but especially so for graduating college students. Fortunately, there are ways to give back and help out. Several years ago, I was tapped to join my Alma mater's English Advisory Board, and I was just down in San Luis Obispo this weekend as we brainstormed new ideas and programs to help newly graduated English Majors navigate the working world. 

As both a Technical Writer by day and a published fiction author by night, I really love helping Literature students find their way after graduation and discover how they can use their degree in order to make a life for themselves. Whether it's technical writing, marketing, teaching, fiction writing, politics, publishing, etc., there's something there for everyone. I especially enjoy giving confidence to students who perhaps though their English degree wasn't as useful as some other pursuits, such as engineering or business. I've certainly found my degrees to be both valuable and valued in the years since I graduated from university.

In these uncertain times, as we emerge optimistically into a post-pandemic world, I really think that's when people sometimes need help and encouragement the most. I'm proud to be a continuing member of the advisory board at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and I encourage others to get involved with their former Alma maters any way that they can. After all, the most rewarding activities I've found in life are usually those in which we help others. Hope your summer is going well and that sunny days lie ahead for all of us! 

 

Gereon Rath Mystery Series

I just finished reading the fifth, and latest, novel in the Gereon Rath mystery series. If you haven't had a chance to check out this historical mystery series written by Volker Kutscher, I strongly suggest it. It's also known as Babylon Berlin, after the title of the first book and the TV version available on Netflix. Although the TV version has its good points, it deviates from the books, which I consider to be much better just as they are.

The gist of it is, Gereon Rath is a police detective in Berlin in the waning days of the Weimar Republic. Communists, rising Nazis, and a host of other social issues constantly get in the way of him simply doing his job of catching thieves and murderers. Charly, a progressive young woman in the department, often teams up with him as they solve cases that powers in authority often want to see ignored. 

What really makes this series especially engaging, is that it has fantastic noir elements, but its background social commentary on Germany in the 20s and 30s really resonates in the world today. It shows how things don't rapidly change overnight for the worse, but that a frog can be boiled slowly instead, if that reference makes sense. I find it both alarming and comforting to read a mystery set in this historical time period. Mainly, because I see how the rise of fascist elements today echo certain aspects of that time almost a century ago, but I also see where we have deviated for the better, and are (hopefully) not going down the same path that a democracy like the Weimar Republic once experienced. Anyhow, check it out for yourself, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. 

Renewed Optimism

I never thought I would go almost an entire year without blogging, but of course the last 12 months have been extraordinary in the extreme. It's one thing to read about history, but it's another entirely to live through it. Between a pandemic, politics, remote work, remote learning for our kids, and a whole other host of things we've all lived through over the past year, I don't need to tell you what a surreal ride it's been.

But I come to you today with a renewed sense of optimism. Most of the problems the world has confronted are still with us today, but things are changing, and for the better. I know more and more people who are getting the vaccine as literally millions around the globe continue to be vaccinated every single day. Like I said, all our problems haven't been solved, but the necessary conditions required for things to get better have come about, and that gives me a renewed sense of hope and faith.

As far as writing goes, it seems almost unthinkable to discuss literature and creative writing when people are literally dying around us or struggling to get food for their next meal. But I think it's actually necessary to continue to create and share art in the days ahead, because we don't exist simply to exist. Art is as necessary as breathing for any soul under heaven, and I hope to share more in the days ahead and to read more from all of you. 

Stay safe and keep spreading the love. 

Stories for My Kids

It’s been a while, but I’m back. The writing's been good, but the last few months of the previous year had just a little too much going on for me to get to blogging.

One thing I’ve been up to lately is writing stories for my kids. Now that they're old enough to understand (and read), I’ve found that I can write short stories specifically for them. It’s really satisfying to see their faces light up as they read a story I’ve written about them (either as pirates or explorers or something they’re really into that week). They really like it when I insert them and family or friends into the stories too.

Not only does it give them a love of reading, I’ve found it to be some of the most satisfying writing I’ve ever done. It’s really inspiring to be able to hash out a short story, print it out the next day, and see you readers getting so much joy out of it. I think I need to make this a habit going forward.

A Manual-Type of Guy

I’ve been trying to come up with a new term that describes my penchant for manual-type devices. Maybe you can help. I’m not a luddite. In fact, I like technology. But I have a definite preference for technology that enables human and machine to work together, i.e. where the human has an element of control and independence in relation to the machine. I’ll give you some examples of what I mean.

I drive a manual transmission car, and really enjoy shifting my 6-speed and controlling exactly when and how my car moves through the gears. I also get improved performance as well as great mileage out of it as a result - 40mpg easy.

I also like “automatic” watches that self-wind (which is a bit of a misnomer), but also have no battery or crystal to power them. They are independent of any external power source and can function forever if properly maintained.

In addition, I recently inherited my grandfather’s manual typewriter. It works great and isn’t networked like a computer (obviously), so I can type on it with no need for electricity or internet. I control exactly how it works and it will continue to function flawlessly so long as I maintain it.

So I guess I’m trying to come up with a term that accurately describes this preference I have. Retro? Hands on? Self-reliant?

What do you think?

Just Checking In

It’s been quite a while since I last blogged, so I figured I’d post an update. Summer has been quite busy and with the school year on the way, it looks to get even busier. I’ve been writing and reading too, but I admit that none of that is what has kept me away from blogging these past weeks.

Unfortunately, I lost someone very dear to me this summer. Frankly, it’s difficult to get enthusiastic about some of my online activities as I once did, in light of this. I generally don’t like to get into anything too personal on my blog, but I just wanted to let everyone know I haven't forgotten about all of you. Some things just take a long time to come to terms with and that’s what I’m doing now.

There have been of course many positive things going on in my life too, and I hope to blog about those in the future. But for the time being, if I’m a touch late in responding, I appreciate your patience. Thank you.

Going Sailing

Well, summer is in full swing in California, and I’ve been sailing out on the bay lately with my dad. We even took my grandparents out one day! They’re doing pretty darn well for their 80s if you ask me. I’ve really enjoyed getting out on the water lately, and the westerly winds on San Francisco Bay make for really excellent sailing weather under the summer sun.

We of course have the garden going too, many of the plants are already taller than the kids. We’re definitely looking forward to BBQs and the 4th of July as well. Somewhere amidst all the excitement, I’m still managing to get some decent writing in each day too.

So, how’s your summer shaping up? Any big plans?

My Garden

It’s that wonderful springtime of the year again, and our garden is starting to slowly come into its own. We’ve had some heavy rains lately, but hopefully not enough to spoil anything. I’m more worried about gophers returning, frankly.

This year I’ve had the kids helping me, well sort of - they’re good at tearing up dirt. We have lots of tasty things growing this year. Corn, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, sunflowers, pumpkins, strawberries, and more. I’m definitely looking forward to later this summer when our crops start to get tall.

It’s fun having a big garden in the middle of crowded suburbia. It sort of brings the countryside to our doorstep. It brings the wildlife too, especially when the racoons and possums come through, but it’s all part of the fun. How about you? How does your garden grow this year?

Guest Blog Post Today

Hi all! Today, I'm over at Maddie's Ask the Author blog. Come on by and check it out!

Thanks! And I hope you all had a very Happy Easter! 

The Simple Life

Lately, I’ve been embracing the joys of the “simple life.” What I mean of course is not taking for granted the miracles of everyday life and enjoying them to their fullest. In the hubbub of modern society, it can be very easy to get sidetracked from what really matters.

Some of my favorite pastimes these days are gardening, taking my kids to the park and t-ball games, watching my favorite baseball team, and enjoying murder mysteries on DVD with my wife. And of course reading and writing. Small, but very important pleasures in life that I don’t think I could easily do without. It’s funny, but I’ve realized lately that no amount of money, success, fame, or any other possible attainment really means as much to me as these simple pleasures. No matter the circumstances, these are the things I’d like to do with my life, and fortunately they’re already a part of my life.

I guess it simply comes down to appreciating and enjoying what you have. I know I do. More and more every day:)

1500 Books Read So Far!

I’ve just read my 1500th book! Well, I’m at least that far, anyways. I keep track of the books I read on Goodreads, and although I’ve probably left some off, I’ve conservatively read at least 1500 books in my lifetime...so far.

My actual goal is to read 10,000 books in my lifetime. It’ll be quite a challenge, but I’ve been reading 3-4 books per week for the last several years pretty consistently, so I definitely try to make reading a central part of my daily life.

That being said, quality always matters over quantity, and not all books are equal. I also love to reread my favorites and other classics, especially during the summer. However, historical figures from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington number amongst the people who have successfully read 10,000+ books during their lifetimes. I hope I can reach this goal at some point in the distant future.

Disneyland

Well, the family and I just returned from the happiest place on earth, and it was awesome! It’s especially great when you can visit Disney with little kids, but also with the grandparents too. Everyone really enjoyed the time we all spent together. In addition, there were some fun surprises along the way.

One of them was discovering Trader Sam’s tiki bar at the Disneyland Hotel resort. I ordered a drink called the Krakatoa, not realizing what I was in for. They dimmed the restaurant red, simulated a volcanic explosion, rang a bell and an air siren, alerting the entire bar that someone (me) had dared to order the Krakatoa. Needless to say, it was pretty good.

It was fun to dissolve into a fantasy world of Adventureland, New Orleans Square, and Frontierland for a few days too. Later this summer the new Star Wars land is opening up as well, so we might need to plan a trip for next year. My kids are definitely already trying to convince me.

The Real Detective Poirot

Agatha Christie’s famed Inspector Hercule Poirot has become one of the great literary characters of the murder mystery genre. He’s also been in recent films and TV a lot as well. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

I enjoyed Kenneth Branagh's version of Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, and look forward to the next installment, which is set to begin filming very soon.

A French version of Agatha Christie’s murders has been out for a few years now on TV. While it recycles the same plots, it uses completely new characters (no Poirot, what?). The show actually isn’t too bad, but it is strange to see Poirot mysteries without Poirot in them.

The newest TV version of Malkovich’s Poirot is really the only one I cannot get behind. It’s just not done right. The feeling, the details, are all very wrong. Sorry, Mal.

Of course, the greatest televised version of Poirot, however, remains and ever will be, the incomparable David Suchet. This guy becomes Poirot on-screen, and even Christie’s living ancestors claim they think Suchet’s portrayal is the closest to what Christie herself would’ve envisioned for the famed, fictional Belgian detective.

Case closed. So what’s your favorite portrayal of Poirot?