newsletter

In this issue, interviews with:

Eric Deckers, author of Mackinac Island Nation

JP Corwyn, author of the Dawns of Unrest

A. R. Farina, author of the Austen Chronicles, a modern-day, coming-of-age tale of the classic Jane Austen story.

Richard Walter, screen writer and author of Deadpan  

Celwyn’s Cats

An Interview with Eric Deckers, author of Mackinac Island Nation

When you were writing this book or previous books, did the plot flow just as you initially wanted it to look, or did you have to change anything major?
I always worry that I don’t rewrite my books enough. I have one friend who rewrote his entire manuscript 3 or 4 times. Another guy I know rewrote his manuscript 17 times! He would print out the previous one, stick it in a drawer, and then rewrite the whole thing.
That always seemed a little precious to me and maybe a bit of fear. I pretty much know what I’m going to say the first time. I plan my books out and then just write everything down in the first draft. There may be things I have to change, but they’re minor. I know what I want the characters to do and say, I know how I want the story to end, so I just write the story until we reach there.
It could be that I’m not torturing myself enough in the writing and rewriting, but not enough that I’m going to actually do anything about it. For now, it’s just a low-grade nagging in the back of my brain.

Can you see yourself using AI in your books? On what part and why?
I use AI as a tool for brainstorming new ideas. When I ghostwrite nonfiction, I use Otter.ai to transcribe the interviews. But for actual creation? Not at all: AI doesn’t write with heart, and it doesn’t engage.

Which of your books was the hardest to write, and why?
My first novel, Mackinac Island Nation. At that time I had a writing residency at the Jack Kerouac House in Orlando, and it gave me terrible impostor syndrome. I worked hard to fight the feeling because it dogged me. I had to ignore my fears and focus on my work.

Does your own reading stay within your writing genre, or do you read a different genre for yourself?
I love reading humor and satire because that’s primarily what I write. But I also love reading mysteries. I would like to write mysteries, but it hasn’t happened yet.

It looks like you also write nonfiction. Is there more of that in your future?
Yes, constantly. My first four books were all nonfiction (on social media and branding), and my novel was my first attempt at book-length fiction. I will be doing a lot more fiction AND nonfiction in the future.

Will there be a sequel to Mackinac Island Nation, and if so, what will it focus on? Will it have a solid ending or leave things open for more?
My second novel, Whither Utopia, is a sort of sequel. It takes place in the same universe as the first, but it’s 40 years in the future, and all the world’s conservatives are dead from another pandemic. Some minor characters and their children from this book appear in the second one. My current novel is not a sequel.

What is in a Name?

An Interview with JP Corwyn, author of The Drums of Unrest

1. Were any of the magical creatures in “The Drums of Unrest” based on creatures from real-world folklore?

In Drums—specifically, only one thing fits that particular bill: the Vodník. The major location in the early parts of the series is the Duchy of Kovalun, which is based largely on Czech and Estonian cultures. The Vodník found an easy home there beside creatures either partially, or fully, of my own design.

2. It is highly unusual to find an author who marries his music to his prose. Can you talk about the music Silver in the Skies from The Cycle of Bones, original soundtrack?

I am, as far as I know, the only author who composes, produces, performs, and records his own soundtracks. At least so far. That song is a moment in time within the prequel: The Dawn of Unions. It’s the memory of a moment just before a particular battle begins, penned by a survivor of that battle, and is based on an earlier instrumental piece that serves as Countess Ylspeth’s theme. It seems to have resonated with fans, which is flattering, as always.

3. Do you find writing action scenes stimulating or difficult?

I get asked this a lot. There are authors who act out some of what they write. I spent nearly a decade fighting in armor (and loving every minute of it) before 2017. At that point, my continued vision loss made that impossible. While I miss it terribly, as many of my fellow combatants say, “life’s hard. Wear a helmet.” When I eventually picked up the proverbial pen, I came to a conclusion—one I’ve often been quoted for in the years that followed: “If I can’t describe what it’s like training or fighting in armor, or standing in the shield wall, what the hell was I doing all those years?” I don’t want you to feel as if you’ve watched or read about a battle sequence. Instead, I want you to feel as if you were there in that battle. I want you to stand shoulder to shoulder with Kaith, Kastan, Eobum, Lashjuk, Geroslaw, and all the rest who were there.

Dawn of Unions, the beginning book of the series: https://www.amazon.com/Drums-Unrest-Cycle-Bones-Book-ebook/dp/B0D124WN8Q/

What is Magical Realism?

Here is a link to my article that appears in the Mystery Review Crew blog.

Gina Rae Mitchell

The Celwyn Series YouTube channel

An Interview with A. R. Farina, author of Welcome to Mansfield!

1.  Is there something about your books or your point of view that you think readers should know?  The narrator of the Austen Chronicles has an opinion and speaks directly to the reader all the time. It is personal. The narrator will say, “Don’t worry Dear Reader.” and things like that. It is a different way to do third person, and makes the narrator feel like part of the cast. 2. Of all the characters in the books, which is the most like your personality? The character of Julia is the most like me. She is altruistic to a fault, and that holds her back as much as it propels her. 3. Will there be a sequel to Welcome to Mansfield, and if so, what will it focus on?  Will it have a solid ending or leave things open for more? Yes! It is a series. I am doing a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s books in a shared universe. So each book is stand-alone, and the characters interact. Book 2 comes out in October and book 3 is with the editor. I am starting book 4 now.4. Do you have your next book’s plot already in your head? Could we have a preview? Books 2 and 3 are prequels to book 1, so book 4 is a direct sequel. We meet the character Jane Fairfax in the first book briefly, and we are going to follow her journey as she grows as a person and a songwriter. 5. Can you see yourself using Ai in your books? Never ever ever. I would rather write a book that sucks and has a soul, than a perfectly acceptable book that doesn’t.6. What do you think new authors should decide before they begin their book? Should it be who they are writing for (themselves or their audience)? They should know what story they want to tell for themselves. The most harsh critic and most important member of the audience is in the mirror. 7 Are there books in another genre in your future?For sure. This series is full of YA books set in the modern world. I have some essay collections coming out soon. I also have some ideas for a dark short story collection for adults. The working title is Unresolved. Each story ends with an open question of what happens next. I also have thought about retelling some of the horror classics from minor characters’ perspectives. An example is telling Frankenstein from Elizabeth’s point of view.8. Does your own reading stay within your writing genre, or do you read a different genre for yourself?I read anything. I usually have several books going at once to keep the ADHD happy. I am currently listening to a classic, realistic fiction novel as an audiobook, I am reading a horror comic omnibus, and because my day job is that of a college professor, I am always reading research papers.

An Interview with Richard Walter author of Deadpan

….there is a priceless joke at the end of this interview…..

1. You are a fan of magical realism. Give us your definition of this genre and what are its advantages to an author?

Magical realism describes narratives about the fantastic and fantastical, incredible events in an everyday, rational, believable  voice. 

2.  Does your own reading stay within your writing genre, or do you read a different genre for yourself?

No. I hold that there are only two genres: good writing and bad writing. The former is engaging; the latter is boring. I read as much nonfiction as fiction, perhaps even more so.

3. Is there something about your books/your point of view that you think readers should know?

I believe all literature is about the same theme: identity. Who am I? How do I know I really am the person I believe myself to be? 

In Deadpan, an anti-semite has thrust upon the protagonist the identity of a Jew, and not just any Jew, but the world’s most popular standup comedian.

4. When you were writing this book or previous books, did the plot flow just as you initially wanted it to look, or did you have to change anything major?

For me, writing is an evolutionary enterprise. Throughout the process, story, character, action, and dialogue are constantly changing. When I get started, I compose an outline of the plot; then, as I move through the through the narrative, I gradually throw the outline away.

5. Talk about your non-fiction side.

I have actually written three nonfiction books about screenwriting. I don’t mind bragging that the world’s largest publisher, Penguin/Random House, has had them in print for thirty-five years and has sold over a hundred thousand copies. In those books I argue that there is only one rule that cannot be broken, including this one: There are no rules.

In my most recent such title, Essentials of Screenwriting, I insist that screenwriters must start with an outline, and then throw it away. This does not mean, I continue, that you can suddenly cut to, say, the 1955 World Series at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

In my new novel Deadpan, I suddenly cut to the 1955 World Series at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.

Richard’s social links: Social links: Subscribe to his podcast on Substack and blog on Medium, and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Link to Deadpan: https://www.amazon.com/Deadpan-Novel-Richard-Walter/dp/B0CV2R29S3/

What is New with the Celwyn Series?

An Interview with a Volunteer for Engin

Shameless Buy Links to booksellers who carry the Celwyn series.

The Violins Played before Junstan  book 1

https://books2read.com/celwyn01

Music Shall Untune the Sky   book 2

https://books2read.com/celwyn02

The Raven and the Pig     book 3

https://books2read.com/celwyn03

The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died  Book 4   

https://books2read.com/celwyn04

The Sea of the Vanities. Companion book.

https://books2read.com/celwyncompanion01

The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman  Book 5    https://books2read.com/celwyn005

 In this issue: 
The Celwyn Series book signing, MWA news, a reader’s POV, reviews, and an article on book trigger warnings.      

Celwyn’s Cats

Book Signing!

Please join us on May 4th from 2-4 p.m. 
Barnes and Noble
1530 Black Lake Blvd. Olympia, WA.

Lou Kemp will be signing all of the books in the Celwyn series, including book 5, The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman.
Mystery writer Linda Norlander will also be there, signing The Death of Goldie’s Mistress and her Cabin by the Lake Series. 

Malice Domestic #18 Anthology

The Edgars May 1, 2024

Trigger Warnings on Books

An opinion from author Benjamin X. Wretlind.
If you have questions or a rebuttal of the issues raised here, please forward them through the Loukemp.com contact page.

1. Are trigger warnings needed? When are they mandated and does that need to change?

In my opinion, trigger warnings are not needed and should not be mandated. Books have contained challenging and potentially upsetting content throughout history, and readers can choose what they are comfortable with. Mandating trigger warnings infringes on creative freedom and treats readers like children who can’t think for themselves. In the same breath, however, I agree with the argument that times are changing as have reader perceptions. That is not necessarily a good thing. Mandating anything in the creative realm is a step in the wrong direction.

Trigger warnings were initially designed to assist individuals with posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms in determining whether or not to engage with potentially triggering material; however, they have been linked to perpetuating avoidant behaviors that sustain the PTSD. Temporary relief can be obtained by avoiding trauma reminders, but persistent avoidance is connected to long-term psychological disorders and heightened posttraumatic stress symptoms (Pineles et al., 2011).

2. Do trigger warnings violate freedom of speech?

This is a different question. There is an argument that trigger warnings are a violation of free speech, and yet I don’t necessarily buy into that absolutist opinion. In 1975 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that “[T]he Constitution does not permit the government to decide which types of otherwise protected speech are sufficiently offensive to require protection for the unwilling listener or viewer. Rather, … the burden normally falls upon the viewer to avoid further bombardment of [his] sensibilities simply by averting [his] eyes.” (Erznoznik v. City of Jacksonville, 1975).

Yes, trigger warnings can be considered a form of censorship that stigmatizes certain content and pressures authors to avoid difficult topics. But they also give people the freedom to walk away from something they might feel would be triggering. Free expression means authors should be able to write what they want without warnings being forced upon their work by others, but if not including it impinges on the right to be free from triggering content, then does it constitute a violation of another’s right? I will argue that in a university or school setting, trigger warnings—while well-intended—can be used as a get out of class free card which is one reason the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is against them.

As someone who does not sit on the U.S. Supreme Court, though, I would have to say “I have no idea” to this question.

3. Do trigger warnings help or hurt sales?

My gut reaction is that trigger warnings likely hurt sales overall, and yet I have no data to back that up. They might make books seem more controversial and off-putting than they really are. I don’t know. Most people read to be challenged, not coddled. There is an argument that the small minority who demand trigger warnings probably don’t read that much anyway, but I doubt that’s true, either.

Typically, trigger warnings are a specific type of content warning designed for those who have experienced trauma or PTSD. Content warnings, however, are different, and that’s where the problem with this whole argument lies. Someone who suffers clinically from PTSD may be “triggered” by content that reminds them of past events. In this case, they probably wouldn’t buy or read that book and having a heads up may help. But can we stop calling them “trigger warnings” then? They are, in fact, content warnings like the kind you see handed out by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Tell me in one or two letters what I can expect from this book, and I’ll decide if it’s worth my time.

Again—I WILL DECIDE. Not the government, not a publisher, not some arbitrary committee made of members who do not know me.

There is no BAA (Book Association of America), and please don’t argue that it should be the government that sets up a censorship body. That’s frightening, and also goes back to my first point: trigger warnings should not be mandated. You want to put them in, put them in. You want to leave them out, leave them out.

4. Should an author have a say in trigger warnings (content or even having them) whether an indie or with a publisher? Freedom of speech should cover any lawsuit, if at all, right?

The author should absolutely have the final say on any content warnings, if they are even included at all. It’s the author’s intellectual property and creative work. No one, including publishers, has the right to label or categorize an author’s writing against their will. And yes, lawsuits challenging compelled trigger warnings on First Amendment grounds would likely succeed. See the case of Erznoznik v. City of Jacksonville (1975). If that gets overturned, I would recant this statement.

5. Considering books for children are in the children’s areas in bookstores, is this trigger needed?

I despise this argument. Physically, we can say someone is a child at this or this age, but mentally, children can be physically much older. I really don’t believe trigger warnings are needed for children’s books—remember why trigger warnings were created in the first place (for those who suffer from PTSD). But content warnings might be appropriate. They do that in movies, so why not books?

Here again is the problem. Who decides what “rating” a book gets? Age recommendations and general content expectations already exist for children’s literature. Parents can easily avoid more mature content for their kids if they so choose. Adding trigger warnings to children’s books is utterly unnecessary and against their intended purpose in the first place. It may also absolve parents of their accountability—something we don’t need, even if times are changing.

6. But, how would a parent on Amazon know of the violence content when they need to? Violence level is not a filter on the choices next to children’s books (that I can find) Or, should the parent be responsible to read the blurb where it talks about the book? What if the blurb didn’t disclose violent content?

It’s the parent’s responsibility to determine if a children’s book is appropriate for their child, not Amazon’s, not Barnes and Noble’s. Do you want to force a corporation to adopt a governmental mandate that restricts free speech? Again, see what the Supreme Court had to say. Parents can read the description, flip through the book in a store, look at reviews, etc. If a children’s book contains notably mature elements, the publisher may mention that in the blurb, but they should never be obligated to. Ultimately, it’s up to the parent to vet their children’s reading material.

Are we coddling to parents to who don’t want to accept responsibility for their buying choices?

7. What do writers organizations say about trigger warnings? What should they say?

I do not know what writers’ organization have to say about trigger or content warnings and my search really came up with nothing good. It seems to me the debates are prevalent amongst members, and if any of them have come out with a definite statement, then it’s so buried in their website that it’s unreachable.

That said, I do know what the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has to say:

Institutional requirements or even suggestions that faculty use trigger warnings interfere with faculty academic freedom in the choice of course materials and teaching methods. Faculty might feel pressured into notifying students about course content for fear that some students might find it disturbing. Of course there may be instances in which a teacher judges it necessary to alert students to potentially difficult material and that is his or her right. Administrative requirements are different from individual faculty decisions. Administration regulation constitutes interference with academic freedom; faculty judgment is a legitimate exercise of autonomy (AAUP, 2014).

It’s not a writer’s group, but there is an interesting point in this statement: “Administration regulation constitutes interference with academic freedom…” You can change that to “Government regulation—or regulation of any sort from any entity—constitutes interference with creative freedom…” and you get the message.

Writers’ groups should strongly condemn trigger warnings as antithetical to creative and intellectual freedom.

8. Would a voluntary simple rating everyone could agree to work? Or is it even needed? Should book jackets mimic what movies do in their warnings on language?

I’m actually fine with this. Like I’ve said before, give me a letter or two that says there might be content I could be disturbed by and I will make the choice of whether or not to read it. I will take responsibility for my actions. I will be in charge of my own choices.

As a writer, I probably wouldn’t use a voluntary rating system myself, however.

And that should be my choice.

Take away my choice and you have a whole new argument.

• Bruce, M. J., Stasik-O’Brien, S. M., & Hoffmann, H. (2023). Students’ psychophysiological reactivity to trigger warnings. Current Psychology, 42(7), 5470–5479. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01895-1
• Charles, A., Hare-Duke, L., Nudds, H., Franklin, D., Llewellyn-Beardsley, J., Rennick-Egglestone, S., Gust, O., Ng, F., Evans, E., Knox, E., Townsend, E., Yeo, C., & Slade, M. (2022). Typology of content warnings and trigger warnings: Systematic review. PLoS ONE, 17(5), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266722
• Erznoznik v. City of Jacksonville, 422 U.S. 205 (1975). Retrieved from https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/422/205/.
• Pineles S.L., Mostoufi S.M., Ready B., Street A.E., Griffin M.G., & Resick P.A. (2011). Trauma reactivity, avoidant coping, and PTSD symptoms: A moderating relationship? Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 120(1), 240-246.

A Sampling of Reviews

Gina Rae Mitchell

The Celwyn Series YouTube channel

An interview with reader “Liz”

“….But truthfully many more characters deserve to die than there are authors willing to kill them….”

What is New with the Celwyn Series?

Volunteer your time

For months, I’ve been volunteering with the non-profit group Engin to help Ukrainians speak and write English.
No degree needed, or experience. Just an hour a week per student you want to help. The sessions are over Zoom. Engin supplies support and everything you need. Engin is a non-profit, and donations are always welcome. My students waited more than 8 months for a volunteer, and still others are hoping for a volunteer match soon.

If you can donate or volunteer, even for an hour a week, they would be so happy to hear from you.

visit https://www.enginprogram.org/ for more information

Shameless buy links

The links below lead to booksellers who carry the Celwyn series.

The Violins Played before Junstan  book 1

https://books2read.com/celwyn01

Music Shall Untune the Sky   book 2

https://books2read.com/celwyn02

The Raven and the Pig     book 3

https://books2read.com/celwyn03

The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died  Book 4   

https://books2read.com/celwyn04

The Sea of the Vanities. Companion book.

https://books2read.com/celwyncompanion01

The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman  Book 5 
https://books2read.com/celwyn005

In this issue: MWA news, Celwyn news, and interviews with: 

                —Historical novelist Victoria Ventris Shea.               

                —The Writing Duo Kate Jenkins and Morgan Moreau    

                —Mystery writer WM Gunn

Celwyn’s Cats
The Beauty and the Beast. Guess which is which.

Book Signing!!
Please join us on May 4th from 2-4 p.m.

Barnes and Noble: 1530 Black Lake Blvd. Olympia, WA.

Lou Kemp will be signing all of the books in the Celwyn series, including book 5, The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman.

Mystery writer Linda Norlander will also be there, signing The Death of Goldie’s Mistress and her Cabin by the Lake Series.

Before this signing, Linda will be on a panel with other amazing writers for:

Left Coast Crime Conference, Seattle Shakedown, April 11-14 in Bellevue, Washington.

Interview with Victoria Ventris Shea

Which book was the hardest to write?

My first book, SHAGOON, was hardest. It was 110,000 words. I cut it severely to hit the “sweet spot” of 80,000, then went back to fill some in again. The section breaks (blank space to show a change in time or setting) were left out of the paperback which made the story confusing. It resulted in some bad ratings out of the gate. That took time to clear up.

Did the plot flow as you wrote, or did you need to change anything major?

That plot was easy. It appeared in my research like a map to travel around the Pacific Rim and included the love interest which became  the main conflict: love or duty.

What did you discover in research that was interesting?

In many Native American cultures of the past, twin babies were killed. That was the impetus for me to write SHAGOON; I needed to save a twin.

Which character is most like you?

I’m most like my main character’s mother. As the mother of twins, she fights valiantly to save her babies. She does not follow tradition for tradition’s sake and is relentless.

What happened when you killed a favorite character?

I killed my main character’s father. It was traumatic for me. I stalled for two weeks, then wrote it at 3 a.m. through the tears, sobbed for hours, and mourned for days.

Do you write for yourself or for readers?

I choose the story for myself since I will be writing it for about two years. I try to write it in a way that will be interesting to the reader.

Could we have a preview of your next book’s plot?

In THE GHOSTS OF WHIDBEY ISLAND the first settlers from the Oregon Trail come to live with the indigenous Skagit people in Washington Territory. Life is rugged. Still, relations are good until the governor arrives.

Mystery Writers of America members (and the public are invited)
The Edgars May 1, 2024

The Writing Duo of Kate Jenkins and Morgan Moreau

Background

We’ve never lived in the same state, or even the same side of the country, so all our writing takes place online. Originally, we discovered each other online and have only met in person once (at Disney World of all places!!). We met in an online RPG (role playing game) and began writing together in that capacity. When we decided we wanted to write books together, we already had experience plotting, creating characters, and putting stories together.

Our Writing Process

Our writing process is straightforward. We consider ourselves “pantsters.” We know the overall plot of the book, the important points we have to hit, but otherwise, we let the story and characters lead where they will. We often write scenes out of order, and we often work on multiple books at once. For example, we are currently writing chapters for books 4 and 5 in the Legends of Coralia series. 

Next, we put the scenes in order and fill in the gaps along the way. Kate describes the writing process as, “It’s like we are playing a two-person D&D campaign where we split the characters and forgot who the DM is at times.” Truthfully, many of the stories we currently write, or want to write in the future, usually come to life when one of us goes, “what would happen if…?”

Morgan likes to watch the 1996 Pride and Prejudice miniseries while writing and editing. Kate is a recent fan of Hazbin Hotel and gets inspired to make book memes by the cartoon.

Character creation can be mutual or individual depending on the scene and the needs of the story at the time. If individually created, the one of us who is doing the creating is the person who names the character, creates their background, appearance, and other relevant details. When developed together, the combination of who does what can vary wildly. We each have characters we are the primary writer for, though we write for all characters as needed. The primary writer for a character is usually the person who does the creating. For example, Morgan is the primary writer for Collette, and Morgan is the one who created Collette.

How we communicate

Most of our writing takes place on our private discord server (instant messaging platform). We have channels for each of the books in our series, and we will write under the appropriately labeled channel. We will write out chapters or scenes in a sever channel (where each of us can see what is going on and comment). We tend to share a similar view of the story and where it is going, but creative differences do arise. Usually, where there are creative differences, we simply talk them out. This can involve going through the repercussions of each of the possible paths forward and choosing what we think works best. If something ends up not working, we can change it or use it later. Usually, by the time we do our read through before submission, we will consider these points and make sure they work as intended.

As we write, Morgan transfers the writing to a Google Doc for editing. Usually, the editing process at this point is ensuring the cohesiveness and flow of the chapter. We also try to make sure the scene remains in one POV. We haven’t heard of other writing teams writing this way, but the process works well for us. Once the scene is fully put together, we do an initial read through to make sure everything fits together and flows well. Our goal is to make sure no one can tell which of us wrote any particular line. We also take this time to search for passive language, overuse of certain words, and more.

We talk on and off all day, every day. Most conversations happen on the server, but we have a chat with some other authors on Instagram. We also call each other through the server or on the phone a few times a week. Morgan likes entertainment when she drives, so Kate usually gets called upon in those instances. The latest phone conversation involved Morgan cheering Kate’s son on while he played a video game.

Some Ideas For What to read Next

An Interview with Mystery Writer W. M. Gunn

Tell us about your writing process: 

I would assume every author has a different take on the process of writing, and I am no different. Sometimes I lead the story to its conclusion, and sometimes the story leads me. Sometimes I may wake up in the middle of the night and write for hours, only to discover the next morning that it was best completed with the DELETE button.

Where do your characters come from? It is easy to establish relationships (good and bad) with the characters you create. After all, they are products of your own mind, or approximations of people you know or meet. You infuse them with personality traits and quirks you exhibit or see in others. You see their models at the grocery store, the movie theater, the gas station, church, and a bar on Saturday night. Here are some of my character examples:

1. Jakob Sofer was a 28-year-old man when he got off the boat at a port in Jamestown, Virginia. In Ireland he had been an indentured servant, and now embarked on a new life in a new world.

2. Ichiro Hisakawa was a 16-year-old Japanese-American imprisoned in a concentration camp with 12,000 others in California in 1942. They became the enemy because of their race – not because of what they did.

3. Huntington’s Disease, a devastating killer, slowly ravaged 11-year-old Maria and took a grave toll on her widowed father, Pedro. He was desperate to save his daughter, but nothing could be done until she wrote a letter to Santa.

What is unique about your unusual characters?  Here are a few examples: 

There was an assassin who suffered from epistaxis (nosebleeds) who went on a Boos Cruise on Halloween and along with another couple got more than they bargained for. 

Follow Corporal Dean Cummings on Omaha Beach on D-Day after he died. 

Then there is Commander Gretchen Moreno and her trio of Synthetic Space Sanitation robots named Larry, Curly, and Moe. 

Oh, and did you hear about the time Klaatu and Gort got into an argument? Or when Satan held court on a tree stump. He stood on his toes, knees bent, and hunched over at the waist. He had a long, red-orange muzzle, teeth as sharp as daggers, one blinding red eye, and one a deep pool of black like the tunnel to death. He faced Thomas Barton, better known as Red Smoke of the Keechi Creek tribe.

Since the late 1980s, I had an idea for a book. I never wrote anything down, but I knew how the story would begin and how it would end. It rolled around in my head for 20+ years until I retired in 2014 and finally put it down in my computer in about six weeks. My new career in writing had begun, but I was in no hurry to publish. Since that novel, I have written eleven more novels and two novellas but am only now beginning to publish. I have also written somewhere around 300+ short stories, many of which appear on my website under Storytime with Bubba, a rather unusual character to say the least.

We launched Holmes, Moriarty, and the Monkeys on March 1. This is a 19,000-word whodunit novella on Amazon Kindle ebooks. On the hearth in front of the Holmes and Moriarty Society’s massive fireplace are three stone statues of monkeys – Mizaru who holds its hands covering its eyes, Kikazaru with its hands covering its ears, and Iwazaru who covers its mouth. The story begins as Osgood Ridley, the owner of the mansion, and one of the society’s founding members, turns up dead. But as more bodies are found, the H&M Society’s true purpose is slowly revealed. When the statue of the fourth monkey, Sezaru, appears on the hearth, the questions begin to outweigh the answers. The members of the society realize that this is no longer a job for amateurs. Now it is the job for two police detectives to solve the mystery.

Upcoming: In May 2024, we will launch another novella entitled Chasing the Sun. As the sun moves from the East to the West comes the story of a group of adventurers following the trail of treasure from the Civil War last heard of in the 1880s. Ride with them as they encounter Union soldiers and Confederate Gold, Maximillian’s Lost Treasure and Indians, and a haunted cave of treasure and death.

Gina Rae Mitchell

Navigating the Journey from Writing to Publishing

By Gina Mitchell (full text found at GinaRaeMitchell.com)

The journey from writing to publishing is a significant milestone for any author. However, it’s crucial to approach this process with careful consideration, balancing the desire to see your work in print with the commitment to ensuring its quality and proper formatting. Here are some insights and tips to consider as you delve deeper into ways to make this transition easier.

• Strive for Quality Over Speed             
• Develop Your Skill 
• Embrace Revision
• Align with Your Goals Formatting Matters: Professional Appearance
• Consistency is Key Resisting the Urge to Publish: Patience Pays Off

Seek Feedback: remember, the first draft is for the writer, but the final draft is for the reader. By prioritizing quality over speed and ensuring proper formatting, you can increase the likelihood of your work resonating with readers and making a lasting impact.

The Celwyn Series YouTube channel

What is New with the Celwyn Series?

For months, I’ve been volunteering with the non-profit group Engin to help Ukrainians speak and write English.

No degree needed, or experience. Just an hour a week per student you want to help. The sessions are over Zoom. Engin supplies support and everything you need. Engin is a non-profit, and donations are always welcome. My students waited more than 8 months for a volunteer, and still others are hoping for a volunteer match soon.

If you can donate or volunteer, even for an hour a week, they would be so happy to hear from you.

[email protected]

Shameless Buy Links

The links below lead to booksellers who carry the Celwyn series.

The Violins Played before Junstan book 1

https://books2read.com/celwyn01

Music Shall Untune the Sky book 2

https://books2read.com/celwyn02

The Raven and the Pig book 3

https://books2read.com/celwyn03

The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died Book 4

https://books2read.com/celwyn04

The Sea of the Vanities. Companion book.

https://books2read.com/celwyncompanion01

The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman Book 5 https://books2read.com/celwyn005

In this issue: MWA news, Celwyn news, all about pod-casts, the Author Debates, and interviews with:

Interview with Erika Lange CEO

1. Tell us about the beginning of 4 Horsemen? Trials and successes.

It began in 2020 with three of us and the idea that we could do publishing better than the way it was being done by most large traditional publishers. Our motto is “Bringing the Publishing Apocalypse.” It has been a bumpy road, as is any new business, but I have always had the motto of being radically transparent and honest with my authors. We are partners in this. The success of 4HP depends on the success of my authors. We are a team and through everything I never lose sight of that.

2. In your opinion, what will the future of publishing look like. 

I believe that more smaller traditional and hybrid presses will help to continue to make a change in the publishing world. The older “Big 5,” as people like to call them, are not changing rapidly enough with the times. They do not act like partners with their authors so they do not set them up for success.

3. In this issue, we cover the debate between formally educated writers and self-taught writers. On the question of which does better commercially, do you have an opinion? Also, do you think formally educated writers have the same, or better, an imagination than those who break the rules of writing? 

I think any author can be successful if they never stop learning. It is important for authors to know that writing, while appearing to be a solitary endeavor, is actually a team effort. Editors and beta-readers will be your best friends, even if they piss you off sometimes. An author once told me when he gets his edits back the first thing he does is send the editor a thank you note before opening them, then have a stiff drink, and then start revising the next day. As long as you work on your craft, you can be amazing.

4. Which genres sell the most with 4 Horsemen, and why? 

We are very lucky that we sell across the genres. I think this is because we allow our authors to tell the stories they want to tell. We do not simply say “Romance is selling!” and try to only do that.

5 Which cross-genres work best at 4 Horsemen? 

I do not think there is a best cross-genre. I instead love seeing how our authors find the best ways to tell the most interesting stories. I encourage authors everywhere to do this. A reader doesn’t usually know what they are looking for until they see it exists.

6. How much do you put yourself in the shoes of the reader when choosing whether or not to add an author to 4 Horsemen’s roster?  

I start with is the author able to write well and tell a good story. I do not have much that we say “no” to because, like readers, I am always excited to find a new voice.

7. Do you hear anything from the readers on where they want a particular series to go? Do you get feedback from disgruntled readers about cliff hangers in a series? 

Readers hate cliff hangers unless they know the next book is coming. I think the feedback goes to the author more than to us as a publisher. However, when I do meet readers at live events, I love seeing how they react to our books. I always want them to find their new favorite.

8.  What is your opinion of Ai and how will 4 Horsemen approach it? 

AI writing is totally off limits just as ghost writing is for us. The unfortunate thing about AI is in order to “generate” work it has to scrape the internet for similar work to mimic—-this means it is stealing art from others. I am hoping at some point this is not how AI approaches things and that AI is clearly labeled so we can continue to avoid it.

9.  What do you think new authors should decide before they begin their book? Should it be who they are writing for (themselves or their audience)? Do you have other criteria they should consider? 

I think the best advice for authors is to WRITE! Also do not edit yourself as you go. Get it all on the paper and then go back through. Stories should pull the reader in and make them want to stay buckled up for the whole ride. So when you write, you will have a whole iceberg in your brain, make sure enough of it hits the page so your readers are engaged. Most important, write your story the way you want to tell it. Then find a brilliant editor to make your words sing!

10. Could we have a preview/synopsis one of 4 Horsemen’s new series? 

There are a few coming up but we are excited about some new rapid releases that you will be able to get a three book series over three months. Our newsletter and social media has links to all of the excitement that is coming. https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2F4horseme…

11. What trends in genres of books do you see on the horizon? Will Romance continue to dominate, or? 

Romance readers tend to go through 5-10 books a week. Most other readerships are not that fast. I think however, romance readers would love different takes, different stories and a cast of characters they are not used to. They want happy endings, or at least happy for now, but the sky is the limit on everything else.

Podcasts: Some favorites from authors and other podcasters.

Definition of podcast: a digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically or by visiting the site.

Here are some opinions from authors and others closely related to the publishing industry:

JOURNEYS IN ACTIVE FANDOM

There are a lot of fans out there, but how did they, and more importantly, how can you, turn your passion into something creative? Join us each week as we meet fans who have moved from being consumers to creators. If your interests spring from speculative fiction and related fandoms, join us; whether you’re a model builder, cosplayer, artist, writer, fan-publisher, or club organizer, you’ll find something of interest with The Halfling and the Spaceman. 

From the Halfling and the Spaceman https://halflingandspaceman.com/

Kemper Donovan’s  All About Agatha podcast.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-agatha-chris…

All About Agatha is a podcast all about Agatha Christie: the Queen of Crime, a real-life Dame of the British Empire and author of sixty-six mystery novels that spanned the Twentieth Century, defining a genre. For five years, Catherine Brobeck and Kemper Donovan revisited these novels in publication order, ranking them according to pre-set criteria (plot, character, etc.). Tragically, Catherine Brobeck passed away at the end of 2021. Since then, Kemper has completed the podcast’s ranking project, and now contents himself with interviewing like-minded obsessives, dissecting new adaptations, and trying to solve the age-old mystery of why Christie–and Christie alone–endures as powerfully as she does. There is always something to talk about where Christie is concerned!

Reading Women Podcast link:

https://www.readingwomenpodcast.com/

“I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.” – Virginia Woolf

If you look back over the history of literary awards, few women have received top awards. Only sixteen women have won the Nobel Prize for Literature, and only thirty-one have won the Pulitzer Prize. Reading Women reclaims the bookshelf by interviewing authors and reviewing books by or about women of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Partners in Crime Podcast

I will say that we are a storytelling podcast – not an interview podcast. We feature mysteries in two ways. Our main M2D4 stories are filled through a call process that happens about 8 months before the start of the season. Stories are featured as a podcast episode and collected into a e-book / print anthology. The next call will go out May/June of 2024.

Our second option is a Toe Tag. We do readings of first chapters along with full book reviews that drop as a podcast bonus episode. These are sold through Partner In Crimes Virtual Book Tours. Here is their link: https://partnersincrimetours.com/
Tina Wolff, host

The My Imaginary Friends podcast is a behind the scenes look at the journey of a working author navigating traditional and self-publishing. Fantasy and paranormal romance author Leslye Penelope shares insights on the writing life, creativity, inspiration, and this week’s best thing. Perfect for readers and writers alike!

https://lpenelope.com/podcast/

Leslye Penelope, host

Molly Southgate hosts Read Between the Lines. She interviews authors and discusses the writing process with them, not just their latest book. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/read-between-the-lines…

Jesse Jackson hosts Set Lusting Bruce. He interviews people about their love of music and, being a big reader himself, often has authors on.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/set-lusting-bruce-the-…

Steve and Chip host Too Much Scrolling. They are avid readers and often treat the show as a book club with their listeners. They also love to interview authors.  https://toomuchscrolling.podbean.com/

I started “The Memoir Channel” because truth is indeed stranger than fiction and ofttimes more inspiring. True stories can uplift us, empower us, expand us, heal us, and hopefully, bridge the gap between us. If we step into another’s shoes for a few pages, maybe we can shift our prejudices, soften our judgments, and gain a deeper understanding of others and ourselves. The Memoir Channel aims to explore and support the writers of true-life. — Niki Smart stories www.youtube.com/@memoirchannel

The Paperback Podcast by Pagan Malcolm: This podcast has stopped running, but it still contains useful knowledge of authorship, publishing, and even navigating mindset shifts.

The Creative Penn Podcast by Joanna Penn: Joanna Penn is well-known in the author world, and her podcast is great for writers of all stages. There are lots of episodes about writing, publishing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

The Author Revolution Podcast by Carissa Andrews: Carissa Andrews is an amazing force to learn from in the author world. She’s all about manifesting your millionaire author destiny. And while that might sound a little woo-woo, it’s all about the mindset shift for the better, and it’s backed by science! Her podcast also has episodes on writing conferences, entrepreneurship, marketing, and more.

S. W. Raine, author of The Elements Trilogy

My favorite podcast is the Story Darlings. I’ve been interviewed by them several times and they are so much fun. Another good podcast is the Freya’s Fairytales podcast. I was recently on that one and she was really wonderful, sending me a little gift afterward for being a guest!  https://storydarlings.com/podcast/

Ty Carlson, author of the Dadirri saga books

The one podcaster I know of is Marsha Casper Cook’s Podcast called Michigan Avenue Media Podcast www.michiganavenuemedia.com. I hope to do one with her soon. Krysten Lindsay Hager often teams up with Marsha as well. I’m checking with one other person, and I’ll let you know if she does them.

Tricia La Rochelle, author of the Sara Browne series

Words & Pictures Podcast

Hi, I’m DJ Bowman-Smith, and I host the Words & Pictures Podcast. I started the podcast about a year and a half ago to reach out to other writers and creatives in the publishing world. I interview writers, artists and book cover designers. Listeners like me are fascinated by all the stories and insights from self-published and trad authors at all stages of creativity – beginners and experienced. All genres are welcome. This year, I will be slotting in some solo episodes to share my own knowledge and experience of the writing life.

www.djbowmansmith.com/podcast

Words & Pictures Podcast | a podcast by D J Bowman-Smith (podbean.com) 

The Picky Bookworm podcast is a show that seeks to highlight and promote authors through weekly chats. Each chat features a different area of the writing process, and helps readers find new authors and books for their collections.

Along with weekly chats, Pamela also features occasional “book chats,” where she and a guest get together and discuss a specific book. These book chats are randomly scattered through the podcast schedule, and offer a fun way to find a new book or enjoy someone else’s reading experience.

You can find The Picky Bookworm on most major podcast directories, as well as Pamela’s website, thepickybookworm.com

Mysteries to Die For is a podcast where we combine storytelling with original music to put you at the heart of mystery. All of our stories are structured for you to beat the detective to the solution. Get ready to dive in. Happy hunting, detectives.  

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mysteries-to-die-for/i…

Recommended by assorted members of the Pacific Northwest MWA

Interview with Urban Fantasy Writer S. W. Raine

Does your own reading stay within your writing genre, or do you have a different genre for yourself (and why)?
I’m a mood reader, meaning my mood dictates what I’ll read next. But I read a wide variety of genres, so it’s not uncommon for me to read some thrillers, sci-fi, or even romance, despite not being a big romance fan. But steampunk and urban fantasy are my favorite books to read, which is why I became a steampunk and urban fantasy author to begin with.

When you do research, do you have (alive) sources that you interview in person or by other means? Do you have a sample of what you have discovered that was especially interesting?
Sometimes! My mum is actually my best resource when it comes to military (in my steampunk novels) and law-related things (in my urban fantasy novels) because she was a military court reporter. I also hired a Black Jamaican sensitivity reader to help make sure one of my steampunk characters was accurate. Other than that, I do extensive research online or in books. I was particularly proud when I’d done a bunch of research on jet ejections and parachutes, and a beta reader, who’d worked with those in the military, was especially impressed with the accuracy.

How much do you put yourself in the shoes of the reader? Do you hear anything from them on where they want the series to go?
I pay attention to the feedback I receive from readers. Not so much regarding the direction of a book or series, but moreso about what I can improve on. The best example is the reviews for my urban fantasy book, mentioning the slow pacing at the beginning. I took that feedback to heart and am currently fixing the pacing in the next one to not repeat the same mistake.

Rise of Sky Pilot, Raine’s latest 
Straying from his noble dreams, Benedict joins a band of rogues for an easy mercenary job. But when the sole survivor of a sky pirate attack is found in the Atlantic, Benedict is thrust into a dangerous race against a poisonous alchemical threat set for the Great Lakes. Can Benedict foil the sky pirate’s plans and reclaim his dream life, or will he find new ambition?

The Author Debates: Formal Training as an Author, or Learn as You Go?

Some Ideas For What to read Next

The Celwyn Series YouTube channel

What is new with the Celwyn Series?

What is new?  

The basic first draft of book 7 is complete, and now the endless, really endless, editing begins. The first phase is a once through check for what is missing and obvious mistakes. Next will be adding in parts missing in scenes, and maybe a chapter or two. Then the reverse, eliminating things that are not needed.  None of the major characters dies this time, but there are some close calls and new additions. By this time next month I hope to have the handwritten draft transcribed into digital format and not have a screaming fit while trying to shake the voice activated software out of my pc.

The title for Book 7 is Lucky and Mrs. Nemo. For now, the mini-synopsis is:  Swango is still traveling with them on the Nautilus, and his flamboyant and rude tendencies remind everyone alternately of Celwyn or Pelaez. He is not as irritating as Pelaez (who he hasn’t met yet) and mostly means well. But, his way of participating is unusual and never planned. After attending to a deadly assault on Findbar Island, the adventurers leave for Spain to confront Doctor Lazlo and Mrs. Nemo, and when Tellyhouse is threatened, they return to Prague. Things shift again, and the Nautilus races west and for Kang’s sake, Celwyn hopes they arrive in time.

About the Series:

The Celwyn Series is a steampunk fantasy filled with murder, mystery, and magic. The series stars the immortal magician Jonas Celwyn , Bartholomew the widower from the Sudan, and Professor Xiau Kang an automat who is also a doctor and scientist.  As they travel the world they become part of the Nautilus and Captain Nemo’s adventures.

If you’d like a bulleted synopsis of any of the first 4 books of the series, please contact me at: https://loukemp.com/
If you have a comment on the newsletter or would like to participate in the Author Debates or the ongoing article “A Readers Point of View” in future issues, contact me there.

Synopsis Book 6. Swango, available mid 2024 

The story begins in Hong Kong after Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Kang are attacked. The identity of their assailant is interesting; and it portends an event that will challenge them all.

Pelaez is back, which makes life aboard the submarine rather tense while everyone tries to kill him. Before they can leave Hong Kong, the magician uses a unique method to retrieve half of Captain Nemo’s crew from their shore leave before they are killed. Months later, when Celwyn and company arrive in Prague they must bury one of their family who has been cruelly murdered.

From there, the adventurers reboard the Nautilus to travel to the Castell de Ferro in Spain. They expect a dangerous and supernatural reception and need more protection than what Celwyn can provide. At the magician’s suggestion, they plan to invite his acquaintance, Swango, aboard. Captain Nemo suspects Swango may be an asset, but the man also brings much more than assistance onto the ship.

For months, I’ve been volunteering with the non-profit group Engin to help Ukrainians speak and write English.
No degree needed, or experience. Just an hour a week per student you want to help. The sessions are over Zoom. Engin supplies support and everything you need. Engin is a non-profit, and donations are always welcome. My students waited more than 8 months for a volunteer, and still others are hoping for a volunteer match soon.

If you can donate or volunteer, even for an hour a week, they would be so happy to hear from you: [email protected]

An Interview with an Engin Volunteer

Beverly, a volunteer from New York City, has been with Engin for about 5 months. The non-profit teaches Ukrainian citizens to speak English.

What do you get out of volunteering with Engin? Do you learn things about Ukraine?
I get the satisfaction of feeling that I am helping someone achieve their goal as well as the great pleasure of developing a friendship. As a retiree, developing useful lessons also helps me maintain my mental faculties!

Yes, I do learn about Ukraine—inadvertently. My student prefers not to talk about the war but we do talk about her life—and that is daily life in Ukraine.

Do you have to be a teacher to volunteer, or just have common sense and a good grasp of English?
No, you don’t have to be a teacher. I am not a teacher. Common sense and a good grasp of English are very useful.

How often do you meet with your student, and how long are the sessions?
We meet once a week for an hour. Sometimes the lessons extend beyond the hour if we have the time and the lesson seems to require it.

Does Engin provide support for lessons and questions?

Yes. Engin is very supportive.

First, its volunteers go through a virtual training program which provides the basics for how it all works. It is sensitively designed and answers most questions. Engin has a series of handbooks that reinforce what you’ve learned in the training program. It also, importantly, offers many lesson plans, some quite elaborate, with articles, games, videos and YouTubes that you can share with your student. You are not obliged to use these lessons, but they are there should you want them.

Engin also offers “mentors” for volunteers—these are experienced volunteers whose very experience with Ukrainian students help to clarify potential issues. They can also prompt your own creativity in developing lessons. Engin uses YouTube and other on-line programs to help with technical issues.

But if you have a specific question, you are encouraged to write directly to the program and you will get a response generally within a week that answers most questions. Engin has a series of handbooks that reinforce what you’ve learned in the training program. It also offers lesson plans, some quite elaborate, with articles, games, videos and YouTubes that you can share with your student. You are not obliged to use these lessons, but they are there should you want them.

Engin also offers “mentors” for volunteers—these are experienced volunteers whose very experience with Ukrainian students help to clarify potential issues. They can also prompt your own creativity in developing lessons. Engin uses YouTube and other on-line programs to help with technical issues.

If you have a specific question, you are encouraged to write directly to the program and you will get a response generally within a week.

Shameless Buy Links

The links below lead to booksellers who carry the Celwyn series.

The Violins Played before Junstan book 1

https://books2read.com/celwyn01

Music Shall Untune the Sky book 2

https://books2read.com/celwyn02

The Raven and the Pig book 3

https://books2read.com/celwyn03

The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died Book 4

https://books2read.com/celwyn04

The Sea of the Vanities. Companion book.

https://books2read.com/celwyncompanion01

The Wyvern, the Pirate, and the Madman Book 5 https://books2read.com/celwyn005

In this issue: MWA news, editing tips, all about cross-genres, a readers point of view, and author interviews with: 

Kemper Donavan, mystery novelist

Katie Andrews cozy fantasy novelist

Lane Stone, thriller novelist

Celwyn’s Cats: Toodles gives new meaning to the term writers block.

Interview with mystery author Kemper Donavan

Do you have your next book’s plot already in your head? Could we have a preview?
I do indeed; the second book in my series takes place entirely on a boat! What I’ve done is to retain the first-person narrator from my first book—an enigmatic ghostwriter whose name we never learn, and who functions as a Watson/Hastings-type “sidekick” character. But instead of following both her and a detective as a sleuthing pair from book to book, my sidekick will be teaming up with different detectives in each new setting. In her sophomore outing, she’s taken a job as a lecturer on a “literary cruise” populated by fellow writers and the avid readers who pay to learn from them. Naturally, this cruise does not go according to plan….
If a new writer approached you, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them to make sure they enjoy the process of writing, whatever that means to them. There are a lot of different ways to write, and many days I feel like I still haven’t figured out the optimal process! But I try to enjoy it, because now that I’ve had two books published, I can appreciate that it’s the writing process itself that not only forms the heart of the endeavor, but is the only part of a writing career over which a writer has total control. That is a beautiful thing! We writers should do everything we can to wield that power wisely.
Can you see yourself using A.I. in your books?
Absolutely not! And the forcefulness of my answer is why I will be eating my words several years from now! Actually, I’m trying to incorporate the themes (and hand-wringing) around A.I. that we all seem to be engaging in these days into a new mystery, so in a way I suppose I am making use of A.I., just not in the actual construction of the book (perish the thought!).

Kemper’s The Busy Body is a mystery with a contemporary tone/milieu and a classic “puzzle” construction in the best tradition of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. This is something that Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz have had astounding success with recently, and it is my intention to reach the same audience with this book. I’ve been an avid scholar of Agatha Christie for seven years now, by way of my podcast All About Agatha, and my book is an homage to the Queen of Crime, deliberately employing some of the tricks and tropes that worked so well for her.

Cross Genre Books: What are they and what should authors and readers know?

Cross genre books marry one or more genres together in a book or series. Common examples are romances with a strong mystery element, horror and sci-fi together, fantasy with romance, the list goes on.  So do the challenges and rewards.

Here are some opinions from authors and others closely related to the industry:

I think that cross-genre books are what make us see the value in things we may not normally read. A sci-fantasy book might turn someone who only reads fantasy to sci-fi, or vice versa. I think it also opens up the mind to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes, a near-future romance like the bench, may venture into the thriller genre and dig at the reader’s sense of safety or help them redefine parenting like in a domestic thriller/sci-fi blend. It’s all perspective, but we read to grow, and what better way than branch out?  ––Author Ty Carlson, author of Convergence of Gods

I am a huge fan of books that cross genres. Mix in a little romance with a suspense thriller, and you’ve got yourself an intriguing combination. My Sara Browne Series (Flickering Heart, Revive, and Handfast) definitely blends romance with suspense, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to keep the reader guessing while swooning a little at the same time.  Fantasy is another popular genre that blends well with romance. Books such as Discovery of Witches, and Twilight have done quite well. Bring it on, I say.   —Tricia LaRochelle, author of the Sara Brown Series

We really enjoy cross-genre books… and they aren’t anything new. The romance community has been doing it for ages (romantic suspense, paranormal romance, etc.). Sometimes single genre books can be a bit formulaic. With cross-genre books, that formula can get shaken up a bit. Today a mystery set in outer space, tomorrow a romance set in the multi-verse. Cross genre writing maintains interest, keeps boredom at bay and might earn writers some new readers. Win win all around! —Goddess Fish Book Tours and Blog

I just finished reading James Lee Burke’s “Every Cloak Rolled in Blood.” He writes the mystery/crime novels with Detective Dave Robicheaux as the protagonist. I know what to expect—action, vivid descriptions and complex characters. In “Every Cloak Rolled in Blood,” though, he adds ghosts and spirits mixed with real history giving the story a dreamlike quality. I loved it. His book is a prime example of melding several genres into one great story. The key is in the skill of the writer to make you believe and care enough to relax and enjoy the book. —Linda Norlander, author of Death of Goldie’s Mistress

I believe that cross-genre books are usually enriched by each genre. We know from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series how popular it is to combine a number of genres: romance, history, and fantasy. A murder mystery is interesting, but even more so if the whodunnit happens to be on Earth during the year 2500 AD (science fiction). A protagonist in a thriller faces terrible twists of circumstance, and these are amplified if they happen during World War II—a historical period of major upheaval. Ultimately, what matters the most is how well the book is written. —Hilary Tiefer, author of The Secret Ranch

Some might think writing is writing. The genre doesn’t have an impact. After all, it’s the story, not the genre. Right? Not for this author. I discovered shifting from crime thrillers to cozy mysteries posed a new set of challenges. In my thrillers, the emphasis is on the crime, and how the characters solve it. In my cozy mysteries, the emphasis is on the characters, and how the crime impacts their lives.  —Anita Dickason, author of Murder’s Legacy

I am a big fan of cross-genre books. I think that it can challenge both the author and the reader to deepen their experience with the characters. It is this genre crossing that can create new ways of approaching tired stories and breathe new life into stale concepts. I always look for stories to take me someplace new and to get a reaction. Staying within a single genre all the time can lessen this experience. —Rob Southgate VP of Marketing at 4 Horsemen Publications

Cross-genre books can work really well! A mash-up between settings, themes, topics, and tropes that are normally siloed off from one another can produce something fresh and exciting, a new reading experience for us all to enjoy. Of course, some combinations either don’t work or are attempted with an unpracticed hand, and the results aren’t always revelatory, but I think of it like fusion cuisine: if we aren’t willing to combine old things to make something new, we’d be missing entire vistas of culinary adventures. As with food, so with books. I’m for it, and I encourage anyone who’s interested to try to make it work!. —Peter Angus, author of Fabyan Place

I personally love cross-genres as they broaden the horizons of the storylines and characters. The more crossovers you have, the less rules you have to play by and it creates a much richer world and intriguing story in my opinion. My favorites include murder mystery and romance. I have read many slow-burning series which not only have the “will they/won’t they” moments but also the “will they even survive” trope which enriches the reading experience so much. As a writer, I find this equally fulfilling as it is challenging since it can invoke an insecurity on whether or not I am satisfying the needs in my own writing when I include multiple genres in my work. —Lucas LaMont, author of Roman’s Reckoning

Cross-genre books offer a fresh and innovative approach to storytelling, providing readers with a unique and engaging experience. By combining elements from different genres, these books have the potential to attract a broader audience, appealing to readers who enjoy diverse storytelling styles. Authors of cross-genre works benefit from creative freedom, allowing them to explore a variety of themes and infuse more creativity into their narratives.

However, these books face challenges in marketing and categorization, making it difficult to find a specific target audience. Additionally, readers may experience confusion when navigating a story with multiple genre elements. Critics might also struggle to objectively assess cross-genre books, approaching them with preconceived notions about specific genres. —Gina Ray Mitchell, Book reviewer and Blogger 

Cross genre books provide opportunities to create fresh characters and narrative paths—and can become new genres in their own right, if they take. However, if they don’t, publishers will dread them. Not everybody is Picasso, and not everybody likes cubism—even Picasso’s. In short, I’m all for them—caveat venditor notwithstanding. ––Taggert Rehnn, author of Lucca’s Return

Interview with Mystery Writer Lane Stone

When you do research, do you have (alive) sources that you interview in person or by other means? Do you have a sample of what you have found out that was especially interesting?

Several museum security executives and operations managers have graciously spent time with me. I tried to thank them in the acknowledgment of The Canvas. Sure, I’m in their debt, but the future is, too. What these people do is important because art is important.

If you were to write in another genre a few years from now, what would it be? (this could also be flipped to a genre you wrote in earlier and why you changed to this genre)

I wrote cozy mysteries for years before switching to thrillers. DEAD MEN DON’T DECORATE was my last cozy. I felt restless and knew it was time to make a change. I wanted a bigger playground, for one thing. Now I can use international settings. And I wanted to write about a truly outrageous heroine. Emma Kelly’s secret life is just that. I’m calling this my Larry’s good girl gone bad phase. I’m having a blast.

Have you thought of writing non fiction? If so, what kind and why?

Weeeelll, my agent is about to start shopping a narrative nonfiction project for me. It’s about American nuns in Poland at the start of World War II. The birth of the blitz was in Warsaw in September, 1939. The US Department of State advised them to leave, but they stayed – saving the lives of Jewish children and playing an important role in the Polish Underground. I’ll keep you posted on this on my author Facebook page, Lane Stone Writer.

What are you writing now and what will it focus on?  Will it have a solid ending or leave things open for more?

I’m writing book 3 in the Big Picture Trilogy right now. And since this is a trilogy rather than a series, I will hopefully nail the landing. Everything has to be wrapped up. And Emma Kelly has made quite a mess. (Double life, yada, yada.)

In the second installment in the Big Picture Trilogy, The Canvas, (Level Best Books, 11/21/23) Emma unmasks her foe – a family whose name is synonymous with art. The body count rises, culminating in a terror attack outside the walls of the Vatican. And they’re only getting started.

How long can she protect the greatest collection of art the world has ever known and her secret?

Interview with cozy fantasy writer Katie Andrews

When you do research, what tools do you use? 

I love doing research for my books. Google is my best friend obviously when I need to research niche things like a region’s climate, what plants might grow there, or when the button was invented. I love watching documentaries about cultures and places I’m using for inspiration because I get a visual to help me write the world and scenes I want to include in my book. With Hills of Heather and Bone, I spent some time in Scotland over the yards, and I went on a lot of tours of the country and learned a lot of history that I applied to the story. That was my favorite research I’ve done because I got to travel over the country, take in the scenery, and learn a lot about modern and ancient Scottish culture.

How much do you put yourself in the shoes of the reader? Do you hear anything from them on where they want the series to go? 

I usually try to put myself in a reader’s shoes to see how they might react to certain characters or plot twists and what things might be exciting and impactful to read. My beta readers offer great feedback and I try to listen to the suggestions they have. For my trilogy, I’ve heard readers talk about theories they have and what they hope my characters will do and sometimes it’s something I already have planned, but some of it I take and see if that will enhance the story. Most importantly, if I read my story and don’t enjoy it, chances are a reader won’t either.

Andrews’ Hills of Heather and Bone is a finalist in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off competition. She is working on a revision to the second book in her dark fantasy trilogy and writing more cozy fantasy short stories.

A Reader’s Point of View.

Questions asked of reader “Beverly”

Serving Filet Mignon on a Garbage Can Lid

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a cheap tattoo isn’t good, and a good tattoo isn’t cheap. It does not matter if you like tattoos or not, since the saying can be applied to anything that takes skill. There isn’t an excuse out there that I haven’t heard before or said myself when I was a greener writer. If you want to be a rule breaker, you first must understand the rules, how to properly follow them, and establish yourself in the industry as someone who knows the craft. Otherwise, you will come across as an amateur and no one deserving of a second thought. No one wants that. No one wants to write and be dismissed.

Consider this: if you give the meaning of the words you write, the story you weave, and the worlds you build great thought and scrutiny, why would you want to skimp on an editor? You have heard this before, but I am always hearing whispers of not needing an editor or using a family member to proofread. 

A few things to that point: 

*  If you don’t think you need an editor, please step back and take a hard look at yourself and your resistance to seeing yourself as anything but perfect. You are not. 

*  Every writer, great and small, needs an editor. If you are like me, both an editor and a writer, do not be so bold as to think you can properly edit yourself. As the writer, you are far too close to the story to see what you are missing or words misspelled. Since you know the story in your head, everything that is missing or wrong on the page will be filled in mentally. Not so great a situation. 

*  If you don’t know the difference between editing and proofreading, please educate yourself on this.

Analogy and example: The writing industry is not just about the words on the page and the story you intend to tell. It is very much about how it is delivered. I have a couple of friends who are in different bands. One friend has toured the world and made a name for himself in his niche genre. We will call him “Sam.” The other has toured Chicagoland. We shall call him “Lenny.” A while back, Lenny asked what he was doing wrong. His band’s music is top-notch. The recording on the album was very professional and sounded great. They were playing shows and had a great stage presence. So I contacted Sam for some advice. 

He took a look at their album cover, website, and Facebook page, and listened to their music. He immediately came back to me and said, “They are serving Filet Mignon on a garbage can lid.” They had put all this time and effort (talent, too, but for this story it is not important) into the album, but everything else went by the wayside. He said that no legitimate label with any sort of pull would give them a second look because if they weren’t willing to make themselves look as best as possible, why should a label spend their money on it?

It does not matter how good your story is, just as it did not matter how good their album was. Yes, if a label picked them up, they would re-record everything they already made. But it would not have been money wasted, just as paying an editor in order to present a professional manuscript to a publisher who is then going to send it through multiple rounds of further edits a waste of money, since the money spent is an investment in yourself and your career.

Whether you are trying to be a traditionally published author or a self-published author, presenting your work to a potential publisher, agent, or reader in as professional a way as possible can only help make you look better and more knowledgeable in your craft than handing over something full of errors. I can ramble on for days about the importance of a quality editor and the need for one. 

At the end of the day. Finding the right editor will not only make your work look more presentable, but they will also help you tell the story you want to tell in the best voice you have.

I am always open for questions if you have them and am currently accepting new clients if you are looking for an editor. I can be reached at [email protected] or use the link below.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to the year. Keep writing!

In this issue: book recommendations, articles on book searches, editing info, book blog background, a reader’s point of view, author interviews.

Books Books Books!!! As recommended by friends and a great new Goodreads reader group.
These are Thrillers, Mysteries, Cozies, Classics, and Fantasy books with many cross genres thrown in. Every month there will be new books featured. Contact me at https://loukemp.com/ to make your suggestions.

A Reader’s Point of View

This will be an ongoing column, and if you’d like to be interviewed, please let me know at: https://loukemp.com/

Questions asked of reader “Nikki”

What is the best book you ever read? Why? It would be hard to pick a single book. A good book must tell a complete story. The Patrick O’Brien series of Master and Commander was a great series of books. The characters were like friends and I was always excited to read about the next great adventure and how their friendship endured through good and bad times.

My favorite book, or the one that I remember as being great, was Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, a historical novel of the medieval times and what it was like for ordinary people; how different life was and the struggles just to survive.

Recently, what was the worst book you’ve read, and what made it bad? It was a mystery/ detective book. It didn’t solve the initial mystery and threw in a murder that was solved, without giving many clues, so the author could continue to write another book on the initial crime. The story and characters were not believable. I’ll withhold the title for now.

When a book ends on a cliff hanger, and is part of a series, are you ok with that? Or do you prefer a complete ending in each book? I like books that are a series, but each book should tell a story. I often read a book that is in the middle of a series and do not care for cliff hanger endings.

Do you think cross-genre books are great, or irritating? (examples: a mystery/romance or a science fiction/horror, etc.) As long as it’s part of a good story I don’t mind. Some things are just part of life and the books should reflect that. If it makes the story complete, then I would like it.

If you could give a new author any advice from a reader, what would it be? Most people read for pleasure, so tell a good story with characters that are believable; good or bad. By the end of the book, most questions should be answered.

As a reader, do you have a personal rule on when to buy a paperback verses an ebook? I don’t have a rule, but when ebooks are on sale, I will try a new author.

Celwyn’s Cats
This is Ivan. Don’t let the innocent blue eyes deceive you.

Tips from an Editor

Disclaimer: Joseph is my editor, and if he was using my writing in his examples of what not to do, this would be a much longer article—and involve bad comma usage.

Writers have an abundance of tools at their disposal. And, for the most part, this is a good thing. But like any tool, knowing how to use it properly makes all the difference. And to that point, let’s talk about the good old thesaurus. (Insert dad joke about literate dinosaurs here) Now that whatever joke you made up is out of the way…

When authors write, they tend to find their favorite word of the week, and that word will be used more times during those writing sessions than throughout the rest of the book. For example, (and I promise this will tie around to my main point) I have an author who loves the word ‘glare.’ There is nothing wrong with that word. Two people can glare at each other. One person can glare at someone or something else. A group of people can glare at blah blah blah, you get the point. But when writing romance, erotica, steamy scenes, whatever you want to call them, the word ‘glare’ is not commonly be used. Unless, of course, the characters are having ‘hate sex’ or angry relations. Why, you ask? Why can’t they glare? Because glare evokes negative emotions. You don’t glare at your newborn child affectionately. You gaze at them.

Let out a long breath… and to the point of a thesaurus, gaze and glare both mean to look at something. There is no argument there. But the intent in which something is looked at is all the difference. And that is where a quick browse of a thesaurus would serve a writer poorly. The list of terms in a thesaurus speaks to the word’s general meaning—in this instance, to look at something. But glare, gaze, stare, peek, rubbernecking, ogling, look are all words that serve the same base function—to look at. To a writer looking to pepper in some unfamiliar words, this may look like a fail-proof way to vary their vocabulary but beware. As stated, different words evoke different emotions. Rubbernecking or ogling an attractive person is far less serial killer vibes than glaring or staring at the same person.

In the end, learning new words and synonyms is a great way to engage your reader, but be wary of falling into the writer who does a find/replace while writing a letter to an adoption agency and ends up signing their name Baby Kangaroo instead of Joey. (A good Friends reference if there ever was one.) Until next time, keep writing!

Jospeph Mistretta is an editor with 4 Horsemen Publications and can also be reached at https://jcm-editing.wixsite.com/freelance-editor · or at [email protected]

Interview with Mystery Writer M. J. Miller

1. Does a new writer need an agent?

My Goodness! What a loaded question. A dream come true for any writer I used to imagine. But wait, not so fast. I think there is still a place in the literary world for agents. But they aren’t quite as essential for all writers. The first question to ask “what are you writing?” Then, “why are you writing?”

You might want to ask yourself, do you want to see your book in every bookstore you visit? Is fame and fortune your motivation? The idea of a successful writer as changed so much with technology. Authors have found they can self-publish a book and become a bestseller without all the traditional channels. But don’t imagine that it’s easy. The marketing of a book requires an extensive amount of time and effort. Personally, I self-published my first three novels and felt good about their success. But the minute I slacked off on my marketing, the sales disappeared. What choices did I have? I wanted to write. The stories in my head demanded to be let loose. So I wrote, and submitted. And got rejection after rejection from agents. But publishers weren’t so quick to dismiss my work. And I ended up landing a contract without an agent. Which circled back to my realizing that nobody is going to market your book and ensure higher sales than the writers themselves.

2.  Do you write for an imaginary reader or for yourself? Which do you recommend for a new writer?

I most definitely write the story in my head, for an imaginary reader. Sometimes, I even pause, read a passage aloud, and wonder if my imaginary reader is laughing, or crying, or ripping their hair out. I’ve also been known to talk to them on occasion, even asking for advice. I’m quite sure I’m not the only writer who does that! I haven’t yet given them a name, but I have a feeling that the more books I write, the more I’ll need different imaginary readers, and naming them might just be necessary.

3.  How important is a review to you, and do you recommend paying someone to review your book?
Reviews for me are everything. And nothing at all. If they are genuine, good or bad, I will learn from them, and they most definitely can drive sales. But I don’t pay for reviews unless it’s a reputable, published reviewer such as Kirkus. These are the type of reviews you can add to your editorial content on Amazon and are helpful. Paid reviewers for me aren’t genuine, nor helpful. I want to know what real readers thought of my book, without bias or monetary reward. And the genuine feeling of joy I get when they love my work is priceless.

Mary says:
My most recent, and ongoing series, is the Luckland Mysteries which are based in a quirky, matriarchal town with a whole posse of rabble-rousing women of a certain age. I have had so much fun telling their stories, revealing the mysteries plaguing the historic town of Luckland, and all told through the eyes of my new favorite heroine, Pippa O’Leary. 

She’s spunky, brave, and finding herself embroiled in one disaster after another courtesy of her mother’s best friends. Every book in the series unveils a new mystery. From the paranormal, to the extraterrestrial, to murder and mayhem and hidden goldmines. Everything and anything goes in Luckland! Which certainly keeps me entertained as I head into my next adventure. I can only say that haunted inns aren’t always as they seem. And neither are their guests.

Tips from Gina Rae Mitchell: Blogger, Reviewer, and friend to authors

Ideas on Researching Authors

Interview with faith-based mystery writer Jessica Scachetti

1. Do you plot out and outline your books, or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

When I start writing I usually write by the seat of my pants, letting the story flow along as I go. That is actually how I wrote all four of my published books.  However, with my latest book in progress, “Into the Light,” from my faith-based mafia series, I’ve been running into some writer’s block. Moreso, I just haven’t been very motivated to sit down and write. A lot of things in my personal life, coupled with trying to push and promote my already published works have taken a toll on my writing capability.  So, I’ve started an outline for my next book. It continues my mafia saga, with the story of side characters from book one, “Out of the Shadows.” There will be a human trafficking rescue in the plot-line and an update on book one’s main characters as well. It is panning out pretty well so far. I am actually quite excited to complete this one.

2.  Talk about your latest book please?

My latest release, “Into the Light” is the third and final installment of my “Wonder of Light” series. It tells the story of the next generation in the series, Lukas and Catherine. Lukas is a jaded Christian who is grieving a devastating loss, which has essentially led him to turn his back on his faith and those that he loves. Catherine is his childhood sweetheart, who refuses to give up on the love of her life even though Lukas is spiraling and has made it clear he wants nothing to do with her. Along with their families, Catherine endeavors to lead Lukas’s soul back to the light. 

3. How difficult was it to kill off one of your characters?

I have killed off a beloved character from my first published series “Wonder of Light.” I won’t name which character dies off, as not to give away any spoilers. Thus far, I haven’t gotten any real negative feedback on said character’s death. Only that it caused some tears and was a bit of a heartbreak. To be honest, I was personally emotional when I wrote about the incident, but it certainly helped to develop the story-line.