WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Ellen Hart writes:

Social networking. Facebook. Twitter. Linkedin. MySpace. Yup, it’s here to stay.

Is it worth the effort?

Is it a black hole, sucking our time and our brains into the abyss?

Is it the wave of the future that we can ride to publishing success?

Is it something in between?

The Doings of Breaking and Entering

By L.C. Hayden

Never in my wild dreams did I ever think that Sisters in Crime would ask me to compile the next edition of Breaking and Entering. I eagerly accepted.

I studied the two previous editions, the first one compiled by Jan Burke and the second one by Denise Swanson. Then I spent two sleepless nights wrestling with various ideas before deciding to have three sections: The first would deal with pre-writing concerns. How do you get organized? What tidbits of knowledge will help the will-be author’s writing career? What decisions should be made?

The second section would deal with decisions encountered after the work is completed. Do you need an agent? What are the publication options? How do you get your name out there? What are some of the things you shouldn’t do?

The last section would focus on the writer’s career.

The response from Sisters to submit was generous. Kelly Nichols (half of the P.J. Parrish team) agreed to design a knock-out gorgeous cover (actually, three covers for us to choose from). In the midst of promotional work for releases of two of my books this spring and dealing with a serious computer crash, I made it through the last-minute editorial changes authors wanted to make on their articles and the editorial committee’s changes.

With my computer finally fixed and B&E in print, I can let out a great big yahoo (—hey, that’s allowed. I’m a Texas gal.)

It’s now April 12—the official release date for Breaking and Entering: The Road to Success—and my heart swells with pride. As with any project, this is the effort of many people, but I would like to specifically thank my two right-hand ladies for their tremendous help and advice, Marcia Talley (who spent days formatting it for upload) and Cathy Pickens, along with the rest of the Sisters in Crime board.

For those attending Malice Domestic, we’ve got great news. The trade paperback edition will be available to members only for the special introductory Malice Domestic price of $10.

The trade paperback edition is also available at www.sistersincrime.org. Click on members and look for Publications on the drop down menu. Cost is only $11.99 plus shipping. An electronic version is also available for only $1.99.

L. C. Hayden is the author of the popular Harry Bronson series. Her newest release is When Death Intervenes. Her previous Bronson mystery, Why Casey Had to Die, was an Agatha Finalist for Best Novel, received the Best of the Best Award, and was a Pennsylvania Top 40 Pick.  Hayden is also a popular speaker. She presents workshops, speaks to clubs, and major cruise lines have hired her to speak about writing while cruising all over the world. From October 2006 to October 2007, Hayden hosted Mystery Writers of America’s only talk show, Murder Must Air.

Pssst! It's a secret (at least until tomorrow)

Sisters in Crime is pleased to announce the release of the revised, completely updated edition of Breaking and Entering: the Road to Success. Edited by L.C. Hayden, this tradepaper edition contains articles by 27 Sisters in Crime, including Donna Andrews, Lee Goldberg, Carolyn Hart, William Kent Krueger, Margaret Maron, PJ Parrish, and Elaine Viets, among others. Beginning tomorrow, April 12, the trade paperback edition will be available at www.sistersincrime.org . Click on members and look for publications on the drop down menu. Cost is only $11.99 plus shipping.

Or, if you prefer, send your name, address and email address, along with a check for $14.99 ($11.99 plus $3.00 postage and handling) to:

Sisters in Crime

P. O. Box 442124

Lawrence, KS 66044-8933

If you'd rather have the electronic version, that is also available at www.sistersincrime.org for only $1.99.

Are you attending the Malice Domestic Conference? Then we have great news for you. The trade paperback edition will make its debut at the conference and will be available to members only for the special introductory Malice Domestic price of $10.

The Writer's Room

Ever wonder what other writers' rooms look like?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/writersrooms

Chesapeake Crimes: They Had It Comin’ Launch Party

Join members of the Chesapeake Chapter on Saturday, April 10, to celebrate the publication of Chesapeake Crimes: They Had It Comin’, the fourth volume in the Chesapeake Crimes anthology series. Bring your family and friends to the launch party from 2 to 5 p.m. at Southgate Community Center, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston, VA.

The book features stories by chapter members Donna Andrews, Karen Cantwell, Trish Carrico, Mary Ann Corrigan, Carla Coupe, Meriah Crawford, Barb Goffman, Sasscer Hill, Mary Ellen Hughes, Smita H. Jain, B.V. Lawson, Audrey Liebross, C. Ellett Logan, Debbi Mack, G.M. Malliet, Ann McMillan, Bonner Menking, Helen Schwartz, Shelley Shearer and Lisa M. Tillman. Most of the authors are expected to attend and will talk about their stories and sign books. Mystery Loves Company will have books for sale.

No reservations necessary. Light refreshments and merriment begin at 2pm. No need to RSVP.

WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Ellen Hart writes:

I have a dear friend who writes everyday in a coffee shop. When he starts a new project, he always buys himself a new Mead wire-bound notebook. He sits in a booth, takes out his Bic pen, (always a Bic) and the magic flows.

When I write, there’s always a cup of coffee next to my desk. I often light a candle. I move into my writing day the same way every day. We all have rituals. Some of the more neurotic among us (I’m raising my hand here) even have superstitions. We have the same goal--to get to that place where we do our best writing.

How do you get there?

HOW'S THE BOOK GOING?

By Sandra Balzo

This morning someone asked me, “How’s the book going?”

When I was writing my first book, UNCOMMON GROUNDS, that question always elicited an eager, detailed response. Certainly more detailed than the poor questioner probably wanted or expected. Five years later, with that book still unpublished, the question would make me want to turn tail and run. Two years after that, the people asking it started to do the same.

Now, fourteen years after I wrote UNCOMMON GROUNDS, “How’s the book going?” just confuses me.

“Which book?” is what I want to say, but that sounds like I’m pretty damn full of myself. God knows this is EXACTLY what I’ve always wanted to do, from the time I picked up my first DICK AND JANE book. I am not complaining.

Fact is, though, I have a contract requiring a book every six months (I know, I know—I was caught up in the excitement of the moment). The sixth of my Maggy Thorsen books is coming out in September, and I have a second series in the works. That means I’m promoting FROM THE GROUNDS UP, even as I’m proofing galleys of A CUP of JO, while working on the manuscript for the first book in a new series (I’d tell you the name if it had one yet).

Like I said, I’m not complaining. I did find, though, that -- especially in promotion -- some things are worth my time and others aren’t. With that first book, I did everything I could think of – and I’m a public relations person/publicist by trade. Publicity eventually became a black hole, eagerly sucking away as much time and money as I was willing to pitch into it, but with nebulous (sorry, space-dust joke) results.

At the risk of BSP (Blatant SinC Promotion), I have to tell you that one of the best promotional tools I’ve found is our own organization’s Mystery Book Club Database. Lorraine Bartlett (bookclub@sistersincrime.org), bless her, provides the list to you in the form of an Excel spreadsheet. Group names, contacts, email and snail-mail addresses – everything right down to what type of books the group likes to discuss and whether they welcome author participation. But what makes this such a good list is that the clubs have asked to be on it. Of the 120 personalized emails I sent out, nearly thirty-five percent were opened. That’s a five percent higher open-rate than my own fan (read: friends and family) newsletter.

Not only that, but I got a ton of replies -- thank you’s, no less. And invitations to speak. Wow. I was so impressed I did a book giveaway to library-based book clubs on the list. Not only did the libraries benefit, but I introduced new readers to the first book in the series and cleaned out my closet. A win-win-win!

Well, speaking of black holes, I’ve often feared blogging could become one for somebody like me. Best I get back to work on the book.

Any book.

Wishing you all the best on yours.

==================

Sandra Balzo turned to mystery writing after twenty years in corporate public relations, event management, and publicity. FROM THE GROUNDS UP, Balzo's fifth Maggy Thorsen mystery, was released in the United Kingdom this past December and the US in March. A CUP OF JO will follow later this year. The first book in Balzo's second series will be out from Severn House in 2011. Visit her web site at:  http://www.sandrabalzo.com/

WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Ellen Hart writes:

I admit it. I like books that make me cry. In fact, if an author is able to successfully tug at my emotions, it’s more likely that I’ll recommend the book to others.

How about you? When you set out to write a novel, do you intend to leave people with a specific emotion? Is emotion important in your writing? Reading?

Brother At The Helm

by Michael Allan Mallory

In January I became the first male president of the Minneapolis/St. Paul chapter of Sisters in Crime.

And the world did not end.

Nor should it have. Nothing fundamental had changed. Heck, nothing at all had changed except for the person calling the meeting to order and leading the group. That person happened to be me, one of the Y chromosome members. Like other men who’ve led their SinC chapters, I’m trying to keep the club sailing smoothly on course, not veer off toward uncharted waters. I’m not looking to change anything; members aren’t required to chomp on cigars and spit during meetings just because a guy is at the helm.

Yes, there are brothers involved with Sisters in Crime, though that isn’t well known to the outside world because SinC itself isn’t an organization on the average person’s radar. To the general public I’m an odd duck. When I mention to some people that I’m a member of Sisters in Crime I often get curious looks in return, as if they think I’ve infiltrated some Dan Brownian secret society of women. After I explain what SinC is about and that most of our guest speakers come from local law enforcement, I’m apparently deemed okay.

Granted, I didn’t get these odd looks when I belonged to Toastmasters or the years I studied and taught Wing Chun kung fu. Yeah, it’s because of the word Sisters. But I don’t care. Sisters in Crime offers a venue for learning and professional development that transcends gender. As a writer, my involvement in the chapter has allowed me to become acquainted with mystery authors in Minnesota and elsewhere. During meetings or contacts made at meetings, I’ve become aware of venues and services useful to all writers. Oh, and I get to talk about mystery books to people who love them as much as I. Plus we hold our meetings in a really cool mystery bookstore!

I will add that Sisters in Crime has some advantages to the other groups I’ve mentioned: there’s definitely less speechifying than in Toastmasters and far less hitting than kung fu.

First Looks Can Be Deceiving . . .

You might want to watch this video until the bitter end ... because looks CAN be deceiving.

WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Ellen Hart writes:

As an author, do you ever daydream about the movie that will one-day be made of your books/series? Have you ever cast the characters? And for readers, if you love a book, do think about who might be perfect to play this or that character? Be specific. (For example, I’d like to see Queen Latifah or Kirstie Alley play Cordelia Thorn in my Jane Lawless series. Yeah, right. Still in the daydream stage.)

Once Upon A Book Club

by Julie Kramer

I spoke to my first mother-daughter book club the other day.

Back in fifth grade they'd discussed stories like Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie. But now the girls are high school seniors and had selected my debut, Stalking Susan, a thriller about a TV reporter who discovers a serial killer targeting women named Susan.

The moms confided they were pleased that their little ones are now reading grown up books and they can discuss them like peers. The daughters seemed seemed happy, too. In fact, two of them were also writing book reports for school credit about Stalking Susan. So we discussed the theme of how grief changes people, the behind the scenes operations of newsrooms, and my own path to publication.

Some of the girls explained that they'd actually had a book club pre-discussion texting each other as they stayed up late, turning pages. One kept texting, "Wht happns nxt?" Another responded, "U hav 2 finsh 2 fnd out."

The mothers said the biggest reward of their book club over the years has been how it has helped them form relationships with their daughters. They've been able to bring up issues like curfew, bad friends, or future careers without getting personal.

In the past year I've spoken to more than twenty book clubs about either or both Stalking Susan or Missing Mark. The smallest club had six members. The largest, more than a hundred. Each book club has their own dynamics. One group dressed up as the characters from my book. Okay, it was close to Halloween. Another club wore orange jumpsuits. Okay, they represented a captive audience - inmates at the Minnesota women's prison.

For authors, book clubs are the new way to tour. Having your characters or plot debated by a group of readers is an enormous compliment. Some mostly want to hear me talk. Others have a format with a moderator and questions, and sometimes I even learn new things about my books during our discussions.

If a book club lives far away, I sometimes invite them to come to me. Once, eight of us piled in a big SUV and drove around my town of White Bear Lake while I pointed out real life locations where fictitious events happened. Places where bodies were found. Places were love was declared. We even drove across the ice on White Bear Lake so we could get a good view of the house where a final confrontation between heroine and villain occurred.

When discussing Missing Mark -the story of a wedding dress for-sale want ad that leads to a dangerous missing person case - I bring up a woman's sentimental attachment to her wedding gown and play a game with the book club. I ask, how many still own their dress? Some of the audiences are relatively tame, and all have their silk or satin garments tucked away in an upstairs closet. Other times the book club members learn something new about each other. Once a woman conceded she still had both her wedding

gowns. Another time two of the women present had actually burned their

dresses as a ceremonial end to their marriages.

No such emotional flares at the mother-daughter book club. One bonus for me, I got to gauge two generations of readers' reaction to my prose in one sitting. And after I left, they voted to read Missing Mark next.

---------------------------------

Julie Kramer is a winner of the Minnesota Book Award, and the RT Book Reviewer's Choice for Best First Mystery. She has also been a finalist for the Mary Higgins Clark, Anthony, Barry, and Shamus Awards. Her third book, SILENCING SAM will be released June 22.

Do you know what your sales are?

One of the perks of belonging to Sisters In Crime is access to Publisher Alley (part of Baker & Taylor).  What's that?  A way to find a portion of your book's sales.

Baker & Taylor is the world's largest book and entertainment distributor. They work with publishers to provide their book product to all markets including retail stores, libraries, and Internet retailers.

Publisher Alley allows subscribers to see what titles bookstores, libraries, and web shoppers are buying on a daily basis. 

Book sales data serves several needs:

o Easily produce market research for book proposals, based on sales of comparable titles. Approach the right publishers for each project.

o Evaluate the potential of projects for self-publication: learn what sells in which markets, and at what price points.

o Locate expert authors as sources for newspaper or magazine stories, or identify trends related to world events.

To learn more about Publisher Alley, please visit their 5-minute flash demonstration at www.puballey.com/flash.

To sign up for this service, click here.

And remember:  knowledge = power.

WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Sandra Parshall asks:

In these difficult times, is it best to stick with a series or a type of mystery you've had reasonable (but not spectacular) success with or take a gamble on "breaking out" by going in a fresh direction?  

Has all the bad news out of publishing made us overly cautious?

WARM UP YOUR PITCHING ARM

By Nancy Martin

For the last couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of SinC Summit Team—the group that travels to visit various publishing entities to learn the latest industry news and report back to the membership. If you’re ever asked to be a part of this team—do it! The first year of my service, we went to NYC to meet with agents, editors and publishers to learn what was happening in our genre. The following year, we decided the industry was in too much of a state of flux in New York, so we chose to go to the Midwest to learn more about the distribution part of the biz.  I recently found some of my trip notes, and a common theme emerged—one I hadn’t noticed before.  It seems only right to share it with my SinC siblings.

I’ve been writing books for nearly 30 years.  My first book was published in 1983, and my most recent, OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE DECEPTION, is almost my 50th book. (Honestly? I’ve lost track.) I’ve had 3 agents in those 30 years, 10 editors and 8 publishers.   Because writing pays the mortgage, I keep up with the business. I pay attention to trends and what makes a difference in a writer’s career.

Right off, let me say that DIY PR bores the heck out of me.

So I was happy in 2008, when we met with one agent who voiced the opinion that an author can’t do much, PR-wise, to help her career—except write a great book.  And another and another.  In an era when some desperate publishers ask authors to be bloggers, Tweeters, filmmakers, web designers, stand-up comedians, marketing whizzes and let’s not even mention the hours required to build a social network, it’s a relief to hear somebody say that our time is probably better spent doing what we do best—writing books.

But here’s the newsflash: Over and over, we heard about the importance of another writerly skill—pitching.  You know—telling someone about your book in a concise and entertaining way. It’s not just a skill used for acquiring an agent anymore.

After meeting with the opinionated agent in 2008, the team walked through the lobby of a publishing house auditorium where the house’s Sales Conference was taking place.  In the lobby, dozens of nervous editors were practicing their presentations. Over the years, I’d heard a lot from my editors about the dreaded Sales Conference.  It’s the day when all the editors appear in front of a panel of sales and marketing staff from their own house to do the song and dance of pitching our books to them.  From the info heard at Sales Conference, the sales and marketing people take the best material to advertise ours book in the company catalog, to pitch it to distributors and booksellers and eventually sell our books to the public. 

How funny is it that years after we authors have successfully pitched our books to our agents, the same material is used to sell the book down the food chain?

One word came up over and over in our other meetings, too:  Positioning.  It means finding your book’s “position” among other books. Whose books are similar to yours?  (And can you get a blurb from that author?) What sub-genre do you belong in? Where would the book be shelved at Barnes & Noble? What kind of cover might best signal your position? What kind of cover copy?

What can authors do to help communicate what a book is? Provide the best words possible. The communication begins when the author conceptualizes her book at the beginning of the writing process or perhaps as late as a query letter. I even use my pitch when I’m featured at a book signing and trying to encourage readers to buy. It’s brief, catchy and entertaining. But everybody else connected with your book needs a pitch, too. 

When pitching, I include:

    The genre (Which will imply plot.)
    The protagonist (Summarized in very few words.)
    The problem of the story.
    The world of your book.
    An X-factor (Something that sets it/you apart)
    Your platform. (Why you’re the best person to write this book.)

All that in a sentence.  Two at the most.

What pitching isn’t? Telling the story.  It’s not even picking out the major plot points. Can you define your book in a high concept way? Use contemporary cultural references to show how your book fits into the current climate. Employ cultural idioms, make comparisons to bestsellers or what’s happening in TV, film or music. Use key words that establish the world of your book. Above all? Entertain.

If you can’t do that . . . well, for godsake, try. Because we’re the ones with the words, dear siblings. We need to help the rest of the publishing team sell our books.

====================================

Nancy Martin is the author of nearly 50 popular fiction novels, including the bestselling Blackbird Sisters mysteries. She serves on the board of Sisters in Crime and teaches writing workshops around the country. OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE DECEPTION, a chickaboomboom thriller, features Pittsburgh bad Roxy Abruzzo, who rescues people who can’t go to the police for help. “It’s a good time in a bad neighborhood,” says Harley Jane Kozak.

SinC into Great Writing!

isters in Crime is holding their annual SinC Into Great Writing 2010! one day prior to Bouchercon By the Bay in San Francisco. The workshop will be held at the Hyatt Regency where the conference will take place. You do not need to be registered for the conference to attend this one day workshop. Sisters in Crime has discounted this workshop for its members. The cost for the entire day including dinner is $50.00. The charge for non-members is $150.00 so join Sisters in Crime and save money!

Spots fill up fast and we can only seat 120. Register now!

SinC Into Great Writing 2010! is sponsored by Sisters in Crime. Sisters in Crime will not be able to issue refunds. To make reservations for Bouchercon By The Bay please go to http://www.bcon2010.com/welcome.php. You will be able to receive the conference rate for your hotel room if you need to come in a day early. All arrangements need to be made with the Hyatt Regency.

October 13, 2010, Wednesday 1:30pm - 9:00pm, dinner and coffee break included in $50/$150 registration fee. Check in will begin at 12:30pm in front of the workshop room. An e-mail will be sent to you with the room name at a later date. Special dietary requests will be honored. Please e-mail Beth with your request at sistersincrime@juno.com.

Featuring: Elizabeth Lyon

Triple-header pre-Bouchercon workshops with teacher and freelance editor Elizabeth Lyon, author of MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER, A WRITER’S GUIDE TO FICTION, AND THE SELL-YOUR-NOVEL TOOL KIT.

Elizabeth Lyon is the best-selling author of six books on writing fiction, nonfiction, revision, and marketing: Manuscript Makeover, A Writer's Guide to Fiction, The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit, Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write, The Writer's Guide to Nonfiction, and National Directory of Editors & Writers. Elizabeth Lyon lives in Springfield, Oregon. The December issue of "The Writer" magazine selected Manuscript Makeover as one of "10 Great Writing Books in 2008"and "perhaps the most comprehensive book on revising fiction." Lyon has worked as a freelance book editor since 1988. Her editing clients have published over 60 books--nonfiction and novels. Her website is www.elizabethlyon.com.

MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER: FROM ROUGH DRAFT TO READY

Schedule

Bring the usual­ paper and pens, some of your manuscript in progress, and get a good night’s sleep to be ready for these information- and exercise-packed, practical workshops. There will be wireless Internet in the workshop room for your use. You don't need to bring your laptop but you are welcome to have it on hand.

1:30pm-4:30pm (with afternoon snack break): MOVEMENT, MOVEMENT, MOVEMENT

Underlying effective characterization is movement. Underlying effective plot is movement. Movement is created by far more than action. You’ll learn how to create it through actions, reactions, emotions, reversals, subtext, and raised questions. Multiple sources of movement improve pace, increase suspense, and deepen characters. Apply your newfound skill with this much-overlooked element of craft and see your writing soar.

4:30-5:30: REVISION FOR INNER AND OUTER SCENE STRUCTURE

Novels are constructed primarily with scenes, yet book editors find that most manuscripts have weak structure. Learn how to craft strong scenes, including big scenes. We’ll cover the details of inner scene structure, including subtext. Get your structure right and your writing will be transformed.

5:30-6:30 Break for dinner

7-9:00pm: REVISION FOR STRONG CHARACTERIZATION AND DISTINCTIVE STYLE

A successful character is so fully developed and memorable that he or she outlives the author in the minds and hearts of readers. Yet, most writers unknowingly leave their main characters, especially their protagonists, underdeveloped. This workshop will provide you with revision guidelines for deepening characterization: adding multiple levels of motivation, and tapping the power of metaphoric language. You'll take away techniques for bringing forth your individuality and strengthening prose through changes in syntax, diction, word choice, power positions, and imagery.

SinC Into a Good Mystery!

The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the professional development and advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry.

Type Matters!

Think all books look alike? Think again. And then watch this interesting video about how typefaces are chosen for particular books.

WEDNESDAY'S BURNING QUESTION

Ellen Hart writes:

When my second book came out, I did a signing at the Upper Midwest Booksellers Association annual convention. I was assigned a helper by my press, a young man who worked for a book distributor. While we were getting set up, I asked him if he’d ever thought about writing.

“Yes,” he said, “I have. But that was before I became part of the book industry. Now, when I sit down to write, I start thinking about who would buy the book, who would read it, how difficult it would be to find a publisher--and it stops me cold.”

I can’t tell you how much that saddened me. At the time I thought to myself, why doesn’t he just ignore it? But now, I find myself in a similar position.

How about you? I think we can all agree that the book industry has never been in more chaos. Do you like to know what’s happening? Do you stay connected through PW, Publisher’s Lunch, various blogs, or is it ultimately just a distraction?

THE REVIEWER'S VIEWPOINT

By Hallie Ephron

Thanks, Sisters in Crime (and Ellen) for asking me put in my oar and share a reviewer’s viewpoint.

Each month, advance reviewers copies (ARCs) and final copies of anywhere from forty and sixty crime novels pass through my office. I have the great luxury of deciding which books to review in my monthly On Crime column in the Boston Globe. (My columns over the last year or two are on my web site, www.hallieephron.com - click on REVIEWS/COLUMNS.)

Here are answers to some of the questions writers often ask.

How much lead time do you need to consider a book for review?

Lead times for newspaper reviews are short, so as a long as I receive a book at least the month before its pub date, I can consider it. If I get it months before its pub date, I set it carefully aside with other books published the same month. If I receive a book after its pub date, I won’t look at it.

Does the press release that comes with the book influence you?

Most books come with a 1-page press release tucked in. I refer to it to find the book’s pub date and something about the author. For instance, I might be influenced to read a book that is a debut novel, or if trade reviews (reviews in Kirkus, PW, Library Journal often come out months earlier) are particularly favorable, or if the author has some interesting background, or if an author is local. I rarely read the synopsis.

I notice if a book arrives without a press release--that looks unprofessional. But I’m not impressed by fancy folders or glossy color copies of previous reviews. They go right into the recycle bin.

What about the cover?

Covers matter, but it’s fine if an ARC comes with a plain cover. I notice if a cover doesn’t look professional. It’s easy to spot an amateurly-published book.

What about the author photo?

I try not to notice but I do. Photos that look like someone’s spouse took it in the backyard make the writer look as if he or she is not taking the career seriously.

What about blurbs?

I might notice a blurb from an author who I know is very picky about giving out blurbs. But as a writer I know most blurbs are from friends so I don’t take them too seriously.

What about the publisher?

I review books from large and small presses. My one criteria for considering a publisher’s books is whether bookstores can obtain and return copies (at a standard discount) through standard distribution channels like Ingram or Baker & Taylor. I don’t consider books that are only sold to libraries or only available directly from the publisher or only available in electronic media. I don’t review self-published books or books from vanity presses.

Do you consider paperbacks?

Yes, as long as the paperback is the original printing.

What keeps me reading?

-- surprise me

-- take me places I’ve never been, or show me familiar places in a new way

-- create a world that makes sense

-- make me laugh

-- don’t CONFUSE me with sliding viewpoints or unattributed dialogue or too many characters introduced too quickly with similar-sounding names and blah personalities

-- don’t gross me out before you’ve earned my trust

More questions? Pile on! I’m happy to answer...

==========================================

Hallie Ephron is the award-winning crime fiction book reviewer for the 'Boston Globe' where her 'On Crime' column appears the fourth Sunday of each month. Hallie is also the author of 'Never Tell a Lie' which is a finalist for the 2010 Mary Higgins Clark Award, 'Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: How to Knock 'Em Dead with Style' which was an Edgar Award finalist, and 'The Bibliophile's Devotional' and '1001 Books for Every Mood.' She teaches writing at conferences across the country. Hallie also blogs with the Jungle Red Writers. Visit her web site.

Elizabeth Gilbert: A new way to think about creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love talks about creativity.



And after that, just for fun ...