It’s the theme of the week. My first visit to Houston’s Murder By The Book was for a Q&A/booksigning for two mystery authors Harley Jane Kozak and Randy Wayne White. Both were wonderfully funny speakers (shockingly, many writers are not), and I’m looking forward to reading their books, DATING IS MURDER and DEAD OF NIGHT. Some of you might recognize Harley Jane from the movies Parenthood and Arachnophobia as well as a variety of soap roles.
Harley Jane Kozak, me, Randy Wayne White
Little did I know that Murder By The Book’s manager was another Kensington author, mystery writer Dean James. I’ve interacted with Dean on a writers’ message board without having the slightest idea that we were both in Houston or that we had some mutual friends in Chris and John Kovach. I’m currently reading Dean’s whimsical mystery about a gay vampire, BAKED TO DEATH. Houston’s OutSmart Magazine has a good interview with Dean.
Dean James, me, Timothy J. Lambert
One jaunt to Murder By The Book wasn’t enough. Tonight Tim, Tom, and I went back for the Q&A and booksigning by Christopher Rice for his new novel LIGHT BEFORE DAY. Christopher is also a good speaker.
Me, Christopher Rice, Timothy J. Lambert
I need to work on my public appearance skills. Or maybe just stay home, toil away in my lonely garret, and let my writing partners shoulder the task of being witty and beautiful in public.
Or maybe not. A garret is a room just under an attic, and Tim thinks the Marauding Possum may have taken up residence in the attic. Or else the palmetto bugs are getting bigger.