Author: Becky

Just in time for Derby weekend

My friend–actually more a member of my chosen family–Paul has written a script and is producing a movie, Brilliant Mistakes. You can read more about it here, and if you’ve ever wanted to be part of the film industry, giving a contribution will provide you that opportunity.

I was lucky enough to be asked for my input on the script, which I happily provided–that’s another way to make a contribution, right? And today I was totally surprised by this gesture of Paul’s gratitude, a wonderful cup from Tea Horse Studio. Now I’m not saying Paul can give you ALL a present like this one if you contribute. But he can make a terrific movie for you! So pony up!

Don’t worry if you think any donation you could make is small–as we all know, a lot of so-called “small” contributions can change the world–or can make a movie, and that movie may change the world. Or it may at least make people consider getting OFF THEIR PHONES when they drive, and aren’t we all wishing that would happen?

Thank you so much, Paul, and I wish you great success.

Just wondering…

I’ve pretty much stopped offering writing advice because there are already so many people better qualified to give it. But as a reader, I’d like to pose a question to writers. When you publicly insult and ridicule other authors’ works, do you realize that you are, in effect, insulting the taste and intelligence of those authors’ readers? And that when you do that, you are possibly alienating a potential audience for your own work? If you do realize it, why does that seem like a good idea to you? Are your efforts to limit your audience intentional?

Seriously, if you can answer me, please do, because I don’t get it.

Cats! Murder!

Tuesday night I went to Murder By the Book to join a packed house celebrating the release of Dean James’s new mystery. Writing as Miranda James, Classified as Murder is the second in his “Cat in the Stacks” mystery series. The first, Murder Past Due, was a New York Times bestseller. I am delighted for his success, because I’m not sure anyone I’ve known has done as much to support other writers with good advice or book promotion than Dean. Though he’ll be the first to admit that the cat pictured on the cover is not exactly Diesel, the Maine Coon in the novel who is librarian/amateur sleuth Charlie Harris’s sidekick, I agree with him that the covers are engaging.

Long live cat mysteries! I feel sure the marvelous Mr. and Mrs. North novels by Frances and Richard Lockridge were among the first I ever read, and I’m glad Dean’s cozies have joined that group.