The Reader's Place–Tons of interviews and articles
Authors…Back Up Your Writing
By Alex McGilvery, Armchair Interviews reviewer
This has been a good twelve months for writing. It started in October when I finally completed a re-write of the novel I gave to my wife (A chapter a month for two years.) more than ten years ago. Then in November I took part in and completed NaNoWriMo for the first time. This was something I had wanted to do for years. Writing for Worth1000 and Armchair Interviews had sharpened my skills. My wife liked her novel (version 2), but had some suggestions. So I sat down and wrote version 3. I emailed her a copy which she promised to read when she had time. In the meantime I pulled out my NaNo novel and began to work on version two.
Read this answer and the rest of the article.
Eulogy to Jon Hassler, (1993-2008) Minnesota author of more than 15 novels
NOTE: Writing more than 15 novels, including Staggerford and The Love Hunter, Hassler won a large and loyal following. Among his fans were Hillary Rodham Clinton, who twice invited him to the White House, and Angela Lansbury, who played his best-loved character–the high-minded Agatha McGee–in a TV movie.
When I had my TV author interview show, Hassler was my guest promoting his latest book. He seems shy, hated to make eye contact and was very quiet. He expressed that he hated doing the book promotion–and would much rather be home writing.
Hassler had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, but had not made it public. It was a special 30 minute I shared with him.
Midwest Independent Publishers Association newsletter contained this eulogy written by Laura French, and used with permission. When I read this, I had to share it with all Hassler fans, and fans of anyone who commits their life to writing.
– Connie Anderson
Jon Hassler, 1993-2008
It was a funeral of which Agatha McGee would have approved. The bells of St. Mary’s Basilica rang out over Hennepin Avenue, and hundreds of family members and friends gathered for the funeral of Jon Hassler. The gathering song was “The Irish Blessing,” which would have reminded her of her beloved James. The final hymn was in Latin, as she thought the entire Mass should continue to be.
Jon Hassler often acknowledged that Agatha McGee was his alter ego, and I hope that means that he, too, would have been pleased. The celebrant began his homily with “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,” and the lines from Auden were probably more in keeping with Mr. Hassler’s tastes than with Miss McGee’s.
Two old friends provided eulogies. One quoted the New York Times review that called him “A writer good enough to restore your faith in fiction….” The other focused on Mr. Hassler‘s “strong internal compass.” When he committed himself to writing (exactly halfway through his life, as it turned out), he did not swerve or waiver. Invited to St. John’s University for a year, he found it to his liking and stayed for 18 years.
The Parkinson’s-like disease that eventually claimed his life did not daunt him. According to one of his eulogists, Mr. Hassler kept track of his falls, and had counted to 943 by the final days of his life. He completed his final novel by typing gibberish, then reading it aloud to his wife Gretchen, who corrected it. The eulogist thanked Gretchen for the care she had taken of him, in spite of her own age and health issues. The audience broke into applause, and their children—some of them his, some hers—led a standing ovation.
The service included three poems—two Frost, one Hassler, good company. We read “Nothing Gold Can Stay” aloud, together. One of Hassler’s poems was a meditation on the red oak, which keeps its leaves all winter and gives them up in the spring only to make way for new life. Hassler wrote that he hoped to be like that oak, keeping his wits and productivity through the winter of his life, and losing them only when it was time to be clothed in glory. He got his wish, apparently: On the way to the hospital for the last time, he delayed departure to make just a few more revisions on the novel that will be his final gift to us.
Announcing 2008 Contest: Summertime Blues
Tell us in fewer than 1,000 words (in any genre) a short story that takes place in summer. Our panel of judges will be looking for:
1. Good storytelling
2. Unique turn of words
3. Use of these words: summer, hotdogs, campfire, “Kumbaya” and blues. (fixed 8-13—earlier mispelled. Oops!
4. Well-written (grammar, word usage, etc.)
Winning story will receive $50 in prize money and the first and second runner-up will receive two books of our choosing. All three stories will be published on our site. AND you can list your winning honor on writing resume or book proposal.
Guidelines: (posted July 8, 2008)
• Submit to Connie@ArmchairInterviews.com as a Word doc
(if not available, submit in inside an email)
• 1,000 words maximum
• Please underline the required words used
• Genre of your story
• Your favorite genre
• Only one submission per person
• On cover sheet, list name, email and mailing address
• Deadline is September 30, 2008
Winners will be notified after the judging decisions are made.
Get writing, get creative—and don’t wait until September 29 to submit.
Lucky 7 Book Suggestions for July/August 2008
Check out our reviewers’ newest “hot picks” for this summer’s read.
Read this answer and the rest of the article.
Announcing – Marcher Lord Press – New Press Available (for submissions and contests)
Marcher Lord Press (MLP) is the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction. Founded by Christian publishing industry veteran Jeff Gerke, MLP is dedicated to producing the best in Christian science fiction, fantasy, time travel, spiritual warfare, superhero, vampire, and other wonderfully weird Christian novels. MLP produces full-length print novels for Christian adults.
Marcher Lord Press releases three books a season in two release seasons a year: October and April. Go to http://www.MarcherLordPress.com to meet the authors, read sample chapters, see cover art, and more.
Note: Marcher Lord Press is doing a massive prize giveaway drawing on Launch Day, which is October 1, 2008.
—Everyone who signs up at the site registers to win one of the prizes.
—The grand prize is a trip for two to the 2009 ComicCON convention in San Diego.
—And whenever someone registers and mentions you as referrer, your name goes into the hat another time. The more people you tell, the better your chances of winning one of the dozens of prizes.
Q&A with Sylvia Dickey Smith, author of Deadly Sins Deadly Secrets
Sidra Smart & The Third Eye mystery series
Published by L & L Dreamspell
Q: What drew you to writing in the mystery genre?
A: That’s a mystery! Oops, sorry, couldn’t resist. Seriously, I had a story I wanted to tell and after much consideration and consultation with other writers, I decided that mystery was the genre to best fit the story.
See our review: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/deadly-sins-deadly-secrets
Andrea Sisco Interviews Publicists from St. Martin’s Minotaur
St. Martin’s Minotaur is in my top five publishing houses to work with. They publish good books (and their mysteries are among my favorites) but it’s more than that. It’s the people connection. Jessica and Hector are a dream to work with. They are hard working, fun, personable, timely and know their jobs! They should get raises (that is for their boss).
Seriously, it’s difficult to run this site and juggle reviewers, publicists, authors… You get the picture. Jessica and Hector make my job so much easier. And like I said, their books are grand.
Enjoy the interview with Jessica and Hector. It’s fascinating. I’ve been in the business for years, and learned so much from them.
Q: Describe your job as a publicist for St. Martins Minotaur, Jessica and Hector.
Read this answer and the rest of the article.
Q&A with Carl Nelson, author of Madam President and the Admiral
Q: What drew you to writing in the military thriller genre?
A: It seemed natural to me, because I had a 33-year career in the Navy. As a career senior naval officer, I have Washington D.C. experience as well as tactical and strategic war experience.
Q: Where did you get the idea for Madam President and the Admiral, and why did you chose a women to play the President of the United States in your novel?
A: This is a sequel to my earlier novel, Secret Players where the lead character of Madam President is a well-drawn, natural carry-over.
See our review: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/madam-president-and-the-admiral
Q&A with Cyndia Depre, author of Oblivious
Fiction
Mundania Press
Q: Tell us a little about your newest novel, Oblivious.
A: Oblivious began as a way for me to vent. It was never meant for others to see. It was part therapy, part writing exercise, and helped make me giggle after writing a dark scene in Amanda’s Rib, my first book. Through a series of bizarre accidents, others saw it and laughed. I never thought anyone else shared my sense of humor. It seems I was wrong, and that’s when I began taking the book seriously.
Pinkerton’s Secret
Submitted by author by Eric Lerner, author of Pinkerton’s Secret
Read our review: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/pinkertons-secret
Every novel has a story behind the story. Pinkerton’s Secret, has a back story that begins in Chicago in the nineteenth century, wends its way through Hollywood in the twentieth, and continues in New York where Henry Holt & Co. will publish the novel on March 4, 2008.
Meet a Man Who Wrote His First Book at Age 81
Armchair Interviews says: We asked Desmond, a Brit, to write about why he waited so long—or in truth, why he never gave up on his dream of writing books.
By Desmond Evans
Desmond is the author of Death is a Member, released 2007. His next, Murder in the Ascendant, is scheduled for January 2008, and When the Hammer Falls, July 2008. Desmond and his wife live in Shropshire. England.
What prompted me to start writing at the age of 81?
See our review of Death is a Member: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/death-is-a-member
Q&A with Mystery Author David Housewright
Interviewed by Jeff Foster
David Housewright is the Edgar Award-winning author of the Holland Taylor and Rushmore McKenzie novels and other tales of murder and mayhem in the Midwest. His books include: Dead Boyfriends, Pretty Girl Gone, Tin City, Hard Ticket Home, Penance, Practice to Deceive and Dearly Departed.
Q&A with Author Brian Freeman
We are pleased to have this Q&A with the very popular author, Brian Freeman.
Minnesota author Brian Freeman writes psychological suspense novels featuring detectives Jonathan Stride and Serena Dial. His books have been sold in 46 countries and 16 languages and have appeared as Main Selections in the Literary Guild and the Book of the Month Club. His debut thriller, IMMORAL, won the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and was a finalist for the Edgar®, Dagger, Anthony, and Barry Awards. He just release STRIPPED, based in Las Vegas.
Read the entire article. (subscription required)
Paperback Swap
By Kim Reis (Armchair Interviews reviewer)
Are your bookshelves overflowing? Do you need to make some room for all those new titles you want to buy? Paperback Swap might just be the solution.
Paperback Swap is a free service that allows members to exchange books. The only cost involved is media mail postage to mail your books to the requester. Once the book is received, you get a credit allowing you to request a book from someone else who pays the postage to send it to you.
Books must be in good condition with no writing or highlighting inside. ARC copies are not allowed. Some members have restrictions against books from smoking households or those with pets. This is noted in their request, and you can decline if your books don’t meet their standards.
You can also post hardcover books but understand that you are not guaranteed a hardcover in return. The postage is also higher for a hardcover.
To get started, go to http://www.PaperbackSwap.com and set up an account. A valid email and USPS address are required. When you post your first nine books you will receive three free credits allowing you to start shopping. When someone wants one of your posted books, you will get an email notification. Go to the website, accept the request, and print the USPS mailer. Wrap the book in the mailer, affix postage and drop it in any mailbox. When the requestor marks the book received, you get another credit. If there is a book you would like, simply request it and it will be mailed. You can also post a wish list for books that aren’t in the system yet. When someone posts one of them, you will be notified so that you can request it. Wish list requests for the same book are filled in the order received.
I have found this website to be very reliable and fun. I have saved a lot of money since the postage paid is far less than the value of the books received, even at used bookstore prices.
There is also a sister site for music at http://www.SwapaCD.com
Armchair’s Own has a New BLOG
This ONE is Special to us!
A Novel Collaboration http://KathleenBaldwin.com/blog
A Novel Collaboration: Join Andrea Sisco of Armchair Interviews and Kathleen Baldwin, a multi-published novelist, as they discuss writing and marketing a book together while still remaining friends. Read about their thoughts, offer your own writing tidbits and ask questions.
Our Reviews Go Into Newspapers
For the past several months, Armchair Interview has had reviews published in an exciting section of the Southwest Newspaper called “Let’s Go.” http://www.LetsGoSouthwest.com
The newspaper goes to 86,000 homes in the southwestern part of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a readership of about 140,000 people. Our reviews and book covers fill have a page—and obviously the readers like them or the newspaper would not devote that much space.
The editor, Melissa Gilman, interviewed Andrea and Connie about our business, and wondered if we would like to submit some reviews.
Well, as they say, the rest is history.
Every month Andrea submits four book reviews for publication, in different genres—or sometimes even themes. Usually the reviews are by Andrea or Connie, but sometimes we pick one of our other reviewers and send one from a “guest reviewer.” Erica Marston of Minneapolis did such a great review of Bitter is the New Black that we just had to use it in March.
Thanks, Melissa, for this opportunity to spread the good word about Armchair Interviews and tell people about some great authors!
Book Clubs and Reading Groups
Everywhere you look it seems people are talking about books and book clubs. Because of the growing phenomenon we thought it might be helpful to our readers to provide you with a web site that will help you start one.
Book-Clubs-Resource.com is a good guide to book clubs and reading groups. It has a collection of links and information for readers that includes information about how to start your own reading group, participate in online reading group or to just learn more about what a book club is.
Go to http://www.Book-Clubs-Resource.com for a wealth of information.
Quote Garden
So you love the written word. Maybe you’re a writer, a speaker, a student, a scrapbook enthusiast or you just enjoy reading the things other people write.
If so, we suggest you visit www.quotegarden.com for inspirational, funny, thought-provoking, famous and literary sayings.
It will surprise you at the sheer number of entries. And the best part is that they re arranged by subject matter. Great way to pull the perfect quote for a friend’s card who loves music or theatre, for someone who has had a success, etc. etc. The uses for quotes, the right quote, are endless.
Every writer or person who loves words should have this http://www.QuoteGarden.com bookmarked on your computer.
To end this note, this one is from “quotation” section (and there are many given).
A fine quotation is a diamond on the finger of a witty person, but a pebble in the hands of a fool. -Author Unknown
Book Clubs and Reading Groups
Everywhere you look it seems people are talking about books and book clubs. Because of the growing phenomenon we thought it might be helpful to our readers to provide you with a web site that will help you start one.
http://www.Book-Clubs-Resource.com is a good guide to book clubs and reading groups–and a wealth of information. It has a collection of links and information for readers that includes information about how to start your own reading group, participate in online reading group or to just learn more about what a book club is.
Be a Elle Magazine Reader-Juror
You can apply to be an Elle Magazine reader-juror. Just go to http://www.elle.com and complete the form.
You MUST be willing to:
1. Read three books within one month.
2. Comment in writing on each of them.
3. Choose a winner from among the three books.
4. Read five additional books in your chosen category in the year you are chosen to be a reader-juror.
5. Comment on the annual “Elle’s Letters” Readers’ Prize Grand Prix winner.
Visit Elle’s web site and see if this is something you’d like to do. We think it would be great fun, a way to get free books and sharpen your writing skills….
HarperCollins Announces Reader Opportunities
In the U.S. & Canada…HarperCollins Publishers in Canada and the United States announces First Look, a great program for readers to preview books in literary fiction, young adult fiction, suspense, biography, cookbooks and other genres. HarperCollins believes that readers make a difference!
Each month, HarperCollin will offer Advanced Reading Editions (ARCs) of great books by fabulous authors that you will have the opportunity to review.
1. Reviewers are selected at random, but you must enter the program to be eligible.
2. In joining the program you may select your favorite genres and HarperCollins will let you know when a book in your preferred category is offered. The sign-up will take approximately two minutes.
CANADA: Join by going to http://www.harpercollins.ca/firstlook
U.S.: Join by going to http://www.harpercollins.com/firstlook/index.asp
Armchair Interviews would love to hear from people who have experienced this program. If you do a review, we’d love to post it on our site as well.
Science Fiction Fans
For those of you who enjoy Science Fiction we highly recommend The Ghosts of Albion: Accursed by Amber Benson and Christopher Golden (see our review under Great Reviews/Science Fiction).
The novel featuring the demon-fighting siblings Tamara and William Swift really began several years ago on the BBC cult website www.bbc.co.uk/cult/ghosts. The BBC website combines flash animation, sound effects and music, plus it has the vocal talents of Anthony Daniels (Star Wars), Emma Samms (Dynasty) and Roy Skelton (Doctor Who). The first animated audio adventure was followed by two short stories and then another animated adventure.
Read Guy Wegener’s review of The Ghosts of Albion: Accursed. He says it is “one of the freshest, most original takes on a tried-and-true idea.” Wegener suggests that author Benson’s past association with the American television series “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” appears to influence her writing.
Now that you’ve read the review, you might want to read the book (we think you will), then hit the BBC website for their programs featuring Tamara and William Swift. They are so good we believe that you’ll continue to follow the saga of the Swifts as they fight their battles in Victorian London.
For all of you Science Fiction fans out there, we have some listings of sites we think you might want to visit.
Outpost Gallifrey is a popular Doctor Who fan site and community. They have over 20,000 readers daily in the UK and abroad. This site has been voted Top Fan Created Website in BBC Drama and Site-of-the-Week by the Sci-Fi Channel. http://www.galliFreyOne.com
So for your Doctor Who fix, visit and enjoy! And contact us at info@armchairinterviews.com and tell us what you think!
The official website for Doctor Who will give you all of the must know, want to know and need to know information about the ever popular Doctor Who. http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho
SCIFI.COM http://www.scifi.com is another popular web site for those who want to be in the know about all things concerning Science Fiction.
You’ll find interesting information, DVDs, magazines, novels, stories, book clubs, posters, costumes and so much more.
Drop us a line at info@armchairinterviews.com and tell us what you think of the site, and do you know of any other really good Science Fiction web sites?