I’m the award-winning author of the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series: THE SEX CLUB, SECRETS TO DIE FOR, THRILLED TO DEATH, PASSIONS OF THE DEAD, DYING FOR JUSTICE, and LIARS, CHEATERS & THIEVES. My novels have been highly praised by Mystery Scene and Crimespree magazines and are a Readers Favorite Award winner.
I also have three standalone thrillers, THE BABY THIEF, THE GAUNTLET ASSASSIN,and THE SUICIDE EFFECT. When not plotting murders, I enjoy cycling, social networking, performing standup comedy, attending mystery conferences, and editing fiction manuscripts. I’ve also been known to jump out of airplanes.
Professional info: I'm an award-winning journalist, who's earned the Grand Neal Award for trade magazines.
Personal info: I love to be outside; I have no pets or children currently living with me (yeah!); I'm both cynical and optimistic.
I'm a member of Sisters in Crime, Willamette Writers, Dorothy L, Murder Must Advertise, 4MA, Book Place, MySpace, Facebook, LibraryThing, GoodReads, and Shelfari.
I'm currently writing a futuristic thriller and outlining the fifth Detective Jackson story. Follow me on my blog at: http://ljsellers.com/wordpress
I read mystery/suspense novels and futuristic thrillers.
Favorite authors: Lawrence Sanders, John Sanford, Michael Connelly, Ridley Pearson, Harlan Coben, Leslie Glass, Elmore Leonard, Rex Stout, John MacDonald, Laura Lippman, Anne Rule, and Perry O'shaughnessy.
I have also enjoyed: Stephen King, James Lee Burke, John Grisham, Sue Grafton, Patricia Cornwall, Scott Turrow, Edward Stewart, James M. Cain, PG Wodehouse, Margaret Atwood, John Irving, and many others.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:
TV shows: House, Gray's Anatomy, Dexter, John Stewart, and Real Time with Bill Maher
Movies: comedies (except those with Will Farrell) and thrillers
Some oddball favorites movies: Princess Bride, Total Recall, Duets, V for Vendetta
Hi L.J. Thanks for the add! Your book sounds really good. Me thinks I might look into it. I see you also use Twitter. Me too! I'm following you now. Wait, that must sound really creepy to others I'm sure, but one fellow Twitterer to another, it makes perfect sense. We like alot of the same authors, too. I must say that great minds think alike. Don't be a stranger now, ya hear?
Thanks for making the contact. Actually, my profile was created and somehow was deleted. So, I have to rebuild it. I'll have it back up in the next week.
Hi LJ Sellers & thanks for being friends! Your book sounds very interesting (dead bodies & bible study?!) so does your personal data--till now I've been writing mostly comedy scripts too
I hope you understand that I'm just responding to your comment that the complaints you got about your new novel were regarding the fundamentalist antagonist: why some people would consider it controversial.
I noticed we are both here at the same time so I should at least say Hi.
I'm a little 'sore' because I lived the familial lifestyle for 9.5 years with the father of my child, and then tried to make it work with another. I have been living as a single mother with joint custody and fortunately also an active father for the child. I don't mean to be offensively open & personal...That's just why I'm online on Sunday like this...I noticed that fortunately you are still living the family lifestyle. My son is twice as tall as he was in that photo.
I have 2 novels, short fiction, poetry and a relatively large quantity of nonfiction. I need a good agent and publishers and extensive direct marketing and networking...I like people...I don't want to do all this without involving people....Pleased to meet you...Writing samples available on request...Any advice re finding the second agent and publisher?
I checked out your blog & you are right about getting down to work early/first every day. Not that I would know, but every successful writer I have ever spoken with does exactly that. I am trying to change my ways & will use you as a mentor/example. Thanks for your words to me by the way.
Hi there lady! Thanks so much for adding me as a friend. I think this website is really unique! I feel as I move forward with my writing I'll learn so much.
Have a great week!
Hey, I seem to recall hearing you say that you subscribe to Publisher's Lunch. I submitted an online application to them about a month ago now, for the free version, and haven't heard anything back yet. Do you know how long it takes? Thank you.
I know we can't give up on any student, but reality is so complicated. We're human, they're human and there are thirty or so other humans in a classroom who need support and guidance, too. I just don't know how far a teacher can be expected to go. I'm sure doctors feel the same way when patients keep smoking or eating burgers and fries and then want the damage reversed.
BTW, I'm going to get to THE SEX CLUB-it's just that my TBR has been immense lately. It sounds great!
Hi, L.J.!
It looks like I'm late on everything, but I do hope you'll forgive me--we had a death in the family and I just didn't get around to sending these out on time.
I've also sent you an invitation to be my friend here on Crime Space and I hope you'll accept!
I do hope you had a wonderful birthday and a wonderful Fourth of July holiday!
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Cynde L. Hammond
Hi. I hope you're doing well. I guess I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday. Been helping to take care of my ailing grandmother: broke her hip. So I've been AWOL from the network for some weeks. I understand how hard it is to try to write when you have "caregiver" responsibilities. I feel guilty when I'm not helping her, yet I also know I have to take care of my own business too.
Hi, L.J. Thanks for dropping in and adding me. I followed the discussion you had on one of the lists (I forget which) about the title, THE SEX CLUB. I'm intrigued enough by what I've read from others to get it. It sounds like a good read.
Hi, thanks for the comment about the photos. Congrats on your novel. I see you're on Facebook, so am I, must add you as a friend there too. I've just updated my blog here. I've also got another blog www.paulinerowson.com
Sorry to take so long to thank you for your nice comments regarding to "hang in with your writing, it's important." I very much appreciate any support I can get. I hope you're doing well. Dawn
Thank you for your promotional goal list and making it appear do-able. I'm new at chatting online so my initial attempts are time consuming but your list has encouraged me to reach out to readers and writers. Even though Perfect for Framing won't be out until November, I'm using your article as a guide. Many thanks.
Tykes, Tats and turning 40 was a bit close to home. At 40 I was clinging to the handlebars of a customized Triumph Bonneville terrorizing small east Texas communities. I never got over it. That was twenty five years ago. I have been scooterless for the last three years, but I found myself last weeks wandering through the used cycle section of ebay and used bike lots in San Antonio. I'm resisting, but not too hard. I suspect that South Texas is soon to be subjected to to a red eyed, bug toothed, pony tailed elderly terror.
Tom
Good morning, LJ. You are welcome. Reading is how I started writing and I love both. Of course, I have more to read than time. Thank goodness for audio books. Thanks for being in touch.
Hello L-Cool-J
Hope you are having a great holiday weekend! Say I have a great giveaway going on at my website -- a free download of DEAD ON. Have you ever tried such a thing? Trying to get word of mouth going on this before it becomes toooo late which is like the day after a book is published, right? Any rate, have been asking around if anyone's tried anything of this nature to get buzz going on a book. You ever try anything similar? The site is www.robertwalkerbooks.com
Howdy, thanks for the encouraging word. I'm probably about a month away from buying the scooter. I'll wait until the first cold snap hits San Antonio and the prices on bikes will drop like a rock. We don't do cold well down here. New blog tomorrow, drop by.
T.
Some proven advice. Never throw away anything you write. About ten years ago I did a horror novel that never circulated because my agent said, "I wouldn't know who to send it to." So it went into an MS box and gathered dust until a former writing student from Georgetown University connected me with a production company in LA looking for horror scripts. Now it's slated for production in Feb, 2009.
LJ,
It still feels strange to be called an Oregonian. As much as I enjoy living in Oregon, I'll always be a Kentucky girl at heart. Thanks for the warm welcome, and I apologize for the long delay before responding. Maybe we'll run into each other sometime.
TL
Hi. You find more time to write this winter? My NY resolution: write more (bought a new headphone with 90% sound filter so that'll help me concentrate). Hope that you're doing well and have a very happy and prosperous 2009.
Congrats on finding the time to get so far into your next book. I just read your description of yourself as both cynical and optimistic: I'd say that pretty much describes myself. I'm also told I'm unrealistic to expect our baseball team here in Seattle, The Mariners, could actually have a better season this year, but with a new GM and Manager, I remain hopeful. Take care.
lifes a lil hectic at my end especially devotimg time for writing as well as well as work ..waiting for the oscars .. Sean Penn's Milk is my bet .. what abt you ??
Dawn M. Kravagna
Jun 1, 2008
Yvonne Mason
Jun 1, 2008
Rhonda Hitchcock
-Rhonda
Jun 2, 2008
Kevin M Weeks
Jun 2, 2008
Ovidia
Jun 3, 2008
Felicia Donovan
Jun 14, 2008
Dawn M. Kravagna
Jun 14, 2008
Miriam Pia
I'm a little 'sore' because I lived the familial lifestyle for 9.5 years with the father of my child, and then tried to make it work with another. I have been living as a single mother with joint custody and fortunately also an active father for the child. I don't mean to be offensively open & personal...That's just why I'm online on Sunday like this...I noticed that fortunately you are still living the family lifestyle. My son is twice as tall as he was in that photo.
I have 2 novels, short fiction, poetry and a relatively large quantity of nonfiction. I need a good agent and publishers and extensive direct marketing and networking...I like people...I don't want to do all this without involving people....Pleased to meet you...Writing samples available on request...Any advice re finding the second agent and publisher?
Jun 16, 2008
Ange
Jun 16, 2008
Debra Lee
Jun 16, 2008
Jeannie Faulkner Barber
Have a great week!
Jun 17, 2008
Jo Johnstone Smith
Jun 17, 2008
K.R. Lewis
Hey, I seem to recall hearing you say that you subscribe to Publisher's Lunch. I submitted an online application to them about a month ago now, for the free version, and haven't heard anything back yet. Do you know how long it takes? Thank you.
Jun 22, 2008
Juri Nummelin
Jun 24, 2008
Peg Herring
BTW, I'm going to get to THE SEX CLUB-it's just that my TBR has been immense lately. It sounds great!
Jun 25, 2008
Jean Henry Mead
Jul 3, 2008
Cynde L. Hammond
It looks like I'm late on everything, but I do hope you'll forgive me--we had a death in the family and I just didn't get around to sending these out on time.
I've also sent you an invitation to be my friend here on Crime Space and I hope you'll accept!
I do hope you had a wonderful birthday and a wonderful Fourth of July holiday!
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Cynde L. Hammond
Jul 8, 2008
JJ Cooper
Thanks for the well-wishes. Your novel sounds very interesting. I wish you the best for the series and landing a new publisher.
JJ
Jul 13, 2008
Maria
Indeed...not enough time and space to list hem all. I only included the crime writers I enjoy reading, there are many more.
Secrets To Die For - a tantalising title!
Jul 14, 2008
Paul McGoran
And I don't think I ever saw editor and stand-up comic in a list of jobs before. Wow!
Congrats on all those great reviews for The Sex Club. I'm still sloggin' away trying to interest a publisher or agent in my stuff.
Jul 16, 2008
Dawn M. Kravagna
Jul 18, 2008
Paul Bishop
Jul 19, 2008
Jean Henry Mead
Jul 26, 2008
Larry W. Chavis
Jul 29, 2008
Matthew Quinn Martin
Aug 1, 2008
Pauline Rowson
Aug 13, 2008
Dawn M. Kravagna
Aug 16, 2008
Bitten By Books
Thanks so much for the warm welcome. We sure do get around on the internet. LOL :)
It is nice to see a familiar face.
Have a great week!
Rachel
Aug 18, 2008
JA Konrath
Aug 20, 2008
L.J. Sellers
This is a Q&A you don't want to miss!
http://straightfromhel.blogspot.com/
Aug 21, 2008
Maggie Bishop
Aug 26, 2008
Tom Cooke
Tykes, Tats and turning 40 was a bit close to home. At 40 I was clinging to the handlebars of a customized Triumph Bonneville terrorizing small east Texas communities. I never got over it. That was twenty five years ago. I have been scooterless for the last three years, but I found myself last weeks wandering through the used cycle section of ebay and used bike lots in San Antonio. I'm resisting, but not too hard. I suspect that South Texas is soon to be subjected to to a red eyed, bug toothed, pony tailed elderly terror.
Tom
Aug 27, 2008
Linda Mickey
Linda Mickey
Aug 30, 2008
Betty Gordon
Betty Gordon
Aug 31, 2008
robert walker
Hope you are having a great holiday weekend! Say I have a great giveaway going on at my website -- a free download of DEAD ON. Have you ever tried such a thing? Trying to get word of mouth going on this before it becomes toooo late which is like the day after a book is published, right? Any rate, have been asking around if anyone's tried anything of this nature to get buzz going on a book. You ever try anything similar? The site is www.robertwalkerbooks.com
rob
Sep 1, 2008
Donna Carrick
Hope to stay in touch here on CS.
All the best,
Donna Carrick
www.donnacarrick.com
Sep 4, 2008
Tom Cooke
T.
Sep 4, 2008
Robin Burcell
Sep 8, 2008
David L. Hoof
Sep 20, 2008
Pamela
Oct 5, 2008
T. L. Cooper
It still feels strange to be called an Oregonian. As much as I enjoy living in Oregon, I'll always be a Kentucky girl at heart. Thanks for the warm welcome, and I apologize for the long delay before responding. Maybe we'll run into each other sometime.
TL
Oct 5, 2008
Vincent Farrell
Nov 23, 2008
Vincent Farrell
Dec 6, 2008
Ann Reillet
Dec 14, 2008
Dawn M. Kravagna
Jan 1, 2009
Tom Cooke
Bought the new bike today. I swear I'm ten years younger than I was yesterday.
Tom
Jan 16, 2009
Dawn M. Kravagna
Feb 1, 2009
Vincent Farrell
Feb 22, 2009
Vincent Farrell
Feb 23, 2009
Vincent Farrell
Mar 17, 2009