Kris Neri

Female

Sedona, AZ

United States

Profile Information:

Hometown:: Sedona, AZ now; formerly Los Angeles, CA
About Me:: I'm a writer, writing instructor and a bookseller. I live with my husband, dog and cat in Northern Arizona, where I love hiking. In an earlier life, I enjoyed drawing and painting, but I rarely find time for it anymore. I write the Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award-nominated Tracy Eaton mysteries, REVENGE OF THE GYPSY QUEEN, DEM BONES REVENGE and REVENGE FOR OLD TIMES' SAKE. I also write a supernatural mystery-urban fantasy series; the first book in that series, HIGH CRIMES ON THE MAGICAL PLANE, was recently nominated for a Lefty Award from Left Coast Crime 2010. I've also published some sixty short stories and am a two-time Derringer Award winner and a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee for my short fiction.

I teach writing online for the Writers' Program of the UCLA Extension School, and for various private groups, such as the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime.

And with my husband, I own The Well Red Coyote bookstore in Sedona, Arizona.
I Am A:: Reader, Writer, Editor
Website:: http://www.krisneri.com
Books And Authors I Like:: Way too many to list. I read everything from cozies, to thrillers, to hardboiled mysteries, not to mention fantasy, general fiction, occasional chick lit, and in nonfiction, personal growth books and metaphysical books.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:: Movies...Moonstruck and Throw Mama From the Train (my favorite writing instructor movie). TV...Life on Mars, Castle, Psych, The Daily Show, The West Wing, House, House Hunters and the Rachael Maddow Show.

Comment Wall:

Beth Groundwater

Hi Kris,
Thanks for befriending this fellow mystery author!

May 19, 2009
JackBludis

That was a nice piece on the topic, "Are the only readers left all writers?" Your take on the results of what and why many, many self-pubbed writers do so is what I often say. As a writer, though, many consider me way over the top in my criticism of those who have little to say but say it proudly.

I know of at least one originally self-pubbed writer who put everything he had in writing, editing *and* writing to get his books out that he has been nominated for key writer's awards and will soon be pubbed by one of the rising now-medium size publishers of fiction.

Self publication isn't all bad, but most self-published books are pretty bad to awful. Note that I said. "most."

Chris, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to add this comment to the forum previously mentioned.

I'll give it a day. Tell me no, and I won't do it.

Jun 3, 2009
JackBludis

Thanks for the persmission. Off it goes.

Jun 3, 2009
Laura Elvebak

Always looking for other mystery writers. I see your name often on different lists.

Jun 5, 2009
Preetham Grandhi

Hi Kris, I wanted to introduce to you my debut novel "A Circle of souls" which is a paranormal, murder, mystery thriller and a tale of justice and hope. Do visit www.acircleofsouls.com to read more about the book. Make sure you sign up to win an autographed copy of the book. Thanks for your time in advance.

Best regards

Preetham Grandhi

Early Endorsements for “A Circle of Souls”

Linda Fairstein, NYT Bestselling Author: "A fascinating debut - this novel takes the reader to the darkest places in the human soul, from a writer with the authenticity to lead us there. A stunning thriller and an important read."

Judge Judy Sheindlin, star of the Judge Judy Show: "The seminal work of this fine author kept me glued to my chair until the adventure was over and the mystery solved. A great read!"

Book Synopsis:

The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. The town s top detective, perplexed by a complete lack of leads, calls in FBI agent Leia Bines, an expert in cases involving children.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Gram, a psychiatrist at Newbury s hospital, searches desperately for the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope.

The situations confronting Leia and Peter converge when Naya begins drawing chilling images of murder after being bombarded by the disturbing images in her dreams. Amazingly, her sketches are the only clues to the crime that has panicked Newbury residents. Against her better judgment, Leia explores the clues in Naya s crude drawings, only to set off an alarming chain of events.

Jun 25, 2009
Jude Hardin

Hi Kris! If I'm ever in Sedona, I'll definitely check out The Well Red Coyote.

Jul 3, 2009
Lisa Fernow

Just tried to invite you as a friend - let me know if I can help you out in any way. Lisa

Jul 10, 2009
Kate Thornton

Oh, Kris, the Tucson trip involved family, so of course it was a bust. You can pick, well, ANYTHING except your family. Sigh. But the drive was spectacular - I love the desert.

Next time I'll skip them completely, come to Sedona and buy books! Kate
PS Cute pic of you!

Sep 2, 2009
Kate Thornton

You got it - I will visit Sedona next time & we can have a nice lunch/dinner with whatever is left after I shop at the book store.

I gave a short story workshop in Burbank last night & mentioned you! We were talking short stories & I recommended "Capital Justice" -hope your eas weren't burning, I said nice things about you. I recommended they Google you & the Well Red Coyote, so you might get some cryptic emails from eager newbies! It always helps to expand the ranks of eager readers.

Sep 3, 2009
Sunny Frazier

Chris,
I've got a friend who, 20 yrs ago, was busy picking out silly hats she would wear to her book signings. Yeah, you guessed it--she's never published the two novels she's written. Maybe if she'd spent less time shopping and more time on her career she'd have someplace to wear those hats!

You are one of the most active marketers I've ever met. I'm glad I met you years ago when I could study how you do it.

Sep 4, 2009
Sunny Frazier

Well, with a book store to run, I realize you've taken a break from full-tilt marketing. But, you've got the new woo-woo book out, I see you very active again.

You know, of course, we all miss you in California.

Sep 5, 2009
Sunny Frazier

Oh, and my friend Karyne over at Raven Croaks was delighted when I urged her to get in touch with you for an interview. Great interview, BTW. I believe you are one of her favorite authors now!

Sep 5, 2009
Susan Whitfield

You bet!

Sep 8, 2009
Steven St. Sure

Hi Kris, I came across one of your discussions where you asked if a prosecuting attorney would take a leave of absence and act as a defense attorney? I had two cousins that lived in Hawaii ( they were twins & both dead now I think). They had a law practice and would alternate running for and serving as district attorney. One of them was name Robert St. Sure.

I know I'm probably late, but as they say better late than never. Steve St. Sure

Nov 3, 2009
Virginia Conn

Ok, I sent an empty friend request. I wanted to say I love Sedona, have been to the Wild Coyote & a mystical murder mystery? Googling now!

Jan 3, 2010
Karen Tyrrell

Hi Kris, Nice to meet you. Thanx for adding me. You've certainly been busy with your writing . I'm just starting out. I have 3 books under consideration by Major Publishers/or an Agent... .Cheers, Karen :)) http://www.karentyrrell.com

Apr 6, 2010
Eve Paludan

Thanks Kris. I'm sorry I missed your talk at NAU. Let me know if you are in my neck of the woods again... Keep on writing!

Apr 8, 2010
Eve Paludan

Oh my gosh, how very cool! I will try to make it to your signing and workshop, Kris!
Is there a cost/registration, or just first-come seating basis?
http://www.wellredcoyote.com/events.html

Apr 8, 2010
Eve Paludan

OK, I will plan to make a day of it then. And will come early! Yay! I am so excited!

Apr 8, 2010