Julie Lomoe's Posts - CrimeSpace2024-03-28T20:34:05ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoehttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/60985999?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://crimespace.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=julielomoe&xn_auth=noPlease visit my WordPress blog - you never know what you'll find!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2010-02-09:537324:BlogPost:2265912010-02-09T10:18:06.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>I just reached another milestone - 40,000 hits on my WordPress blog, <a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>, which I began only last May. But I'm still somewhat mystified in terms of where all those hits are coming from! If you stop by, please live a comment and let me know you came from CrimeSpace.</p>
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<p>I welcome guest bloggers. If you're interested, please leave a comment below with your contact information as well as something about your…</p>
<p>I just reached another milestone - 40,000 hits on my WordPress blog, <a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>, which I began only last May. But I'm still somewhat mystified in terms of where all those hits are coming from! If you stop by, please live a comment and let me know you came from CrimeSpace.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I welcome guest bloggers. If you're interested, please leave a comment below with your contact information as well as something about your work and what you'd like to write about. Looking forward to hearing from you!</p>
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<p>Julie Lomoe</p>My Blog Book Tour starts Monday, November 9 - come visit me!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-11-06:537324:BlogPost:2190102009-11-06T17:30:00.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
I'm revving up for my first-ever Blog Book Tour, starting this Monday, November 9th. Ten wonderful writers have offered to host me. Hope you'll visit my blog to see the schedule and get links for the first three stops.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>
I'm revving up for my first-ever Blog Book Tour, starting this Monday, November 9th. Ten wonderful writers have offered to host me. Hope you'll visit my blog to see the schedule and get links for the first three stops.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>Learning about the blogosphere through Blog Book Tourstag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-06-15:537324:BlogPost:2033502009-06-15T23:00:00.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
Since the beginning of May, I've been immersed in the online Blog Book Tours course. I've been posting on my blog, <a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>, almost daily, and as of today I expect to log 2,000 visits. That's since May lst, not just today. Even so, for me, that's an enormous number, though it's minuscule for some.<br />
<br />
The course is demanding, but highly informative for writers who want to maximize their online presence. The next course will…
Since the beginning of May, I've been immersed in the online Blog Book Tours course. I've been posting on my blog, <a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>, almost daily, and as of today I expect to log 2,000 visits. That's since May lst, not just today. Even so, for me, that's an enormous number, though it's minuscule for some.<br />
<br />
The course is demanding, but highly informative for writers who want to maximize their online presence. The next course will start in the fall, with sign-ups beginning in August. To learn more, visit my blog, and then click on Blog Book Tours in the sidebar. (Yes, I could give it to you here, but this is a not-so-subtle ruse to invite you to check out my blog.)<br />
<br />
Julie Lomoe<br />
<i>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</i><br />
<i>Eldercide</i><br />
<a href="http://julielomoe.wordpress.com">Julie Lomoe's Musings Mysterioso</a>ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING AND AUTHORS' SITEStag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-02-23:537324:BlogPost:1843332009-02-23T18:23:18.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
I put together the following list for my local Sisters in Crime chapter. I'd welcome your comments and additional suggestions, as I plan to keep this updated. The original formatting was classier, but here it is.<br />
<br />
ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING AND AUTHORS’ SITES<br />
<br />
Blog Book Tours (www.blogbooktours@yahoogroups.com) Good advice for authors on negotiating the online world of blogging and social networking.<br />
<br />
Crimespace (www.crimespace.ning.com) Attractive, user-friendly site with nearly 2,000 mystery…
I put together the following list for my local Sisters in Crime chapter. I'd welcome your comments and additional suggestions, as I plan to keep this updated. The original formatting was classier, but here it is.<br />
<br />
ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKING AND AUTHORS’ SITES<br />
<br />
Blog Book Tours (www.blogbooktours@yahoogroups.com) Good advice for authors on negotiating the online world of blogging and social networking.<br />
<br />
Crimespace (www.crimespace.ning.com) Attractive, user-friendly site with nearly 2,000 mystery authors, fans and book dealers.<br />
<br />
Dorothy L (www.dorothyl.com) Founded in 1991 by research librarians for lovers of the mystery genre. Overwhelming number of posts per day; no BSP (blatant self-promotion) allowed.<br />
<br />
Facebook (www.facebook.com) Becoming increasingly popular with authors and artists; the social network of choice, replacing MySpace in popularity.<br />
<br />
GoodReads (www.goodreads.com) User-friendly site for people to share about what they’re reading. Contains options for setting up book groups.<br />
<br />
Murder Must Advertise (www.MurderMustAdvertise.com) Excellent site for networking about promoting your work.<br />
<br />
Mystery Lovers Corner (www.sleuthedit.com/mlc) Created by Dawn Dowdle; charges a modest one-time fee to get your books and bio listed.<br />
<br />
Sisters in Crime (www.sistersincrime.org) Has several specific blogs and lists, including Agent Quest and Guppies.<br />
<br />
WordPress (www.wordpress.com) User-friendly site for setting up your own free blog.<br />
<br />
Sites recommmended by Crimespace members:<br />
• AuthorNation.com<br />
• Authors Cyber Village<br />
• Book Masons<br />
• Crime Spot<br />
• www.authonomy.com (for online critiques)<br />
• www.critiquecircle.com/default.asp “<br />
• www.youwriteon.com “<br />
<br />
<br />
Compiled by Julie Lomoe, www.julielomoe.com<br />
February 21, 2009<br />
Send additions, comments and suggestions to julielomoe@nycap.rr.comModesty is the best policy - if your goal is obscuritytag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-01-16:537324:BlogPost:1770982009-01-16T22:23:05.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
I just checked the comments on my last blog entry about becoming an Amazon reviewer. I. J. Parker and John Dishon questioned why I'd want to review my own book, and warned that it could destroy my credibility. So I'm hereby clarifying: no, I didn't review my own book on Amazon, but I did post some biographical information under the heading "Please allow me to introduce myself." (Mick Jagger's "Sympathy for the Devil" was running through my head, but I didn't source the quote - probably another…
I just checked the comments on my last blog entry about becoming an Amazon reviewer. I. J. Parker and John Dishon questioned why I'd want to review my own book, and warned that it could destroy my credibility. So I'm hereby clarifying: no, I didn't review my own book on Amazon, but I did post some biographical information under the heading "Please allow me to introduce myself." (Mick Jagger's "Sympathy for the Devil" was running through my head, but I didn't source the quote - probably another no no.) I did open by saying that I was giving myself a five-star review, but although I meant it sardonically, the comments made me realize I might be turning off potential readers. I invite people to look up my book <i>Eldercide</i> on Amazon and let me know what you think. I still have the option of deleting my own review, and maybe I should!<br />
<br />
At this stage of my life, I've come to think modesty is an over-rated virtue. Growing up in the midwest, I was taught it's bad manners to brag, but ultimately, I believe the advice did me serious damage, as it did many ladies of a certain age. (Think Hillary Clinton, and all the nasty stereotyping commentary on her assertiveness during last year's campaign.) But unless you're dead, it's never too late to change.Becoming an Amazon reviewertag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-01-13:537324:BlogPost:1765052009-01-13T18:54:20.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
Today I finally threaded my way through the convoluted process of becoming an approved Amazon reviewer. My first official act was to award myself a five-star review for <i>Eldercide.</i> I'll have to wait 48 hours to see if it goes through or if they're picky enough to catch the blatant self-promotion and maybe ban me forever.<br />
<br />
To be a reviewer in good standing, you also have to surrender your credit card number and to have purchased books from Amazon in the relatively recent past. I wonder how…
Today I finally threaded my way through the convoluted process of becoming an approved Amazon reviewer. My first official act was to award myself a five-star review for <i>Eldercide.</i> I'll have to wait 48 hours to see if it goes through or if they're picky enough to catch the blatant self-promotion and maybe ban me forever.<br />
<br />
To be a reviewer in good standing, you also have to surrender your credit card number and to have purchased books from Amazon in the relatively recent past. I wonder how recently? In other words, you have to pay to play.<br />
<br />
A colleague's review of <i>Eldercide</i> inspired me to take this cyberstep. Here's what she said:<br />
<br />
<i>You don't have to be elderly to connect intellectually or emotionally with this book. The story offers something for everyone : for readers of mysteries, a good story ; for readers of medical thrillers, authentic (but not too clinical) health care scenes ; for readers of literary fiction, an accomplished novel with believable, fully-developed characters. And for all of us living in modern society : a contemporary exploration of unavoidable end-of-life issues. The narrative flows smoothly. The dialogue is always on the mark. The editing is sharp, uncommonly good for alternatively-published books. I read the book twice, appreciating its qualities even more the second time. And after finishing the last page, I couldn't wait to talk about it with my husband. What higher praise for a book than that it provokes discussion?</i><br />
<br />
Of course I focused on the part about the editing. I was my own editor - with Virtualbookworm, as with most POD publishers, you have to pay extra for an editing package, and I didn't. I have professional editing experience, and I'm confident of my abilities in that regard. But this is one of the legitimate gripes about self-publishing - stuff gets into print that's in desperate need of editing. That's why one POD publisher I know describes her company as a "printer," not a "publisher" - she freely admits that much of what they print is, in her own words, "crap." But she also feels it's the wave of the future.Self-Publishing Pros and Constag:crimespace.ning.com,2009-01-10:537324:BlogPost:1760342009-01-10T03:59:27.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
Tonight I got drawn into some forum threads about self-publishing and POD. Some of the disparaging comments kicked my adrenaline into overdrive. People choose print-on-demand for all sorts of reasons. It doesn't necessarily mean they're bad writers; perhaps they simply lack the armadillo armor necessary to persevere through the traditional channels. At least that's true of me.<br />
<br />
In one of my comments, I mentioned my publisher, Virtualbookworm, as producing high-quality products. The design, the…
Tonight I got drawn into some forum threads about self-publishing and POD. Some of the disparaging comments kicked my adrenaline into overdrive. People choose print-on-demand for all sorts of reasons. It doesn't necessarily mean they're bad writers; perhaps they simply lack the armadillo armor necessary to persevere through the traditional channels. At least that's true of me.<br />
<br />
In one of my comments, I mentioned my publisher, Virtualbookworm, as producing high-quality products. The design, the paper quality, the binding are all first-rate, and they're very responsive to author input. If anyone on Crimespace is considering going the POD route, I highly recommend them. And if you'd like to check out the quality for yourself - as you should before choosing a POD company - I invite you to order one of my books, either from www.virtualbookworm.com or from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. I'd welcome your feedback!Nancy Means Wright's Review of Mood Swingtag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-12-31:537324:BlogPost:1744692008-12-31T19:30:00.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
Through our Mavens chapter of Sisters in Crime, I've come to know the wonderful mystery writer Nancy Means Wright. She posted the following review of my first novel, <i>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</i>, on Amazon, and since BSP is OK on our personal blogs, I'm posting it almost in its entirety:<br />
<br />
<i>I began this novel with trepidation - like many others, I'm a little in awe, a little uncomfortable with people with "mood swings." But as I read this terrific novel and got to know the myriad…</i>
Through our Mavens chapter of Sisters in Crime, I've come to know the wonderful mystery writer Nancy Means Wright. She posted the following review of my first novel, <i>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</i>, on Amazon, and since BSP is OK on our personal blogs, I'm posting it almost in its entirety:<br />
<br />
<i>I began this novel with trepidation - like many others, I'm a little in awe, a little uncomfortable with people with "mood swings." But as I read this terrific novel and got to know the myriad characters, my own mood swung...This writer is a true professional, I came to realize: a bright, fun-loving, compassionate human being. I admire the high quality of the writing, the in-depth characterizations (often delightfully quirky); the fascinating setting (I love the details of the Manhattan Lower East Side); the realistic dialogue, the plot - all of it brilliant...I found myself going back to reread sections, to laugh (the author has a great sense of humor)...This is what a mystery should be: unravelling like a colorful tapestry until it is all in pieces - and in the end put back together with love and with craft.</i><br />
<br />
I hope this review will inspire some of you to check out my work - you can read the first chapters of both my books on my website. I'd love to get more reviews from my fellow mystery writers - and to read and review your books as well, if you'd like to make an exchange.<br />
<br />
Here's to a bountiful New Year for all of us! Now I'm off to don my parka and ski pants and join my husband in shoveling the six inches of fresh powder snow that's blanketing our driveway.Retitling ELDERCIDE as EVENING FALLS EARLYtag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-12-28:537324:BlogPost:1739032008-12-28T02:01:43.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
ELDERCIDE, my second mystery novel, has been out since the summer. The response has been gratifying from those who've bought and read it, but the title and cover art have definitely scared some people away. When I showed it to my family doctor, he studied the cover and pronounced it "ghastly." And one independent bookseller of advanced years declined to stock it because she hates the word "elder." Other authors have also advised me that the word "elder" may be a turnoff. So I've decided to…
ELDERCIDE, my second mystery novel, has been out since the summer. The response has been gratifying from those who've bought and read it, but the title and cover art have definitely scared some people away. When I showed it to my family doctor, he studied the cover and pronounced it "ghastly." And one independent bookseller of advanced years declined to stock it because she hates the word "elder." Other authors have also advised me that the word "elder" may be a turnoff. So I've decided to retitle the book EVENING FALLS EARLY.<br />
<br />
I'm going to create a different cover too - not difficult since I'm the illustrator as well as the author. I love the illustration, which reminds many people of Munch, but it's a little too lurid for some. It depicts the killer holding a hypodermic needle above the bed of an elderly woman while her Jack Russell terrier barks in terror nearby. But the needle can be misread as a knife, and it suggests a level of violence above and beyond what's actually in the book. My husband thought the first version was too tame, and he posed for the villain - next time I'll follow my own muse exclusively.<br />
<br />
In the past few months I've participated in several panels and signings with the Mavens of Mayhem, our upstate New York chapter of Sisters in Crime, and the experience was invaluable in terms of getting face-to-face feedback. (I actually sold more copies of my first novel, MOOD SWING: THE BIPOLAR MURDERS, than of ELDERCIDE. Evidently the topic of mental illness strikes people as a "fun read" compared with the subject of aging and death.) With my print-on-demand publisher, it won't be hard to make the changes - the novel itself will stand as written. And yes, it still involves eldercide.<br />
<br />
What do others think about cover art - how scary should it get? I'd love to hear from you.Do you know your last rights?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-09-27:537324:BlogPost:1612522008-09-27T15:37:48.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
Once again I'm taking a break from my own writing to put out a newsletter for our local branch of the Funeral Consumers Alliance. Josh Slocum, Executive Director of the national organization, will be the featured speaker at our annual meeting four weeks from tomorrow, and his talk is entitled "Do you know your last rights?" We're all about educating people as consumers of funerals and providing more affordable services through the funeral homes we contract with. A critically important mission,…
Once again I'm taking a break from my own writing to put out a newsletter for our local branch of the Funeral Consumers Alliance. Josh Slocum, Executive Director of the national organization, will be the featured speaker at our annual meeting four weeks from tomorrow, and his talk is entitled "Do you know your last rights?" We're all about educating people as consumers of funerals and providing more affordable services through the funeral homes we contract with. A critically important mission, especially in these perilous economic times when our dollars are buying less and less and our investments (if any) are plummeting in value.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to learn more, visit www.funerals.org. Being involved in this cause helps me keep things in perspective - the challenges of marketing my books are insignificent compared to the problems some of our member families are facing. Last month, tragically, I experienced the value of our services firsthand when my son-in-law died unexpectedly, leaving my daughter a widow with two young daughters. Although they lived at a distance, I was able to contact a participating funeral home and make arrangements in under an hour, saving the family enormous stress, not to mention money.Bouchercon - in the end, will it be worth it?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-09-12:537324:BlogPost:1598022008-09-12T02:32:55.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
I registered for Bouchercon a couple of months ago, and I've been checking the list of attendees. But yesterday I checked the preliminary schedule for the first time, and learned to my chagrin that I haven't been assigned to a panel. I'd had a hunch this was the case, since I hadn't heard anything from the organizers; even so, I'm disappointed.<br />
<br />
I'm not surprised, though, since I published both my novels with a print-on-demand publisher, Virtual Bookworm. I'm very pleased with the results, but…
I registered for Bouchercon a couple of months ago, and I've been checking the list of attendees. But yesterday I checked the preliminary schedule for the first time, and learned to my chagrin that I haven't been assigned to a panel. I'd had a hunch this was the case, since I hadn't heard anything from the organizers; even so, I'm disappointed.<br />
<br />
I'm not surprised, though, since I published both my novels with a print-on-demand publisher, Virtual Bookworm. I'm very pleased with the results, but there's a definite prejudice against POD authors, a class system that works to my disadvantage. The ground rules of the publishing world are changing, though, and I'll keep hawking my wares, hoping for that long-shot breakthrough into the big time.<br />
<br />
Maybe when I get to Bouchercon, I'll try to schedule a meeting - probably after hours in the hotel bar - for POD authors. On the other hand, would I want to identify myself with them? True, some are no doubt execrable writers, but that's true of some with traditional publishing houses as well.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I hope some of you on Crimespace will order, read, and maybe review my books. Check out my website, ww.julielomoe.com, to learn more about them and read sample chapters. And if you're going to Bouchercon, let me know - maybe we can meet in the bar.ELDERCIDE is out at last!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-07:537324:BlogPost:1545982008-08-07T20:06:09.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
I'm delighted to report that ELDERCIDE, my new novel of suspense, is finally published. I took a break from CrimeSpace during the lengthy revision process, but I'm back at last.<br />
<br />
The novel grew out of my experience as President of ElderSource, Inc., a Licensed Home Care Services Agency I ran for eight tumultuous years. We specialized in round-the-clock live-in care for clients nearing the end of their lives. Often the emotional toll for clients and their families was enormous. More than one…
I'm delighted to report that ELDERCIDE, my new novel of suspense, is finally published. I took a break from CrimeSpace during the lengthy revision process, but I'm back at last.<br />
<br />
The novel grew out of my experience as President of ElderSource, Inc., a Licensed Home Care Services Agency I ran for eight tumultuous years. We specialized in round-the-clock live-in care for clients nearing the end of their lives. Often the emotional toll for clients and their families was enormous. More than one bed-bound, terminally ill client openly longed for death. "I've had a good long life, but now it's time for me to go," as one woman put it. Often tempers flared, and relationships were stressed to the breaking point.<br />
<br />
I closed ElderSource in 1998. Gradually, my imagination gave rise to Compassionate Care, an agency set in the fictional town of Kooperskill in upstate New York. My heroine, nursing supervisor Claire Lindstrom, sees the beginnings of a sinister pattern when her clients begin dying unexpectedly, but her boss Paula Rhodes doesn't want her raising questions - a rash of mysterious deaths could destroy the agency. All the while, a killer called Gabriel is watching, channeling his obsession with Claire into passionate paintings. Under another name, he's a man she already knows - but which one? And is he part of a far larger scheme of eldercide?<br />
<br />
As our society ages, ethical questions like those raised in ELDERCIDE will grow ever more urgent. I plan to explore them in future novels in the Kooperskill series.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading through this bit of BSP. I hope you're sufficiently intrigued to go to my website, www.julielomoe.com, where you can read the first chapter. Then I hope you'll order a copy!Liz Zelvin's book proves perseverence furthers!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-02-15:537324:BlogPost:1242272008-02-15T16:31:12.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>I've been AWOL from Crimespace for some time now, but Liz Zelvin's message lured me back. I'm delighted to see her book <em>Death Will Get You Sober</em> has finally been published by St. Martin's. I met her several years ago at a Sisters in Crime conference in New York City, and I've tracked her progress in seeking publication since then. She's a therapist and her book deals with alcohol addiction. I recall her online postings about responses from agents and publishers who said no one would…</p>
<p>I've been AWOL from Crimespace for some time now, but Liz Zelvin's message lured me back. I'm delighted to see her book <em>Death Will Get You Sober</em> has finally been published by St. Martin's. I met her several years ago at a Sisters in Crime conference in New York City, and I've tracked her progress in seeking publication since then. She's a therapist and her book deals with alcohol addiction. I recall her online postings about responses from agents and publishers who said no one would want to read about such a downbeat subject. I'm glad she finally prevailed - it gives me hope for my own work, which deals with such "uncommercial" topics as mental illness and the travails of aging.</p>
<p>Speaking of aging, it's back to work on my final edit of <em>Eldercide,</em> which will be out later this year.</p>"Fractured Funerals" Devouring My Timetag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-10-16:537324:BlogPost:821502007-10-16T22:54:01.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Since my last post, I've been preoccupied with one of my other roles. As Administrator of the Memorial Society of the Hudson-Mohawk Region, I've been busy putting out a newsletter and preparing for our annual meeting. Our guest speaker, Lisa Carlson, is a nationally known advocate for funeral consumers, and she'll be talking about "Fractured Funerals" and the importance of advance planning. Lisa is the author of <em>Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love.</em> She's known for her…</p>
<p>Since my last post, I've been preoccupied with one of my other roles. As Administrator of the Memorial Society of the Hudson-Mohawk Region, I've been busy putting out a newsletter and preparing for our annual meeting. Our guest speaker, Lisa Carlson, is a nationally known advocate for funeral consumers, and she'll be talking about "Fractured Funerals" and the importance of advance planning. Lisa is the author of <em>Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love.</em> She's known for her humorous approach to what can be a lugubrious subject, and her real-life stories promise to be stranger than fiction. The meeting will take place on Sunday, October 28, at 2pm at the Schenectady County Library. If anyone's interested, please comment here and I'll post further details.</p>
<p>I'm in the advance planning phase of a mystery involving the funeral industry. Once the meeting is over, I plan to switch gears and immerse myself once more in the writing life. Primary goal: finish editing <em>Eldercide</em>, to be published next year.</p>Happy Birthday to Me!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-07-31:537324:BlogPost:594562007-07-31T01:30:00.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Today's a fairly significant birthday - I won't publicize which one, but it's a good one to take stock and do some journaling. I'm delighted that I've finally published a novel within the past year, and look forward to publishing my next, <em>Eldercide</em>, ASAP - not to mention completing another that I've just begun, with the working title <em>Green Burial</em>.</p>
<p>Right now, though, my office is too hot to work in, so I guess I'll give myself a break and go jump in the lake.…</p>
<p>Today's a fairly significant birthday - I won't publicize which one, but it's a good one to take stock and do some journaling. I'm delighted that I've finally published a novel within the past year, and look forward to publishing my next, <em>Eldercide</em>, ASAP - not to mention completing another that I've just begun, with the working title <em>Green Burial</em>.</p>
<p>Right now, though, my office is too hot to work in, so I guess I'll give myself a break and go jump in the lake. Literally - we have a little lake with a public boat ramp just 500 feet from the front door. My husband prefers I take 5 minutes more and go to the official beach, though - he's worried that I'm going to get offed by someone with a motor boat or jet ski (come to think of it, maybe that'll happen in <em>Green Burial!</em>)</p>
<p/>Kicked out of the bar?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-06-28:537324:BlogPost:513422007-06-28T15:54:37.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>I haven't logged onto CrimeSpace since early June, and this morning, to my dismay, the gatekeeper didn't recognize me and refused to let me in. Is it because I've been AWOL? I had to go through various electronic contortions with Ning and reset my password. Finally I accessed my page, and to my relief, everything is still here.</p>
<p>Seems we're becoming more of a speakeasy than an open bar. I imagine this is Ning's doing, and maybe the security is a good thing. Who knows?</p>
<p>I'm glad…</p>
<p>I haven't logged onto CrimeSpace since early June, and this morning, to my dismay, the gatekeeper didn't recognize me and refused to let me in. Is it because I've been AWOL? I had to go through various electronic contortions with Ning and reset my password. Finally I accessed my page, and to my relief, everything is still here.</p>
<p>Seems we're becoming more of a speakeasy than an open bar. I imagine this is Ning's doing, and maybe the security is a good thing. Who knows?</p>
<p>I'm glad to report I fixed the typos on my website, and since my last blog entry, I've received a wonderful review of <em>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</em> on Dorothy L. I'll post it here soon.</p>Finally, my own website!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-05-12:537324:BlogPost:355152007-05-12T18:29:28.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>At long last, my very own website is up and running, and I added a link to it in my author information to the left of this page. My husband, Robb Smith, worked long and hard on it - it's the first website he's ever created. However, it's still a work in progress, and I'm embarrassed to admit that there are a few typos. I know about them, and we'll fix them ASAP. However, Robb had major surgery two days ago, and he's not up to working on the website just yet. (He's resting in bed, doing well…</p>
<p>At long last, my very own website is up and running, and I added a link to it in my author information to the left of this page. My husband, Robb Smith, worked long and hard on it - it's the first website he's ever created. However, it's still a work in progress, and I'm embarrassed to admit that there are a few typos. I know about them, and we'll fix them ASAP. However, Robb had major surgery two days ago, and he's not up to working on the website just yet. (He's resting in bed, doing well except for the fact that our cat Lunesta made a flying leap onto his incision site last night. However, she didn't do any damage - we'd already asked the surgeon, and he said the wound could withstand the weight of a 10-pound cat.)</p>
<p>Next step: learn to edit my own webpage!</p>My book and how to get ittag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-04-24:537324:BlogPost:280122007-04-24T16:54:58.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>I've spent the last hour posting on various forums and on my own blog, and it occurred to me that if someone actually finds my posts interesting enough to click on this page, and maybe even buy my book, they may wonder how to get it. Easiest way is to order on Amazon, where I have four ***** reviews, or on Barnes & Noble. You can also go to my publisher at <a href="http://www.virtualbookworm.com/">www.virtualbookworm.com</a>, then type in my name or <em>Mood Swing</em> in their online…</p>
<p>I've spent the last hour posting on various forums and on my own blog, and it occurred to me that if someone actually finds my posts interesting enough to click on this page, and maybe even buy my book, they may wonder how to get it. Easiest way is to order on Amazon, where I have four ***** reviews, or on Barnes & Noble. You can also go to my publisher at <a href="http://www.virtualbookworm.com/">www.virtualbookworm.com</a>, then type in my name or <em>Mood Swing</em> in their online bookstore section. I'd prefer you order directly from VBW, because the royalties are larger and arrive sooner, but either is fine.</p>
<p>BTW, if anyone here would be interested in writing a review either online or elsewhere, I'd be glad to send you a review copy. Just send me a message in my chat section.</p>
<p>Whether or not you're interested in my book, I'd love to know if anyone reads this page. Please drop me a note!</p>Psyched about Malicetag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-04-24:537324:BlogPost:279952007-04-24T16:21:14.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Hooray, I finally booked my flight from Albany to Crystal City for Malice Domestic. My friend Marilyn Rothstein (aka M.E. Kemp) booked our room in the conference hotel months ago, and I'll be on my first national panel. All that remains is to figure out the logistics of getting my books there to sell, and getting my website up and running so that after I hand out my beautiful new postcards, people will be able to access the site printed on them.</p>
<p>I'd also been planning to attend the…</p>
<p>Hooray, I finally booked my flight from Albany to Crystal City for Malice Domestic. My friend Marilyn Rothstein (aka M.E. Kemp) booked our room in the conference hotel months ago, and I'll be on my first national panel. All that remains is to figure out the logistics of getting my books there to sell, and getting my website up and running so that after I hand out my beautiful new postcards, people will be able to access the site printed on them.</p>
<p>I'd also been planning to attend the 2007 Edgar Symposium in NYC tomorrow, but when I clicked on the website this morning, I learned it had been sold out. I'm somewhat relieved - the jaunt down to NYC and the registration would have set me back over $200, whereas I can get a CD or DVD of the day's events for a fraction of that - including Stephen King's guest-of-honor speech.</p>
<p>I attended an Edgar Symposium a couple of years ago. I had a good time and made a handful of contacts at the cocktail party that followed, but Malice - which I've never before attended - sounds much more friendly to new authors. I'm interested in what others think, so I started a new forum topic on the subject. So glad there's now a "Schmooze Lounge" where it's OK to talk about marketing and promoting. Heretofore, some folks on Crimespace were vocal about their distaste for BSP. Now it should be easy for them simply to avoid it by staying out of that room of the bar.</p>
<p> </p>Creative writing, violence and Virginiatag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-04-17:537324:BlogPost:256892007-04-17T17:24:25.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Scanning the headlines on the Drudge Report in search of the latest news about the massacre at Virginia Tech, I found a story so disturbing that I started a Forum topic about it. According to an AP story by Adam Geller, the gunman was a senior English major "whose creative writing was so disturbing that he was referred to the school's counseling service." Faculty were concerned about him, and the chair of the English department said, "Sometimes in creative writing, people reveal things and…</p>
<p>Scanning the headlines on the Drudge Report in search of the latest news about the massacre at Virginia Tech, I found a story so disturbing that I started a Forum topic about it. According to an AP story by Adam Geller, the gunman was a senior English major "whose creative writing was so disturbing that he was referred to the school's counseling service." Faculty were concerned about him, and the chair of the English department said, "Sometimes in creative writing, people reveal things and you never know if it's creative or if they're describing things, if they're imagining things or just how real it might be. But we're all alert to not ignore things like this...She said Cho was referred to the counseling service, but she said she did not know when, or what the outcome was."</p>
<p>It sounds as if the faculty acted appropriately and didn't overstep their boundaries. Did they fail to exercise due diligence in warning of possible violence? How could they possibly know? English teachers aren't psychologists, and psychologists are by no means foolproof either. For those of us who write mysteries that include violence, this is a truly perplexing issue. I could blog endlessly on the subject, but I still need time to sort out my feelings.</p>
<p>My own novels shy away from overly graphic violence. In <em>Mood Swing</em>, the victims are discovered after the fact. In <em>Eldercide</em>, on which I'm now doing the final edit, I describe murders directly from the victims' and the killer's viewpoint, but the murders are relatively painless, even gentle. But I do enjoy scenes of violence in others' novels, and I liked Tarrentino's and Rodriguez' <em>Grindhouse</em>. We all have a shadow side in the Jungian sense; in a few, it takes over in the light of day with tragic consequences.</p>
<p> </p>A New York State of Mindtag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-04-08:537324:BlogPost:205932007-04-08T21:23:44.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Easter Sunday's winding down, and one week from today I'll be winding down from Omega Institute's "Being Fearless" conference in New York City. The older I get, the more fearless I become. I wonder if this conference will make me even more so? If so, I may become over-the-top obnoxious. But so what? At over 60, I'm entitled. It's no longer so important that everybody like me and find me nice. This week I'll make some more T-shirts with my book cover emblazoned on the front, thanks to my…</p>
<p>Easter Sunday's winding down, and one week from today I'll be winding down from Omega Institute's "Being Fearless" conference in New York City. The older I get, the more fearless I become. I wonder if this conference will make me even more so? If so, I may become over-the-top obnoxious. But so what? At over 60, I'm entitled. It's no longer so important that everybody like me and find me nice. This week I'll make some more T-shirts with my book cover emblazoned on the front, thanks to my Avery do-it-yourself kit from Staples. But will I have the chutzpah to wear them all weekend? I'll pack some alternatives in case I chicken out.</p>
<p>Keynote speakers include Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Nora Ephron and Arianna Huffington. Signing off to check the Sheraton and the Amtrak schedule - and to start checking out my spring wardrobe. Despite the dusting of snow on the ground, I'm psyched.</p>My second printing of Mood Swing just arrived!tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-03-30:537324:BlogPost:158772007-03-30T16:13:07.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Yesterday the UPS truck pulled up outside my house, and the man in brown delivered several cartons of the new printing of my novel, <em>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</em>. I've sold nearly all of my first edition. It occurred to me I could have signed and numbered them like an edition of silk screens or lithographs; the printing was that small. Nonetheless it's thrilling. Mood Swing is a print-on-demand book, and I'm very happy I took this route. I plan to use the same publisher for my…</p>
<p>Yesterday the UPS truck pulled up outside my house, and the man in brown delivered several cartons of the new printing of my novel, <em>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</em>. I've sold nearly all of my first edition. It occurred to me I could have signed and numbered them like an edition of silk screens or lithographs; the printing was that small. Nonetheless it's thrilling. Mood Swing is a print-on-demand book, and I'm very happy I took this route. I plan to use the same publisher for my next novel, <em>Eldercide</em>, on which I'm doing the final edit and revisions.</p>
<p>I tried the traditional route of seeking an agent for both books, but got tremendously discouraged, although the number of rejections I got before giving up (about 18 for each book) was minuscule compared to what many writers go through. I still plan to try for an agent and a traditional publisher one of these days, but it won't be by the old snail-mail query route. There are other ways these days. And I got to do my own cover art and have design input and approval as well. A most empowering process, and speedy, too. From the time I decided to go POD to the time I had my completed book in my hands was about two months.</p>Gosh, am I really this popular?tag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-03-27:537324:BlogPost:139582007-03-27T15:41:50.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>I just clicked on the main page and saw my own photo at the upper left in the section "Popular Members". Hard to believe I'm really this popular - I'll bet Crimespace does this to all the guys and gals to make them feel good. I'll have to check back and see. In the meantime, it's a hefty rush to see myself there in the place of honor.</p>
<p>As I threatened to do in my last blog, I read my poem about my negative YMCA experience at the Lark Tavern last night and it went over well, especially…</p>
<p>I just clicked on the main page and saw my own photo at the upper left in the section "Popular Members". Hard to believe I'm really this popular - I'll bet Crimespace does this to all the guys and gals to make them feel good. I'll have to check back and see. In the meantime, it's a hefty rush to see myself there in the place of honor.</p>
<p>As I threatened to do in my last blog, I read my poem about my negative YMCA experience at the Lark Tavern last night and it went over well, especially when I shouted out the F word and did my Celine Dion imitation. I will post the poem here on my blog. Tried to copy it in, but evidently there's no way to cut and paste, so I'll have to retype it. Later for that...</p>Feeling feisty, verging on furioustag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-03-26:537324:BlogPost:131222007-03-26T16:18:44.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Is it spring, or is it just me? Usually I'm reasonably mellowed out (which means moderately mood-swingy, but under control) but in the past week I've gotten uncharacteristically angry on several occasions.</p>
<p>It's now Monday noon in upstate New York, and it was almost exactly one week ago last Monday morning when I uttered the F-word in my exercise class when the instructor snuck up on me from behind and corrected my moves. (She had us on our knees, our exercise matts facing the wall,…</p>
<p>Is it spring, or is it just me? Usually I'm reasonably mellowed out (which means moderately mood-swingy, but under control) but in the past week I've gotten uncharacteristically angry on several occasions.</p>
<p>It's now Monday noon in upstate New York, and it was almost exactly one week ago last Monday morning when I uttered the F-word in my exercise class when the instructor snuck up on me from behind and corrected my moves. (She had us on our knees, our exercise matts facing the wall, and gazing into the mirrors at our reflections while Celine Dion sang an excruciating version of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Yech! Wouldn't you swear too?) She said, "I want to talk with you after class," and then told me that if I ever used "that kind of language" again, I would be banned forever. Too bad, because I really like the class, so much so that I don't want to identify it here, because I do want to go back. Today I'm playing hooky, though.</p>
<p>Thre've been a couple of other instances I won't describe - I didn't swear, but I got rather vehement. But this morning I read George Will's column, titled "Hateful political atmosphere breeds anger." He mentions a book by Peter Wood titled "A Bee in the Mouth: Anger in America Now," which talks about "anger chic." So it seems I'm in fashion!</p>
<p>I think I'll write a poem about anger, then go read it at an open mic tonight. At Albany's Lark Tavern, the last Monday of every month has a "Poets Speak Loud" night. A great therapeutic outlet for mystery writers - you can turn out a poem in an afternoon and get applauded for it the same night. Nearly instant gratification. They have great hamburgers too, but I've given up beef for Lent (although I'm not religious, but that's another story.)</p>Welcome to my new Blogtag:crimespace.ning.com,2007-03-24:537324:BlogPost:118372007-03-24T15:55:30.000ZJulie Lomoehttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/julielomoe
<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I'm delighted to be here by my open window, listening to the birds singing and watching the snow melt in upstate New York as I create my first-ever blog. It's something I've been meaning to do for ages now, but this site, which I just joined yesterday, made it possible.</p>
<p>I'll be telling you more about my mystery, <em>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</em>, in the near future. Until I get around to it, please click on…</p>
<p>Hi Everyone,</p>
<p>I'm delighted to be here by my open window, listening to the birds singing and watching the snow melt in upstate New York as I create my first-ever blog. It's something I've been meaning to do for ages now, but this site, which I just joined yesterday, made it possible.</p>
<p>I'll be telling you more about my mystery, <em>Mood Swing: The Bipolar Murders</em>, in the near future. Until I get around to it, please click on <a href="http://www.virtualbookworm.com">www.virtualbookworm.com</a> and type in my name in the bookstore section to learn more. They're a print-on-demand company based in Texas, and I've been extremely pleased with them. Just ordered more books yesterday aftr selling out my first print run.</p>
<p>Talk to you soon - in the meantime, I need to grab my camera and photograph my cats in the window. They're even more fascinated by the birds than I am, and the sunlight is just right. (No, they can't get out - the window is screened.)</p>
<p>Julie Lomoe</p>