A couple of months ago I did a small book signing tour in Ohio. I met Chrissie Valdini when she bought a copy of Russian Roulette at one of those bookstores, in Dayton. Recently she emailed me with some very positive comments about my mystery…

If I do too much multi-tasking while writing, researching and reading online sometimes my computer decides to take me to places I don't want to go or to simply freeze everything in place. Luckily no matter what happens or doesn't on the computer I can always shut it down and restart it and get back to where I needed to be. Sadly this only works in the virtual…

It was an exciting week for this author. Just yesterday I attended the annual Washington Writers Conference, and I think it was the best one yet. I sat on a panel of experts discussing book marketing, which was a big hit. I also attended some very informative sessions, made some great connections including a possible new agent, and spent time with some good friends who are…

Saturday I will be part of another panel of authors, but this time the audience will be entirely made up of other writers. We'll be at the Washington Writers Conference, put on annually by the American Independent Writers. This year's program offers agent meetings, a fine luncheon and a number of interesting and valuable panel…

At my most recent book signing people asked me who I'd want to play Hannibal Jones on the screen (Duh! Shemar Moore.) But talking about whether my books should go to the big screen or become a drama series raised one of those odd grammar questions that keep me puzzled about our language.…

This month's meeting of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of Mystery Writers of America will feature the launch of "Bad Cop, No Donut," a collection of tales of cops behaving badly. I am one of the 15 crime writers represented in the anthology, and one of the four who will be at the meeting. After the reception at…

My book signing at the Borders Books in Warrenton, VA was a pleasant surprise. Traffic was worse than expected so I arrived late. But the staff members were especially supportive. The store had few visitors that evening but I still sold out of books in three hours. I was not quite as successful at Borders in White Marsh Mall, but I did…

Friday evening I'll make my first visit to the Borders Books in Warrenton, the heart of Virginia horse country. Aside from having the best selection of equestrian books in the state, their "All Things Local" section has lots of books that are rich with history. It's the place to stop on your way to the Gold Cup Races or the Luray Caverns, or to pick up an autographed copy of one…

Fantasy and science fiction author Hank Quense saw my blog post responding to 5 basic questions on writing and accepted my invitation to add HIS answers. Read them at http://ascamacho.blogspot.com/…

I like to point out books that would make great additions to your library, even if it's your library of electronic files. Today I'd like to tell you about a new Private Eye novel by Newt Love.…

On Memorial Day we must all remember that the story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. Poet Maya Angelou reminded us how important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

So take some time during your long weekend to visit the resting place of some of our lost service members. And when you're standing at one of the markers or head stones, stop and listen. As Aaron Kilbourn said, the dead soldier's…

I like to share comments about my work. Today I'd like to introduce Romas Laskauska. I signed a copy of The Troubleshooter for Romas at a recent book signing at the Borders in Baltimore Washington International Airport. He later wrote to say why he liked the book and that he had ordered two more of my novels. He also asked in what order he should read them.



My novels…

Some timeless questions do not grow from a need to understand God or nature or the universe. Some come from a need to understand the reasons for mysterious human plans or decisions.…