Writers are a funny lot, aren't we? I was asked recently why I bothered to write if I didn't try to get published. My answer seemed reasonable to me at the time. I said, "I'm not published because I'm not polished enough yet. I just need more time and practice." As I said, seems perfectly reasonable, does it not? Then another question was lobbed at me that has my head still spinning. With all the sincerity in the world, this sweet little librarian said, "But how will you know when you are…

I have to say I was thrilled by how easy it was to add a new layout to my page on Crimespace. Myspace should offer such a service instead of making its members hunt on their own.

Since I don't know HTML, I really appreciate the convenience of having someone do it for me.

Thanks Daniel,

Morgan Mandel

www.thelipstickchronicles.typepad.com

My reviews for Robert Dugoni's two novels have now been posted on www.mostlyfiction.com. I read the books back to back and enjoyed them. Although Dugoni may write sequels to either book, Damage Control has no characters from the first book, The Jury Master. Both books are considered legal suspense, but they don't really fall into that category very well. Both books have lawyers as main characters, but the amount of…

Being a crime writer is serious business. Too serious, sometimes. I thought
it was time to lighten up a little and so I accepted an invitation to
be interviewed by the notorious, hilarious, possibly insane "Dr. Rajiv
Peppar." (At least that's what he calls himself.) Click here if you're ready for
a good laugh.

Last night was great - the Royal Academy's (http://www.royalacademy.org.uk) "Citizens and Kings" exhibition was wonderful. I felt really calm wandering round. The star picture for me was "The Death of Marat", which took my breath away. I stared at it for ages. It's the one they're using to advertise on the website and which I attempted to be witty about yesterday. Hell, it's had its own back. I couldn't…

The new issue of Spinetingler is up. You can follow this link for the PDF download and table of contents.

Or take the direct links below for the stories, interviews, reviews, website features, a sampler of Harrogate 2007 and a very special article.

I asked blogger and author Sela Carsen to give us some insight on the…

Robert Gregory Browne's Kiss her goodbye is on order at the Library, I will put it on hold, can't wait to read it

Having just finished the biography, I took a few days respite this past week. It was spring break, and I’m not likely to show up in a guys gone wild video, so I decided to just spend the time at home and catch up on my reading. I ended up reading almost a book a day, which is heaven to me. I have a new recliner and I propped my feet up with good books.

I think that so many authors are also ravenous readers as well. Most authors find joy in the written word as do I. And most mystery…

Well, this is my first ever official blog entry. Don't know what the big whoop is all about, but I'm willing to give it a shot, at least once. I'm usually willing to try new things, within reason and if it's not something I wouldn't do with my Gramma in the room. Considering she lives with me, it's totally a possibility. Well, 'lives' is not exactly true. She died in 1982, but she 'visits' and plays tricks on me from time to time. She calls often and lets me know all is well with her. At…