Matt Beynon Rees, The Collaborator of Bethlehem

I just started it late last night, and then quickly fell asleep on top of it, so no opinons yet.

I did, however, just add some fabulous new toys to my office, including Spider Spud. The newest potato head joins Darth Tater, Spud Trooper, and R-2 Potatoo. I also just got two new sets of Galactic Heroes, which I am thrilled by.

This morning's counselling session felt very thoughtful. Or rather I was doing a lot of thinking about how things had been in the past, and how they are now. Kunu seemed keen to get me onto the subject of religion and church, which I suppose had to happen sometime or other. I hadn't been sure how I'd feel about that but, in the event, it was okay. We talked about how and why I'd originally become a Christian, how it had been then and how it was now. Short answer: very bloody different. But…

I was surfing the web, one link carrying me off to another, randomly reading when I came across the "How To Write A Synopsis" plight. Yes, you read that right. "Plight."

I can assure, I spent two or more, cups of morning coffee on getting wrapped up in that subject, jumping from one article to another.

And then, I discovered something. It hit me, actually the caffine probably kicked in and turned on the old brain, some articles are conflicting. Yes, we have the majority…

When I came up with that subject, I thought it would be easy. Now I fear I have to actually pick one. But I can't so I will pick two.

I'd say my favorite would be James Lee Burke. When I read my first Burke book, I was blown away. The man is a genius with words. He is one of very few authors that writes in first person who I enjoy, I don't think most authors get the full point of first person...it's about being in one person's head! Burke is a master, I can't think of any…

Today, over on www.good-girls-kill.com, I'm posting about Baltimore. Already the discussion has started, with thoughts on the challenges a writer faces when writing "his/her" city. Join in here, or pop over there. I'd love to hear what you think.

Denise Mina is a doll. She’s one damn fine writer too. Glasgow - her town - has a growing heroin problem, and a rapidly rising murder rate. She told me and a…

Galaxy British Book Awards - The results

Galaxy's TV campaign kicks off - see ad.

THE BOOK TRADE is to see the first ever national, multi-channel, generic TV campaign for books as a result of Galaxy's headline sponsorship of the British Book Awards and its aim of extending its relationship with books and reading. The television campaign launched on Sunday, 18 March, with over 60 slots booked on peak time…

An offer to the Crimespace community:

I am looking for willing victims ..er... reviewers, and contributors for Shots Ezine. I'll be up front about this. There is no payment for reviews but you do get to keep the books; hardbacks, ARC's (proofs) or paperbacks to do with what you will afterwards. Ideally I'm after people in the UK to do the reviewing. But I will accept stories and articles from around the world. Here are our guidelines:…

Without fans...............finish this sentence.

I am not an author, a grocery list has me stumped,

But I know a good book, at that I can't be trumped.

I am not famous, and never ever will be,

But Dang, I know when I read a really good mystery.

I have spread the word near and far.

Hoping my new author becomes a star.

So, very best wishes authors,and authors to be,

Who'll buy your book? Why little ole me.

Hey, Tony,

Glad to see you here and thanks for posting. I have replied to several folks and apparently didn't hit the right key to "send." So I hope this post makes it. Glad to have Tony on board as one of "my friends." I'm accumulating a lot, which pleases me. I must confess that as a former kindergarten teacher, I have this compulsion to circle you all around me, and have you say something about yourself, so that others can know you and be friendly with you. Some old habits…