After 30 years in publishing I wrote my first novel. I worked hard to write and edit it and the reviews for Cuts Like a Knifehave been gratifying. The process has been rewarding, but not just because of the joy of creating something, but also because of significant insights I've acquired on sales and marketing as a new author.



I'm not sure any points below are new to me - and probably not to you - but the importance of each dynamic has been…

Alex Kava (born Sharon M. Kava in Silver Creek, Nebraska) is the popular American author of psychological suspense novels. Alex Kava is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Her books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide. She is published in 22 countries and has…

I need your feedback about this essay. I wrote it for an upcoming Maynard Soloman collection, 6 Funny Detective Stories - Maynard Soloman Solves the World's Problems. It talks about the philosophy of the detective stories.

I plan on including this essay as part of a bonus feature for the collection. Tell me what you think. Too complicated? Not complicated enough? Stupid? Not stupid…

New issue of Kings River Life is up and filled with more mystery fun. We have a review of Elaine Macko's latest mystery "Armed", a video interview with her from Left Coast Crime, and a chance to win a copy of the book & a box of tea to enjoy with it! http://kingsriverlife.com/05/26/armed-by-elaine-macko-mystery/

For those of you who enjoy craft mysteries, we have a review of Betty Hechtman's…

Download in #Kindle for #free on Saturday and Sunday, KILL AND SAY GOODBYE, my new mystery short now. Jogger stumbles upon dead woman's body on the beach, bearing a striking resemblance to her, and puts self in grave danger.

 …

Heading into a hot holiday weekend. Two days off and no set plans.

First, however, it’s another interview with a fantastic author. I pick her up in my trasnporter and since she didn’t care where we went, I did something I’ve never done with any other author. I took her back to my apartment to meet my cat, Thomas. (And no, that’s not a euphamism for anything,…

ME & HER: A Memoir Of Madness.  Read #20 FREE pages on Amazon

h…

Yes, it's blow your own trumpet time here with the latest update in the seemingly endless rave reviews for MURDER MILE - as presented in all its finery to my left.



Keeping up the trumpet metaphor for a wee mo', I'd have to say I'm blown away (yes, see…

On Friday, a Belgravia Police Sergeant kindly gave me access to the holding cells at this inner London police station as part of my research for Book 2. I asked him to shut me in one and the heavy metal door slammed shut so loudly it was as if the door was twice the size. The concrete cell of about 8ft x 9ft (each cell for one occupant) was designed to minimise any risk of suicide. There were no edges from which someone could wedge a belt or fabric. There was a foam mattress &…

Simon Toyne is a newcomer to the community of authors who write mysteries centered around ancient secrets, symbols and underground societies. Simon has worked in British television for twenty years. As a writer, director, and producer, he has worked on several award-winning shows, one of which won a BAFTA. He lives in England with his wife and family.…

I'm looking forward to being at CrimeFest this coming weekend where I will be appearing on a panel on Friday 25 May at 9am. This will be my third year of attending and if it's anything like the last two it will be enjoyable and fun.

CrimeFest is a convention for people who like to read an occasional crime novel as well as for die-hard fanatics. First organised in June 2008, CrimeFest is now one of the most popular dates in the crime fiction calendar. The annual convention draws top…

Okay, folks, my last Renzi Rant was pretty ugly, and I don't want you to think I don't have a sense of humor, so for this one I decided to lighten up. This may come as a big shock, but a lot of criminals do really stupid things. You've heard of stupid pet tricks? Criminals are worse. Hey, if they were smart they'd be making big bucks on Wall Street. For a couple of samples, read on.

 Take my baby, please

 Tanya wanted a gun. Why? Who knows, but I'm guessing it…

A new issue of Kings River Life is up! As we continue to celebrate Edgar Allan Poe & the release of "The Raven" we have a review of Christopher Allan Poe's (who is related to Edgar) book "The Portal", a video interview with him from Left Coast Crime & a chance to win a copy of the book…

I've updated my website, The Pain and The Joy on Distractions in writing.  The point of the blog is to show and and not tell the issues we writers face.  If you enjoy please leave a comment.

Steve Berry is the American author and former attorney who is well-known for his popular historical thrillers
The Amber Room 
and
…

 I was interviewed…

We're # 3 in New Pulp ebooks!

Here's what Damascena posted on Amazon.com for Damaged Goods:

"Thisis is the first Hannibal Jones book I've read, and it is a delight on all levels. The writing is excellent to exquisite. the characters are believable (including the hero, who can do amazing things, but is still extremely human). the setting is lovingly and meticulously drawn, in several locales, and the story left me absolutely breathless on more than one occasion.

I especially enjoyed some of the side action,…

I'm thrilled to announce the third release in my Sloane Monroe series, I Have a Secret. …