First Line Right Now

As regular readers will note, I'm in the midst of another Dick Francis novel. Why? Cause they inspire me. I love the simplicity. The characters are the driver of the story, as it should be. They're quick, easy, fun, and I'd love to have my books be more like these. 

I doubt I'll ever be as prolific!

Stunned by the Rat Race

A couple of days ago I wrote about the rat race . . . and how at the end you're just the lead rat (see HERE). So, because I have about another week or so to go before my next class picks up and I have to put down reading for fun and pick up reading for texts once again, I thought I'd slip in a few more faves, and I guess rat racing was on my mind. 

I've never read this one, which again, surprises (and delights) me. 

Last Morning Line for a Bit

I’ve been on a morning kick lately (see HERE), so I might as well continue it. 

Why mornings? Maybe because they’re refreshing . . . They’re new . . . It’s a new start. That’s why they are used so often in books, maybe that’s what I need in my life right now. A new start. A refresh.

So, I like this one not only cause I’m such a fan of coffee (I am), but because I’m also a huge fan of watching slow, gray mornings struggle from gloomy to plain dull. 

That’s not a joke. My weekends lately have been made up of writing on the patio, under the pergola, watching the morning arrive with my iPad in my hand and Sadie at my feet. Good way to refresh and restart!

Morning From Last Book

Since I was in the mood for morning quotes (see HERE), I saw this one from the last book I read . . . And thought it would be worthwhile to pop it in here.

The Same Morning as Before

I was going to write another post about this morning (below) but found that I did such a great job the first time I wrote about it (see HERE) that I see no need to do so anymore. 

I love my posts on the morning (see HERE), I really should do a better job of cataloging them. They are so fun to read and to notice, once you start noticing. 

A Recipe in Honor of Archy McNally

I know I posted a couple of my favorite cookie recipes, but because I have been reading an Archy McNally mystery and because Archy is such a lover of cocktails, I offer this from my friend, JuneBotProlly (that's her knee in the pic!).

More Recipes

So, thanks to yesterday's post and Diane Mott Davidson, I've decided to add yet another recipe. This one is a slight twist on the one I posted yesterday, but I thought it was much much better. Especially straight from the oven. 

The foundation is the same, but there are a couple of slight tweaks, I've listed them in blue. 

Dick Mott Hannah

So, I only got the most incredible compliment today! My BFF told me my cookies were the BEST! She is the best baker I've ever experienced, so hearing from her that the cookies are the bomb means quite a bit of something! (She does tend to exaggerate, but in this case I'll be happy to take even the exaggerated compliment).

Following the trend started yesterday, the one about recipes in mysteries by Diane Mott Davidson, I offer this . . . the (possibly exaggerated) bomb cooking recipe.

Reddit vs NaNo Forums

A part of a writing reddit that I enjoy commenting and discussing on had an interesting question the other day. It's fun because the writers in this group are so young and inexperienced. The NaNo forum has experienced and serious writers. Reddit has youth and inexperience. 

One of the redditors asked if it's okay to steal ideas from other novels or authors. 

Cooking

I baked alot yesterday. Read alot too. Enjoyed a cooking class from a local caterer as well. Made me think of Dianne Mott Davidson books (see HERE). The mystery series that revolves around catering and cooking. I love that it includes recipes of the dishes that are a part of the story. 

I only read a couple then I moved on. The schtick didn't stick. Why not? I think it's because it's one note. . . . on dimensional . . . not new each time. 

A Year Later?

I have heard from many people lately about my latest book (see HERE). One was a comment here on the blog (HERE) from my old friendo Kimbo (see HERE), another was at home, several neighbors, and I've gotten ten texts and a couple of emails too. all of them have been quite complimentary and that's fun. But with each contact I get more concerned.

Why concerned?

McNally's Cover is a Let Down

I have to admit, I'm a little let down. I've been compiling these posts with covers (see HERE) for the past few months and really been enjoying it. I was hoping for more out of McNally's Secret. I was hoping for at least a peak at an artists representation of Archie. Instead we get a stamp (which makes sense) another cover that is derivative of the first, then a completely generic cover. Not even a pulp to make me smile!

McNally First Line

I know that I've posted this before (see HERE), but it's worth posting twice . . . if only because I'm reading it again. So, like I said last time, I'm a huge fan of Lawrence Sanders, so naturally, I'm going to like his first line, but isn't this one just stupendous as a first line?

It only gets better from there. 

I'm reading this one now because as I mentioned last week, I'm trying to stay in focus with my writing and get some writing done. A McNally might not be as serious as I would like, it's far more light-hearted than my regular writing and reading, but it's so fun I can't help myself. 

High Stakes Cover

Yesterday and last week I wrote about what i'm reading right now (see HERE). The week before that I wrote about the first line from that book, as I often like to do (see HERE for all my first lines and why I catalog them). As anyone who follows this blog knows, I am currently in a phase of liking to see all the different varieties of covers that go along with the books I read (see HERE). 

This first one is what I like best about Dick Francis books. This style. this is what I was trying to mimic with my first series of covers for my own books. I failed. I do still like this style though. 

Funny Ole World of Writing

This week, I didn't have a tone of meetings, so I thought I would have a ton of time to write. I have that writing bug right now, I was hoping to capitalize on it. Sadly, I did not.   

Work piled up quickly. Tons of little things, a couple of big ones, and more politics and personnel decisions than I normally have to deal with. It's the end of the year, and so we are dealing with wage increases and bonuses, and no matter how generous you think you might be, it's never as generous as your employees hope. 

Old School

Now that I've finished old Trav McGee and Nightmare in Pink (see HERE), I've moved on to more Dick Francis. This time it's High Stakes see (HERE). 

I'm really looking forward to this one. I have never read it and it's among the older version of Dick Francis' work.

Within the first few lines the reader is reminded that this is from a bygone(ish) era. 

One More On Nightmare

Lately, I know, I've been posting alot about Nightmare in Pink, a part of the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. Does it warrant this much posting? Probably not. But, when reads so few novels these days thanks to homework, and work work, well then one posts alot about the things he enjoys. 

Regardless, the other day I wrote that there were some lines which I found particularly compelling and I wanted to share them with someone, so this audience will do.  

Nightmare in Pink Cover

I'm sure many of you will find it odd, but there's very little these days makes me happier than going back and finding the pulp (and other) covers that are associated with he books I read. Naturally, when I say that there is "nothing that makes me happier" I'm being hyperbolic, if only because my best friend Sadie is around. 

Having just finished John D. MacDonald's Nightmare in Pink (see HERE) I was very eager to get out there and see the evolution of the covers!

More From a Nightmare in Pink

One of the things I love about Travis McGee novels by John D. MacDonald, is the simplicity of writing. It's direct and honest and quick. I have been accused of this as well (see HERE). And I'll happily accept that accusation/honor.

Some of the other authors I read who are similar include Louis L'amour - with his simple stories that are easy to follow and fun in a predictable way, Lee Child - Often times I find them a bit too simple (see HERE), but they're fun. Even Dick Francis has an economy about his writing and his stories that is fun and easy (see HERE).

Trav McGee

I’ve been referencing a book a lot lately that I’m in the midst of reading. It's another John D. MacDonald, Trav McGee mystery (see HERE).

Here is the first line to add to my own series. 

This is the second of this series I’m reading and I can’t imagine I won’t keep reading the rest of them. 

Wonderful writing imagery. 

Perspective and Tense in Writing

I recently read a post in the writing community that I am a part of that was about the fact that first person present tense perspective is not well regarded and he argued that it is just as valid as others.  He got a lot of flack from others for saying that. I completely agree with his post. I love reading first person present and enjoy writing that style too. I’m partial to all first person pov’s and I don’t understand why it gets such short shrift.

I remember a writing group/class I was a part of for a long while and the leader/teacher was constantly trying to get me to stop writing in first person and shift to third. 

Theme or Plot

A writing group that I'm a part of had an interesting and long running discussion on writing . . . is it plot driven or theme driven. 

When I write, and I've published 3 novels (see HERE), I start with plot and from that develop characters and theme. 

More on Sunset Perfect

As you all know, I am a fan of this loose series of mysteries and thrillers. Vapor Trail, On the Edge, Toe the Line all have working out and athletics as a theme (see HERE). 

As a part of Sunset Perfect there is a theme of culture and trust, there's also a murder that brings up a theme of family and simmering betrayal, but all of this takes place around and among a football team that is going through some drastic turbulence and challenges. 

Coming Back for More

I am fairly certain I know who Kim is, but it’s nice to see that she likes my writing (see more HERE). If she is who I think, this is not a “friend” review. Not only that…. She liked the writing so much she wanted more! I’ll be happy for the rest of the day!

The review above is of On the Edge (see HERE).