Well, the new year is almost here. Lots of people
make resolutions but I’m not one of them. I’ve done that in the past but I’ve
found that it doesn’t work for me. I do like to plan for the year ahead though,
which includes scheduling posts for my blog. For the past two years, I’ve done
a “Getting to know you” post once a month where I’ve interviewed many wonderful
authors. I’ve decided to continue my GTKY posts in 2014 but with a change.
Beginning in January, the post will not be an author
interview. Instead, I plan to interview the main characters in some of my
favorite mystery/suspense novels. My first guest will be private investigator
Sandi Webster, the main character in Marja McGraw’s Sandi Webster Mystery
series. I’m curious (and eager) to read her answers to my questions.
Another change to my blog is that, although I love hosting other mystery/suspense authors and will continue to do so from time to time, I will no longer post a "Mystery Author of the Month." But, I will continue to post a "Mystery of the Month," featuring some of the books I've read and want to recommend to my blog readers.
Another change to my blog is that, although I love hosting other mystery/suspense authors and will continue to do so from time to time, I will no longer post a "Mystery Author of the Month." But, I will continue to post a "Mystery of the Month," featuring some of the books I've read and want to recommend to my blog readers.
In addition to scheduling posts for my blog, I’m
looking forward to the release of my most recent Malone mystery, Desperate Deeds. A new book coming out
is always an exciting time. I especially love hosting a book launch event at Higher
Ground, my favorite local coffee shop in Cincinnati. I’ll post the date and
time when I have that information. And, last but not least, I’ll be busy in
2014 writing the fourth book for my series.
What are your writing-related plans for 2014? Happy New Year!
I'm dong well if I can plan one day at a time. I start each day with a to-do list as a guide. Long-term plans? I no longer set goals, just consider tactics to stay afloat.
ReplyDeleteDac,
DeleteI make a "to do" list every day too but I've learned not to get upset with myself if I don't accomplish everything on the list that day. I just put it at the top of the list for the next day.
Love your ideas for 2014, and interviewing main characters is a terrific idea! At a recent book discussion & signing, I was peppered with questions about the main character in my novel. Readers wanted to know all sorts of things about her that I hadn't mentioned in the book. It was a lively discussion!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. I'm really looking forward to my character interviews. The characters in my own books and in many of the mystery series I've read have become like friends to me. It's almost as if they're real people so I decided they deserved a chance to be heard too. :)
DeleteSometimes I think main characters are more "real" than some of the people I know!
DeleteYou've inspired me to interview a couple of my own characters while writing book #2 of the Waterside Kennels series. Thanks for motivating me!
My plan for 2014 is to write as much as I can, and enjoy it more. Sometimes the realities of being a full-time writer and trying to make a living can be difficult. Best of luck to you with your plan!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by, Joyce. I know exactly what you mean about the responsibilities of life making it difficult to write sometimes. I like your "enjoy it more" comment. I hope you have a great 2014!
DeleteI plan to write more, but I'm not waiting for the new year--I'm starting now. Today. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month. TODAY!
ReplyDeleteI love the way you're thought ahead re content for future blog posts. That's something I haven't tackled yet, and should. Great past, Pat!
Well, Ann, you know I'm a planner and a plotter. :)
DeleteI admire your determination to start writing more NOW. I'm in the plotting phase of the fourth book for my series. Once that's accomplished, I can write too!
Hi, Pat,
ReplyDeleteYou've got some very ambitious plans for the coming year! As for me, my fourth Kim Reynolds mystery novel will be published in April and I am hoping to find ways to publicize my work to new readers.
Jacqueline,
DeleteThat's fantastic! Best of luck with your new book. Please be sure to send me a reminder when it's released.
Also, if you come up with any new ways to publicize, I would love to hear them.
I love the idea of interviewing main characters. I've used the voice of my main characters for several blog posts and it's fun. I like your ideas for your blog and look forward to reading it in the new year.
ReplyDeleteAs for my plans, I am taking back the rights to several of my books and will be publishing them myself. I'm excited about this and also feeling a bit overwhelmed with what I need to do, but I do like the feeling of having total control over my books. So keep your fingers crossed that I don't go down in flames!
Lesley, you could never "go down in flames." You're a wonderful writer and I love all three of your mystery series. I don't know how you do it but I love them.
DeleteI know several writers who are taking back the rights on their books for various reasons and, from what I've read, it can be a smart move in many cases. Best of luck! I know that, if anyone can do it, you can!!
Patricia, thank you for your post and I am glad I "found" you. Interesting idea to interview the main characters. I launched my memoir this past summer and am pleased at the response and the requests to interview the main character, which is why this post brought a pleasant smile to my face! I am also glad that I self-published even though the work is substantially greater but the rewards greater still.
ReplyDeleteThe world of blogging is just as new to me as social networking and it is people like you that have been such a great help with ideas and support.
Carol, I'm glad you found my blog too and I hope you'll stop in frequently. I post every Sunday.
DeleteBlogging, social networking, all aspects of promoting can be frustrating and overwhelming but "meeting" other authors is always a joy. Nice to meet you!
Happy New Year, Patricia, looking forward to Desperate Deeds, how exciting! Make my resolutions on my birthday--but I do always feel renewed and optimistic when starting a new calendar year! Like what you've planned for your blog...
ReplyDeleteMadeline
Happy New Year to you too, Madeline. I always feel renewed and optimistic at the start of a new year too. Here's to 2014 and lots of book sales for both of us!
DeleteI've been thinking about revamping my blog too, but I haven't come up with any ideas yet. Looking forward to reading Desperate Deeds. I also have a new novel coming out in 2014. Hope you can host me when it does.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn,
DeleteI'd love to host you when your new book comes out. Maybe we can take turns hosting each other? That would be fun.
Hi Pat,
ReplyDeleteI've lots of marketing PR to do for Murder a la Christie, which comes out in early February. I'll be going to two mystery conferences--SleuthFest and Malice Domestic. Starting January 2nd, I'm sending out queries for my new series proposal to agents. Right now I'm taking it easy for the next few days.
Sounds like you've got a busy time ahead of you, Marilyn. Taking a few days to rest and regroup is always a good idea.
DeleteI set out a few goals with my critique group, but I'm going to rethink and refine them with a focus to enjoying myself. If I set out to have fun with writing, I'll surely make more progress than if I resolve to work work work.
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude, Kathy! All work and no play . . . .
DeleteThank you, Patricia! I'm really looking forward to your new blog and I can't wait to see what you and everyone else has put together. : )
ReplyDeleteMarja McGraw
Marja,
DeleteI think the character interviews will be a lot of fun. Coming up next Sunday is your very own creation, Sandi Webster.