"The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”
― Arthur Conan Doyle
Imagine if you will, a place where like literary minds interact--exchanging ideas, introducing new concepts, acquainting you with new books to read, and films to watch... No, you're not in the Twilight Zone, you're in the #MurdersWeWrite room on the Clubhouse app!! (BTW, it's free to join)
This past weekend was our 12th deadly chat session where we discussed the mystery topic, Remote Locations and Locked Rooms... Personally, I don't think it gets any better if you're a mystery writer or reader who loves a bit of lively exchange on topics of the genre. You only have to commit to:
Showing up every 2 weeks
Devote just 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon
Jump into the discussion or just listen, no pressure
Audio only, no make-up required (I do wear my crowns)
Have fun!
Best yet, if you happen to miss a week, the audio chats are available to listen to anytime! #WinWin
This week, I'd like to introduce you to the die-hard crew of #MurdersWeWrite and let you know what this chat experience means to us. We all happen to be mystery writers and readers, who love to discuss the themes, tropes, settings, and nuances of our fav genre. Without further ado, please meet:
Cynthia Raleigh: Murders We Write benefits me both as a writer and a reader. I learn something about different mystery genres from each person in MwW. There are aspects of mystery writing I hadn’t thought about or didn’t fully understand but hearing it explained and discussed clarifies it for me. The conversation never fails to introduce me to a new writer and I love talking about old and new favorites in common.
Twitter: @Cerydwyn13
Amy Reade: As a writer, I love taking part in Murders We Write because it's a fun way to interact with other writers and to share ideas about the elements that make great books. It's rewarding to take a deep dive into facets of storytelling: not only does it give me food for thought for my own books, but it drives home the importance of reading with my writer's hat on. The other writers on the show are knowledgeable and eager to share the research they do for each episode. And last, but not least, there's no better way to add to my TBR!
Bibiana Krall: 'Murders We Write' feels like a honeycomb, mystery hideout. A place to laugh, discuss books with fellow readers and writers chatting about the things we love in story and also the things we don’t. I learn something every time and it makes the journey feel like I’ve really connected to people who understand where I'm coming from too. Nothing spammy or salesy, it's just about the stories.
I never know what the others will say, and I love that, because unlike the majority of the internet, people are always cool and respectful here. It’s a safe and creative space to fill the well and utilize new ideas to improve our writing craft.
Bibiana Krall, Novelist, Wildheart. Educator, Dreamer Https://www.bibianakrall.com
Greg Raleigh: Murders We Write challenges me to expand my search for new ideas even as I work on my current project. In nearly every profession, opportunities exist to meet with others and ask questions, seek advice, query ideas, and boost one another mentally and physically. Hearing others in the field succeed, struggle, or experiment can provide inspiration, encouragement, and caution for your own work. This is not always true for writers, especially freelancers or independents like me, so Murders We Write refreshes the way I think, and forces me out of my comfortable bubble. I always look forward to our meetings and leave reluctantly when they're over.
Amazon author's page:
Twitter https://twitter.com/sfcraleigh
Veronica Cline Barton: One of the things I missed most during the lockdowns was the literary interaction that filled my little gray cells with new ideas, concepts, and inspiration. There were no conferences, travel was verboten, and pretty much the only way to connect with others was through social media--in less than 240 characters!
Writing's a lonely profession. Most of the time it's just me, myself, and I in my room, pondering new story ideas and researching topics. Having the no stress option of meeting up with likeminded mystery fans to discuss different topics of the genre on a regular basis has been fascinating, and fun for me. I always learn something new and value the discussion time tremendously!
I hope we've inspired you to join us in our #MurdersWeWrite chat room, stop on in for a deadly, good time! No mystery here, just click on the link 👇:
Happy reading and writing, it's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
More great book reviews for Blood on the Vines!
I wanted to give a huge shout out and thank you to some authors/readers who gave Blood on the Vines a wonderful book review:
From author/reader Sandy Bazinet:
And from Canadian author/reader, Wendy Bayne:
It's another #FridayNightFrights reveal!
We had the global premiere of Diamonds & Ashes last Friday, one of my tales included in the Wicked Mist collection with Bibiana Krall! Expect the unexpected in this book--which by the way, will be out with less than a month to go! Our final reveal is this Friday night on YouTube, join us for a live chat! Halloween is coming... 🎃
Lovely days in the French countryside this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Janine Marsh, Toujours La France, Living the Dream in Rural France, 5 ⭐
Author Janine Marsh continues to entertain us In Toujours La France, with her riveting stories of life in the French countryside with her husband, Mark and their expanding collection of animals. Everyday life has many ooh-la-la moments as you meet her neighbors and friends as they gather for parties and celebrations. They gladly share their opinions and expertise on the matters at hand!
The recipes and libations described are mouthwatering, and the travels around the countryside give you an insider view of the area. This is the third book Author Marsh has written and shared on her personal journey of leaving big city life in London and settling into the charming French countryside. Not everything is smooth sailing, but what an adventure she and her husband have chosen! This is a delightful read for Francophiles, travelers, foodies, and those of us who dream of a life in a foreign land--highly recommended!
Next up in the reading queue:
Speaking of less than one month to go...
Just a few more weeks 'til we head out on the Viking Ocean cruise to Alaska. Starting in Seward, we'll be traveling south along the North America coastline and through the inside passage to Vancouver. I'm dusting off the boots and pulling out the sweaters and faux furs--I hope it's rainy and chilly--my perfect vacay weather! #Brrrrr 🥰❄🏔🌨
Welcome to my world. Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend, friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. #ChristmasInJuly may well be gone for 2022, but the real deal is just around the corner. For this writer, that means getting the editing completed and the marketing promos ready to roll out as all self-promoting authors must do for a #Christmas release! I'll be debuting A Novel Noel in next week's post, let the marketing begin! Rikkhe and Gemma approve ❄👠
I’m dazzled as usual! Can’t wait to hear about your Alaska Adventure! Murder We Write- excellent!
What an awesome post as always! Murders We Write is always so much fun and I learn from everyone who participates. Congrats on the latest book review and hey hey on the last preview for WIcked Mist! so many great things happening! You make Wednesdays amazing! Ty V! Have a great day everyone!
Thanks for putting the spotlight on MWW! I'll post the link to my FB page this morning. Sitting here in this stifling heat and humidity, I am SO jealous of your upcoming trip to Alaska. You will have so much fun! Thanks for the review—I need to pick up that book. Have a great week, V! 😍