"The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible."
OSCAR WILDE
September, what a lovely month of mystery and mayhem it has been! And no, for this post I won't be talking about the politics of the world, but rather, the exciting month I've had in the writing zone.
I started the month coming off a whirlwind week of mystery writer bliss at the Bouchercon 2024 mystery conference. This year's gathering was held in Nashville, at the magnificent Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
There were so many inspirational and informative sessions at the conference, I thought I'd share some of the writing wisdom with you from the panels I attended in today's post. I've found over the year's there's always one little gem to be found...
*The panel names were a bit strange--titles or phrases from songs with prizes awarded at the end for whoever guessed the origin correctly, LOL. Pics in this section were taken at the Opryland.
Married, But Not to Each Other: Juggling multiple series, how do you keep things straight?
Two things from this panel stood out for me: 1) Creating a Character and Universe Bible for each series. I have Excel sheets for each book but not a master 'bible' version, super idea. 2) Write a short story collection with your characters to show another side to them you may not catch in a novel and let them shine--love this idea!
Funeral for a Friend: How far is too far?
Make sure the content is appropriate for your genre. The panel discussed subjects such as sexual or child abuse, violent scenes (domestic violence, rape), suicide...serious topics that need to be positioned and depicted carefully and appropriately in your story. Trigger warnings are encouraged if your story involves these topics. Always remember, sometimes less is more...edit prudently.
Yankee Doodle Dandy: Tips for Indie authors to get more leverage.
Once again, it's all about the editing, cover design, and marketing! Don't skimp on the basics--budget wisely! Interestingly, Amazon ads received the highest endorsement (with BookBub, FB next), but you need to understand how to do it. Also, get out in your community to talk about your books (Which means, you need to be able to speak in front of a group. Join your local Toastmasters!). Book clubs, podcasts, local events (check out the bookstores and libraries). Have your 30 second elevator pitch roll off the tip of your tongue!
Leaving on a Jet Plane: Cozies with international flair.
Interesting panel, which included Colleen Cambridge who has written series that include sleuthing (and cooking) with a post WWII Julia Child and the head housekeeper for Dame Agatha Christie who dabbles in solving crimes. How do you portray famous figures in your stories and keep them authentic? I want to research the legalities of doing this a bit more and find out what approvals and permissions are required. Which famous persona would you include to give your MC a helping hand?
Use your travels to come up with new settings for your stories. Or, bring your favorite setting/locale closer to home if you're more comfortable. Author Lisa Q. Mathews has a series involving an authentic Irish town, appropriately named Shamrock, in the middle of Massachusetts as the setting for her sleuthing MC. Options abound, be creative!
London Calling: London crime solving talked about by London crime solvers.
Colin Campbell, Craig Robertson, Martin Edwards, Mark Ellis, and Carol Ramsey kept the audience laughing in this entertaining and informative panel. How do you make the location part of the story? Soak yourself in the details of the surroundings, get the accents right, create an atmosphere of authenticity so readers feel they've been transported to the scene. How to come up with new story ideas? (This exchange was laugh-out-loud funny.) Use your former career for ideas--this panel included former reporters, barristers, an osteopath (Carol still practices), businessman--there are story ideas lurking everywhere... Get to know your local law enforcement--Oh, the stories they can tell!
Other fav panels included discussions on using paranormal influences in your stories, weaving in current events, switching from YA to Adult mystery genres, utilizing interesting side characters, taking your book to screen, and an informative discussion on Arthur Conan Doyle--his life and writings (did you know he wrote horror short stories?). I had the chance to meet new authors, and I have a whole bunch of new books to dive into for my TBR!
Personally, I think the Bouchercon mystery conference is one of the best out there. Next year, it's off to New Orleans for BLOOD ON THE BAYOU: CASE CLOSED! Hope to see you there...
As September signs off, here's wishing you an inspired October! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Coming October 15th, Behind the Scenes: The Exhibition of Castlewood Manor!
In the weeks before Thanksgiving, excitement is in the air as preparation for opening night of the Castlewood Manor Exhibition begins. In the shadows, danger lurks behind the scenes, watching… waiting… for murder to take a bow. #DunDunDun
Just a few more weeks until the release of Book 9 in My American Almost Royal Cousin Series! I'll be featuring my latest whodunnit in the October blog--we're super excited for this cozy tale which has Gemma and friends coming to America. What can possibly go wrong?
Many thanks to Theresa Snyder, my editor and Eeva Lancaster who is providing those all so important author services. Finally, thanks to all who have been so supportive in helping me get the word out!
Mystery and murder most foul--with a few unexpected twists-- this month from the writers of X...
5 ⭐A shocking double murder at the swanky Erebus Resort nestled in the Colorado Rockies, where wealthy clients have the chance to observe animals who have been brought back from extinction, baffles everyone. The resort personnel think it's eco-terrorists, but something isn't quite adding up for CBI Agent Frances Cash and county sheriff James Colcord.
As the investigation unfolds, dark, deadly secrets come to light. Have the scientists at the resort committed the unspeakable? This is a thrilling tale with elements from Jurassic Park mixed with your favorite whodunnit, filled with suspense and chills. A highly recommended read!
5 ⭐ When an inquisitive teen stumbles upon a beekeeper while roaming the Sussex countryside, both their lives are about to change. Mary Russell, recently orphaned and coming of age, meets her match when the beekeeper turns out to be none other than the great Sherlock Holmes. He's intrigued by her intellect and takes her on as his protege. As the years pass, her analytical skills develop impressively. The two are soon teaming on a series of cases that cement their sleuthing partnership.
Author King weaves an intriguing tale (and series) that brings an exciting nuance to the new cases of Sherlock Holmes. A treat for fans of the classic sleuth!
5 ⭐ Calling all fans of the divine Miss Jane Marple, Author Mark Aldridge's Agatha Christie MARPLE: Expert on Wickedness is for you! Readers are treated to insights for the novels and short stories that made the sleuth from St. Mary Meade endeared and feared by those who come into her midst.
This is a book to be savored as you're taken back to the dilemmas, keen insights, and connections only Miss Marple can make. A treasure for fans of Dame Christie and her charming super sleuth. A great addition for Christie collectors, highly recommended!
5 ⭐Just in a time for spooky season, a collection of the bizarre and mysterious tales by Dame Agatha Christie! Twenty stories await that are sure to intrigue, entertain, and conjure up a few goosebumps.
A must-read collection for paranormal story lovers and Christie fans, sure to trick and treat the little gray cells. Highly recommended!
A horror classic comes to the stage!
The OH and I had the pleasure of watching Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical at the San Juan Capistrano Playhouse a few weeks ago. This clever rendition came with an unexpected twist--the dialogue was set to music ala Phantom of the Opera style! This scary tale, penned by Robert Louis Stevenson, released in 1886, tells the story of a brilliant doctor who goes to any length to see his discoveries through, culminating in a tragic, wicked end. The music was haunting, and the performers did an outstanding job with this emotion-filled, chilling production. A great way to kick-off the season of scary!
Welcome to my world. Until next time, enjoy the beauty of Autumn--Happy October!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. The OH and I are off to Catalina Island for a few days to welcome in October. I'm also on the hunt for inspiration for a new project I'm starting, which, just might be set on an island! #DunDunDun This story is developing... Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑
Another great post, Veronica! I'm thrilled you had such a great time at Bouchercon. Hopefully one of these days I can join you at another one! I'm so excited to read Behind the Scenes! Squeeee! xo