Ten Things

Ten Things

• This sticker. Is it perfect or what? Courtesy of Erin Flanagan. Erin won Best First Novel at the Edgar Awards (Mystery Writers of America) this year.  Her novel, Deer Season, is unique. Yes, it’s a mystery. But it’s not written as a mystery. Proof that the “rules” are bendable, malleable, there to be broken. Do it. More about Erin in this Q&A.
• In a New Yorker piece about Elizabeth Hardwick, writer Darryl Pinckney wrote this: “She had a way of talking to young writers that assumed we understood what was involved in the production of something—anything. Part of what made us believe that the writing life was possible for us, too, was that she took our anxieties seriously. But all problems about writing had one solution: you had to, you said you would, it was the contract you made with yourself, it was your life.” REPEAT: All problems about writing had one solution. You had to. You said you would. It was the contract you made with yourself. It was your life.
• Nice little example in Writer’s Digest in how to improve your dialogue using beats.  
• Speaking of Writer’s Digest, a piece by yours truly: Writing the Uncomfortable, Digging Into Transgressive Fiction
• Sending love and support to all the folks at BookBar. Especially Nicole Sullivan, a true force of nature. Her indefatigable efforts built a great bookstore that was the scene of many RMFW events, Colorado Book Award events, and many author talks, book launches, readings, etc. She tried every way to make it all work. But it’s closing. Soon. Really sad to see it go. If you haven’t already, you should read her post about the decision. Anytime you approach an independent bookstore to ask about carrying your books or to set up an event, keep in mind what bookstore owners are dealing with. 
• One quote from Bouchercon 2022 in Minneapolis: “My writing can make be very therapeutic so don’t make me mad.” – Greg Herren
• Another: “I am allowed my take on your behavior.” – Attica Locke
• Another: “Don’t take the easy route.” – Karen Dionne
• And: “If there is not a risk of failure, you’re doing something wrong.” – Lou Berney
• I Wroted Today. Because I said I would.