Farewell to Charms: A Goodbye Post

Hello, lovely readers. It is KGG, here with my farewell blog post. I have been a member of Across the Board since 2014. I know! That's forever ago when I was in my thirties. Since 2014, I have published more books; got an agent, lost an agent, got another agent; and raised my kids. I've also started to put in more volunteer work with Sisters in Crime (I am now the chapter liaison), and picked up more teaching hours at the community college. Sadly, that means I need to let go of my monthly rotation at ATB. 

I've truly enjoyed blogging for ATB. This platform has allowed me to explore topics and ideas that normally would not have had an outlet. 

I thought it would be fun to revisit some of my more interesting posts from the past seven years. In some ways, my writing career has really evolved, and in some ways, it's regressed. So be the life of an artist.

Here goes:

• My inaugural post from October 16, 2014, "Make a Long Story Short," in which I wrote about the short story format and interviewed fellow ATB writer, Steve Kozeniewski, about his short story in At Hell's Gates, a horror charity anthology.
• This post from March 5, 2015 recounts my first foray into indie publishing in which I self-published a short story. "One Night Is All You Need" had been initially written for a writing contest, in which sadly, it had not won anything. Not even an honorable mention. It came close to getting selected for a literary magazine, but alas, that didn't pan out. So I published it myself. Then I got the indie bug. Seven years later, I am trying to make some headway into traditional publishing, but looking back, I am so glad I gave indie publishing a try. 
• And here is my follow-up to that post, only 4 months later. I am always here for the updates.
• And then in June 2015, I wrote a post on making cover art in Canva. I titled this post, "Blank Canva," and I still love it. I wound up revamping the cover years later when my design skills improved.
• In December 2015, I wrote a blog post about submitting my book to Kindle Scout. The program is no longer around, but once upon a time, Amazon Publishing supported a crowdsourcing campaign for a publishing contract. Winners got $1500 advance and visibility on Amazon. Here's my post on how it all turned out. And then here is my post about submitting Book #2.
  
• Here's a post in 2016 where I wrote about dictation software. 
• A few months later, I wrote a post about fanfiction and why I thought writers should give it a try. I'm still here for it.
• In May 2018, I wrote about reader magnets, and not the kind you hang on the fridge. But the one that attracts more readers.
• In this post, I wrote about a new habit that made a world of difference to my writing--waking up at 5am. I should go back to it; it really did work.
• Also in 2018, I wrote about Veronica Mars, the #Metoo movement, and the future of crime fiction being more diverse.
• In February 2019, I wrote about my favorite activity--writing retreat at Highlights in Honesdale, PA. Seriously, if you haven't done an Unworkshop at Highlights, you don't know what love is. This post is complete with photos, so check it out.
• In September 2019, I wrote a post celebrating my accomplishment of writing a screenplay!
• Oh, and in March 2020, naive KGG wrote a post about the pandemic, thinking we hadn't quite hit middle of lockdown! Ha, dummy.  
• In August 2020, I wrote about how extroverts can thrive in an introverted profession.
• I also covered the traditional publishing submission process. 
• As my writing changed, so did my blog posts. In this piece, I discuss historical research for novel writing. 
• And lastly, one of my most informative pieces, I wrote about what to include in your newsletters when you're not promoting your books.      
  

I truly appreciate everyone who read and commented on my blog posts. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

😘 KGG

The Road is Long: inspiring interviews with your favorite authors

Good morning, readers! It’s a beautiful week in the Poconos. The summer heat has subsided, leaving us with sunny days and near autumnal temperatures. As much as I love a pumpkin spice latte, I am not ready for summer to be over because once it’s gone, we get a blip of fall, and then we’re faced with endless months of frigid days and bare trees. Hang on a little longer, August.  

I thought I would do something different with this month’s interview piece. Rather than do a straight author Q&A, I threw on my librarian hat to assemble a small collection of inspiring interviews with the most successful and dope writers working today. So hold onto your butts and get motivated.

First up is one of my favorite interviews with the most ‘money’ of screenwriters--Jon Favreau. Who would’ve guessed that the genius behind Swingers would also be the creative giant behind many Marvel movies and the Mandalorian? In this interview for the Writers Guild of America West, Favreau talks about his writing process and keeping the story in sight. My biggest takeaway from the interview: writing before your brain fully wakes up.  

Elizabeth Gilbert’s take on criticism has a special corner in my writing brain. In this 2014 blog post from her website, Gilbert answers a reader’s question on how to cope with both personal and professional criticism. Gilbert reveals that she “has been on the business end of some really majestic denigration over the years, too.” If that doesn’t make you feel better after a one-star Amazon review, I don’t know what will. My biggest takeaway from the interview is Gilbert’s famous retort: "If people don't like what I've written, they can go write their own f**king books." Damn straight. 

If you haven’t read this yet, get on it. The New York Times recently published an interview with S.A. Cosby, award-winning author of Razorblade Tears and Blacktop Wasteland. He impressed his now agent--Josh Getzler--when he sat on an author panel at a conference and responded to a woman in the audience who was waxing poetic about the antebellum South. Cosby is the kind of guy with whom you’d want to sidle up to in a bar and buy a drink. Also his wife is a mortician, and I have so many questions about that. My biggest takeaway is that Cosby got his start with small presses and short stories, and his success came over time. If you don’t have a subscription to NYT, save one of your free articles for this.  

Almost every writer I know has read Stephen King’s On Writing, but there are also his many interviews to mine for writing gold. One of my favorites is this piece he very recently did with Esquire Magazine where he discussed his new project Billy Summers. I particularly like this interview because he specifically discusses noir and it’s one-last-job sub-genre, not to mention the hard task of writing a book inside a book. For all of you who are tackling ambitious projects, definitely check out this interview. 

Lastly, this interview with Elmore Leonard. He is one of the most prolific and celebrated writers of our time. Leonard died in 2013, but he is best known for his westerns and crime fiction bestsellers such as Out of Sight and Get Shorty, as well as these nuggets of wisdom: “If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it," and "I try to leave out the parts that readers tend to skip.” Leonard is often regaled for his gritty and realistic dialogue, even being asked if he ever did time. If you’re a fan of his, or just want to appreciate his pragmatic approach to writing, check out this interview from 2006.

If you have a link to an author interview that brings you inspiration, post it in the comments.

One if by land, two if by TV: British crime dramas to cool down those hot summer days

Good morning, readers. Everyone I know keeps commenting on how fast summer is moving, how autumn will be here any moment. Even the leaves on my birch tree are beginning to yellow. But listen up, people. Listen up, nature. It's still August. It's still hot. And I'm not ready to say goodbye. In fact, I have a beach trip in my future, so calm down pumpkin-spice fanatics, and give August her breathing room.

Speaking of hot and humid things, I have been watching a lot of British TV lately. Cause nothing says summer like the Shetland Islands. Since Covid hit and shut down travel like a steamship trunk lid closing on fingers, I have been taking to streaming services to get my international fix. I feel like I have exhausted Netflix in this department, so I decided to check out Britbox and Acorn TV via their free trials. 

 

First up: Britbox. 

Basically, I've watched two shows on Britbox: Shetland and Vera. Vera is weird because it's 5th season is only available on Acorn TV for some reason. Anyway, both Shetland and Vera are based on the novel series by Ann Cleeves. Shetland is set in the Shetland Islands and features Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, and his team, who solve one big crime for the duration of the season. The Shetland Islands are as much a character as the humans in the show and make everything so tense and atmospheric, you'll want to watch it wearing a fair isle sweater. Vera, on the other hand, solves one mystery per super-sized episode. So a whole season might only run 4 or 5 episodes, but you get 4 or 5 mysteries. I know for Vera some of the episodes are based off the book so it sort of ruined the reveal for me. Vera is a no-nonsense stern grandma type who is smarter than everyone else in the room. Even though there are two eye-candy actors in the show, Brenda Blethyn steals every scene. I watch for her.

Now: Acorn TV.

So if I'm going to give my money to anyone, it's Acorn TV. There is so much here for me to enjoy. To fulfill my itch to see Scandinavia, I watched Wisting. Set in Norway, Wisting is about police detective William Wisting who finds a dead body on a Christmas tree farm. This discovery is tied to an American serial killer, so of course the FBI shows up. Enter Carrie-Anne Moss (you know, The Matrix and Jessica Jones) to energize everything. As an American, I often find it incredulous how European detectives do not carry guns when confronting possibly dangerous suspects. Which Carrie-Anne's FBI character so articulately points out every time Wisting goes off searching for this serial killer. But America is no model for guns and policing, so I'm happy to see a different view.

If you think American serial killers in Norway is dark, you should watch Hidden, a crime drama set in Wales where half the dialogue is in Welsh. The first season is hella suspenseful. You know the villain right away so you spend much of the season with your stomach in your throat waiting for them to get caught.

For lighter stuff, watch Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, set in 1920s Melbourne, Australia, or its groovy spin-off Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries set in the Swinging Sixties. If you love sassy heroines and incredible period costumes, you can't go wrong with either show. I often watch it as a palate cleanser after I've been binging too much noir. 

Speaking of Australia, Lucy Lawless is returning for a second season of My Life Is Murder. I wasn't a huge Xena watcher, but Lawless if flawless in this modern mystery show. She's a former detective who works as a consultant for the police, solving their tougher cases. Which she does like an Amazonian boss.

And if you love cozies, there is Agatha Raisin starring the charming Ashley Jensen (of Catastrophe) based on the series by M.C. Beaton. It's set in the Cotswolds.

And if you want more Scottish drama with a bit of teen angst, check out Loch Ness.

And if you're over murder all together, there are tons of comedies and dramas. 

What are you all watching that inspires your work? And if you have a recommendation for a show on Acorn TV, tell me!

Members Only: Join a writing organization

 Hello, readers! 

At least once a quarter, I stand on top of the bleachers and shout into the gymnasium about the importance, nay, the necessity of writers joining writing organizations. 

Writing is a lonely endeavor, and I don't care how introverted you think you are, writers need camaraderie. And help. And scrolling through writing forums is only going to give you so much. These organizations benefit authors in so many ways. I can only speak for my favorite group, Sisters in Crime, but we offer educational opportunities by the buttload (professional term). Webinars and podcasts--we got 'em. Craft. Marketing. Publishing advice. Amazon ads. Editing. We have a webinar for that. And if we don't, we even give grants to help our members take classes. Want to network? Actually chat with people again? Most writer organizations have regional chapters with virtual events, and almost of them have conferences for writers to network, present, and learn. Some organizations also offer mentorship programs and awards.

Membership dues are typically low. Some may be tiered based on publishing status, but don't sweat that. And don't wait until you publish something to join. Pre-published writers have the most to gain from these organizations. The educational opportunities alone are worth the cost of membership.

And there is an organization for every genre. Historical Novel Society. International Thriller Writers. Horror Writers of America. Western Writers of America. Mystery Writers of America. Romance Writers of America. All the Of Americas. 

There may even be smaller, more regional ones. For example, PennWriters is an group for writers living in Pennsylvania. And just with some googling, I found an organization called Women Who Write, a group in New Jersey. So if a big group feels intimidating, try checking out smaller groups or writing circles.

These groups need young blood, so don't be shy, pay the dues and get involved. Take a webinar. Attend an event and volunteer. It may just be the best thing for your career.

Listen Up: True crime podcasts to inspire your next thriller

Hello, dear readers! The weather is dazzling in Northeastern Pennsylvania right now. I mean, sure, it could be hotter, but it's sunny. And what better way to welcome summer's warmth and brightness then by listening to sinister and terrifying true crime podcasts.

Podcasts don't just educate and entertain, they can inspire your writing. A good podcast episode can reinvigorate a stodgy plot or awaken a protagonist. They help pose the question: what if that happened to my character? 

 Lately, I've noticed podcasts and podcasters are featured heavily in crime fiction (If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier and Girl, 11 by Amy Suiter Clarke spring to mind). Podcasts, being an integral part to our media consumption, are well-positioned (just like TV and film) to ignite story ideas. So grab that laundry, crank up the volume, and listen to these fabulous podcast suggestions that are not My Favorite Murder (although I do love those ladies). One of these might inspire your next book. 

 

CRIMES OF THE CENTURY WITH AMBER HUNT

As Amber says, she "will discuss a case that's lesser known today, but was huge when it happened." I am a sucker for old-timey crimes, and Amber Hunt delivers. This well-produced and well-researched podcast delves into historical crimes, some more well-known than others such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping and serial killer H.H. Holmes. And in other episodes, Hunt explores the social and political impact of crimes such as the Radium Girls and the Scottsboro Boys. 

My favorites: Episode 2: Leopold & Loeb--The Jazz Age Killers,  Episode 19: The Murder of Marie Smith.

HOLLYWOOD CRIME SCENE

Hosted by Rachel Fisher and Desi Jedeikin, HCS is often a raunchy ride as Rachel and Desi explore all sorts of crimes connected to Hollywood. These include episodes about the rise and tragic fall of starlets, Jazz Age killings in Los Angeles, and murders that inspired the movies based on them. The women are funny, foul-mouthed, and entertaining. There is a lot if inspiration to be found such as in Episode 187 about the Bling Ring, a band of teenagers who rob celebrities' homes and

My favorites: Episode 95: James Ellroy (whose mother Jean was murdered in 1958) and Episode 119: Mae West (a woman way ahead of her time)

TENFOLD MORE WICKED/WICKED WORDS

Tenfold More Wicked and Wicked Words are a multi-season podcast hosted by Kate Winkler Dawson on the Exactly Right Network (created by My Favorite Murder mavens, Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff). Dawson is a journalist and producer who knows how to draw in listeners. 

Tenfold More Wicked devotes a one season arc to a historical crime. Dawson interviews descendants of both the victims and killers, as well as travels to the areas where the crime had taken place. She also interviews forensic and legal experts. In Wicked Words, a spin-off podcast, Dawson interview authors who write about true crime cases and know them best. 

My favorites: Tenfold More Wicked, Season 2: The Body Snatcher. This season delves into the crimes of William Hare and William Burke who murdered people to sell their body to a famed anatomist in 19th century Scotland. Wicked Words, Episode 101: Dr. Katherine Ramsland: BTK Killer Dennis Rader

JENSEN & HOLES: THE MURDER SQUAD

Also on the Exactly Right Network, Billy Jensen, a true crime journalist most famous for helping to finish the late Michelle McNamara's book I'll Be Gone In the Dark about the Golden State Killer, and Paul Holes, a retired detective who helped take down the Golden State Killer, team up to discuss cold cases. Their goal is to tap into the murderino network in order to drum up leads for unsolved cases or to identify victims. Unlike historical crimes that provide a sense of detachment, The Murder Squad episodes are often dark and unsettling.

My favorite: Episode 4: The Golden State Killer (of course!)

SOME PLACE UNDER NEITH

Brought to you by the Last Podcast Network, Some Place is hosted by stunt woman Natalie Jean and comedian Amber Nelson. They focus this podcast on cases involving missing women. Admittedly, I just started listening to this podcast because they're doing a multi-episode arc on the Institute in Basic Life Principals (the weird cultish religion the Duggars practice). So I can't attest to the other episodes, but I feel comfortable in saying that they seem to know their shit.

If you want to be inspired to actually do the writing, here are podcasts for crime fiction writers. 

UNLIKEABLE FEMALE CHARACTERS

Hosted by three of my favorite women writing today--Kristen Lepionka, Layne Fargo and Wendy Heard--this podcast explores the intersection of feminism and character in literature, media, and pop culture.

THE SISTERS IN CRIME WRITERS' PODCAST

Produced by Sisters in Crime, this podcast features interviews with crime fiction authors and is hosted by SinC's Executive Director Julie Hennrikus.

CRIME WRITERS OF COLOR PODCAST

This podcast features interviews and discussion with leading crime writers of color including Kellye Garrett, S.A. Cosby, and Tori Eldridge.

Do you have a suggestion to be added to the list? Let me know in the comments!

Newsletters: What the hell do I put in this thing? A listicle.

Hello, gorgeous people. It has been absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful in the Poconos these past few days, so I hope the sun is shining down on you too. Today, I am going to share my ideas on what to put in author newsletters. Because let's face it, content is hard.

For indie authors who publish frequently, their newsletter content is fairly easy to come by: a cover reveal, an excerpt, a sale, a new release--all of that will make up the bulk of their newsletter. But what about the traditional author with a once-a-year-release? Or the author who hasn't released anything in a while? Who doesn't have book news or cover art to share? What should they put in their newsletter to keep their readership engaged while they are waiting to sell a book or announce a deal?

Here are some ideas. Use them in good health.

 

1. Other authors' books. Did you read a great crime thriller? Tell your list. Did your talented friend publish a new book last week? Tell your list. Did your agency sister get a book deal? Tell your list. Is a book you championed on sale this week? Tell your list.
2. Photos of your personal stuff--your desk, office, garden, antique cuckoo clock--share the things that relax and inspire you. 
3. Mood boards. Are you working on a secret project? Maybe you don't want to share the deets, but you could share a mood board. 
4. Also create a fantasy cast list of characters for that secret project and share it. 
5. Your book research. Did you dig up an interesting tidbit about 1750s France for a novel? Or a weird way to poison someone? Share it.
   
6. Tell a funny story. You're a writer, you can make an awkward encounter at the mailbox interesting. 
   
7. Recipes--do you mention interesting dishes in your books? Did you cook something delicious? Did you make your 80th sourdough? Did you invent a new cocktail. Share it.
   
8. A lot of authors subscribe to newsletters so consider sharing your writing process. I personally like seeing photos of a computer screen with a half-sentence and the cheek of a forlorn author pressed to the keyboard--it makes me feel seen. Also people really want to know how the sausage is made.
   
9. Also consider sharing the odds and ends that help your process. Fancy notebooks, pens, and stickers and where you buy them. An antique typewriter. Pink highlighters. Whatever works.
10. Writing advice: if you suddenly learned the secret to efficiency, share it! If you figured a better way to plot, share it. If you started using new software, share it.
    
11. Your local indie bookstore. Take pics and share them. 
12. With that said--the library. Snap photos of your books in the library. You're in the library! It's cool.
    
13. Movie, streaming, and podcast recommendations. I do this all the time. Did you listen to a cool true crime podcast? Tell your readers. Did you binge watch a new science fiction show? Tell your readers. Did you rewatch a little-known indie film from the 90s that still holds up? Tell your readers.
14. Make-up/clothing recommendations. My favorite author shared a lipstick recommendation and I was all about it. She also shared these dope hats she wears. The woman has style, and I know her fans want to hear about it.
    
15. A Q&A: do you get any interesting reader questions? Compile them into a Q&A for exclusive content.
16. Flash fiction between two beloved characters.
17. Reader reviews. Did your book get an awesome new review on Amazon or Goodreads? Share it. 
18. News related to your genre. If you write romance, link to a new celebrity couple (Bennifer!). If you write science fiction, link to news articles about space (60 Minutes just aired a piece about UFOs-swear to God). I personally enjoy telling my readers about cold cases that have recently been solved. But you do you.
19. Memes and jokes--people like them. 
20. Inspirational quotes. Make it pretty and shareable using Canva.
21. Imitation is flattery and all that. Copy your favorite authors. What do your favorite authors include in their newsletters that you enjoy reading? Do the same.
    

If you have suggestions for newsletter content, don't hog it all to yourself. Share it! And, please, subscribe to my list. If you love true crime, you'll love my newsletter.

The Cure for the Modern Era: Conducting Preliminary Research for the Historical Novel

Greetings readers and Happy Earth Day! I don't know about you, but I'm finding Present Day Earth to be incredibly stressful. Daily mass shootings (only in America, kids!), environmental disasters (goodbye Iceberg A68), people's reticence in getting vaccinated (we're never going back to normal), and this general fear that the Great American Democracy Experiment is on its way out (who needs voting rights) has ratcheted my anxiety to a thousand. 

For me, escapism has taken on many forms this past year--from binge-watching New Girl on Netflix to listening to old-timey crime podcasts on Spotify to planning a lavender garden in a Poconos backyard, but nothing gets me lost in my own world more than doing historical research for a book idea.

There are plenty of writers who won't touch historical fiction with a ten-foot maypole. And I get it. The research is daunting, and no one wants to mess it up or get called out for messing it up (I once had an editor tell me I was using a 2000-era slang word in a 90s setting--I wasn't, but people make assumptions about what they know). Although I have degrees in both history and library science, I haven't tackled a project of this magnitude since I wrote my undergrad thesis on Jewish colonization schemes in 1920s Mexico (actual title of my paper). And despite my young adult novels all having historical components--I've written two novels set in the 1990s (easy to research because I was there), one novella set in 1955, and two mystery novels with flashbacks to the Swinging Sixties and Roaring Twenties--I am overwhelmed at the amount of research ahead of me. It's not just fashion and food and the cost of milk in 1951 that I need to know, but the landscape of my Manhattan setting. What landmarks existed then? How did the city look and smell? And then there is the geo-political climate--Cold War, post-WW II trauma, birth of suburbs. And the newspaper business. And major league baseball. And Jewish history. And everything. I feel like I need to know everything.

What if I can't find what I need? What if an important plot point hinges on an idea that is not historically sound? What if I can't accurately convey the period because I wasn't there? What if it takes me three hours to write a sentence? What if I can't do this?

The truth is I can do this; it just might take me a long time to draft. And while I am daunted by the process, I am also excited. Last week, I requested through interlibrary loan a dissertation about female journalists in the fifties and sixties. I sat at my laptop, read the book, and took notes, just like I did in college. And it was fun. I got lost in the work, and forgot about checking email or Twitter. And the more I learned about this particularly facet of history, the more my novel began to take shape. I had discovered my protagonist's objective and story arc. I realized that this idea could be amazing. That, perhaps, I was onto something truly special.

Of course everything is fun when it's research and not writing. And it's very easy for writers to use research as a means to procrastinate. Truthfully, I'm teetering on that edge since my historical novel is a secondary project right now (calling it my side hustle). But because of our current socio-political climate, a step back in time is exactly what I need to function today.

What era do you love to get lost in most? Medieval Europe? The Jazz Age? Sound off in the comments below.

The Story of Purim: A twisted psychological thriller that will keep you guessing

Hello readers. How are you holding up? In the Poconos, it hasn't stopped snowing. A few weeks ago, we recieved 30 inches of powder in three days and then it just kept coming. At this rate, I won't glimpse my lawn until May.

In addition to it being February 87th (shortest month, my ass), we'll be celebrating Purim, my favorite Jewish holiday. Purim, unlike many of our more somber occasions, is sheer fun. People dress up. We make cookies. If you go to temple services, you can boo and hiss and wave noise-makers at the villain. It's a delight.

So I thought it would be a hoot to write the story of Purim in the style of a bestselling crime thriller.

First, let's recap(ish) Purim:

Purim is the story of Queen Esther. After King Ahasuerus executes Queen Vashti for disobeying him, he hosts a contest and selects Esther, known for her great beauty, as the winner, and marries her. Esther is Jewish and her new husband has a wicked advisor named Haman. Haman hates the Jews (boo anti-semitism), particularly Esther's cousin Mordecai, who is a community leader. Haman thinks Mordecai and the Jews should bow to him. But Jews only show deference to God, so that isn't happening. Yada, yada, yada, Mordecai is set to die until Esther pleads with her husband to protect her people. Spoiler alert: Haman is sent to the gallows instead. Mordecai becomes the king's advisor and the Jews are saved (until next time).

So this story has all the trappings of a good suspense novel: a beautiful protagonist who is likely underestimated. Powerful and wicked men. Impending death. Comeuppance. 

So let's pretend for a second, that this is the basis for a crime thriller. How would it sound? (Keep in mind, this is a first draft)

***

Queen Esther has it all. A gilded throne. A powerful husband. The Kingdom of Persia at her feet. Life seems perfect, but under that facade lies a web of murder and secrets. Her husband is a dangerous man. If Esther crosses him, she is as good as dead. Just ask his first wife.

Esther's only confidant is Moredcai, a father figure, who sees Esther's status as a way to protect the Jewish people. When the king's ruthless advisor Haman convinces the king to hang Mordecai for disobedience, Esther hatches a dangerous con. She'll not only have to play her husband, but Haman too--risking her life and those of everyone she loves. If she can't take Haman down, she'll die trying. 

***

Ok, so what do you think? It needs some tweaks, but it was a fun exercise. Thus begging the question, what holiday would make for a good book? And what genre would serve it best?

The Pros at Cons: A Google Search

Good morning, all. I'm here today with a fun Google search feature. 

One of the best parts of writing a book is the pre-writing--the research one embarks on to see if a crumb of an idea is hearty enough to carry 90,000 words. It's an exploratory process, much like an astronaut in space. The discovery could lead to a new colony or abandonment. I'm either pushing forward or scrapping the plan. But I won't know until I kicking the tires. Clearly, I'm mixing my metaphors, but you get the idea.

I've recently been toying with an idea for a standalone crime thriller involving con artists. I love a good heist, caper, scam story where, despite my own morality, I'm rooting for the bad guy to get away with the crime. In real life, I want justice for the victim(s). I want retribution. But in fiction, I want the handsome and charming Danny Ocean to get away with stealing millions from a casino. Or in Out of Sight, I want to know Jack Foley can escape prison for good. In fact, any protagonist George Clooney is playing, I want to get away scot-free. There is something inherently thrilling about heists and those who pull them off. How do they do it? What kind of sociopath do they have to be?

To write a decent caper, I need to understand how it's possible (not probable) to pull off a plot of this magnitude. Because if I thought a murder puzzle was tricky to create, imagine trying to design the perfect theft. 

So then I got to wondering:

 

Who is the best con artist of all time? Is there a con artist hall of fame? Who gets the distinction of such an honor?

Turns out, it's Charles Ponzi. The namesake of the Ponzi Scheme.  

 He wasn't a great dude and we associate his name with swindling people out of their retirement savings. I'm not liking Ponzi schemes as a plot mechanism. What else is there?

 Ooh female con artists. Now we're talking. 

 Let's go back in time, shall we?

Big Bertha Heyman, a Prussian woman who swindled wealthy men out of money in the 19th century was the top of her game. It's certainly something I can work with. In fact, my protagonist will definitely be female and she will definitely be swindling a rich man out of something. But mine is a modern story with modern consequences. 

And then I got to thinking about counterfeiting. What goods are counterfeit? How could I use that in a story? And would a counterfeit object play into the plot?

There might be something I can do with watches. Maybe my protag tries to pull off a jewelry heist using a counterfeit Rolex?? Not totally on board yet, so more research is required. But you get the gist. 

So, lovely readers, where has a Google search taken you in the name of research? Sound off in the comments.

What's It Like Now: Writing Covid Into Your Story

 It's New Year's Eve (mild clapping) and I'm sure you're at home, like me, like everyone, doing nothing, just waiting for that ball to drop so we can be done with this year. I find myself swarming with a lot of pent-up rage (mostly aimed at politicians and dum-dums who refuse to wear a mask because of 'mah freedoms'), but also a sad resignation that, despite the vaccine, we won't be climbing out of this dark tunnel anytime soon. 

This is our new way of life. Caught not wearing a mask in a crowd is the new going-to-school-naked nightmare. Most of us are used to wearing masks. Used to keeping our distance, canceling parties, working from home, zooming get-togethers, e-learning, etc blah, etc.

Which begs the question for writers, do we incorporate Covid into our book universes? and how?

A friend of mine, who has far more publishing cred than I do, said editors and agents are mostly ignoring Covid as far as stories go. Recently published titles, supposedly set in 2020, do not incorporate the pandemic into their novels. But that is presumably because they were acquired pre-pandemic and to make such drastic changes wouldn't just suit the story, it would cost time and money in rewrites. 

Books are a form of escapism, and nothing anchors us more to our current nightmare than reading about it in our forms of entertainment. And, yet, television shows that have returned to filming are working Covid into the existing universe. Showtime's Shameless and NBC's Superstore are two that come to mind. If this is our new reality, then shouldn't our art reflect it too?

I can't imagine reading a book set in 1919 that didn't, at least, mention World War I and its lasting trauma, so why would we pretend Covid doesn't exist in our own works set in present-day? Is it because we (publishing) expect this to go away and lose its relevancy? If so, that seems short-sighted.

I haven't heard a consensus on this, and I would love to know what writers are doing.

So, writers, what are you doing? Are you absorbing Covid into your plots? Ignoring it? Writing fantasy or historical fiction to side-step it? What? I need to know.

And happy New Year.

A Lesson from NaNoWriMo

Greetings, dear readers. I don't know about you, but I have hit a wall with Covid. Or maybe it's just the holiday season getting to me. I find this time of year to be incredibly overwhelming. Cooking, cleaning, decorating and shopping. It's a lot. So that's probably why I have never been quite 'successful' at NaNoWriMo.

And, lord knows, I have tried.

I've been doing National Novel Writing Month for over a decade and I have never "won." Not even this year when I should've. After all, I've written several full-length novels by now. I should be able to write 1,667 words a day. I've written 10K words in a weekend. During the pandemic (which I know we are still in), I wrote 30K words in three weeks. So I have it in me. But why can't I draft 50K words in a month?

Well, I know why.

I don't want to.

I had started off strong. I got to Day 11 with no trouble. Racked up my word count. And that's when I saw the issue. In an effort to draft fast, my story was falling apart, and everything I typed out was garbage. And, yes, I know the point of NaNoWriMo is to simply draft. Words on the page. Edit later. But in an effort to eek out words, I was beginning to loathe my book. There was no joy in the drafting. No marveling over a great sentence. No staring into space, trying to figure out what my character would say or do. I was simply vomiting on the keyboard. 

For the longest time, I had always thought word-count goals was the best way forward. On non-NaNo days, I would tell myself to write a thousand words. But putting that kind of output on myself meant that I would just be typing nonsense. I have since learned that it is best if I just commit to a time slot for writing. Every morning from 9am to 11am, I will work. That could mean brainstorming, research, or simply drafting slowly. 

I definitely know that I need to write several days a week to keep the momentum going. If I take too much time off my drafting, I forget the story threads. But working within a set time frame, as opposed to forcing myself to draft a certain amount of words, makes the entire process a lot easier on my anxious soul. Because focused work drives momentum, no just the word count tally.

So, dear friends, what lessons did you take away from NaNoWriMo this year? 

Please sound off in the comments.

1,667 Words A Day: Nanoing During An Election

 Hello, readers! Like all of you, I am constantly scrolling through Twitter for any kernel, crumb, speck of information that can alleviate my anxiety and tell me who is going to win this election, and equally important who is getting my state of Pennsylvania--because, dammit, I worked hard for this. And like you all, I also have to work, parent, cook, check homework, and Nano (yes, I'm using it as a verb). 

What was I thinking tackling NaNo in 2020?!

I'd stopped doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) a long time ago. I had made many, many, many attempts to write 50K words in a month and I had always fallen short within the first week. And as we know, once you fall behind, it's hard to make up the word count. It seemed like so much undue pressure, and I had always failed. But, alas, this year (of all years) I have decided to try again.

Sisters in Crime, which I belong to, decided to take up the NaNoWriMo mantle and they hosted a killer opening day crowdcast featuring brilliant mystery authors such as Kellye Garrett, Catriona McPherson, Sara Paretsky, Lori Rader-Day. Everyone popped in for a little bit and offered  their tips for drafting quickly. It was so inspiring and so communal that I realized I can write 50K words in a month. Hell, I've written 5K words a day. I can do this and I want to. Also I need to finish this draft before the year is up.

As I get older, I've become a more efficient writer and I've accepted that I can write crappy and polish it up in revisions. And even in this hectic of hectic times, as long as I set up 90 minutes, I can drop 1,667 words into the draft. Not amazing words, but they're there nevertheless.

Which reminds me, I must get drafting. Maybe when I'm done, we'll have elected our president.

Stuck in the Middle: Climbing my way out of the plot hole

Good afternoon, all. This is KGG coming at you from the kitchen table where I have been surfing the net and doomscrolling because I'm avoiding the pain of having to do tricky mental somersaults regarding my book.

You see, I was coasting along just fine, getting in 2,500 words at a clip, but then I hit the 30% mark and now I'm stuck. I couldn't see the forest. Didn't get an aerial view of the landscape. And I'm lost. Basically, I didn't outline far enough ahead because I wasn't sure how events would play out. 

So I gotta fix this.

Like all my tomes, this is a murder mystery. And while I have planned the crimes, and I solved the protagonist in the room with the weapon part of my plot, I have not figured out how my characters get to the magical end where everything is revealed. I know there are some authors who write as if they are on a journey and just go with the flow wherever the characters takes them, and I so want to be that person. But I'm the dope who decided on a dual narrative timelines, so I have two characters who need to be proactive in solving the crimes. Which means I can't simply tag along for the ride. I have to unwind the knotted mess of my plot arcs.

Therefore, I must stop writing and think.

So how does one do that? 

First, I get out a notebook and a pen. Kick it old school.

Then, I open up my book in Scrivener and see where I start the story and where I intend to end it. I write these two points on a piece of paper, like a vertical number line. Beginning. End. I always know how my books end.

And then I jot down the plot twists I want to hit. The moments that make you gasp at the end of a scene. I write them in the plot line.

And then, on another timeline, I map out the crime in chronological order. In this case, the crime happened thirty years ago. I can add what suspects were involved at what point. This allows me to see what my modern protagonist has to uncover so that she can properly solve the murder mystery, and so my readers are not scratching their heads at the conclusion.

And then I have to thread the two timelines together.

But, wait! I have two protagonists. So while my female protagonist is doing A, my male protagonist is doing B. This is actually where I am truly stuck, especially since they both need a proper arc.

But once I have listed the events that need to happen in order for mystery to be solved, I can see how my characters can work to make this happen. 

You'd think I would have worked this stuff out long before I start writing the first scene, but often times I haven't discovered my story yet. So, easier said than done.

Anyway, I hope this helps someone out there climb out of their plot hole.

And if you have tips or strategies that you think might be helpful, pass them along. I can always use the help.

 

The Long Wait: A Short, Annotated Submission Guide

Hello to all you lovely people out there. We've squarely hit September. Pumpkin spice may or may not be in your coffee cup at the moment. The supermarket is full of Halloween candy, but no Lysol wipes. And I'm mentally preparing a holiday list of stuff I will buy myself--dependent on the outcome of the presidential election. So, you know, autumnal things.

 

I decided to blog today about going on submission. It is a truth universally acknowledged that authors on submission do not talk about being on submission, not openly anyway. And why is that? 

To sum up, it's simply not a good look. 

Editors don't want to see potential writers moaning on Twitter about how long they've been on submission, how they've gotten another rejection, or that no one wants their book. It's like when a house sits too long on the market--you begin to wonder what is wrong with the house. Wet basement? Leaky roof? Was someone murdered there? That sorta thing. 

But then if we can't complain on Twitter to anyone who will listen, where do we go to get a semblance of the traditional submission process? I assume, of course, this is after you've asked your agent a bazillion questions already.

I imagine most submission processes look like this: you write a book. You get an agent. Your agent helps gussy the book up for submission and then comes up with a list of publishing houses that seem best suited for your work. The book is then pitched to those editors, and just like querying agents, the editors can respond that they'd like to read more or pass on the pitch alone. And this can happen in rounds. One author could sell a manuscript in a few weeks, another in a year. Yes, a year. Or longer. There could be an auction where houses bid for your book. Or an offer from simply one. Your book could be snatched up just as it is or after a revision. Some writers won't sell an agented book. Some go on to sell manuscripts they wrote while waiting for responses. It's a crapshoot, really. A good agent will guide you, but in the meantime, you can obsess about the process by clicking on these links.

***

In this Publishers Weekly article, agents discuss how the pandemic has affected submissions. Spoiler alert: it has, but editors are still buying.

This post by YA author Diana Urban is an honest, upfront look at the arduous submission process. She also provides a ton of additional resources including podcasts and a link to Absolute Write's Next Circle Of Hell thread where you can totally commiserate about the submission process with other writers. It's fair game over there. 

This is a fabulous Twitter thread from Claribel Ortega where various authors comment on how long it took to sell their books. It's always cool to do this after the manuscript has been bought.

In this 3-minute YouTube video, YA author Ava Jae gives a nice overview of the submission process. It's two years old, but not that much has changed. Here's her blog post covering the topic as well.

Lastly, this Reddit thread from three years ago which is still timely and relevant. I may get lost in it myself.

To all of you on submission or to those who dream of submission or to those who are simply curious, I salute you. It's not an easy process, and it doesn't get easier with experience. Or so I've read.

The Extrovert's Advice for an Introverted Profession: Join an organization

Morning my friends. I don't know about you, but I'm at the point of summer where I want it to stretch infinitely. Typically when mid-August hits, I am all about the return to school. But now I simply want summer to extend itself as far as it can. I'm not ready to embrace cool temps and pumpkin spice. Not during a pandemic. Not if Halloween is cancelled, which it probably will be. Not if it's too cold to social distance outside, which hits early in NEPA. I'd consider a move to a warm-weather state but that comes with its own special host of problems. I think I gotta learn to snowboard or something.

 

Anyhoo, not sure if you could tell from my posts, but I am an extrovert. A full-fledged, card-carrying member of Outgoing Not-Anonymous. I like to talk. I like to talk a lot. And I need people. I need people to bounce ideas off of, to tell stories to, to be around. I gain my energy from others. When I'm alone too often (which isn't easy to be with three kids), I wilt. And writers are naturally alone a lot. And that might fly well if you're an introvert--someone who needs solitude to recharge. 

But, again, I am not that person.

And if you're also not that person, and lockdown has got you let down, might I suggest joining a club that will have you as a member.

I am a member of Sisters In Crime, a mystery writing organization founded in the mid-1980s by V.I. Warshawski author Sara Paretsky so that female authors could have equal representation and advocacy in the then mostly male-dominated crime fiction genre. SinC is still making sure that women authors are receiving their fair due in terms of coverage and book reviews, but they also offer webinars, education grants, lectures, and resources. There are also many regional chapters where writers get together monthly for discussions, lectures, and community. Unfortunately, the Poconos doesn't have a chapter, but give me time. 

SinC is so welcoming, and unlike some other groups it doesn't make you feel other by offering different membership tiers based on your publishing status. There are indie, trad-published, and querying authors all working toward their goals of making dents in publishing. And helping each other to boot.

Although I've been a dues-paying member for years, I recently decided to volunteer. A friend suggested that I email the SinC president and ask if there was anything I could do to help. And, at first, I was hesitant. Despite loving to talk, I also worry that I am annoying people. But also who doesn't want help? Turns out there was a special project I could do, and put my librarian skills to the test, by assessing the archives. 

And you know what?

This small project has made a world of difference to my author headspace. By joining a group of like-genre writers, I am feeling community, and thus, not feeling so lonely. I'm contributing to the profession while also connecting with others. And I've stopped focusing on myself and my email inbox. 

Writing doesn't have to be solitary for extroverts. And while the #writingcommunity on Twitter is a great place to connect, it may not provide enough sustenance for those of us who need all the benefits of a well-established writing organization. 

Whether you write romance, westerns, fantasy, historical fiction, there is a group for you. Start with the big ones--for example, SinC, Mystery Writers of America, Horror Writers Association, Historical Writers of America--and evaluate the cost of their dues with their opportunities to connect. Do they do virtual lectures? Do they host an annual conference? Do they offer mentorship? Are there local chapters or small sub-groups that fit your needs? 

Maybe a big organization isn't a good fit. Are there smaller clubs in your genre that you could join? Or a regional writing group that performs much of the same functions as the bigger groups but for writers of all genres and levels? 

Think big and then narrow down your options. 

I'm sure a lot of us belong to Facebook groups within our respective genres, but by contributing and volunteering in these organizations, we're not just rounding out our writing careers. We can institute change in our fields. We can support marginalized authors. We can embrace new opportunities. We can participate in things that are bigger than ourselves. Bigger than hashtags or social media posts.

Do you belong to a writer organization? Let us know which one in the comments.

How I Got My Agent

Hellooooo, readers. I hope you are all doing well in these--I don't even have the adjectives anymore--times. At least 2020 is half over. Of course, it can also get worse. We haven't hit November yet.

My daughter just dressed up her American Girl doll in a cute cheerleader outfit and said her doll has practice. "We're doing it online," she said. Via Zoom. Because this hell is our new reality.

Anyway, that's not why you're here. You're here to read about my agent story because perhaps you're seeking representation or considering it. Or you want hope that you, too, will one day land an agent. I used to read these kind of posts all the time for that same reason.

So I am currently an indie author. I have five YA novels to my name, all self-published. I had shopped my first novel to agents in 2013 with little luck, but wound up signing a contract with a small, independent press (a good one where I met the majority of ATB bloggers). When my rights were up, I took ownership of my book and republished it on all the major book retailers. I self-published its sequel, and then decided to embrace the indie track. I had no trouble hiring my own editor and cover artist. I bought Vellum for formatting. I had figured out how to make a good product, just not how to market one.

I still don't understand how to utilize Amazon ads.

Then in 2017, I decided to try for representation with a new YA novel because it's hard to get books into the hands of teens as an indie author. I queried five agents and snagged my "dream agent" only to find out that he was all smoke and mirrors, and that he dicked over more clients than he had helped (I should've known something was up when he didn't follow me back on Twitter). He sent my book to several publishers in a slap-dash, Jackson Pollack style of submission and nothing ever came of it. So I dropped his ass and self-published the book myself.

Fast forward to 2019 (ah, the good old year): I wrote an adult mystery and decided to see if I could, again, get representation. I submitted the manuscript to roughly 75 agents and got interest--more requests for full reads than I had ever secured before, but alas, no takers. Then through a referral, I submitted the book to an editor at Thomas & Mercer. And while that was being considered, I got a request from an agent--Liza Fleissig. I told her that the book was under consideration at Amazon and she said that was "not a bad problem to have."

Ultimately, while the book made it to the acquisitions meeting at T&M, it didn't make the final cut. And Liza felt that the manuscript would need another round of content edits before she could offer on it. But at that point, I was 40K words into a new story, a PI novel that I felt had great potential for Liza and crime fiction imprints. And both Liza and the editor at T&M had welcomed me to submit again. Let me tell you, a girl can survive solely on that.

The pandemic really put a damper on my ability to write, but in May, I finally finished the revisions on my PI novel. I submitted the manuscript to Liza who--because of our previous communication--was eager to read it. She got back to me within four weeks and offered rep. This book, she said, was ready to go.

Liza is amazing. She is responsive and smart and on the ball. And she follows me on Twitter and Instagram.

I'm not going to lie--when I thought I might have a deal with T&M, I spoke to two of Liza's clients and asked for references. If I had sold my book, I wanted to make sure that the agent I signed with was honest and ethical. [If you take away anything from this post let it be: check an agent's references. Not just from the clients who sell, but from the ones who don't.] Spoiler alert: Liza is both those things.

And that, folks, is how I got my agent. You'll notice that I could not have done this without the referrals. Or maybe I could have but not as easily. Writers have to help each other out. Hopefully, I'll be in a position to help someone else one day.

I like self-publishing, but I also like having an agent in my corner to advocate for my work. I like feeling like I'm part of a team.

The path-to-an-agent is different for every writer. It's not linear or complete. I know writers who have had multiple agents over the course of their careers.

That said, I don't know what my career path will look like. It could be jagged and uphill. It could stall out. I might make a return to indie publishing, I might not. I just don't know. Because if 2020 has taught me anything it's that plans are for suckers.

Having Multiples...Genres That Is: Interview with Jacqueline Garlick

Good morning, readers. I hope this post finds you well.

Today we are uber fortunate to bring you an interview with indie author Jacqueline Garlick.

Jacqueline writes twisty, edgy books in multiple genres, and how-to guides for writers. Plus, she's Canadian, so bonus points right there. Her Illumination Paradox series has the most gorgeous covers I have ever seen. You'll see why in a sec.

Welcome to Across the Board. First, I must ask, how are you holding up during this weird plot twist in our timeline? Is your state open? Are you finding a return to normal? Are you able to write? 

I'm actually Canadian, so my Province has been in lockdown essentially since March 13th. We are just now coming out of that... slowly--very slowly. Our government is opening us back up in phases. We are currently in phase two and the numbers of infections are staying low so far, thank goodness. We all have our fingers crossed. As for me, I've dealt with the pandemic by digging into writing. I needed something to keep my mind off things and writing has always been my great escape. So writing has been my best friend. It's been difficult to write with everyone at home, but I've learned to adjust. I have to say, if there's an upside to all this, I've now discovered I can work just about anywhere, through any kind of interruption--and that my family and friends remain safe and well. 

Do you think your writing, especially your mystery and thriller work, will have to change to reflect the current pandemic? 

I don't think I want it to. I feel like this is a time when people need to escape from reality--especially this one. Cozy mysteries by design, are meant to be an escape. The cozies I write, under a pen name, are light-hearted and funny, and a little bit zany, which I hope helps to transport readers out of the real world and into my make believe one, where; although, there is always murder, readers are assured that everything is going to be okay in the end. 

Have you noticed any changes in indie publishing since the start of the pandemic? 

I don't think so, other than maybe more people have had time to pursue their interest in writing. I've seen a lot of more courses being offered over social media, and heard a lot more people talking about pursuing their dreams of writing. Which is very cool. 

What is your biggest takeaway when it comes to indie publishing and trying to make a dent in a crowded market?

You need to write stories the market will bear. Meaning, not essentially 'write to market' books... but 'write for 'A' market' books. There is nothing worse than writing a good book and having no one read it. But the reality is, if there are not avid readers searching in that genre, it will not be read. 

Your cover art--particularly for your fantasy work--is absolutely exquisite. Who does them? What is your design process like?

I use a few different high-end cover designers. Regina Wamba, is one. I always develop the concepts of the covers myself, and then work with designers who are willing to help bring my vision to life. For my Illumination Paradox Series, I held a private shoot to capture the feeling of the covers I wanted. I then provided the cover designer with the photographs and a plan for the treatment, and she did an amazing job. I love those covers to this day!

Who are your favorite authors? Who are you reading right now?

I read loads of thrillers and cozies. My two faves. I love love love Ruth Ware. I will read anything she writes. I also love, love, love Kate Morton. I will also read anything she writes. On the cozy side, I'm currently enjoying Murder at Enderley Hall by Helena Dixon. Very twisty and detailed. 

What are you binge watching?

I'm getting caught up on The Great British (and Canadian) Baking Show(s) and loving, Upload on Amazon TV.  Oh, and this new show called Good Girls Revolt, also on Amazon TV. It's a sleeper. But I'm super loving that one. 

 

What is next for you?

I'm working on a new paranormal-based cozy series--my second. And I'm also finishing my first!!! I'm really enjoying it. 

 

Thanks for asking. And thanks for having me!

 

Thanks for being here. To check out Jacqueline's books or to reach her, head on over to her website. 

How To Make A Murder

Hello, all! How are things? Are you well? Hanging in there? Are you tired of reading emails that ask about your health? Are you tired of hearing from companies offering up their reassurances about shipping products you haven't bought in five years? (I get it, Zappos. You're there for me during this difficult time. My shoes might be delayed. I'll survive) To be honest, my COVID buys are mostly lipsticks I can't wear anywhere. We all have a thing.

Good news: the weather has finally changed in the Poconos. It got quasi-warm. That's right, it's hit the mid-60 to 70 degrees range. I swear I spend half my life checking the ten-day forecast. Anyway, thanks for stopping by. It is my turn to post a Google Search!

I'm finishing up edits on a murder mystery as I am wont to do and I had to tinker with my manner of murder. At first I was curious if one could make a murder look like an accident, which is a super common trope, so I Googled 'how to make a murder look like an accident.' But that sorta messed up my current plot and caused more headaches than I needed. But that brought me to my fun Google Search starter. So I typed 'how to make a murder' in Google and got these nutty results instead.

How to make a murder mystery game--Props to anyone venturing down this path. This seems like a real involved activity that I wouldn't want to do in a thousand years. How long would it take to create a murder mystery game? As long as it takes to write a novel? But, if this is your jam, then carry on.

How to make a murder Netflix--is this a new show? Or someone trying to remember How To Get Away With Murder, the very popular Shonda Rhimes program on ABC? Uh, no. It's people misremembering Making A Murderer on Netflix. I should've realized that. I just Googled it.

How to make a murder mystery game roblox--I'll have to ask my kids about this. My oldest son used to be really into Roblox. To me, it looks like the Dire Straits Money For Nothing video. Remember that gem? That's vintage Roblox.

How to make a murder mystery party--Only on Zoom. I remember parties. I always hated going to them and now I'd skin my dog to be able to hang with people other than the ones I live with.

How to make a murder board--uh....like a game? Or, like, you want to plan the ultimate crime?

How to make a murder cast--Again, wrong show. So many people are misremembering.

So what are you Googling lately my fine friends? What are you buying online to take the edge off the pandemic? Anything weird? You can tell me.

Superhero Fic to the Rescue: Interview with Timothy Cerepaka a.k.a. Lucas Flint

Good tidings, readers. I hope this post finds you well.

We are very fortunate to bring you an interview with Timothy Cerepaka.

Under the pen name Lucas Flint, Timothy writes young adult superhero fiction. He is the author of The Superhero’s Son, Minimum Wage Sidekick, The Legacy Superhero, Dimension Heroes, and Capes Online, among others. He lives in Texas. (*Where I imagine the weather is far warmer than the cold temps we're experiencing in the Poconos. Someone tell the Northeast that it's almost May.)

If you're into the superhero genre, check out his work. His book covers are gorgeous. And if you're an indie author, pay attention to his thoughts on library ebooks (you could be missing out on an opportunity). 

Welcome to Across the Board! First, I gotta ask, as this is the new norm: How are you holding up during the quarantine? What are you doing to keep busy and sane?

 

I'm holding up fine. Spending it with my girlfriend, who I moved in with for the month of April (we're in a long distance relationship and weren't sure when the lockdown would lift, so decided it made sense for me to move in with her for a while so we could be together during this time).

 

I'm doing all sorts of things. Writing, editing, marketing, and all of the other things that go into running a publishing business. I'm also volunteering at my girlfriend's church a couple of times a week to pack bags of produce for the poor, doing bodyweight exercises to keep in shape, spending time with my girlfriend when she's not working, practicing my chess skills ... yeah, I can't say I'm bored :P .

 

How would you describe your work?

 

Young adult superhero fiction that, while dark and intense at times, is generally upbeat, fun, and full of action and adventure, with a dash of satire thrown in for good measure. 

Many authors are going to have to change their stories to reflect the pandemic and its impact on history. Do you think fantasy and science fiction writers will have to do the same?

 

Interesting question. The series I am currently writing (but have not yet published) features an epidemic in the background that nearly decimated the superhero community, but I planned this series before this pandemic started, so that's totally a coincidence. Said series will not come out until August, so we'll see how this pandemic is going by then.

 

Possibly. I don't think you NEED to talk about this pandemic (or any pandemic) in your stories if you don't want to or it doesn't make sense. While post-apoc fiction dealing with pandemics is selling like hotcakes right now, not every reader wants to read about that. Especially in fantasy and science fiction, which often feature alien worlds that may have nothing to do with Earth as we know it.

 

Having said that, pandemics are as much a part of a world as anything else. This could be a good opportunity for SFF writers to learn more about pandemics so they can make realistic alien or fictional diseases in their own worlds and stories. I'm certainly paying attention, despite not having any plans to make a pandemic story (aside from my unpublished series, though like I said, the epidemic is more of a background element than a central part of the story).

 

In addition, as an indie publisher, do you already see a change (positive or negative) in the publishing industry since the start of the quarantine? How will indie authors have to accommodate these new times?

A positive change I've seen, in my personal experience, is an increase in demand for library ebooks. My personal library sales have been rising steadily since January, which is significant because I do no direct marketing to libraries whatsoever. I expect that people are staying home more often and looking for free or low cost ways of entertaining themselves during their quarantine, and you can't get cheaper than free library books. I've also seen my KU page reads increase, which is probably for the same reason my library sales have gone up.

 

So, whether you are wide and in libraries or exclusive to KU, there's good opportunity out there for us indies. We're blessed to be working in an industry that isn't as badly affected by quarantines, lockdowns, and so on as others, so let's make the most of it.

 

Who are you reading right now?

 

Luke Chmlienko and his Ascend Online series. I'm a big LitRPG fan and have been enjoying this series so far.

 

Also been making my way through some of Craig Martelle's books on writing and publishing. Lots of good info and tips for writers and indies in those books.

 

What are you binge watching?

 

I recently finished binge watching the fourth season of the superhero anime My Hero Academia. Great season and great series in general. Definitely recommend it for superhero and anime fans alike.

 

What is one new hobby or activity you have picked up since being in quarantine?

 

Chess. Well, I was actually learning chess before the quarantine, but I've been studying and practicing more than ever since getting to my girlfriend's apartment. My girlfriend, who's a good chess player, has been teaching me how to play. Still can't beat her yet ( :P ), but I've made huge progress in a fairly short time and having fun doing it.

 

I've also been making my way through Mark Dawson's Facebook ads course. I have very little experience with Facebook ads, but would like to make them part of my marketing arsenal. Almost finished with it.

 

What are you working on?

 

A young adult superhero academy series. The first book, the name of which I haven't revealed to my readers yet, is coming out in August. The series will probably be about four books long. It's been a lot of fun to write and I can't wait to publish it so my readers can check it out.

 

Thank you so much for stopping by the blog. You can connect with Timothy at any of his Lucas Flint social media links posted below.

Website: www.lucasflint.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlucasflint/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LucasFlintBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlucasflint/

 

Modern life is the pits: struggling during a pandemic

Greetings, everyone.

This post might read like the anxiety-ridden stream of consciousness that is currently swarming my insides. Today, for the first time since quarantine, I actually cried standing at my kitchen counter. My anxiety is peaking and we haven't even hit the mid-way point through all this yet. I am on edge. Everyone in my house annoys me.

I haven't really been able to write through all this. I know most authors are struggling to get words down. But, just the idea of an interruption, which is guaranteed in a house with three kids, makes it impossible to open my Scrivener app.

My kids are always around and my husband suggested we get them on a routine since distance schooling officially starts Monday. And by we, he means me because he is working from home and can't be disturbed. But since my job is part-time, I am the constant caretaker of everything--just like normal except I can't escape this house.

I'm supposed to be teaching remotely on Monday as well but I've annoyed my students so much with texting them instructions on how to accomplish this--and without any guidance from the community college--that they've stopped reading my messages. I'm trying not to worry about it. But I'm worried. So there's that.

I've gained weight too. So that's fun.

I know I should feel grateful that my family is safe and healthy and my husband still has a job, and I am. But I am also struggling to cope. That's the reality. I am grateful and irritable and angry and defeated. I can be all those things and still be grateful.

Modern living is difficult on its best day, let alone during a global pandemic.

How is everyone?