Day One of Our Staycation

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Events conspired against us this summer for getting out of town to the beach or the mountains. It looks like it will be a fall vacation. But, we decided to see some sites in Central Virginia. We went to the Metro Richmond Zoo today. The weather's great in RVA. We didn't do the zip line, but we had a nice tour with the animals.

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THE KING'S DECEPTION - Steve Berry

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I found thriller author, Steve Berry, through his short story in Faceoff.

I started near the end of Berry's series with The King's Deception, so now I have novels on either side of it to catch up on the story. But, I don't think you lose anything. Berry does a good job with building his characters and providing enough backstory, so you can read his works out of sequence.

The King's Deception is action-packed. It starts with retired state department investigator (and current bookstore owner), Cotton Malone doing a favor for a former boss. He's supposed to escort a youth back to London on a trip that he is taking with his son. The one good deed gets him involved with a 400-year-old hoax that could have major implications for the United States and Great Britain.

I love how Berry weaves history throughout his novel. His research is detailed. I had my iPad out while reading to look at the art and European locations that he described. I had to see the "rainbow" portrait.

And Berry has a knack for dropping bombshells throughout the work. All the roller coaster plot twists kept me turning pages. It was definitely hard to put down.

The King's Deception is a worthwhile read. And I'm hooked on Steve Berry. The Lincoln Myth is next.

Hanover Book Festival

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Front: Maggie King and Vivian Lawry Back: Heather Weidner, Fiona Quinn, and Rosemary Shomaker

Front: Maggie King and Vivian Lawry Back: Heather Weidner, Fiona Quinn, and Rosemary Shomaker

Rosie and a Friend

Rosie and a Friend

We had a really nice time at the Hanover Book Festival yesterday. Rosie Shomaker and Fiona Quinn led our workshop, "Anatomy of a Mystery," and we signed lots of copies of Virginia is for Mysteries. It is always nice to talk to so many mystery readers and writers!

Anatomy of a Mystery with Rosie and Fiona

Anatomy of a Mystery with Rosie and Fiona


Hanover Book Festival - Saturday, August 9, 2014

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It's going to rain tomorrow in Central Virginia. Come out and see the Virginia is for Mystery Authors at the Hanover Book Festival at Liberty Christian School (8094 Liberty Circle in Mechanicsville, VA) from 10 AM - 2 PM.

We are hosting a workshop on "The Anatomy of a Mystery," and we'll be there to sign books. Stop in and see Fionna Quinn, Vivian Lawry, Teresa Inge, Maggie King, Rosemary Shomaker, and me.

 

Squeezing in Time to Write

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I work full-time, and I have several volunteer projects. Sometimes, it's hard to find time to write. Here are some ways that I've been able to squeeze in some time.

1. Make an Appointment - When you have time off, reserve some of it for writing. If you're serious about writing/editing, you need to make the time. I've had to jettison a few things too.

2. I use my lunch hour for writing time. That gives me an extra five hours a week.

3. Join a Critique Group - Your group will keep you motivated. You need to have new samples to submit, so it gives you a schedule and a deadline.

4. Keep Score - Keep a count of your writing progress. You will quickly be able to see the peaks and valleys. It is also another good motivator. I keep a work count in  a spreadsheet. I started last June when I did an online challenge with my group. At the end of the month, I was amazed at the progress I had made. A little competition helps too.

5. Get up Early - Get up an hour or two earlier and devote the time to writing. If you wake up in the middle of the night and can't sleep, write.

Best wishes with your work in progress!