Tuesday, August 25, 2020

What We're Writing--all kinds of stuff from Hank


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Can you launch a book in a pandemic, and a tropical storm?
This year, the pandemic year, I was trying to look at the bright side. People could come to my launch party for THE FIRST TO LIE lie, virtually, from the comfort and safety of their homes, and we could still celebrate, and the bookstore had drop-shipped me books to sign personally. We were going to make the best of it.
Then I heard the weather report. A huge tropical storm was coming up the coast and was about to batter New England. I know the world is not about me, but in one crazy self-centered moment of launch night, I thought, oh good! People will not have to drive to my book event in a in a tropical storm! Everyone can be home, watching the rain, and being cozy and safe, and not have to decide whether to slog through downpours and puddles lugging clammy umbrellas into my event. Everyone will be safe and cozy.
As I said, I was madly trying to look at the bright side.
Then I started getting emails from my pals, saying that they had no power, and no Internet, and they would not be able to come.
Can you launch a book in a pandemic, and a tropical storm and a power outage?
I have to say–it was an event to remember. (SO many people came, aw, and we sold LOTS of books.) And I hope it’s the only one where I’m at my computer in lipstick and flipflops.

So onward with the launch!

 THE FIRST TO LIE was chosen by the POPSugar as their number one pick for August, and the fab THE REAL BOOK SPY chose it as the August thriller of the month! Oooh, Life goals! And since THE FIRST TO  LIE is partly inspired by my undercover reporting,  the Book Spy asked me to write more about my adventures undercover.  

So I listed the rules for using a hidden camera, which you can read here, including once where.. well, it did not go so well.

Here’s just a taste of that.

"And in writing THE FIRST TO LIE, I realized that these days, hidden cameras do not have to be hidden! There’s nothing more common than someone carrying a cell phone. Simply (and brazenly) holding a cell phone, taking pictures just like everyone else is, draws absolutely no attention. The key then is to hide the fact that you are using it! Don’t brazenly point it at your subject. Pretend you are taking a photo of something else. Or act like you are using it as a phone. And when no one notices: roll. 

Real life sidebar: I once went into a skeevy auto body shop, accompanied by a photographer who had the hidden camera. I had told him to keep it out of sight. 

The plan was that I would go in first, to distract and talk to the proprietor, and then the photographer would come in, as if her were a separate customer, to shoot what was going on. Apparently the cameraman did not understand the concept of “hidden” camera. 

He’d tucked it under a clipboard he was carrying. Which meant, of course, that it was completely hidden—but only from him. The autobody shop proprietor, however, could instantly see it. When the photog walked in, the first thing the guy behind the counter said was: What are you doing with that camera? At that point, I had to hide the fact that I even knew him! I turned, all upset, and said “Hey, what’re you doing with that camera? I do not want to be photographed!” The photographer skedaddled, and, I have to say, we did not work together again."

  
Another great moment was being interviewed by the terrific April Snellings for The Big Thrill, with magazine of the International Thriller Writers. I was on the cover of the mag for the Murder List, so I worried it might be too much Hank, but yay!  April did a brilliant “Up Close” feature—and it’s so much fun to read. Sometimes I think—I said that? 

She asked me:

Do you have a certain type of reader in mind when you write?
I think my readers are smart and savvy and intelligent, and they’re also diabolically good. They try to figure out my stories before they get to that point in the book, and they crow when they do. And so my job, with my author’s sleight-of-hand and misdirection, is to prevent you from figuring out what I’m about to do. My books are cat-and-mouse thrillers, and that’s sort of how I look at my relationship with my darling readers: this is a cat-and-mouse game, and let’s see who’s going to win. I love it. I was just with a big book group last night on Zoom who had been wonderful early readers for THE FIRST TO LIE. They took me through their thought processes in how they read the book. And after a couple of minutes I said, “Can’t you just read the book and have the joy of surprises on every page?” And they said, “No, we have to figure it out.”
  
(And I know, the background is gray, but I can’t fix it.) She also asked me a very thought-provoking question.


Twelve books later, has it gotten easier or harder?


I still wonder if I can make stuff up. There are days that I sit at my desk and I think, I don’t know how to do this. How did I ever do this before? I have no idea how to write a book. I don’t even know how I wrote those other books. No matter if I did or not, I can’t do it now. I mean, absolutely just a complete brain-not-working situation. And what I do at those moments is I say, Okay, you can’t do it. Too bad, honey. I feel bad for you. Just write one sentence. If it’s terrible, you can fix it later. So I write one sentence. And I think, Well, that’s terribleNow write another terrible sentence. And I just keep writing terrible sentences. And at some point, I’ll have an idea. And then I think, Oh, this is what I’m meant to be writing. And somehow those terrible sentences aren’t so bad. And then at some point, with a little tweaking, they’re kind of good. And then I go ahead. You know what I’ve learned to do? I’ve learned to embrace the panic. That’s a good way to put it.

The AMAZING Brenda Novak chose THE FIRST TO LIE as the September Book Box Selection. I signed FIVE HUNDRED books (in our dining room)  for that.


And lucky readers get a box with a signed book, and an incredible array of goodies chosen by Brenda. I mean, incredible. Whoa. It's like--a party in a box!   Check it out here! 
  
My audio book? Macmillan audio is going wacky over it. here are two terrific things they did. First, they created a puzzle that you can do on your computer, and put it together while listening to the beginning of THE FIRST TO LIE.  (It’s read by the amazing Cassandra Campbell, who’s the reader for Where the Crawdads Sing. (Nice neighborhood.)

The puzzle is diabolical. And not so easy! I think the average time is about 20 minutes. (It’s best on a laptop or desktop, not on your phone.  Here it is! 

And if you’re feeling lucky, they’re also giving away some audio books!

Here is the link to the sweepstakes: https://read.macmillan.com/promo/firsttolieaudiosweeps/

And as for the topic du jour, What We’re Writing? Ahhh, yeah. I am absolutely right on time for my new book. If this is June.

Let’s turn the tables today, reds and Readers! What are YOU writing? A book, a short story, a to-do list? Let us know! 



54 comments:

  1. So glad to read about all the good news regarding “The First to Lie.” I have to say I was not very happy about that extremely inconvenient timing for a storm to come along and leave us with no power . . . .

    I’m not writing, I’m sending “you’re terrific” cards to my grandbabies who are not particularly happy with having another go-round of online school . . . .

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    1. Oh, that is so difficult! They’ll be so happy to get your cards! xxxx

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    2. Oh no Joan, that is truly disappointing. People are suffering in so many ways, we will feel all of this for years, don't you think? I'm sure they appreciate your support

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  2. This year is really piling it on, isn't it? Still, I am writing my synopsis for book #27 and having fun designing a new story, which will be #10 in the Country Store mysteries. Heat storms. Fourth of July. An old unsolved murder - and a new one! It's the most fun I've had with a synopsis ever. Am off to write it at the beach for the morning, which always makes me happy. (Hampton is a huge beach and it's easy to keep distance...)

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    1. You’re unstoppable! And congratulations on your Alfred Hitchcock story.

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    2. Alfred Hitchcock story? Did I miss an announcement Edith?

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  3. Hank, you always fill me with awe! Can't wait to puzzle and to hear First to Lie. What great stories about going undercover. sounds like an art not easily acquired.

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    1. Well, never a dull moment! And it's a bit like method acting, you know? You really have to BECOME that other person--with just a tiny bit left for being you. And aww. thank you!

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  4. Well, the most recent thing I wrote was last Friday. It was an article on the 'Kill To Survive' debut album from Boston based metal band Meliah Rage.

    I'm working on CD reviews for a couple of CJSS albums as well.

    I've got a couple of books that I need to write reviews for but I'm struggling a bit with those because I had some problems with them and I'm trying to figure out how to write a review that doesn't make me sound too negative.

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    1. That's SUCH a tough road, Jay. But authors are very grateful for reviewers like you who remember that author is a human being, too, and hanging on every word. And that not all books appeal to all people.

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  5. Weather or no weather, it was a terrific launch, Hank, for a terrific new book!

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  6. I started to say that the only thing I write these days is checks, but even that is a lie. Everything is online now, computer banking, bill paying, everything.

    Hank, you've done a great job marketing the new book, and that's no lie. Congratulations!

    Speaking of lying, is anyone here watching the Confederacy of Dunces convention? I'm not.

    About these virtual launches/readings/et al, I'm liking them. Because hardly anyone ever comes to Rochester to launch anything except a new snow plough, I never get to attend these things live. But Julie and I are now regular virtual attendees at so many of them, including plans for Bouchercon in October, and Bloody Scotland coming up mid September. It will be interesting when there is enough data to compare sales generated by this new marketing plan with the old efforts. At least you can wear flip flops. Or no shoes at all

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    1. That's one of the joys of going online, isn't it, Ann? We can reach so many, many more people. I will never forget the time our marketing guy, unannounced, just propped his phone up in rehearsal and took us onto Facebook live. The band was working on the world premiere of a new concerto, with soloist and composer on deck, and before the rehearsal was over, by word of mouth, 84,000 people had checked in all around the world.

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    2. Gigi, that is fabulous! And Ann, yes, no one ever comes to my neck of the woods, either, so the virtual opportunities are wonderful!

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    3. I, too, am enjoying the virtual opportunities. What we lose from face-to-face contact and handshakes and autographs, we gain in the scope of access.

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    4. Wow, that is just an amazing story, Gigi! And what a unique opportunity for those who tuned in!

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    5. This is SO reassuring to hear! Yes, that is the good part, that everyone can participate. We keep trying to look at the bright side...

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    6. I agree about the virtual sessions. As Ann said, no one comes to Rochester!

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  7. Congratulations, Hank! I just turned in my second Homefront book, THE STORIES WE TELL, and I'm working on the fifth, as yet untitled, Laurel Highlands book. All while doing promotion for BROKEN TRUST. It's quite a whirlwind.

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    1. You are fabulous! ANd yes, it's a juggle, but we are lucky! Cannot wait to hear ALL about it!

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  8. The weather. OMG. I am glad that you still had such a super response to your launch. My plan today, is to follow up on some of the links you've provided above and some First Chapter Fun readings that I've missed.

    As for writing, I have been writing reviews of the newer books that I've been reading. (Because I like to start with the first book in a series, some books are very old already.) I do need to set aside time to write because I don't just slap them out. I really try not to tell the story but to rather give my reaction to the story. I only review the books I've really liked a lot, and of course, because all I really want to do is read, I do not even review all of those books, but do concentrate on writing reviews of JRW's and friends.

    Hank, you did a stellar job getting to all the Reds on Saturday evening. We were in Delaware with the kids and I had to carve out the time, which is usually dinner time there. But, as soon as we arrived, I announced that I was going to AZ for a visit with friends at 5:00 on Saturday, so work around me!

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    1. Oh, that's such a fun story, Judy! And aw, thank you--the Reds are a pretty amazing group, but you know what I mean about "moderating" them. As if. And I am laughing about you announcing that you were going to AZ! Thank you!

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    2. Good for you, Judy! You're got your priorities straight, lol!

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  9. A moment of serendipity? While I was wading through boxes of papers in the garage I found a Cape Cod short story I have forgotten about. I connected the dots: it met the word count for a current anthology submission call. I took refuge in the air-conditioned kitchen, tweaked the manuscript, and submitted it hours before the deadline. Yes, it was accepted, my reward for tackling the garage.

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    1. AWESOME. Wow. That's fantastic. Congratulations!!

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    2. Congratulations, Margaret. That is super news! Keep us posted on where to look for that story!

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  10. Hank, I do love the glimpses into how your thought processes work in writing a book! Maybe you struggle but then we have the book in our hands and it seems to effortless and wonderful! I've often had some great ideas, especially with dialogue, but when I go to write them down they either evaporate or are totally flat, nothing at all like I was hearing in my head. Which is why, my dear, you are the writer and I am the reader!

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    1. Aw, thank you! And yes, fascinating how our brains work. Like when I think about reading music--my brain just says: nope, can't do that.

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  11. Congratulations on the book launch, Hank, however you managed to launch it. I've just started reading "The First to Lie" an am intrigued. Can't wait to get back to it.

    As for what I'm writing, I've just turned in a sequel to my novelette, "Deep Ellum Pawn." This one's called "Deep Ellum Blues" and touches base with some of the darker legends surrounding the musicians in my favorite corner of Dallas. It's gotten good advance word from some writers I admire, so I'm eager to get it out there.

    Beyond that, I'm dusting off some of the z-rust from a women's fiction novel I wrote years ago. I found it still holds up pretty well. Thanks to Jenn for the inspiration there. I loved "Paris is Always a Good Idea," and thought I'd see if my old effort was anywhere near as entertaining.

    And, beyond *that*, I plan to get back to the mystery I was writing before I got sidetracked. Credit Deb for the nagging on that front. I hope to finish the first draft by the end of the year. Whew!

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    1. How do I get Deep Ellum Blues? Loved Deep Ellum Pawn

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    2. It's not available yet, but it will come out on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited. Thanks for the kind words on Deep Ellum Pawn!

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    3. Oh, we can't wait! And you'll come write about it here, too, right? (and yay, thank you! Crossing fingers...)

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    4. You are both so sweet. I'd love to come back as a guest on Jungle Red!

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  12. If anyone can creatively make lemonade out of the avalanche of 2020 lemons, it's authors! Loved the puzzle, Hank. Naturally, I had to break the 20-minute time, by a mere two seconds, though. It's a great way to really appreciate the subtlety of that striking cover.

    Wow, Gigi! 84,000 viewers. That is simply mind-boggling.

    Hank, looking at the photo of you surrounded by books makes me remember the two times we took delivery of my self-pubbed books. The first was 1,100, which was a lotta books, but paled in comparison to the sweltering hot day the massive semi stopped to disgorge 5,500 books. The driver had to park out on the road, and we set up a brigade of moving 40-pound boxes (each with 44 books) 300 feet up the driveway to the door, and from the door to an unused sunroom. You have no idea how many boxes that is until you're surrounded by piles of them, chest-high.

    So I know exactly what kind of work it takes to not just sign 500 books, but to get them into the house, carefully unbox them, sign, and then PACK THEM ALL BACK UP, and then ship them back. Lots of work.

    Writing? I don't want to talk about it. Sigh.

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    1. There are a lot of wind ensemble fans in Asia, and everybody who checked in tagged two or three friends, so word spread pretty quickly. It was amazing.

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    2. Karen! Oh. That is SO MANY BOOKS! Whoa. A bunker of books. (But kind of exciting, after all that work...). And yes, packing them all back up is hilarious.

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  13. Hank, you're an inspiration. No matter how many books under your belt, no matter the many accolades, you're still human like the rest of us. I love the idea of embracing the panic as you sit down to start another book. And it's completely understandable, because you aren't writing a series now, and each time you've got to come up with new characters, new setting, background. That would scare the pants off me!

    I am making a very small effort at working on a new story as well as returning to edit drafts of other stories. The hard part is not having a place dedicated to work. I'm working on that, although every possible solution so far has been a fail. Baby steps.

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    1. Thank you! xoxoo. And truly, baby steps are great. Steps are steps.

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  14. I lol'd at lipstick and flip-flops! 2020 has certainly shaken up what we thought of as "normal" Despite the turmoil, The First to Lie has risen up out of the storm to be recognized as the wonderful book that it is! Congratulations, Hank, on your fortitude and for writing such a stellar book!

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  15. Hank, great post this morning! Bummer about the storm! Hope everyone is ok! I am grateful that I can still buy books online. I cannot believe the upheaval of the Post Office right now. Hope that will be resolved soon. I plan to take a writing class because I have so many ideas for books! Right now I am writing comments here on Jungle Reds.

    That cameraman did not understand what you meant by hiding a camera. Before you walked into the auto shop. Did you try to show him how to hide a camera and then he took it out thinking he can do it better?

    Still waking up California time.

    Diana

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    1. What a very sweet thought! He's a professional news photographer..there's not much to understand (or misunderstand) about a hidden camera. :-) (ANd yes, in fact, they always think they can do better. SO funny)

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  16. Hank, I just want to say again how much I loved The First to Lie! I think it's your best book yet. It took all my will power not to cheat and see if I'd guessed right, but then I was enjoying the ride too much to spoil the fun. Love your undercover stories, too!

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    1. OH! I just gasped with delight. Thank you! xxxx Aw. This is..so lovely of you. oxo

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  17. I'm writing reviews, as usual. Yesterday was a good review. Today will be an ornament review. Which ornament is to be determined.

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  18. I write an occasional review for a book I've read. And that's it! Late to the party today. I had a ton of emails to sift through and then had to go outside to remove anything that could go flying off if we get the western edge of Laura. We'll just see how it goes. I loved First to Lie, Hank! Nothing like sitting back and letting a story unfold.

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    1. Yikes, stay safe. Crossing fingers.

      And aw, thank you! SO wonderful of you--and in what I'm writing now, hmm, wish it would unfold a bit faster. xoo

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  19. Hank, I love hearing about all the wonderful honors The First to Lie is already receiving. Just wait until the award nominations start coming in, which they will. The book box is a lovely idea. I don’t know why I hadn’t heard of it before. Oh, and I’ve only spent a few minutes on the puzzle, but I’m itching to get back to it.

    I’m writing reviews, or I should be writing them right now. There was a spell earlier this summer that I just couldn’t focus, but August has been better. And, that f course I’m still list making, with the most recent one being last night, a list of Debs’ books I still need in hand hardback. Yesterday I received a shipment of seven hardbacks in the Gemma and Duncan series, and I just have four more to go now.

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    1. WOW! You are amazing.

      And yes, with you on the lack of focus. And scary, too, that we're getting a new "normal." Sigh. ANd aw, thank you for your incredibly kind words.

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