Coming up with questions...

 

HALLIE EPHRON: One of my favorite things that, from time to time, I get invited to do is moderate a panel of authors whose work I admire. I admit, I love being in charge. (Jerry's nearly daily request of me was "Stop being so directive." As if I ever could.)

But also I'm fascinated by how different each of our writing processes is, AND how amazing it is that any of us actually writes a publishable novel. It's SO hard.

Yesterday, we posted the video of the wonderful panel of authors (Lucy Burdette, Elise Hart Kipess, and Sarah Stewart Taylor) talking and me moderating, talking about the ins and outs, the challenges and joys of writing a mystery.

The audience (full house at the Milton Public Library) was completely rapt from the first moment. It worked so well because these authors were wonderfully open and honest, articulate and smart. Also because their novels are so different from one other.

I can also take some credit for the evening's success. First of course I was on home turf. Then I did not hijack the discssion by talking about my books.

And finally I'd PLANNED, done my research, and come up with some really juicy questions that dug into the processes that these writers follow to write their books.

Today I thought I'd share some of those questions... and maybe next time you go to an author talk (which I hope will be often!) you will have ideas for questions you might ask near the end of the event when it opens up for questions."

QUESTIONS

• Was your published book's Page One the first thing you wrote, and how did it change from first draft to published book?
• What was the hardest thing for you about writing your first crime novel? And what about now after (how many?) books?
• Where would you categorize your latest book on the spectrum of crime fiction (cozy? thriller? hardboiled??), and do you think about the expectations of THAT audience when you're writing?
• How does who YOU are and your experiences shape your protagonist?
• How did you meet the challenge of making the reader believe that your main character would do all the dangerous things they do in order to solve the crime?
• Do you plan out the story or just sit down at the computer, pull the cord, and let 'er rip?
• What's your writing day like?
• Which part of a book is the most challenging for you to write? And which part do you enjoy most?
  
  I could go on and on but it was absolutely fascinating to hear Lucy, Elise, and Sarah address questions like these. If you missed it, go to yesterday's blog and watch the video.
  
  What kinds of questions do you like to hear answered at author talks??

Making ours MURDER with Lucy Burdette, Sarah Stewart Taylor, and Elise Hart Kipness

HALLIE EPHRON: A few months ago, I heard that three authors whose work I adore (our own Lucy Burdette, Sarah Stewart Taylor, and Elise Hart Kipness), all have new books coming out. (Sarah: Hunter's Heart Lodge; Elise: Close Call; and Lucy: The Mango Murders). 

Wouldn't it be great, I thought, to bring them to my very own Milton Library.

So I proposed an author panel (I'd get to moderate!) to the president of the Friends of the Milton Library and to the wonderful librarians, and got an enthusiastic thumbs-up! 

Lucy made up the description of the event with the enticing title, MAKE MINE MURDER and invited patrons to come for a "look behind the scenes of bestselling whodunits, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and literary mysteries to discover how these authors craft suspense, plot their twists, and bring their unforgettable characters to life."

It worked! We had a full house. The wonderful library Friends supplied drinks and cake and cookies, not to mention lined up the chairs. The pre-event publicity was spectacular. And we couldn't have had more fun.

By the way, we have a brand new local independent bookstore (Next Chapter Books & More in Quincy, MA) that sold a very nice amount of books.

Irresistible, right? I am so pleased to be able to share with you a video of the event... credit to videographer Alyssa Flori.

When you're finished, please share any questions that popped into your head while you were watching and we'll do our best to answer.

The Thursday Murder Club

 HALLIE EPHRON: I had a blast reading Richard Osman's THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB (and its sequels). I love that Osman broke so many of the conventions of the mystery genre. More than 1 murder, more than 1 murderer and a convoluted plot. And a ton of sidekicks.

I've (so far) watched it 3 times with different friends...

It's quite a complicated (convoluted?) story that starts with a cold case, and ends up being about four murders, not all of them connected with one another.  There are multiple killers, five sleuths, including four retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie) and police officer Donna de Freitas (Naomi Ackie).

And I so appreciate a crime drama that doesn't take itself too seriously. As Elizabeth quips: "I feel like we're in on one of those Sunday Night dramas about two bright-eyed, feisty old lady detectives outsmarting the police at every turn." To which steely Joyce shoots back, “Never use the words bright-eyed, feisty old ladies in my presence again.

What could easily have been six one-hour episodes gets squashed into a two-hour "movie." And honestly, even though I'd read the book it took me three watchings before I really GOT who everyone (sleuths, victims, villains, residents and their relatives) was and what they were up to.

Good thing it's delightfully watchable, hilarious in places, surprising in others. And best of all, the actors seem to be having SO MUCH FUN! I mean, it's worth watching if only to see Pierce Brosnan doing water aerobics with the ladies. I do wish they'd given Ben Kingsley more to do. Helen Mirren is at her regal best.

On the third watching, I was still trying to make sense of how the parts of the story fit together.

I do have some gripes. I really don't like that Bogdan, a suspect who (in the novel) turns out to be a good guy, ends up going to jail in the movie. I'm not alone in my dismay: see the meme #JusticeForBogdan! 

And the movie version of the retirement home, Coopers Chase, looks more like summer camp at Downton Abbey than a retirement home.

And what's with the black roses that get delivered mysteriously near the end?

I may need to watch it yet again. I won't mind.

Are you watching it? Did you follow all the plot strands, suss out the murderer(s)? Is the setting too over the top?

Are you with me in the JUSTICE FOR BOGDAN club or are you muttering, Get a life?

We do not care... piling on and following Melani Saunders

 

HALLIE EPHRON: I am enchanted by Melani Saunders who started the viral "We Do Not Care Club" -- I watch her on Facebook as she reads, a pair of glasses over her eyes and a second pair on her head, and a third hanging at her neck (she do not care), reading in a wonderfully deadpan monotone a list of the things that (as peri/post-menopausal woman menopause) that, at that moment, she DO NOT CARE about.

“We do not care anymore because, well, we are tired.”

She does not care about keeping the house spotless. Shaving her legs. Chin hairs. Whether she snores. The list goes on. 

I am cracking up and cheering.



Never mind that as I'm watching her, the screen gets taken over by an ad for Cetaphil, a cream promising to rehydrate our aging skin. Talk about mixed messages. For this, I know what Melani would say: We do not care.

The "movement" has gone viral and I only wish I had thought of it. Because, well, there are a million things about which I do not care (I could do ten minutes on eyebrows, and several more-than-you-wanted-to-know sidebars on the indignities older age).

So what would you list among the things about which you no longer care?

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: oh, I am laughing so hard! This is so fabulous. The other day I walked to the drugstore, and I thought, as I was about halfway there, did I brush my hair? I had no idea.

I still do care about a lot of physical things, I have to say. But there are some emotional things that I hope I have finally outgrown. If you don’t like me, I’m so disappointed, but whatever. The being tired thing is so interesting – – sometimes I think hey, I’m old, what do you want. I’m going to sit down now I think it’s complete and supreme power.

JENN McKINLAY: I love Melani so much. Discovered her a few weeks ago and am her biggest fan. Seriously.

As for me, I do not care about the opinions of others. In all fairness, I can’t say that I’ve ever cared about other people’s opinions about me – it’s not my business – but being an author gives people an open door to reach you directly to tell you what they do and do not like about your work. 

I used to care if someone said something mean about my writing, but now I do not care. I simply do not have time for that sort of negativity in my life.

RHYS BOWEN: I’m afraid I still care! Not to the extent of putting on make up when I go to the supermarket, to getting Botox or a face lift, but if someone is coming to visit I want the house to look nice (at least the part of it they will see. I can’t always vouch for my office, or John’s office).

I am mainly amused by Amazon reviews, including one this week that gave me five stars but confessed she hadn’t yet read the book. But I would react if a serious reviewer trashed my book.

LUCY BURDETTE: Ha, I don’t dare look at Melani’s FB yet for fear of getting sucked down the humor rabbit hole.

I am of two minds, I try not to go out in public looking like I’ve been sleeping under a bridge. Same with watching John–we both tend to choose comfort over style:). (Ask our neighbors, they’ve seen it all. Though I won’t walk the dog in a nightgown–there. I’ve drawn a line. A ball cap covers many hair sins–it’s my signature look.

I try not to care what mean reviewers say. Years ago, I had a friend visiting who is a golf psychologist. He taught me that after hitting a bad shot, it was better to say “interesting” than “oh my gosh, I’m a failure, that’s the worst shot ever” etc. I think that should work for other people’s opinions as well!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Melani is fabulous! But I have to admit I do still put on minimal makeup just to run local errands. And although I will wear relaxed yoga pants when I run around town, I try to make sure they’re not the ones with holes in them.

I do straighten up my house most mornings, and vacuum the worst of the dog hair most evenings, because it bugs me even if no one else sees it. (Not counting Rick, because he doesn’t care, and doesn’t even notice the dog hair!)

As for reviews, I do care about the major trade reviews, but I don’t read the ones on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. As for the letters in which people tell me all the reasons they didn’t like my book, or what I should have done differently, I don’t care! They can write their own books!

HALLIE: What about the rest of us... are you ready to walk your dog in your nightgown? Let your hair do its thing unimpeded? Or must you run a brush through your hair, put on a coat, and pretend you are ready at all moments for public viewing?

What do you still care about, and to what are you ready to say, WTF.

What We're Writing -- Jenn McKinlay

 JENN McKINLAY: I'm rolling into promo season for the October release of WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN so it's a lot of non-fiction stuff like an article for Writer's Digest on writing in three different genres and I'm also on deadline for WITCHES OF QUESTIONABLE INTENT (book two in the Books of Dubious Origin series) that will come out next October, assuming I ever get it done. Also, I just turned in the page proofs for BOOKING FOR TROUBLE which will be out in February. Busy bee, that's me. 

Although I recently discovered that bees nap on flowers when they get tired and can I just say...sign me up!

Now out of all the projects I have in the works, writing non-fiction is the most daunting for me. 

Confession: I am the student who didn't read the books for the research paper that was due. In fact, I used skip the first four classes of school, hide in a study carrel at the library and crank out the paper that was due 5th period--yes, we were allowed to turn in handwritten work back in the day--arguing my case and flipping through the unread books in a pile beside me and cherry picking quotes to prove my argument. I truly can't believe what a horrible student I was. I definitely lived the motto "B's get degrees" and didn't allow anything as pedantic as school interfere with my social life. Maybe that's why I work so much now--to make up for all of that coasting. 

You can imagine how I feel about writing a non-fiction peace. First, i have to get past the imposter syndrome. I mean what do I know about writing in three different genres? I don't even know how I got here! Then I have to outline. This is nowhere near as much fun as outlining a murder, a romance, or a fantasy where an undead Viking chases my main character into a graveyard. Yes, that happens!

Thankfully, Hub is the retired music editor from the Tribune, so he will look over my article (gah!) and make sure it's journalistic enough. Phew!

Your turn, Reds and Readers, what sort of student were you? Did you work on projects ahead of time? Take it seriously? Or were you more like me, sliding in on the seat of your pants?

Oh, and I know we're supposed to share a snippet of what we're working on, but it's the article so -- no. Plus, I'd rather share the TWO starred reviews that WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN has gotten so far. If you'll indulge me, they're below:

Julia's Public Service Announcement: Get Vaccinated!

 LUCY BURDETTE: We are sad to report that our Julia is deathly ill with the return of Covid. (Sounds like a horror movie doesn't it? it is!) While she rests and recovers, she urges the rest of us to get vaccinated! I got mine last week and yes, I felt lousy for a couple of days, but nothing like she's suffering. 

Meanwhile, here's her gorgeous new cover, and a page to pre-order, and here's a link to her last writing post in case you didn't get a chance to read it...

Debs On What I'm Writing--Or Not Writing

DEBORAH CROMBIE:  This (see below) is beginning to look like a book, but it doesn't quack like a book quite yet.

I was making such progress on my poor benighted Kincaid/James #20, the end, if not in sight, was at least just over the horizon. Then, the past month I have been derailed by a number of things, including tax stuff and an excruciating repetitive stress issue in my left shoulder.

Thankfully, the taxes are done, the shoulder is finally better, and now I have got to dig back into my book and make my tortoise-like way towards the finish line.

It is so difficult finding little snippets in a crime novel that don't give away some part of the plot, but here is another little domestic scene for you:

Gemma woke with a start. The space beside her in the bed was empty and cold—Duncan must have been up for a while. Even Geordie was gone from the foot of the bed. Squinting, she groped for her alarm and saw that it had been turned off. Sounds began to filter in from the rest of the house, the children’s raised voices, a bark from Tess. The smell of coffee drifted up the stairs. “Bugger,” she whispered. She was late. Duncan should never have let her sleep.

Slipping out of bed, she showered hurriedly, then dressed once more in her new navy suit. She didn’t wear black, so navy was the closest thing she had to a power suit if she was going to beard Pine in his office first thing.

Downstairs, she found Duncan and all three children in the kitchen, the children in their school uniforms and eating the last of toast and soft boiled eggs, Duncan with a mug of coffee in one hand and a hairbrush in the other as he tried to manage Charlotte’s curls. “Here, let me,” she said, taking the brush and the hair elastic from him. “You shouldn’t have let me sleep.”

“I thought you needed it. You looked exhausted last night. And I’ll do the school run, don’t worry.” He wrapped an arm round her shoulder and kissed her on the forehead. “You can have some toast and coffee in peace when we’re gone.”

Wrinkling her nose, Gemma said, “Ugh, no. I’ll grab something later. I need to go.” Finishing Charlotte’s hair, she leaned down to give her a kiss. “There you go, lovey. You look like a princess.”

“I’m not a princess, I’m a unicorn,” Charlotte told her, a frown creasing her small face.

Gemma had half expected Charlotte to protest her not taking the school run, but instead Charlotte said, “Papa, we need to go. Miss Jane has a surprise this morning and Oliver said we should be first.” Oliver was her best friend and considered himself the leader of their daring duo.

“Okay. I’ll see you later.” Gemma stooped and tried to give Charlotte a cuddle, but Charlotte jiggled impatiently. The boys were already heading for the door, rucksacks swinging from their hands.

“Bye, Mum,” called Toby. “Are you taking me to ballet?”

“I’ll try,” said Gemma, knowing full well that it was unlikely. “If I can’t, Bodie will take you.”

“Bye, Gem,” echoed Kit.

“I’ll ring you if we turn up anything.” Duncan waved at her as he scooped up Charlotte’s backpack, and then they were gone.

It seemed like only yesterday that Gemma had had to carry a weeping, protesting Charlotte up to the door of her of school so that Miss Jane, the headmistress, could take her from her arms. She should be glad to see Charlotte so independent—she was glad, she was glad to see all the children so grown up and self-sufficient. But something in her felt it as a loss, too, and tears pricked beneath her eyelids.

She shook her head in annoyance and blew her nose with a sheet from the kitchen roll. Something about this case was making her feel unusually emotional and that was a weakness she couldn’t afford.

As you can see from the photo, I still print a paper copy of my manuscript in progress, usually a chapter at a time. I find I catch a lot more mistakes on paper than I ever do on the screen--and there are always things that spell check doesn't catch.

And, also, I have to admit, seeing that growing stack of pages is both satisfying and encouraging. IT WILL BE A BOOK, it really will!

Fellow REDs and writer pals, do you still print paper drafts of your work in progress?

And readers, are there things that you find still work best on paper?

What Lucy Burdette is Writing!

 LUCY BURDETTE: The very biggest news for me was turning in my draft of Key West book number 16 last week! As you can imagine, my favorite words written were these:

I wrote about the opening of the story back in December. I’m having trouble figuring out what else I could share that wouldn’t result in unwelcome spoilers. So I’ll skip that snippet for the moment and tell you what I’m working on now. (I know I will see book 16 circle back to me for edits, but I’m not worrying about that until it hits my inbox.) I have four projects on my to do list, a murder mystery event for the Key West library, a possible murder mystery dinner for Williams Hall, a Key West noir short story, and my Paris novel. Yikes! What was I thinking? 

Feb 2025, Ann Cleeves's Shetland murder mystery in Key West

The second annual murder mystery for the Key West Friends, taking place February 7, 2026, will be something like the one we performed with Ann Cleeves last winter. This time, the reading will be based on a fictional contest between pastry chefs, who’ve all been asked to prepare desserts from the Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook. (The Friends of the Key West Library and the Key West Woman’s Club are co-sponsoring this event along with our wonderful library staff.) I’m the playwright (ulp) and it will begin with a moderator and four or five baker suspects. I’m imagining the event will open with something like this:

Moderator: Imagine that you are sitting in an auditorium at the Key West library, a room very much like this one. You see the pea green walls and old-fashioned photos of the island, and you can almost smell the beguiling scent of new books and imagine the hum of voices as clever librarians answer the challenging questions of their patrons. This time, you are not here for the books or the librarians or even the computers. You have paid good money to hear from bakers who have entered a contest to find the best pastry chef on the island. Their challenge has been to prepare amazing delicacies from the Key West Woman’s Club Cookbook. 

But things have gone perilously wrong, and the front runner has been found poisoned to death. All the chefs who entered the contest are now murder suspects instead of prize winners. Your job will be to identify the real murderer. You will hear the protestations and confessions of the suspects, and then we’ll break for tea and voting. Once we re-convene to hear the true story, five winners will be awarded prizes.

There you go! A beginning and a long to-do list. When you have a list of projects, how do you choose where to start? Do you hop around from project to project, or power through one before tackling another?

What Rhys is Supposed to be writing.

 RHYS BOWEN: I've been doing a lot of juggling lately--not with balls or flaming torches, but we various things I'm supposed to be writing. 

1. Clare and I are forging ahead on the next Molly book, called, tentatively A WHIFF OF SCANDAL. It features Vanderbilts, car races, and the moral police.  Clare is doing most of the work and I'm hovering in the background, making occasional suggestions but open to phone calls every evening.

2. I'm about to begin the next Royal Spyness. I was toying with various ideas that might be fun when it suddenly hit me. Duh! It's the Coronation. It has to be about the Coronation to which Georgie and Darcy are invited. And who else might be attending and whether there might be any drama.  No title as yet. If you have any brilliant suggestions to do with being crowned etc, do share them. Unfortunately I used he word Crowned in a title already. 

3. The edits just arrived for the stand alone novel I just turned in. (Called, at this moment FROM SEA TO SKYE). I am always terrified to open that letter in case the editor has said, "While it's a nice story we don't like the main character as a twenty something woman. Could you make her a Russian man of fifty and rewrite the crime in the second half setting it in Chicago?"  Luckily the editors like it, had some really valuable insights into making my character's arc stronger and clearer. So they will be a breeze to work through and the book will be stronger for them. Pfew and thank you editors. 

4. Which means my editor will want to see story suggestions for a new contract (which I hope is forthcoming). So I've been dabbling with several ideas, all quite different. I can't share them now, except one takes place in the present, in 1820 and in 1450. (why do I give myself these impossible challenges when I could write a nice straightforward murder set on Nantucket?)

So I have been, and should be, busy except.... last week I had a horrible fall while I was walking with John on our favorite trail by the Bay. To get to the trail you have to go up a ramp, along a berm or dyke and then down the other side. At the top there is a tiny step onto the ramp... at least it's tiny for most of it but on one side it's deeper where dogs have continually peed against the railing and worn away the soil. I came around the corner, caught my foot on this step and went sprawling down the concrete ramp. Hit my head on the railing and took the skin off both arms and my knee. I am bandaged to look like an audition for the curse of the mummy.  And not finding it easy to sit and work.

At least I tell myself I didn't break anything or get a concussion. So healing vibes would be appreciated, please! I won't post pictures because I'm sure you don't have that strong a stomach.

So let's think positively and come up with some great titles about a coronation, please?

What Hank's Writing--A Letter to YOU!

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN:  Happy Pub Day to meeeee!!! It had seemed like the day would never arrive--the process of writing a book, editing a book, creating a book, having galleys and drafts and proofs and even more edits and deadlines and cover talks and then...yes. There is it. The preciousssss. 

And my next goal was to hit the road for book tour for ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS. (Oh yes, and finish the next book.)  

But first, my editor had one more assignment. The publisher planned to send review copies of my book to the big shots on their list, and wanted me to write a letter to accompany the mailings--sort of an introduction to the book, and from me.

Here is what I wrote.

Dear  Reader:

Stephen King once advised authors to write what they fear. Gotta tell you, as I was writing All This Could Be Yours, I was definitely following his brilliant advice.  Because what could be scarier than a book tour?

Right? As you well know, what happens after a book is published becomes a combination of roller coaster, hurricane, high dive, and mountain climb--an incredibly nerve-wracking brain-breaking time-zone-juggling book tour sprint from airport to bookstore to library to airport.

Yes, it’s a joy and a delight, and I’m always humming Magical Mystery Tour, but I also know that at every single moment of every single day something absolutely disastrous could happen.

And whoa. The suspense can kill you. You never know who you’ll meet—and what they have in store for you. What could possibly go wrong? Ha. That’s exactly what inspired this thriller.

All This Could Be Yours is high concept and super meta--about a debut author with a surprise best-selling novel who is sent by her publisher on an exciting and extensive (read: grueling and exhausting) national tour.   She soon discovers she's not traveling alone--she's being followed by someone who's obsessed with ruining her career and destroying the beloved family she left back home. 

Tessa is terrified that it's the result of a Faustian bargain she made long ago. Is her deal with the devil about to come due?

 I could tell you the rest, but I won't, and I’d adore you to discover Tessa Calloway’s dilemma for yourself.  And to join her cat-and-mouse cross-country chase through bookstores and libraries, and discover how she uses the secrets of writing to save her life.

As someone who has experienced the stress and chaos and the fabulousness of book tour, I hope it will speak to you, too, about the juggles we all have, and the decisions we all make, and the sometimes-heartbreaking sacrifices, as well as the glorious successes. 

ALL THIS COULD BE YOURS is a love letter to readers, writers, libraries and bookstores: a revealing look inside the world of a relatable and confident woman struggling to balance her wildest dreams as an author and her devotion to her family with the devastating and terrifyingly destructive secrets of her past.

I am so pleased and honored that we have been on this journey together, and will continue to do so, and I'd adore to come see you and talk with your many readers about this adventure. And oh—plot twist. You may see yourself in the book!  Not by name of course, but I hope you will recognize the depth of my respect and admiration for you and for all you do.

With endless gratitude and affection

Hank

HANK: Reds and Readers, have you ever written a letter to your readers? What would it say?  Have you read such a letter from other authors? What works, and why? 

And yes, I am on book tour right now! On Wednesday Sept 10, I'll be celebrating ALL THIS  at the iconic West Newton Cinema--with Lisa Gardner!

Check here for my events--I do hope you will join me! 

Generative WHAT?

HALLIE EPHRON: Often it's only with 20/20 hindsight that we recognize (or misconstrue) the massive changes right under our noses.

Looking back, I was absolutely oblivious to the scope of the changes that were underway as computers took over, rendering typewriters and library card catalogues extinct.

I still remember my sister Nora swearing that she could not properly edit a manuscript with a computer. Pushing the words, line by line, page by page through the typewriter were essential to a proper rewrite.

Is there ANYONE out there today who actually starts over when they rewrite, "typing" the whole thing over?

My parents wrote a movie (The Desk Set, 1957) which features a gigantic (think: semi truck) mainframe computer matching wits with Katharine Hepburn (and losing). The first PC was 20 years away and today, a computer that powerful can fit into a well ventilated coat closet.

I was sure I'd never swap out my typewriter for a personal computer, my PC for a MAC. Or succumb to the siren song of a cell phone. Or ditch my land line. Or do my banking on line. 

Now we're going kicking and screaming into an age of generative artificial intelligence. Griping about "customer service" bots that run us around in circles. Yearning for the voice of another actual human being when we dial HELP.

Meanwhile some folks are singing its praises.

I've been keeping my distance, happily ignorant when it comes to AI tools. Unsure even of what vocabulary to use to describe them. Wondering, like everyone else, if AI will render writers obsolete. Swearing at phone bots and unhelpful "help" bots that seem to make it impossible to tell truth (whatever that is) from a bot's fever dream.

But my pessimism got dented recently.

I had a medical test and waited and waited for the results. After a few weeks of silence, PING, an email came that directed me to click and log into the medical "portal" (of hell?) and see what the tests think.

So, after waiting another week and getting up my courage, I clicked. Searched down the right password (every g-d doctor/practice seems to have their own "portal"). And read results that felt like instructions to a chemist.

There were numbers and percentages and... mixed in, a lot of words. I didn't know whether to be worried. Or relieved. Confused: absolutely. Baffled, for sure. 

Then, like a lifeline, the portal offered to run my test results through generative AI.

What's to lose? I clicked the link.

The bulleted list that came up was subtitled "Interpretation." The words were plain and simple, easy to parse. Brief and to the point. One word leapt out at me: Negative. Let's just say that in this case that result was a positive for me.

Maybe I can get used to this new world after all.

I will not be using AI to write or rewrite, and a cautionary tale in last week's New York Times illustrates how a chatbot can feed delusional thinking. 

No more than I'll be be hauling out my typewriter and running manuscript edits through it or trying to get Verizon to re-install my land line. But I am a bit less pessimistic about what the future holds and how I'll be adapting to it. 

Because, clear as can be, this is the way of the future.

Have you had any positive or negative experiences with generative AI? Or are you sitting there scratching your head and saying, "Generative what??"

Weather Events

 

Photo Credit: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/resources/teachable-moment/nasas-eyes-on-extreme-weather/

JENN McKINLAY: When it comes to the weather or weather events, Arizonans are somewhat smug. It gets a little hot here (ha!) and we do have occasional catastrophic wildfires but by and large, we don't have seasons of horror like PA and NY's blizzards or coastal FL's hurricanes, or CA's mudslides, wildfires, or earthquakes. I love you, Cali, but you can be rather dramatic.

But here's the problem with that smugness. What we do have in AZ is the haboob. What's a haboob? So glad you asked. Here's the video from my front yard of last week's drama.

A haboob is essentially a dust storm on steroids and is characterized by a massive, thick wall of dust that forms from the strong winds spreading out from a collapsing thunderstorm. Seriously, when it hits it feels apocalyptic. Mercifully, they don't generally last that long and the rain the follows washes the dirt away. Also, it keeps us Arizonans humble.

Now it's your turn, Reds and Readers, what major weather events happen where you live? Is there any event that you will avoid at all costs? 

For me, it's tornados. No, thank you!

Going Through Something

 JENN McKINLAY: I don't want to say I'm having a full on midlife crisis, but I'm clearly going through something. Potentially, it's an empty nest thing, although the dudes have been out of the house for 3+ years. But I think it's more that after prioritizing the health and well-being of my people for the past twenty-five years, it's my turn. I want to do what I want to do just for me and no one else.

Let's examine. First, I started running 5Ks. Me, the person who only runs if a scary looking clown wielding a knife is chasing them.

 Second, I got a nose stud. Never planned it. Thought they were cool but I could take it or leave it. Next thing I know, I had a big old bloody Mary and I was at the piercing pagoda getting a diamond shot into my nostril.

And, most recently, I got a tattoo. Was it planned? No. Did it hurt? No. Truthfully the nose stud hurt WAY more. Do I regret it? Not a bit. If you read my newsletter, you know the how and why of the tattoo, but I'll share a few fun facts here.

Hub and I arrived at Hotel Kabuki in Japantown, where we were meeting our friends. Our room wasn’t ready so it was a cocktail for me and a mocktail for the Hub at the lobby bar while we waited.

One of the bar’s specialty drinks was a paper crane, which seemed appropriate as the Nihonmachi Street Fair was also happening just outside the hotel. Hub and I wandered around the lobby, getting our bearings when what should we stumble upon but a pop up tattoo event happening by Studio Kazoku. And what did they have on their list of available tattoos? A paper crane. It felt like fate. We decided these would make awesome Mr. and Mrs. tattoos. Why? I don't know. It's not like I was operating with a plan!

Now here’s the back story that you don’t know. WAAAAAAAY back when my first mystery SPRINKLE WITH MURDER was published (2010), I told the Hub that if I ever hit the NYT Bestseller’s list, I’d get a tattoo. It was a joke — I NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN!!! —but it did. Needless to say, I stalled as I had no idea what to get. 

Years passed, I hit the NYT’s list thirteen more times and still no ink. But here I was in San Francisco on an awesome vacation with the Hub, who is seriously my best friend, and the paper cranes just felt right. A little research (librarian!) and I discovered that origami cranes (orizuru) hold deep symbolic meaning, especially in relation to marriage. The crane (tsuru) is revered as a mythical creature believed to live for 1,000 years, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. Needless to say, we went for it.

During our tattooing, our friends texted us to ask if we’d arrived in town. I texted back that we were at the hotel, getting tattoos. The three dots wavered for a little bit and then our friend texted back “Like real ones?” LOL! Oh, yes, they’re real.

So, in conclusion, the past year has been interesting. I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do next -- purple hair? Paddle boarding? I'll keep you posted.

So, how about you, Reds and Readers, did you ever find yourself "going through something"? Any tattoos, piercings, hair color, etc. to report? Or is there anything you think you might do when the wild mood strikes? 

The Evolution of a Book Cover

 JENN McKINLAY: I may or may not get into trouble for sharing the evolution of my most recent book cover. Maybe I should ask first but I long ago discovered it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

So, my upcoming 2026 romcom THE SUMMER SHARE just had its big cover reveal. It came out great I'm thrilled, but how did we get there?

About a year out from publication, my publisher always asks what I want on the cover. Given that this is a story about two people who inherit a cottage in the Outer Banks only to discover when they get there that it's a shared inheritance, I knew right away I wanted a cottage on the cover, a beach, our heroine, our hero, and the heroine's Great Dane named Dude, or "El Duderino, if you're not into the whole brevity thing" -- bonus points if you can name the movie that quote comes from!

Being ever helpful, I sent my publisher a mock up (with notes) of what I thought the cover could look like.

There was some debate about changing the cover from my previous  romcom styles (see my website for examples). It's the old debate about whether or not "cartoon" covers were out of fashion, etc. Given that I write comedy, I feel like a cartoon cover is a good heads up about what you're going to get but what do I know?

A couple of months passed and I received three options for the new cover. Wow!

How great are these? I sent them to everyone I know (the Reds can testify this is true) and asked for help with choosing. I mean, they're all amazing. I felt like I was tasked with the impossible. The colors on book one dazzled, the blue water on book two was so inviting, and the cottage with the couple sitting on the title was ridiculously charming. After several weeks of debate, my editor and I picked our favorite elements from the covers and sent our thoughts back to the art department. And this is what they came back with: Perfection!

PRE ORDER NOW (May 2026)

You can see the final is vastly different than the mock up I sent in and yet it captures the vibe I was hoping for. This is why I'm a writer and not a cover artist. 

So, what do you think, Readers? Did the art department do right by me? There is no wrong answer here as art is purely subjective.

More about the book:

When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van. An unexpected inheritance from her Pops brings Hannah to Cape Split, North Carolina, where she learns she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his Gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover the house was once home to a timeless love story. Soon, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past may be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

Hannah thought one summer at the Split would be enough, except it isn’t like any place she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—and she’s thinking about putting down some roots. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community the same way or their first summer share might also be their last.

National Wildlife Day!!!

JENN McKINLAY: One of the takeaways of my childhood was that my parents were nature lovers. We lived on several acres of land on the Housatonic River in northwestern Connecticut and most of my childhood memories are from time spent outdoors. 

Hiking, boating, fishing, gardening, picnicking, camping--we did all of that and more. I think a deep love of nature is one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me. When I'm outside and I hear the birds singing, smell the scent of the creosote after a rain, or just touch grass (as the kids say), I'm at peace. 

I hope I was successful in passing on my love of the outdoors to my sons. Given that they spend many of their weekends fishing, hiking, running, or rock climbing, I think I did.

So, today, I want to talk about National Wildlife Day. Every year on September 4th, this day invites us to pause and reflect on the incredible diversity of life that shares our planet. From the smallest pollinators to the largest mammals, wildlife plays a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced and thriving. This day is not only about celebrating the beauty of nature but also about raising awareness of the urgent need to protect it.

Wildlife provides us with so much more than breathtaking scenery, although Mother Nature does a heck of job with that, too. Bees pollinate the crops that feed us, wetlands filter the water we drink, and predators help regulate populations keeping the balance. Yet, despite their importance, many species are at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and illegal poaching. According to conservation groups, thousands of species face extinction in the coming decades if stronger protections are not put in place.

National Wildlife Day is a reminder that protecting animals is a task we can all take part in. Simple actions make a difference. Planting native flowers in your yard creates food and shelter for pollinators. Reducing single-use plastics helps keep oceans safe for sea turtles and seabirds. Even small choices, like supporting eco-friendly brands or visiting accredited wildlife sanctuaries, can have a positive impact.

On this National Wildlife Day, let's all take a moment to step outside, listen to the birds, watch the bees at work, or simply breathe in the air that forests provide. Let’s celebrate the wild and commit to protecting it. Because when wildlife thrives, so do we.

As for me, I recycle everything I can, use canvas grocery bags (when I remember to get them out of my car!!!), I try to shop second hand for everything from furniture to clothing so as not to fill up the landfills (plus, thrifting is fun!!!), and I plant lots of pollinator friendly trees. I know there is more to do so -- hit me! What do you do, Reds and Readers, to help the wildlife and save the planet? All suggestions welcome!

City Life

 JENN McKINLAY: I had the luck of traveling to new places this summer. San Francisco and Chicago, to be exact. Now, I'd been to San Francisco before in 2015 to attend the American Library Association's annual conference (as an author not a librarian) and I was lucky enough to have my friend Kate Carlisle with me to show me around. Our days were scheduled around events however so it was more of a do a panel discussion, run outside and catch a cab to go see the Golden Gate Bridge type of trip. 

This time it was just me and Hub, meeting up with some friends to attend the 60th anniversary concert of the Grateful Dead in Golden Gate Park. We left the 110 degrees of Phoenix and thoroughly enjoyed the 60 degree weather of the City by the Bay.

Then, for Hooligan 2's birthday, we went to Chicago to attend UFC 319 at the United Center as the boy is a huge MMA fan. I had never had a chance to see much of Chicago - mostly what I'd seen was from the window of a plane as I landed and took off again during a connection. 

What a fabulous city!!! We loved, loved, loved it. And my people made fun of me because I was completely obsessed with "the bean" aka Cloud Gate. 

Normally, my vacations are spent on the beach either in Puerto Penasco, Mexico or Nova Scotia, Canada or both. So, to attend events in two cities was a real change up for me and I really enjoyed it even though I don't consider myself much of a city person. 

So, now I'm trying to decide what my favorite U.S. city is -- I'm leaving out all of my trips to Europe because then it would just become impossible. 

Boston was my favorite as a teen -- Newbury Street! New York was the top as a college student -- Broadway and Museum Mile! NOLA became my go to when I traveled in my twenties -- Preservation Hall and Cafe Du Monde! (Have fun everyone who is going to Bouchercon, btw!). Then of course, I moved west and discovered San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, and Denver. I've also had amazing trips to Nashville, Savannah, Orlando, and Miami. Shockingly, I have yet to make it to Seattle. So, as I think of all these places and my memories made, I'm trying to pick my favorite and, y'all, I think it might be Chicago. 

I just asked Hub what his favorite city is and he said it's either New York or Los Angeles because he feels like he's in the middle of everything in those two places. Interesting. I felt the same way in Chicago, but I'm not ready to fully commit yet. I still need to see Seattle and I've been very neglectful of the flyover states and need to check out Kansas City, Detroit, Milwaukee, Columbus, Boise, Cleveland, and Indianapolis to name a few. LOL. 

So, how about you, Reds and Readers, what is your favorite city in the United States and why?

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

JENN McKINLAY: Names. They're so interesting, aren't they? Writers spend an awful lot of time thinking about them--character names and setting names. If you write under a pen name, you even get to make up your own name, which brings me to my question for the day. Would I have chosen the name Jennifer if I'd been given a choice? Probably, not (sorry, Mom!). 

Seriously, though the Jennifers owned the 70's and early 80's and you couldn't throw a rock without hitting one of us. There were so many Jennifers in my suburban high school that my squad changed my name to Nnifer just to be sure to get my attention and not that of the twenty-five other Jen, Jenn, Jennie, Jenni, Jenny, Jenifer, and Jennifers who would all answer to any of those variations of our ubiquitous shared monickers.

What would I have chosen? I really don't know. I loved the names Sabrina and Zoanne when I was a kid, which is likely why the heroine in WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIGIN is named Zoanne. But now, I'd like something more old fashioned like Eloise or Astrid -- yeah, I don't look like either of those but give me a few years to let the grays come in!

When I worked at the library with a friend named Susie (the Jennies of the 50's), she told me that if she could change her name it would be Tina and she would tattoo it on her chest like one of our younger colleagues had done. She was fascinated by that tattoo. Lots to unbox there, I know, but the point remains that she, too, would have changed her name. 

So, how about you, Reds and Readers? What name would you choose if you could have any name you wanted? And has it changed over the years? 

The Nightstand Phone or Not?

JENN McKINLAY: I was soundly scolded the other evening and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Why was I lectured? I’m so glad you asked.

Hub and I do not keep our cell phones in our bedrooms and we do not have a landline. Subsequently, if someone calls late at night, we have to stumble to the kitchen and check to see who it is and why would they be calling after 9 PM?! Seriously, the audacity! As I was complaining about this to a Hooligan, it suddenly turned into a lecture on how I’m old and should keep my phone nearby. (Picture Jenn glowering here). I was assured that this stance was for safety reasons, but it just felt rude to me. 

So, how about it, Reds? Do you keep your cell phone on your nightstand or do you keep it elsewhere to ensure a good night’s sleep?

HALLIE EPHRON: My kids say the same thing, but I’ve got more than a few years on you, Jenn. So I’m just glad they’re looking out for me.  

No land line here, either, and overnight I keep my cell on my night stand with the sound muted. You can designate “emergency callers” and (I think) if they call the phone’s supposed to ring. Or that’s how I think it works. Have not tested it. Yet. And I think it’s sweet and adorable that your son worries about being able to reach you if he’s worried about what you’ve gotten up to.

HANK PHILLIPI RYAN: Totally keep my phone on the nightstand. Cannot imagine not doing that. 

We still do have a landline, since if you call 911 from a cellphone, it does NOT know where you are, but the landline does. (That’s why dispatchers now say “911–Where’s your emergency” instead of “what’s your emergency.”)

Oh, in every way I think it’s important to have the phone nearby.

LUCY BURDETTE: Yes phone on the nightstand, set up as Hallie described. I use it for my bedtime stories–like THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, or lately, listening to a Jenny Colgan book that I’ve already read. That way I don’t have to pay attention too much or worry about what I’ll miss. 

PS we don’t have a landline either

PPS sometimes I do get in trouble by doomscrolling because it’s so convenient, but I lecture myself sternly about that…

RHYS BOWEN: my phone lies charging beside the bed every night and the first thing I do when I wake in the morning is pick it up! I confess to addiction. We still have a land line that John insists on keeping. And if I forget to take off my Apple Watch before bed it shakes me to remind me to get up and move at 3 am 

Lucy, I also listen to Calm bedtime stories when I can’t sleep. 

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Absolutely plugged in on the nightstand! I have to put ointment in my eyes at night so listen to audiobooks to go to sleep. I do not give in to the temptation to doomscroll. I silence the ringer. We do still have a “landline” number, but it’s actually VOIP (internet phone) so I don’t know if it identifies us to 911. I guess I should ask my techie/ex-dispatcher husband.

And, like Rhys, I confess to checking the phone first thing in the morning instead of doing something positive like meditating. In my defense, I usually check the weather and read the blog!

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m midway between the yes phone and no phone positions. I do keep my phone on my nightstand (I don’t listen to anything except ambient noise on my Alexa, but I do like to unwind with a few rounds of Ultimate Jewels.) However, I always turn it off, unless I’ve got reason to think one of my kids might need to get in touch with me - for instance, when Virginia is traveling back and forth from Europe. When it’s on, it’s on Do Not Disturb with the select callers feature; as you might imagine, the select callers are my three children.

I used to have it on more frequently, but to be perfectly blunt, all the older relatives I might need to know about in an emergency have already died! My sister and brother might want to tell me about an issue in their families, but they wouldn’t need me in the middle of the night - and honestly, neither do my adult offspring. And I REALLY value my sleep!

We dropped the landline back in, I don’t know, 2010? Out here in the heavily forested countryside, the phone lines would go out as frequently as the electricity. My cell is more reliable, especially since I have a constantly-charged battery pack.

JENN: Maybe it's because I'm a child of the eighties, where we were punted outside and told not to return until we heard my dad whistle but I frequently leave the house without my phone, too. Shocking, I know!!! I just don't feel like I need to be in touch with everyone all the time. Is it just me?

Your turn, Readers! Cell phone on the nightstand, yeah or nay?