Boris Pickett Passes

The man who gave us The Monster Mash passed yesterday.

http://bulletin.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&messageID=3359078085&Mytoken=12CE7701-CB28-4C42-AB663ADDBD688E5372592251

What Type of Writer?

What type of writer would you be?
It says I should be a film writer:
You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind.You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life.Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling.And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!

Take the test! (P.S. I discovered this on my friend Carol Burnside's blog)http://carolburnside.blogspot.com/

http://www.blogthings.com/whattypeofwritershouldyoubequiz/

A Special Day!

Today is very special! It's my mother's 85th birthday! What a milestone.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Questions Regarding Writing the Early 20th Century Novel

A few questions I've been asked on writing an early 20th century novel ~

What made you choose the settings and time periods for your Blood Moon books?

I wanted to write romantic thrillers but felt I could never write a contemporary one because I can't keep up with everyday technology let alone the advanced equipment my characters would use. Yet I didn't want to write a historical either.I've always been fascinated by WWI, the roaring '20's and WWII. It seemed my voice matched the era: not quite modern but quite historical.

2) After Perfidia, what books do you have planned? What settings can we look forward to?

I'm planning a WWI romantic thriller, a roaring '20's paranormal, a '20's mystery novella, a couple of post WWII romantic thrillers, an early '60'sparanormal, and a late '60's thriller.



3) As writers, we hear from time to time that the historical market is in a slump. You write about an era that writers are told won't sell, yet have contracted three books withDorchester. Did you consider this at all, or did you simply write what you like to read?

While I was writing Bengal I was told the time (1932) and the place (India) would never sell. I considered quitting the book but decided I needed the practice. Afterwards I considered writing a different time period. Decided I couldn't do it so I'd have to work extra hard to get published.


4) How much research to you do before writing?

Most of it. Usually something crops up while I'm writing that I must research.

5) What tricks do you use to make the time period come alive for the reader?

I pretend I'm there:-) What would I see, smell, feel, and hear. To do this takes a bit of concentration so I keep my office door closed. I need quiet and solitude. However, purrs from the Princelings are allowed:-)

Catty Quotes

"In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat."

- Warren Eckstein"

A cat is more intelligent than people believe, and can be taught any crime."

-Mark Twain Notebook, 1895"

You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals."

- George Mikes from How to be decadent

"Dogs come when they're called. Cats take a message and get back to you."

- Mary Bly

"Beware of people who dislike cats."

- Irish Proverb

"I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals."

- Winston Churchill

"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior."

- Hippolyte Taine

"Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God."

- Unknown

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."

- Unknown

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff."

- Unknown

"People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."

- Faith Resnick

"I have noticed that what cats most appreciate in a human being is not the ability to produce food which they take for granted—but his or her entertainment value."

- Geoffrey Household

"As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind."

- Cleveland Amory