Just Relax Already

I’ve discovered a breathing technique I like to use when my mind won’t slow down at the end of the day. You breathe in one nostril while holding the other closed, and switch the nostril you’re holding closed and breathe out for ten deep breaths, then switch. Was that clear? Breathe in the left nostril, out the right 10 times, switch and breathe in the right and out the left 10 times. This isn’t something you can do in public; since it looks very silly switching back and forth holding a nostril closed, but it is relaxing. It clears all the crazy book deadlines, plot twist that aren’t coming together, taxes that need figuring, etc, the pure panic of how I can possibly get it all done, by keeping the mind busy remembering what number you’re on and what nostril you’re holding. If you don’t believe it works, try it. It also works better than counting sheep at bedtime.

A New Review of A Peach Of A Murder

Clean Cozy Mysteries has written a nice review of the first book in my Fresh Baked mystery series.

I enjoyed the book. I did figure out the ending, something I almost never do, before the heroine did, but it was still an unexpected and unusual ending. I was satisfied with how it ended and how the story developed.

Check here to read more.

Do You Write from the Heart or For the Bucks?

I like to think it’s possible to do both. For instance while working on the plot for my next paranormal romance I discovered that books with vampires or werewolves sell better. My book was about shape shifters, but not werewolves. I wondered if I should try to come up with a different plot, but then it dawned on me. With just a little twist the book could be even better and the titled changed from Shifting Affections, to Enemy of the Wolf. Fingers crossed that the editor likes the changes, because she liked the original idea.

If you’re going to get published today, I think you have to think about the money, too. For example what are the chances of selling a gothic novel today? Slim. Writers have to keep up with the market in order to keep selling. This is the reason James and I have been able to continue writing for thirty years. We’ve written in many different genres over the years and have had a ball doing it. I wouldn’t think it would be fun to write one type of book for thirty years. So, keep an eye on the market, it’ll be changing again.

Holiday Cooking

The mass market edition of The Christmas Cookie Killer shipped so well, that the editor asked for another Christmas book. I had an idea for a New Year book, but I can probably adjust the plot. Recipes would be different. With the family Christmas get together coming up I will need to start working out the recipes now. If you put out a bunch of goodies in a large group, you can tell pretty fast which recipes are winners. It does take a lot more effort to create original recipes. You end up throwing your hard work into the trash at times. My problem is with not having some of the book written, I don’t know what I need in the way of recipes. This would be the best time to have other people test taste, however. I know one thing, something is going to have a lot of chocolate in it! Also I have to come up with a killer title. Get it??? Killer title! LOL I crack myself up at times. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends, and a healthy, prosperous 2010.

Winners of the Drawing

Using Random.org Jack Harville was chosen to receive the signed hardback, Huckleberry Finished, and Helen Morris was picked to receive the signed trade paperback, Killer Crab Cakes. Congratulations!

More Free Books

I have one autographed copy each of KILLER CRAB CAKES and HUCKLEBERRY FINISHED that I will be giving away, so only two people can win this time. Email me before November 15, 2009 to enter the drawing. washburn@flash.net

HUCKLEBERRY FINISHED (Kensington Hardback)

Delilah Dickinson's literary travel agency is a hit! And now, after an alarmingly lively tour through the Old South of Gone with the Wind, she's ready to embark on a leisurely steamboat trip down the Mississippi, a la Huckleberry Finn. But when one of her passengers winds up dead, Delilah reckons she'll have to get to the bottom of this downright ornery mystery...Ain't no doubt about it.

KILLER CRAB CAKES (Signet Trade Paperback)

When Phyllis’s cousin asks her to look after her Oak Knoll bed-and-breakfast for a few weeks, Phyllis jumps at the chance—mostly because the inn is located close to the annual Rockport, Texas, Just Desserts competition. But Phyllis’s holiday turns bitter when she and Sam discover a dead body—and all signs point to murder.

Reviewed at Mystery Reader Discussion

Frankly My Dear, I'm Dead has recently been released in a mass market paperback edition.

Check out the review at Mystery Reader