Tag Archive for: Dru Ann Love

It’s That Time Again by Dru Ann Love

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where I have to come up with a post about whatever. And like always, I have nothing. So I’ll ramble along until my word count reach 150.

How is everyone doing during this pandemic crisis? Me, I’m so-so. 

When you choose to live alone, it is nothing. You go about your business and life goes on. When you’re in a pandemic crisis and live alone, you really are alone. Because I’m immune-challenged, no one could come visit and I was restricted to my home. Once things started settling down, I took that first trip to my doctors. Uber is my friend. I wear a mask, not for you, but for me. I limit going outdoors, not for you, but for me. If I go out, I go to the grocery store, the pharmacy, and of course the doctor’s office. I always get the first appointment – less people to encounter. I hit the grocery and pharmacy when they first open, again less people to encounter.

My reading has somewhat suffered. Sometimes it takes me longer to read a book for review, but if I’m reading a book to be read, I can read it in 2 days. When I’m not reading, I’m watching movies or a recorded TV show.

Books I’ve read/am reading:

What I last watched:

I’m also quilting more. It is keeping me busy, figuring out color patterns and designs. I’m always amazed at the finished product.

I miss seeing my friends. I miss attending reader/fan conventions. I miss my girl’s weekend vacation trip.

What I don’t miss is having to climb subway stairs.

How are you handling things?

Virtual Activities by Dru Ann Love

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The year is almost three-quarters done and activities that we would have attended in-person are now virtual.

I’ve never gone to a noir before because 1) they are in bars, dark bars 2) they are at night 3) they are never in my neighborhood 4) I prefer not to take trains at night and 5) it is mostly authors I don’t read. Virtual noirs changed that, and I’ve discovered so many authors I would not have blinked twice at if I saw their name. So, hooray for virtual noir. A shout-out to A shout-out to Ed Aymar and Alex Segura.

Then there is zoom. Oh, how I remember the original TV show (%Come on and Zoom, Zoom, zooma-Zoom%). But we are not talking about that. I’ve participated in a zoom talk with Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia chapter, attended a zoom memorial for a favorite author, attended several zoom book launches, and attended many a zoom talks with authors and friends. With one set of friends, we played this game, Spicy Farkel. I like zoom the best because you can interact with people.

Then there are the indie bookstores that are holding book launches as well. I’ve attended several of those and enjoy listening to the Q&As from the book seller. I don’t buy print books, but I will donate to their virtual tip jar – what a great concept.

Then there is Facebook. I’ve attended a few Facebook Live video author events and you are listening to the author and to interact with them, you leave a question in the chat area and the host will ask it for you. Some have book launches in their feed, whether it’s on their page or in a group page, where you have to “refresh” the page. I’m not a fan of constantly having to refresh, but it is a way to interact with the authors one-on-one during the book launch.

Now, here is the BSP – my fellow blogger, Kristopher Zgorski and I have a joint YouTube venture called BOLO*Musings where we talk about books. Another example of being with our friends and talking books. You can see our YouTube videos HERE.

Have you organized or participated in virtual activities? Do you have a preference?

2020 and J.D. Robb by Dru Ann Love

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2020 is here and we are already in the second month and with this post heading into the third month also known as my birthday month.

When 2020 starts, it means reader/fan conventions will soon be upon us. For the first time in several years, I’m not going to Left Coast Crime. I had planned to take an action, but the alignment that I needed wasn’t in the cards, so I’ll be missing LCC.

The next reader/fan convention I will be attending is Malice. This is by far my favorite event and 2020 is my eleventh year attending. It’s great to see friends you don’t see for a year and meet new ones that you meet via social media.

But before that, my first event of the year was attending a book signing with the one and only Nora Roberts aka J.D. Robb. The book signing was for Golden In Death, the 50th book in the In Death Series. The main reason for my attendance was for her to sign my book, and to see my photo in the inside jacket of the book cover. So how did that happen?

Her publisher put out a call for her J.D. Robb readers to submit a selfie with one of her book covers. When I first came on Facebook, I took a selfie of me wearing shades sitting in front a bookcase holding her book. I did not suspect I would win, because I never win a contest, but lo and behold, I got an email saying my photo made it in and I could not wait to see it.

So, my friends and I trekked to Boonsboro, MD and Turn The Page Bookstore and bought our book before it hit the shelves. It pays to own the bookstore and other properties in the area. I opened the book, scanned and gave out a yelp, because I found my photo. While waiting our turn to get our book signed, we dined at Vesta, yes, another location owned by Nora. But the best part was as I got closer to Nora, it was decided that she would stand, do I got my picture taken with a standing Nora.

The photos below tell the story of a wonderful adventure.

Turn The Page Bookstore

The signage

The tribe. Photo courtesy of Eleanor Cawood-Jones

Inn BoonsBoro

Vesta Pizzeria and Family Restaurant

Golden In Death

Inside jacket cover of Golden in Death featuring collage of selfies with a photo of a J.D. Robb book

Nora Roberts and ME!

A photo within a photo. Courtesy of  Eleanor Cawood Jones

My photo within the collage. Courtesy of Michael G. Mueller

What adventures do you have waiting for you?

Writing

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. . . by Dru Ann Love

I had an idea for a post and now I can’t remember.

It’s hard to write a post about writing since I’m not an author.

But if you visit my blog at dru’s book musings, I do writerly things on there, like my “day in the life” and my “get to know you” features. I also write up a list of upcoming books for the week and a monthly release blog. I also write-up information for cover reveals. I also write about the conventions I attend and miscellaneous reader events I attend as well.

Then there are my musings that I write. This year I slowed down on the number of musings I write – decided to go back to writing musings on books that I want to read as opposed to book other people want me to read and I think it’s working. I also try to give a shout-out on social media, okay Facebook, to books that I read but didn’t write a musing for. So, if you think about it, I guess I am a writer, as I write words and isn’t that what a writer does?

Can you believe the year is almost over?

I have two more conventions to attend, Bouchercon and New England Crime Bake. Anyone attending? Let me know and I’ll be sure to look for you.

Clicking Our Heels – Reliving a Moment or Time from Our Pasts

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Clicking Our Heels – Reliving a Moment or Time from Our Pasts

Although we often talk about recent things in our lives and
writing, the Stiletto Gang members recently contemplated what one moment or
time in our lives we would want to relive.
Judy Penz Sheluk – I’d love to go back to high
school, knowing what I know now, and knowing that all kids probably felt as
lost and nerdy as I did. And I’d write stories down, instead of keeping them in
my head for 30 years.

Dru Ann Love – My first day at college – it was so unreal
and new to me. I was the first in my family to go to college so it was a big
deal. Meeting different people from all socio-economic status and this from a
shy person. The very first person I met at college is still my friend today, in
fact I just met up with her before a book signing I was attending.


Linda Rodriguez – The years when my
children were very small. That time of babies and toddlers and preschoolers
goes by so fast, even though at the time, it felt like it was taking forever.

 Shari Randall – Putting aside big, important emotional
moments like weddings and the births of my children, I think I’d like to go
back and relive a research trip I took to the Boston Ballet. I toured their facility
from top to bottom, seeing things only the dancers get to see – the dance
library, the costume shop, the shoe room. Then I was invited to sit in during
company class – an hour long workout with dancers people pay to see, except
they were doing a private performance just for me. Magic. It was the fulfillment of a childhood dream.

Kay Kendall – I would like to be 20-something
and spend time with each of my four grandparents and my father. I would
ask them all the questions about their lives that I have now that I am older
that I didn’t think to ask them back in the day.
Bethany
Maines – There are a few moments in time
that I feel like I botched and wish I could do over, but to just relive them as
they happened?  I’m not so sure I would want to do that.  I think I’d
rather concentrate on making the coming moments great.
Lynn
McPherson
– I spent a lot of time travelling
solo when I was younger. I’d probably go back to that time to do and see even
more. Thailand, Indonesia, and London were some of my favorites.


Cathy Perkins – Sure there are a few oops when I’d like a “do-over,” but if I could go back and relive a time, it would be spending a day with my mother. Even better, if I could teleport her into the future, I’d introduce her to the wonderful men my daughters married that she never got me meet. But I really think we’d sit by the river and simply enjoy the moment. 
J.A.
Phillippe –
Oh man — when I was 21, my family went on
vacation to Hawaii for a family friend’s wedding. It was sort of the last time
we would all be together like that as my brother would pass away later that
year unexpectedly. I’d love to go back and relive and enjoy it even more.
Julie Mulhern – There are a few moments of absolute
happiness that would be fun to revisit. The call from my agent telling me about
multiple offers for The Deep End comes to mind.
T.K. Thorne – Galloping my horse up a hillside, sharing
his power and simple joy of running.
Debra H. Goldstein – Selfishly, I’d love to relive every moment
of my life – good or bad because I feel like it is passing too quickly. That’s
why, I’d go back to a day when I was sent outside to play for an hour before I could
come in and read again. It was the longest hour of my life, but now I would
enjoy time taking that long to pass.

Book to Movie Adaptation

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I love reading. I love mysteries. I love my imagination.

When I read a book, even though the author describes the characters and the scenery, it is my imagination that makes it a film playing in my head while I’m enjoying the ride. I hear the voices and their pronunciation. I see the outfit. I see them. It’s my imagination when they tilt their head this way and that. My film always stays true to the book that I’m reading.

I’ve seen TV-movies made of books that I enjoyed and have been disappointed in the changes they made to my film version and the book. Not a good sign for me.

Luckily if I see a TV-movie based on a book that I have not read, I’m more likely to enjoy the movie.

What say you? Have you liked TV-movie adaptation of books you’ve enjoyed?

–Dru Ann

a little of this and that

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I had a post all ready in my mind, that is until I discovered that the updated document is at my office. Anyway, I recently attended the ADCOLOR Conference for marketing and media minority and diversity professionals. Can you imagine walking into a conference and seeing hundreds of “like” professionals that look like shades of you? It was an awesome experience. This year’s topic was “moment of truth” when you realize that you have to do what is best for you when others at the “table” won’t let you in. It was very inspirational. I did have some takeaways –

  • Allow fear and don’t fear failure
  • When you inspire, you give life
  • Create a safe place to be yourself
  • Just because it is popular doesn’t mean it is the best
  • It doesn’t matter where you are now, you can create light from darkness and that light will take you anywhere you want to go.


Anyway, between the conference, I was able to hang out with several of my friends who just happen to be authors.

Then came home and had lunch with more friends who again, happens to be authors

Last but not least two Raven Award recipients out on the town

That’s all from me.
Dru Ann

Bouchercon Bound

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In less than two weeks, over one thousand crime fiction fans will converge in St. Petersburg, Florida for one of the largest reader fan convention. . . Bouchercon.

Bouchercon is our annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! It is the world’s premier event bringing together all parts of the mystery and crime fiction community, and is pronounced [bough’•chur•con].

There are so many people who volunteer their time and effort to put on this massive affair and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. Without this convention, I would probably be a hermit or even a recluse.

Anyway, before arriving at the event, there is so much do to on our, my end to prepare oneself. First and foremost, everyone should enjoy the convention and have fun.

You don’t have to go to all the panels that interest you. . .I did this at the first convention I attended and it nearly wiped me out.

Some of the best times and one-on-ones I have had with authors and other readers is passing one another in a hallway, near an elevator, or standing on the coffee line, was chatting with them and forgetting the panel I wanted to go to. That time was precious and there you are bound to develop a long-lasting friendship.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Walking back and forth from panels to bookrooms to side activities will take a toll on your feet. Also bring a light jacket or sweater as it may get cold in the meeting places.

Because most of us are more likely introverts, it’s okay to go to our room for a recharging session. Too many people, too much noise wipes out my energy quicker than the Energizer Bunny Rabbit.

Don’t be afraid to approach authors and readers that you have met on social media. We are a friendly bunch, even though I’m still afraid to approach some as well.

Because this is my ninth convention, I plan meet-ups with friends I only see once a year, so I try to get my meal and social activity card filled up as much as possible. My first year, I probably spent more time in my room eating my meals. Now, not so much.

As for the panels, again, I pick out the ones I want to attend, of course there are few that are “must-attends” for me such as New Author Breakfast, Author Speed-Dating, Anthology Signing, Opening Ceremony, Anthony Awards and frequent visits to the book room and the hospitality suite. I just have to make sure I attend the panel I’m moderating.

This year is special as my blog, dru’s book musings is a 2018 Anthony Finalist for Best Online Content. I’m so honored for this nomination and congratulates all the other nominees in this category.

So, are we ready for Bouchercon? – you betcha.

I hope to see some of my fellow Stiletto Gang members at some point – hopefully to get a group photo.

So, who is going to Bouchercon? I hope to see you there and again, HAVE FUN!

Happy Encounters

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by Paula Gail Benson

Today, I
wanted to feature the online publication, Shotgun Honey, which since 2011 has
been offering a forum for crime, noir, and hard-boiled shorts of 700 words. It
has featured over 400 authors, compiling contributors by photo, bio, and
published stories. It offers a great place to find work by favorite writers as
well as discover new talent. Here’s the link:

This weekend, I had the great opportunity of connecting with
fellow blogger Dru Ann Love and terrific author Dorothy McFalls in Charleston,
S.C. (Sorry to have arrived too late to see Tina Whittle, who writes the Tai
Randolph/Trey Seaver series.) We toured the Charleston Tea Plantation (http://www.charlestonteaplantation.com),
the only tea plantation operated in the United States. Following a visit to its
gift shop, we traveled down the road to view the massive, around 400-year-old
Angel Oak (http://www.angeloaktree.com).
We finished the evening with some great local seafood from Vickery’s at Shem
Creek.

Magnificient Angel Oak

Many thanks to Dru Ann and my friend Sue Husman for
letting me share photos. So delighted to spend this happy time with great
people.


Dorothy McFalls, Tina Whittle, and Dru Ann Love
Sue Husman, Dorothy McFalls, Dru Ann Love, and me at Charleston Tea Plantation



‘Neath the Spanish Moss at the Tea Plantation
Dru Ann and Dorothy on the waterfront





Happy Thoughts for Memorial Day

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by Paula Gail Benson

Good morning and best wishes for a happy Memorial Day!

Hopefully, you can enjoy this day with some good reading. I’m going to recommend that you consider some offerings from my blogging partners here at The Stiletto Gang.

If you haven’t already begun Shari Randall’s Curses, Boiled Again!, check it out. It features injured ballerina Allie Larkin who is assisting her Aunt Gully with a lobster roll competition on Memorial Day when the judges are poisoned. Allie is spunky and delightful. The action is fast paced and the food descriptions will make you hungry!

Two of our blogging partners are celebrating Anthony nominations.The Anthony Awards, named for Anthony Boucher,
are presented each year at Bouchercon, and recognize excellence for novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and online presence. Congratulations to Dru Ann Love for her nomination for Dru’s Book Musings and to Debra H. Goldstein for her short story nomination.

Because the Anthonys have nominations for both individual and collected
short stories, they introduce readers to a variety of wonderful short fiction. Following are this year’s nominees, who will be celebrated in
St. Petersburg, Florida, this fall:
BEST SHORT STORY
·      
The Trial of Madame
Pelletier by Susanna Calkins from Malice Domestic 12: Mystery Most
Historical [Wildside Press]
·      
God’s Gonna Cut You
Down by Jen Conley from Just to Watch Them Die: Crime Fiction Inspired by the
Songs of Johnny Cash [Gutter Books LLC]
·      
My Side of the Matter
by Hilary Davidson from Killing Malmon [Down & Out Books]
·      
Whose Wine Is It
Anyway by Barb Goffman from 50 Shades of Cabernet [Koehler Books]
·      
The Night They Burned
Ms. Dixie’s Place by Debra H. Goldstein from Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery
Magazine, May/June 2017 [Dell]
·      
A Necessary Ingredient
by Art Taylor from Coast to Coast: Private Eyes from Sea to Shining
Sea [Down & Out Books]
BEST ANTHOLOGY     
·      
Just to Watch Them
Die: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Johnny Cash, Joe Clifford,
editor [Gutter Books LLC]
·      
Killing Malmon, Dan
& Kate Malmon, editors [Down & Out Books]
·      
Coast to Coast:
Private Eyes from Sea to Shining Sea, Andrew McAleer & Paul D. Marks,
editors [Down & Out Books]
·      
Passport to Murder,
Bouchercon Anthology 2017, John McFetridge, editor [Down & Out Books]
·      
The Obama Inheritance:
Fifteen Stories of Conspiracy Noir, Gary Phillips, editor [Three Rooms
Press]
Read and enjoy!