My first blog – hello world.
Just a quick note to say, I’m up and running – sort of. Still working on the links to my books and everything. Hey, this stuff takes time!
Okay, let’s talk mystery. I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time finding good mysteries to read. I have a 50 page rule: if the book doesn’t grab my attention in the first 50 pages, I don’t read it. Typically I’ll get six or eight books from the library and I’m delighted if I get to read three! Yup, not good. Some of the reasons I don’t read books are: they start too slowly. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to plow through 100 pages to find a body. No, kill someone, blow something up, have a space ship land – whatever, but get my attention. Another thing I don’t like, and this is just me, I don’t like cutsy mysteries with cutsy titles. I know of two guys who wrote a book called, “No cats, no chocolate.” I’m not sure how well it did, but I agree. I like grittier, more realistic mysteries, not little old ladies who continually fall over bodies on the village green. Write and tell me what you like to read. Heck, give us a quick book review. I’m always looking for new authors to read. Interested in writing a mystery? How can I help? As I stated in my “About” section, I’ve published four – three humorous mysteries and one, well, not funny. Okay, enough for the first day. Time to go walk the dog and feed the husband – or is it feed the dog and walk the husband? Whatever, I’ll be back tomorrow with something exciting. I have no idea what, but that’s what sleepless nights are for.
February 27th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Congrats on your blog! And you are so right about the 50 page rule. Sorry but true. I don’t think we’re alone. So, what keeps you turning the page?
February 27th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Welcome to your virtual world Carlene! Love your start… and yes, I also agree with the 50 page suck-you-in idea, however, as a person who is easily entertained, SOMETIMES I will give it more time if the character, setting or time-in-the-world are enjoyable. Although I don’t get to read TOO much (boo!), I DO enjoy trying to figure things out. Long ago I read Sidney Sheldon’s Naked Face (WOW…LONG LONG LONG ago!), and I kept thinking I knew who did it…and then he’d make me think someone ELSE did it, then someone ELSE…anyway, I though he was great back THEN. I’ve read some more recent work and it was too predictable. (Either THAT or I’m older and wiser!). I also like the medical settings (although sometimes they scare me…TOO real!).
Here’s a question for you and your public at large:
There was one author I enjoyed (although I cannot remember his name, so if anyone has a clue, let me know), who wrote about test tube babies and altering them with “smart genes.” This was just at the forefront of cloning. His genius son that he helped become a genius in fetus form either stole or inherited the lab (I think he took the fetuses), and also altered their genes. But you find out at the end that he made them all stupid so he could be the leader. Nice twist! Anyway, if you or anyone reading knows the name of that author, I’d love to have it to see if he’s written any more! It wasn’t Cook or Crichton… Not truly a Mystery Genre…
What writer/novel do you think can “Grab You” lately? I’m looking for something after my current Grisham.
Suggestions are appreciated!!
February 28th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
How fun! Carlene + blog!! Was it John Saul? Maybe not. Something sounds familiar though. Okay. Off to write….yes, a mystery!
March 1st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
What a great idea– a blog about mysteries! I haveto agree with you– these little old ladies who “just happen” to stumble over the bodies or always be in the right place at the right time– well, tha seems awfully coincedental, doesn’t it? Suspension of disbelief can only be carried out so far, right? So where do you get your ideas from?