On the Road
- motownmysteries
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
This time of year finds me experiencing life on the road, traveling to various events to meet with readers and share my books. While it's not exactly the same adventures that Kerouac wrote in his legendary book back in the days of the Beat Generation, there are a few similarities.
Here's my latest thoughts on writing, a sneak peek from one of my books, updates on my current work, a list of events, an interview with author Marissa Malson and a change of pace with music.
Let's get started!
Writing
Recently I participated in an event at the local library where two dozen authors were featured. Patrons had the opportunity to talk about writing and our stories and buy a copy or two. I've always been a big fan of libraries so it's only natural for me to participate. It's also a good time to discuss mishaps and successes with other writers.
At this event, a woman began asking about how many events I normally do. When I admitted to participating in thirty different ones in 2025, I thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head as her jaw hit the table.
"Wow! Tell me, which ones are your top ten."
I refused to share that information. But I did mention a couple of shows that were worthwhile. She pressed for actual number of books sold. So I responded with a favorite line from Captain Hector Barbossa. "I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request."
This woman wanted me to provide her with detail after detail. I asked if she was going to pay me for my time. She looked stunned. I gave her some suggestions where she could find possible events. She gave me a disgusted look and walked away.
I abhor laziness.
It's something I won't tolerate with students who fail to do their assignments on time. And I can't abide by it with authors who expect someone else to do the heavy lifting for them. I put a great deal of time and effort into researching various events, whether they are art festivals, craft shows or anything that may be a good venue to put me in front of shoppers and readers. These could be on a number of different listings on the internet. Frequently I'll see posts on social media sites that are worth consideration.
There's also a term from one of the business courses I teach that jumps to mind. It's the Paradox of Attraction. In this situation, it would relate to me finding an ideal event to sell my books. In many cases my booth may be the only one selling books amongst a variety of vendors. But when another author or group of authors is also participating, that can reduce the attractiveness of the event. I don't mind competition. But to paraphrase Barbossa, I'm disinclined to make it easier for someone by giving them this information.
One aspect I want to clarify. Many events will find me sharing my booth with another author. Usually that's someone who writes in a different genre. We work together, cross promoting each other's work. That helps reduce the costs and makes it easier for both of us to make a profit.
There's also a sense of satisfaction when an event I've found turns out to be good. That makes all my efforts worthwhile.
The Sneak Peek
One of my favorite scenes in "Chasing Favors" revolves around the interaction between Jamie and Malone. In every story I write, these type of exchanges are integral to developing realistic characters.
Here's a sample of that.
When Malone came home, I was still in my dinner ensemble. Guitarist Jesse Cook was playing on the stereo, softly filling the room with his moody rifts. There was one light on low in the corner. I’d been reading the latest John Sandford novel. As the back door of the house opened, I closed the book and stood to greet him.
“That’s some dress,” Malone said. He pulled me close for a kiss that lasted an hour or two. At least that’s what it felt like.
“Glad you approve,” I gasped.
Malone’s left hand was holding my right. His right hand went to my waist and he started swaying, moving me with him in time to the music.
“A beautiful woman, wearing such a glamorous outfit, is quite a surprise to come home to.”
“It’s what I wore for dinner. Just thought you’d like to see it.”
“Like isn’t a strong enough word, Jamie.”
He moved me about the living room. It was a good thing my heels were still in place, or he’d be towering over me. Malone drew me closer and brushed his lips against mine. Shivers ran through me.
“Perfume too. Jamie, you’re driving me crazy.”
“That’s a mutual feeling.” I was anxious for him to throw me on the sofa or drag me to the bedroom. But Malone was enjoying the moment. Truth be told, so was I.
“Your legs look incredible in those stockings,” he whispered in my ear.
“Seems to me you tore my pantyhose the last time I wore them.”
He chuckled, still nuzzling me as we moved together. The stubble of his beard was giving me a chill of anticipation. “There was a run. It’s not like you were ever going to wear that pair again.”
“You shredded them, Malone!”
“A spur of the moment action. The desire was too great to ignore. But that’s really your fault.”
My eyes widened at that comment. “How is it possibly my fault?”
“That’s the effect you have on me.”
The song ended. We were in front of the window, backlit by the streetlights, the harvest moon and the little table lamp. It was impossible for me to take a deep breath. Malone is the only man who has ever had that impact on me.
“I did offer to buy you another pair of pantyhose,” he said. The twinkle in his eyes was more evident in the moonlight.
“Which was very sweet. But I decided to take Linda’s advice.”
The next song started. He drew me closer somehow. “And what advice would your best friend have on this subject?”
“Forget pantyhose. Thigh high stockings work just as well for displaying a shapely leg.”
His eyes sparkled much stronger now. “So that’s what you’re currently wearing?”
“Yes. They’re really very comfortable. And they make me feel sexy.”
The kiss that followed stole the last of my breath away.
“Jamie, if you get any sexier, I’m liable to have a heart attack.”
Malone turned me and shifted. The next thing I knew, my feet were off the floor. Instinctively, both of my arms went around his neck. His right arm was around my back now, with the left holding me behind the knees. Malone acted as if I was light as a feather as he carried me down the hall.
“Thigh high stockings?” he whispered.
“Oh yeah. Wanna see them?”
“I think a slow-motion fashion show is in order.”
“In this outfit, slow is my only speed.”
Later we collapsed on the bed. I dragged a heavy quilt over us and burrowed close. With my head on his chest, I could hear the vigorous thump of his heart as it slowed. My heels got kicked off when Malone picked me. The dress was now in a heap, tossed beneath the bedroom window, mixed in with his gear. I was still wearing the earrings, necklace and the stockings. Nothing else.
“I suppose you’re going to make me crawl out of this nice warm bed and go turn off the stereo and the lamp,” Malone said. He was slowly running a hand down my back.
“No need. They’re both on a timer. It’s very important that we do our part to conserve our natural resources.”
Malone chuckled. “Yes, it’s good that you save energy for serious matters like what we just shared.”
“That’s a different type of energy.” I tried to change the subject. “Want to hear about my evening?”
“Not tonight. I’d rather just be in this moment with you. Let’s forget about everyone else until morning.”
Who could argue with that logic? I smothered a yawn on his chest. “Fine with me.”
“Remind me to send Linda a thank you note for her advice on the thigh-high stockings. Maybe some roses too.”
Work In Progress
Work on the fourth Jefferson Chene novel continues. The actual word count is climbing, which is always nice to see. I've also had the opportunity to sketch out a number of scenes in a notebook. While these notes don't contain great details or dialogue, it's enough to kickstart my memory when I'm at the computer.
Perhaps my subconscience is always working on the story. That could be a factor whenever the actual writing is taking place.
A Special Promotion
My friend Julie Navickas, who is also part of the Inkspell Publishing family, is having a surprise sale on her Trading Heartbeats trilogy.
From May 31 through midnight June 6, you can grab all three books at a discount:
�� I Loved You Yesterday for $0.99
�� I Love You Today for $1.99
�� I’ll Love You Tomorrow for $3.99
Julie has rewritten and re-released the entire series in first person, bringing you closer
to every moment—more intimacy, more tension, and even deeper emotional payoff.
If you love romance that lingers—stories that tug at your heart and stay with you long
after the last page—this is the perfect time to dive in or binge the entire trilogy before
the sale ends!
Check her out at authorjulienavickas.com or on social media at @julienavickas.
Events
Here are some festivals in the next month where you can find me and all of my books.
Author Profile
I'm always interested in meeting other authors and learning more about the story behind their books. It was during the Third Coast Author & Book Festival that I met Marissa Malson.
Time to learn more about her.
Everyone takes a different path to becoming a published author. What was your journey like?
I never intended to write a book, although I do have a background in journalism and content marketing. I’ve always loved to read mystery books, but I never thought I could or would write one. Then one day after my regular yoga class the idea for my book hit me. I heard this voice in my head, which ended up being the prologue, and it would not leave me alone. I grabbed my phone and continued to write in the Notes app and ended up with the first three chapters that evening.
From there I immersed myself in the world of publishing by attending workshops and earning a certificate in Editing and Publishing from UCLA Extension. I started my company, Just A Good Book Publishing (https://www.justagoodbook.com/), because I knew this wouldn’t be the only book I would write. In addition to publishing my novel, I work with fellow indie authors who need publishing, marketing, or design services.
Do you prepare an outline before you start writing a story?
No! Typically, I know the overarching plot and mystery, but I like to let my characters speak to me, which lets the story evolve as I write. I generally have a slew of ideas in my Notes app, and I add to that as inspiration strikes.
Tell us about your book.
My debut novel is called The Not So Average Life of Average Jane. She might be average, but solving murders isn’t!
Jane Smith used to hate being average. With her mousy hair and watery brown eyes, she blends into the background, easily forgotten. But that’s exactly what makes her a successful private investigator. While others stand out, Jane goes unnoticed, gathering valuable information along the way.
Her mother, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She’s the nosy busybody of the neighborhood and always wants Jane to investigate something. This time, it’s their new neighbors who have caught her attention. Despite numerous attempts to meet them, they seem to be hiding something. And according to her mother, anyone who rejects her invitations and welcome cookies has something to hide.
But when Jane investigates the suspicious death of a local man, she realizes the mysterious house next door may hold the answers she’s been searching for. Little does she know, the web she’s about to unravel will also reveal secrets of those closest to her.
With a blend of suspense, intrigue, and wit, this light-hearted mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.
What’s next?
The Not So Average Life of Average Jane is the start of a series and the second book, The Consultants, comes out this summer.
Any upcoming shows where readers can meet you?
I have several events coming up!
Tulip Time Market - Holland, MI May 2 & 3
Merchants & Makers Spring Market Grand Rapids, MI May 17
Boozy Book Fair Charlevoix, MI May 31
Signed copies of the book are available through my website. Links to all retailers can be found on my website.
Music
I can't work in silence. There's gotta be music in the background and variety keeps me going. Depending on the scenes I'm working on, the genre can change from rock and roll to blues, jazz, classical or songs popular from the big band era.
Lately a number of instrumental songs kept popping up on the streaming services. So here's a list of my top five favorites.
Allman Brothers: Jessica: https://youtu.be/NRE3Bv1goyI?si=JA81_l7H7zfL96sG
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Riveria Paradise: https://youtu.be/3c_8VUL5jks?si=weg48F-sYb3nm4o2
Jesse Cook: Double Dutch: https://youtu.be/hOjctd1mNME?si=vGM6U1fup66Tww1_
Jeff Beck: Freeway Jam: https://youtu.be/slokZMl3BJk?si=7DIihgFgBJrHWGNp
J. Geils Band: Whammer Jammer: https://youtu.be/BSs12nBLquc?si=cKc-2cghdbQuWnD-
Comments