What's Next?
- motownmysteries
- Mar 19
- 6 min read
I've always been a fan of The West Wing. Over the years I've enjoyed watching it on the streaming services. The writing, acting and direction were excellent. The cast of characters were realistic and their interactions always added to the drama.
One of Sheen's trademark lines was "What's next?"
That's an appropriate sentiment for the latest updates on writing, a sneak peek, a new release, works in progress, the new slate of events and of course, music.
Ready?
Here we go!
Writing
One of the components I have never given a great deal of thought to is the covers for my books. Don't get me wrong. I provide input to both traditional publishers as to what seems appropriate. Then they take those suggestions and hand them off to their in-house artists. Or perhaps they use an independent contractor to make the idea a reality. Some are clear cut and require very little adjustments, such as the first Jefferson Chene mystery. The title is written on the bathroom mirror, using the victim's lipstick.
Others are a bit more complicated. With the fourth Jamie Richmond book, it took several attempts for the artist to capture the right image. This story takes place on the shores of Lake Michigan during the summer time. One of the early attempts showed mountains in the background. Ain't no mountains visible across that massive body of water! Another had Jamie bundled up as if it were late autumn. We struck gold on the final product.
With the final touches concluded for the release of "Fade Away" I had several ideas for a cover. But no artist in sight for this self-published title. I contacted a couple of art instructors with the college. It seemed like a simple project. A student could complete the cover, receive a little cash AND have their name on each book. They could add the work to their portfolio. Sounded like a perfectly good opportunity for a new artist.
No takers!
Meanwhile, the clock was ticking. The manuscript is ready. All I needed was a cover.
How hard could this be?
Fortunately I recalled that Halea, another colleague from the college, used Canva to create a number of colorful posters and fliers that were frequently displayed around the campus. She agreed to meet and show me a few shortcuts. In less than a hour, Halea made magic happen!
The colors work well. And the slight gradient for the words in the title fit perfectly with the story. The covers are the first thing to catch potential readers attention. I'll be curious to see how this works with the new book when it's released.
The Sneak Peek
Somehow with all the activity last month between events, revisions and teaching, I forgot that February marked the one year anniversary for "Part-Time Criminal". So sharing a sneak peek into Simon's adventure seems appropriate. As my good friend author Donald Levin stated, there's always a dollop of romance in any story I write.
There’s an old Hollywood expression known as ‘meet cute’. In a film or television show, it’s an amusing or charming first encounter between two characters that leads to the development of a romantic relationship between them. This scene seems to fit that category perfectly.
He always shopped on Saturday night. The stores weren’t crowded, so it was easier to make his selections. Simon started to fill his cart with cans of soup, boxes of crackers, macaroni and cheese and sugary cereal. Nearing the end of the aisle, someone thumped into his cart. He glanced up and found an attractive woman with shoulder length brown hair smiling apologetically.
“I’m terribly sorry. Every cart I pick always has square wheels and a mind of its own.” Her voice was deep and throaty, as if she were holding back a laugh.
“Not a problem. I doubt you did my groceries any harm.”
She gazed down at the contents in his cart and slowly shook her head. “A nuclear explosion couldn’t damage your choices. That stuff will kill you in a slow, painful way.”
“I’m not much of a cook.”
“You just need someone to show you healthier options. I’m willing to offer my services free of charge.”
Simon had never encountered someone flirting with him. Her smile was contagious. Simon noticed how it reached her eyes, causing them to sparkle.
“I’ll give it some thought.”
She wiggled her fingers at him. “It’s a limited time offer.” She pulled her cart back and continued down the aisle.
Simon turned the corner. Halfway down the next aisle their paths crossed again. She winked at him. He smiled and shook his head in amusement. When they reached the back of the store where the dairy and frozen foods were, Simon removed several containers of frozen dinners from the freezers. When he turned she was standing there, caught in the act.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I couldn’t resist it,” she said sheepishly. He noticed a large package of dried pineapple was now in his cart. Looking closely, he discovered several of the items he’d selected had been replaced.
“You’re like the nutrition police of grocery shopping,” he said with a grin. “Do you work for the FDA or the AMA?”
“Those other things are so bad for you.” Without waiting for a response she took the packages from his hands and returned them to the freezer. She glided away from the frozen dinners and selected a package of boneless skinless chicken breasts and dropped that in his cart.
Simon was shaking his head. “I don’t know how to cook.”
“Your wife will thank me,” she said.
“I’m not married.”
Her cheeks flushed red for an instant. “I’ll teach you how to cook. It’s part of the deal. You watch. You’re going to feel better within a week.” She turned her cart toward the front of the store, motioning for him to follow. “If I’m wrong, I’ll buy all that junk food for you.”
Dumbfounded, Simon watched her take the few healthy items from his cart and load them into hers. Then she wiggled her fingers at him again, leaving his cart behind.
Uncertain where this might lead, he followed her out of the store.
Works in Progress
Final revisions have been completed for Fade Away and the cover art has been completed. Now it's just a matter of reviewing the proof copy to make sure everything is set before it goes 'live'. That is always a remarkable feeling. Those who know me well understand that patience is not one of my strengths. This was evident back in elementary school.
One of the dedicated Catholic nuns who were the teachers at the parochial school told me "Patience is a virtue, Mr. Love".
To which I replied, "I'm not very virtuous, Sister." Not exactly the reaction she was expecting.
Meanwhile, it's time to get back to work on the fourth Chene mystery. There are some new scenes ready to join the party. And I have no doubt that a certain stubborn redhead will be making a cameo appearance at some point.
The Trailer
Just like the movies, some authors will have trailers made to draw attention to their work. I've seen some really good ones and some that were not so hot. So when I learned that this was a new service offered by the creative people at N. N. Light's Book Heaven, I jumped at the opportunity.
Rather than focus on just one title, I opted to have them put together a trailer for all five books in the Jamie Richmond series. I was impressed with the quick turnaround and the quality of the work. You can see the results right here. Many thanks to Nancy and Terry for making this happen!
Events
This weekend, March 21st, I'll be at the second annual Third Coast Festival in Grand Haven. I'll be located in the Central Park Place with a host of other authors. The action runs 11 to 4.
Then in April things get a little busier.
I'll be at the Portage District Library for the Author Hop event on Friday, April 17 from 5 to 8.
The next day, Saturday, April 18, I'll be in Paw Paw for the Spring Craft Show at Here in the Mitten from 10 to 3.
Many more shows to follow. I'm even venturing into new territory in search of new readers.
MUSIC
Love Songs!
Last month before one of my classes (it was the week after Valentine's Day, when love must have been on her mind) asked me about my favorite love songs. I was disinclined to offer any personal favorites. Instead, I gave her a list of songs that include 'love' in the title.
Here's my top five.
The Beatles. All You Need is Love: https://youtu.be/_paPrw0gAUo?si=a6PfKXZiVm1XnYD0
Queen: Somebody to Love: https://youtu.be/kijpcUv-b8M?si=mARvOT0BURQHR9Pi
Aretha Franklin: Freeway of Love: https://youtu.be/B-D0YP467Lg?si=XmmJxa2PulkuMSZA
Fleetwood Mac: Say You Love Me: https://youtu.be/AF5BlL5UH24?si=GQzPfIXDLgN5Kf2f
The Eagles: The Best of My Love: https://youtu.be/7VDuTGJ_ZQI?si=xrsYq7YZJctPOQiv
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