 | 13 Jan 10 |
I followed Roxanne’s lead and picked a song title for my first blog post. Hopefully that won’t get me kicked out of the cool girls club here at MSW.
I’m on book tour in NY right now–my very first book tour, so this meet and greet and stock signing stuff is not old hat to me. I’m in that “this is so cool!” stage I hope I never take for granted. Although this is my fifth published book in the mystery genre, it is the first book in my new mystery series, and No Mercy is (finally) out. I won’t pimp it with a buy! buy! buy! link, because frankly, I’ve been doing nothing but promo the last few days and my brain is chicken-fried, extra crispy. The problem is, I can’t put my feet up and flip on the TV in the hotel room and veg out. No, it’s not because I can’t figure out how to use the remote, but because I have to work.
I have a book due Feb. 15th. This isn’t a woe-is-me- post, I love my job. Evidently I love my writing job a little too much because I overscheduled myself in the first half of 2010. So instead of wandering the streets of NY in a daze and shopping until blisters form on my booted feet, I’m peeking out my window every so often, wondering why they leave the lights on ALL night in ALL the office buildings as far as I can see. And to think I yell at my family for leaving the lights on in the bathroom. I’m feeling a little more confident in my effort not to contribute to global warming.
Anyway, I won’t go into the jackhammers and the ambulances and the sirens happening right outside my window even in the wee hours, instead I’ll share some fun/crazy/cool things that have happened to me so far in the big city:
1) I got to hang out with my brother without a billion other family members jockeying for his attention
2) I attended the Professional Bull Riders Tour stop in Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon (umm…did I mention I’m sort of a rural geek?) and saw JB Mauney ride the bull Code Blue that’d never been ridden before (really, I’m a total geek, I’m even friends with individual bulls on Myspace) and the AP wire service guy took pictures of our funky boots
3) My good friend Cat came up from Conn. We drank beer, laughed, hung out and I realized there is no substitute for the live connection of real friends
4) Cuban food – oh man, I fear this entire blog post could be about food 
5) Meeting my NAL editor and talking about the next Lorelei James project
6) Food delivery right to my hotel room — and not room service! I live in no man’s delivery land, so it is actually more interesting and exciting to me that I can call up an Indian Cuisine place two blocks over and have them bring me an order of Tandoori chicken, than it would be if I ate it in a restaurant
7) Having a car and driver and my publicist pick me up in front of the hotel today — and not having my clothes be terribly wrinkled after riding in a car from NYC to New Caanan CT (umm…did I mention I hate to iron? And I ironed my shirt this morning so I am SO glad it wasn’t wasted effort!)
8 – The event at the New Caanan library where people I didn’t know actually showed up to hear me blather on
9) My friend Karen showing up at the New Caanan library to hear me blather on when she’s heard it a billion times
10) The bacon crusted steak I had for lunch (hey, I warned you this could be an all food post)
Tomorrow I meet my agent and my Simon and Schuster editor for lunch, then the publicist is taking me around for stock signings, and I finish the night with an event at a Barnes & Noble on the Ave. of the Americas.
More than a little thrilling for a South Dakota girl who most days feels like a little ol’ housewife who just happens to pen tales of murder and wild sex.
So in celebration of my first post here at MSW and my release week coinciding, share your biggest thrill of the week–big or small, any thrill that matters to YOU–in the comments today and I will randomly pick a winner for a signed hardback copy of No Mercy!
L~
PS-I will be popping in today and commenting as time allows!
© 2010, Lori G. Armstrong. All rights reserved.
Lori G. Armstrong left the firearms industry in 2000. Her first mystery novel, BLOOD TIES, published in 2005, was nominated in 2006 for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second book in the Julie Collins mystery series, HALLOWED GROUND, released Nov. 2006, was nominated for a 2007 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original, a Daphne du Maurier Award and won the 2007 WILLA Cather Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction. SHALLOW GRAVE, released in Nov. 2007, was nominated for a 2008 High Plains Book Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award and was a finalist for the 2008 WILLA Cather Literary Award. The fourth book, SNOW BLIND, released in Oct. 2008, won the 2009 Shamus Award, from the Private Eye Writers of America, for Best Paperback Original. Lori is a proud fourth generation South Dakotan and lives in Rapid City with her family.
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Bacon…crusted…steak???!!!! Holy smokes, that would be my thrill of the week if I could figure out how to fix it. See if you can intimidate them into giving you the recipe. I mean c’mon, you’re friends with bulls…that’s gotta count for something in NYC
I’m so, so, so envious – you’re livin’ the dream, sister! I had drinks with my publicist, agent and editor in an NYC bar last summer and they had to drag me out at closing. Seriously, I could have moved right into that bar and never left. Fried cheese, chicken wings and beer…my laptop…my *people* – what more could a girl want?! (Sadly, it turns out that all of these professionals have *other* clients in addition to me. I mean, who knew???)
Okay okay…thrilling moment of the week…I think it would be picking up my puppy from her spay appointment. Sounds really corny but it’s amazing how relieved and happy I was to see that 12 pounds of pure incorrigible beagle demon.
by sophie littlefield January 13th, 2010 at 1:03 amSophie, it was delicious! We were at a steakhouse type place and I saw a guy in a cowboy hat by the bar. Now, I’ve seen NO cowboy hats in NYC besides at the PBR, so I was intrigued. And being the friendly South Dakotan, I approached him. He admired my boots, I asked where he was from (Jersey) and when I said I was from South Dakota, he almost literally ran from me! And I wasn’t even armed!
Happy news on your puppy
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 9:44 amNow that cracks me up. Lori’s off in NY, scaring the poor wittle cowboys.
by toni mcgee causey January 13th, 2010 at 11:57 amI was nice, too, Toni! I swear.
My agent said I probably looked like I was carrying a gun.
Silly man. My permit to carry concealed is not valid in CT
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:50 pmThrill? This week? I wish. More like chills. It’s been cold for central Florida – near-freezing temperatures for 12 days. Which, in its own way, is kind of thrilling, I guess.
The best thing that’s happened is that we had 3 house showings, 2 in one day. Woo Hoo. Now, if we could get an offer, THAT would be a thrill.
Welcome to MSW.
by Terry Odell January 13th, 2010 at 7:57 amTerry, nice to see you here (we were on the Mystery Chicks and Dicks panel at RT last year, remember?
You Floridians…are always cold when it drops below 90
Good luck with the house selling!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 9:46 amHi, Lori – Mostly I remember having to follow JA Konrath at the breakfast at RT!
And I hate it when it’s 90. I’m born and bred in Los Angeles, and have never been happy with this Florida heat.
by Terry Odell January 13th, 2010 at 3:49 pmJoe does have his own way of doing things. There is a pic on the internet somewhere of me licking his face…my excuse was the wine was FREE that night!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:52 pmA thrill? This week? Got to be music. It makes me think; gives me the opportunity to really listen to the life around me.
I love the lyrics, the sounds and different vocals produced.
by INCiDeNT January 13th, 2010 at 8:43 amI agree! I am amazed by songwriters, who can tell an entire story in 3 minutes! And some harmonies, whether in classical, rock, country or blues are just amazing. Thanks for stopping by!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 9:48 amCan’t wait to read NO MERCY! The idea of the female military heroine sounds like so much fun. Will she be a character throughout your series, or just this book? Congrats on all the amazing reviews and have fun in the Big Apple!
by Laura Griffin January 13th, 2010 at 9:03 amLaura,
Mercy is the star, and she’ll be in the second book in the contract too. She is as fun to write as she is aggravating — you know what I mean!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 9:50 amAnd this book is STUNNING. Seriously, people, GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK. I read this in manuscript version before Lori sold it and was blown away.
by toni mcgee causey January 13th, 2010 at 11:59 amI read the book too, Toni, so nee-ner nee-ner. DEFINITELY fabulous. I think the best Lori has written! I can’t wait for #2
by Allison Brennan January 13th, 2010 at 3:10 pmToni, that’s why I love you, I begged you to critique it, you did and you didn’t hate it!
Allison, I was thrilled to the tips of my boots to get your blurb!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:54 pmCongratulations on the NY dream. Sounds so fun. My thrill is happy/sad. My daughter and grand children have been living with me for four months. They are moving to Houston on Sunday. I will so miss all of them and at the same time, be thrilled to have my house to myself again and go back to my uninterrupted writing schedule.
by Carol Shenold January 13th, 2010 at 9:41 amCarol,
I hope you get lots of writing done — and don’t miss the noise and little people around you too much!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 10:08 amWelcome, Lori! If it’s any comfort, I was in the arena the night Freckles Brown rode Tornado, Jim Shoulders’ unrideable bull. Yeah. We can rodeo geek together!
I have to admit, I’m going to miss the Julie Collins, PI series. However, I’m bouncing up and down in excitement for the new series!
Thrilling event? I finished up shopping for the cruise I’m leaving on in a week and a half. Since I hate shopping, this was a HUGE thrill!
Welcome again to MSW! Psst. You ARE one of the cool kids!
by Silver James January 13th, 2010 at 10:18 amThat is like THE event to’ve been at Silver — hey, we share the same last name, so I’m not surprised you have good taste
Have a blast on your cruise!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:55 pmA BIG welcome to MSW! This week my only big thrill will be to make it to the end of the week. There’s snow everywhere and it is too cold. Single digit temperatures should be outlawed.
I can’t wait to read your new book.
by HollyD January 13th, 2010 at 11:45 amHolly,
I agree about the single digits, but it’s better single above zero rather than below zero.
Hope you give Mercy a try!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 11:55 amLori, glad you’re having fabulous time in NYC and you signed up to win a bull. LOL
My thrill for the week – my husband with some nudging from my brother remembered my birthday and we had dinner out. Pasta with wine and herb sauce topped with shrimp, scallops and mussels. yum-yum-yum.
Have a great time at your booking signing tonight!
PS – I loved Mercy’s story and look forward to the next.
Michele
by Michele Adams January 13th, 2010 at 11:54 amMichele, beloved member of my James Gang, thanks for stopping in!
Good thing hubby got the reminder about your birthday and I’m happy you liked Mercy, I know the die hard Julie fans were a little worried – so that eases my mind!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:57 pmYour trip to NYC and your book tour sounds exciting. I just know that this book is going to catapult you to the top. I am battleing a sinus infection so the most excited I get is when I can breathe through both sides of my nose at the same time…. Hey I am a simple girl. The little things make me happly. LOL
by Jeanine Lesperance January 13th, 2010 at 11:59 amJeanine -
Another James Gang member stopped by, thanks!
I thought I might be getting a cold but I think I’m allergic to something in this room…
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 4:58 pmugh, comment got deleted…
My new floors going down in the back half of the house is my thrill. I’ve wanted this for years, and even though I have no clue where half my clothes are right now, or my cat, who’s hiding, I am going to be one very happy floor walker.
And CONGRATS on the book! Hope you’re having a blast in NYC and rocking those boots.
by toni mcgee causey January 13th, 2010 at 12:16 pmI do get some interesting looks on the boots, Toni. But hey, I figure some women like to spend $$ on shoes, my $$ is spent on funky boots
I know you’re in the throes of remodeling, so every little step is a step toward completion…
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:00 pmHey, Lady, great blog post. I sure do miss meeting up with you for bull riding and rodeos! No Mercy is an amazing book. I think I like Mercy more than Julie, and I think I’ve fallen in love with Mason Dawson. Have a great time on your NY adventure!
by Kathy B January 13th, 2010 at 12:17 pmI love my James Gang, Miss Kathy is one of my moderators.
I miss ogling cowboys–I mean going to the rodeos with you too! And I thought of you Sunday.
Glad you loved Mercy. And I’m working on book 2. Sheesh. You guys read so dang fast.
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pmI found an agent who is going to try to get my articles I write into syndication. No promises, but a huge thrill nonetheless!
by Robin Cain January 13th, 2010 at 12:25 pmCongrats on the good news, Robin
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:05 pmMy biggest thrill (so far)this week: discovering a new author! I can’t wait to read “No Mercy.”
by Debbie January 13th, 2010 at 12:31 pmAw, thanks Debbie!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:04 pmI’m with Sophie. Getting the recipe for bacon-crusted steak would be my big thrill of the week. Other than that, is it too awful to say how thrilled I am that hubby (for whom I would cook said steak) finally went back to work after three weeks of at-home vacation? (Yeah, I thought so, too. Let’s go with the steak answer.) Congratulations on your book.
by GSM January 13th, 2010 at 1:57 pmThank you so much for the welcome, and if I get the recipe, I’d be more than happy to share it here!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:06 pmI can’t say I have had a big thrill this week so far but we are getting above freezing today so that’s a plus. Also my son has been moved back into his dorm room and husband back to work so I have some alone time to enjoy!
by Quilt Lady January 13th, 2010 at 2:11 pmIt was 25 degrees BELOW zero when I landed in Minneapolis on Friday, so getting above zero is a big deal. Enjoy your alone time…might I suggest a book? Kidding – thanks for commenting
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:07 pmI love NYC! So Jealous! The tour sounds fab! My biggest thrill this week came at about 10 p.m. last night. I figured out how my book was going to end and have been writing toward the white light since! love it when that happens!
by Karin Tabke January 13th, 2010 at 2:22 pmRub some of that good end of the book mojo on me, Karin, PLEASE!!
congrats on seeing the light…
I have a magnet on my fridge that says “I see light at the end of the tunne…I just hope it ain’t a train.”
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:10 pmrubbing!
by Karin Tabke January 13th, 2010 at 6:57 pmI love NYC too!!! I am so excited that you’re getting such fabulous treatment. Say ‘hi’ to your agent what’s-his-name for me
by Allison Brennan January 13th, 2010 at 3:08 pmHey, I met your guys’ agent today – she asked if I was coming to Thrillerfest…of which you all have been nagging me about.
We’d definitely wreak havoc on NYC, right ladies? As long as I’m a follower, not a leader, I have NO sense of direction
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:09 pmI have a great sense of direction (famous last word! Ha!) you have to come to Thrillerfest, we’ve been trying to get together for SO LONG!!!! You, me, Toni on a panel? OMG, I don’t think they’ll allow it . . . ha.
by Allison Brennan January 14th, 2010 at 2:59 amLori, you had me at “…tales of murder and wild sex.” Two of my favorite kinds of reads!
Welcome to MSW, you’re going to fit right in here!
My thrill this week was an email from one of my editors saying the novella I turned in is “in great shape.” Yay, no revisions!
Sounds like you’re having a great time in NYC!
by Jen Lyon January 13th, 2010 at 4:09 pmThanks for the welcome, Jen, and a big wahoo! for the good editorial news!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:11 pmMy biggest thrill this week?
I had a few high points… (and it’s only Wednesday!)
1) Booked a hotel for our (hubby and I) first vacation night. We are doing a tour of my home country (Cape Verde) from Feb 1 to Feb 17 and we didn’t have a hotel yet for the first night. No we do and it’s on a private beach, with palm trees, a swimming pool and a cocktail bar. If that ain’t a thrill I don’t know what is!
2) Am having a Lorelei James *grin* week on my blog with reviews and a wishlist a few of this year’s release. Writing up the reviews was a BIG thrill
3) Received a signed copy of a book by one of my favorite authors
4) Am reading BLOOD TIES this week
Hugs,
by Pearl January 13th, 2010 at 4:40 pmPearl
Pearl,
I read the amazing reviews you gave my Lorelei James books–thank you seems insufficient, but THANK YOU!!!!
So jealous about your vacation plans. As much as I like being in NYC, it is work, so a beach vacation sounds perfect.
Enjoy Blood Ties
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:14 pmNo, Lori! THANK YOU for writing the books! I say it all the time: I am not a fan of cowboy romance but you made me a believer and I will be forever grateful to you for that.
Now I have always been a fan of mystery and thrillers so Julie and Mercy are and will be welcome additions to that part of my bookshelves
by Pearl January 14th, 2010 at 6:14 amStepping on the scale after the first 3 days at the gym and seeing a number 2 less than last time was my thrill for the week!!!!
by Jill James January 13th, 2010 at 5:03 pmThat is a serious thrill, I’d be happy with that, Jill.
Probably won’t happen after my food experiences in NYC this week. I’ll be eating salad when I get home!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 5:15 pmMonday morning was a big thrill for me when I completed my yoga practice. I didn’t want to do it, but knew that I should and started to feel so great half way through it. I carried that feeling on into the one I did today. All is good.
by Leni January 13th, 2010 at 5:41 pmLeni,
I’ve been slacking on yoga practice and once I get done with my tours here in NY and on the west coast, I can’t wait to get back to regular class.
Stick with it!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 11:58 amWelcome to MSW! Looking forward to reading No Mercy.
Will there be more Julie Collins Books?
Thrill for the week – a call from relatives in Hong Kong.
by Mary January 13th, 2010 at 5:45 pmAt this time I’ve got no plans for more Julie Collins books, but I never say never!
Thanks for the welcome to MSW, Mary
by Lori G. Armstrong January 13th, 2010 at 6:23 pmBiggest Thrill? Getting to sleep in today and tomorrow, as I work the helper shift those days this week. Not having to get up at 4 am is aways a plus! Looking forward to reading No Mercy. You have converted another romance reader to mystery!! Have fun, we miss u. Hope u enjoy your time away from home, as we know you’ll be pounding the keys when u get back.
by Tiss Treib January 13th, 2010 at 8:04 pmTiss, my fellow South Dakotan and James Gang member – thanks for stopping by, I know your schedule is as busy as mine, and I don’t have livestock to feed
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 11:59 amMy daughter and I got her a checking account. We’re going to Italy for 10 days this March and we’ll use it as our vacation account till she starts making some money.
Not very thrilling. Iowa got a book signing and MN didn’t! Rats!
by Julie January 13th, 2010 at 8:09 pmJulie, I’m so happy you popped over from the James Gang
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 12:02 pmI wish I could come to MN, but my deadlines are too tight this go around. Maybe next time…in the meantime Italy sounds fab so I can be jealous about that as you’re sunning yourself!
Congrats on your new book! I feel your excitement through your blog! I wish you this best of luck! You Go Girl!
by Lisa G January 14th, 2010 at 1:20 amThanks, Lisa!
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 12:04 pmim probablytoo late but ill tell anyways
my biggest thrill is when i learn new things how to make jewlry draw paint read new languages. Teaching my Neice Neveah stuff very very thrilling
scarriest thing ever was when my fiance asked me to marry him wasthrilling yet scary like a rollar coaster
by Beverly G January 14th, 2010 at 7:29 amNot too late, Beverly.
Sounds like you’re doing lots of thrilling things
by Lori G. Armstrong January 14th, 2010 at 12:06 pmcool I find the simple things give me the most thrills which makes alot of people think im boring lol specially since reading is a passion o r an addiction
by Beverly G January 15th, 2010 at 3:49 amDang! I live in Washinton State and Scottsdale, AZ….very near to the Poisoned Pen and won’t be in Scottsdale for a few weeks, so will just miss your signing! ;-(
by Susanne Malm January 14th, 2010 at 1:46 pmI really want to read your new book!
So please throw my name in your proverbial hat!
I also have a F2F Book Club here in Washington that I’m sure that I could interest in this book!
Suz