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The Year of Deb Webb

This is Deb, Allison and former MSW blogger Deb LeBlanc, along with a guy (LOL!) when we did a panel at RT back in ... 2007?

For better than six years now I have looked forward to every other Tuesday and chatting with all my dear friends and my sisters here at Murder She Writes. We’ve been through some rough times and all of you were patient through my recovery and the resurrection of my writing career. We’ve also shared some wonderful times. You’ve gone through every step of the reno on this old house with me and my husband as well as my baby girl’s wedding. I will cherish the memories until the end of my days.

This is Deb, Allison and former MSW blogger Deb LeBlanc, along with a guy (LOL!) when we did a panel at RT back in … 2007?

It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye today. Of course I’ll be on Facebook and Twitter and at www.thefacesofevil.com and I hope you’ll say hello from time to time. I’m streamlining and organizing my time so that I can have more of it for me. Sounds a little selfish, I know. But I have avoided me for a very long time. Let’s face it, as wives and mothers it’s simply easier to focus on and to take care of everyone else. I’ve done this for most of my life. Taking care of others and ignoring me became a habit early on. What’s wrong with that, right? The world needs all the martyrs it can get.

There’s just one problem with that way of thinking—I realized recently that I’m not a martyr at all. What I am is a chicken. Yes, that’s right, a straight up chicken. It takes real courage to focus on and fix yourself. And you don’t have to worry about feeling guilty when you’re busy taking care of everyone else. It’s much harder to say, “Sorry, I can’t do that because I’m going to get a pedicure or taking a nice, leisurely walk.” Or, “I’m going to the gym.” I’ve always hated telling anyone no, but I’m exercising that muscle starting now. A wonderful lady and dear friend of mine from childhood said it best, “Fifty-five and coming alive!” So maybe I’m having a delayed midlife crisis. Whatever. As long as it helps me get where I’m going, game on!

Where am I headed? Well, I didn’t need a GPS to figure that out. All I needed was a few months of reflection and a long, hard look at myself in the mirror. I’m shedding all those extra pounds and getting strong. I’m spending time with my husband and taking leisurely Sunday drives. I’m considering what I want before I factor in what everyone else wants. I’m going to enjoy some time just being me.

I love all you guys and look forward to showing off pics of my courageous journey into Me-Town. While you’re here today, why not share what you’ve done for you lately?

I can not tell you how sad I am to see Deb leave. I met her for the first time at the 2006 Atlanta RWA conference and we had dinner with her friends — she is kind, gracious, sweet, and Southern in all the best ways. The accident that befell her should never have happened, she should never have had to suffer through the pain and frustration of the past two-and-a-half years. She is truly an inspiration to me, and to everyone lucky enough to call her friend. I understand your decision, Deb — I support you totally — but we’re all going to miss you. XOXO. ~Allison

Tagged with: blogging, Debra Webb, sliderpost
Posted in Debra Webb, Writing Life

The Not-Writing Side of Writing

I love storytelling. I have for as far back as I can remember. I have stories I wrote dating back to when I was only nine years old. Really, it’s true. I grew up on a farm in small town Alabama and we weren’t exactly “dirt” poor but we were close. It was feast or famine in our family. When the crops came in we had a little money for stocking the bare cupboards and buying school clothes. Unlike kids these days, I got shoes and clothes once a year and that was it. We had fresh slaughtered beef and pork in the freezer and the smokehouse and we had canned and frozen vegetables from the one-acre garden my family planted each spring. When that was gone, it was slim pickin’s around our house. I suppose that’s why I spent so much time creating stories and spinning fantasies for the characters who lived in my head. There were no video games and we only had three channels on the one television set. There was just one telephone—a landline—and many of my friends couldn’t afford a phone at all. No cell phones, no computers. I handwrote my stories and later, when I was about twelve, my mother bartered for a second-hand, manual typewriter for me to use.

As I grew older, no matter where I lived or what I was doing in life, I always had my stories—even when I didn’t have time to write them down. The characters lived happily in my head (notice I didn’t say quietly). Eventually I found a place in my life where I could actually write with the idea of starting a publishing career. I’ve been writing since. I love my job. I cannot imagine doing anything else and I feel so very blessed. BUT, the not-writing part of the job is a huge time-suck! OMG! Since I finished Rage (check out the awesome cover!!!!), I have tried and tried to stay on schedule with Revenge. NOT HAPPENING! There were revisions for Rage, of course. Got those done just in time for the copyedits on Obsession. And since the paperback versions of Impulse and Power are being released the same month as Obsession, those will show up any day. And then comes the copyedits for Rage, which will be released one month after the other three. AND THEN, comes the galleys for ALL FOUR. Wait, wait, there was also about a million blogs and interview questions for the release of the digital version of Power. And the contests and giveaways. The website updates and conference schedules. I’m tired just recalling all of it!

Finally, now, I’m getting back to writing Revenge but you can see there’s a heck of a lot in this business besides just writing. I’m not complaining mind you. I was thrilled at how many folks wanted a blog or an interview from me. I am always proud to give gifts to the readers who continue to support my work. That makes me happier than you can know. Still, all the hustle and bustle and distractions from the writing is a little stressful (a lot stressful some days). Today, though, I made a decision. Even if the not-writing stuff gets in the way, I am just tickled at the opportunities to connect with so many wonderful folks. I also decided that I am not behind. No, ma’am. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and as long as a story my readers love gets written and published that’s all that matters.

What about you? Do certain aspects of your work keep you feeling behind? What’s your trick for exiling the stress?

Tagged with: Debra Webb, Faces of Evil, IMPULSE, Obsession, POWER, publishing, romantic suspense, writing
Posted in Debra Webb

Falling into Fall

Yesterday was my baby girl’s first wedding anniversary. My goodness how time flies! I can’t believe an entire year has passed and the autumn season is upon us again. Before you know it it’ll be time to “fall back” and we’ll be preparing for Thanksgiving. But first, there’s falling leaves and pumpkins and Halloween decorations and treats! Oh my!

As my husband and I took our daily walk yesterday we noticed the leaves starting to fall in the neighborhood. Raking leaves is NOT one of the things I look forward to about fall. But I do love fall. This weekend (after I’ve turned in the RAGE revisions), we’re going to decorate for the fall season. We left the cornstalks in our garden to use for harvest decorating. We’ll be pulling up the stalks and shaking the dirt off the roots. Then we’ll tie the bundle with twine and prop it up on the porch. We’ll go to the Pumpkin Patch and pick out a couple of nice pumpkins and we’ll drag out the scarecrow and change out the flag. Maybe we’ll add the spider to the windows above the porch. In another week or so we’ll plant the pansies and the mums. I can already smell the dirt and the pungent scent of the mums.

We’re making our lists for the work that needs to be done during the next six weeks. There’ll be some pruning since shrubs and trees will be going dormant. Oh and I can’t wait to plant the bulbs I have on order. Last year I got the tulips out but I was too late to get the hyacinths and the crocus planted. They should be arriving early next month and then my little early spring garden will be fully stocked.

I can’t wait to get my hands dirty! Tell me how you’re preparing for fall! And don’t forget to grab your copy of POWER, book three in the Faces of Evil series! POWER has 15 5-star reviews on Amazon already! And be sure to become a person of interest at www.thefacesofevil.com!

Tagged with: Debra Webb, IMPULSE, Obsession, POWER, romantic suspense, suspense, The Faces of Evil
Posted in Debra Webb

Thrillerfest VII

I’ve been a member of International Thriller Writers since almost the beginning of their organization. (In fact, I missed being a charter member by three days! Grr.) Since the first, small conference in Arizona in 2006, I’ve only missed one “Thrillerfest” when it conflicted with RWA. If there’s ever another conflict, I won’t be skipping out on Thrillerfest.

The view of the Empire State Building from the Rooftop of 230 Fifth Street where St. Martin’s had their party on Thursday night.

There are many reasons why I love this conference, not least of which is the thriller/suspense focus. The conference is in New York City and gives me the opportunity to sit down with my editor and agent every year. While meeting in person is not a requirement in publishing, it’s always nice to have that sit down and talk about both business and pleasure. Since I’m 3,000 miles away in California, Thrillerfest provides a rare opportunity for an annual meeting.

I haven’t been to many mystery conferences, Thrillerfest being my only one until I went to Left Coast Crime earlier this year. I am definitely planning on attending Left Coast Crime again (either 2013 or 2014 or both!) and my dream is to go to Bouchercon. Unfortunately, it’s in the Fall and all my kids are in Fall sports, making juggling this conference harder. I think I can swing 2013 because my #2 daughter will have her driver’s license. But Thrillerfest is in the summer, a great travel time for me.

Pamela Callow, Sandra Brown, and me. I need to lose at least 35 pounds.

Another very important reason I love Thrillerfest is the atmosphere. Everyone is truly generous and helpful. The mega-stars hang out with the rising stars, and there isn’t a lot of professional jealousy or secrets or clusters of people in corners giving you the evil eye when you approach. Maybe because the conference is smaller than most national conferences — I think we had 800 attendees this year — we get that sense of intimacy that many conferences lack.

And then the panels! Definitely more in line with my interests than most other conferences. Examples? How about: “How do you knock off your characters? Unique ways to kill,” “Is truth too strange for fiction?” “Is the Apocalypse Imminent?” “Does Evil Exist?” and “What Makes them Scream?” See why I love coming every year? LOL. There are also master classes at “Craftfest” taught by the likes of Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Catherine Coulter, R.L. Stine, Ann Rule, and more. Q&A interviews of the biggest authors are always good. I’m getting the tape for Lee Child’s presentation because I was late and it was standing room only! For a full list of the presenters and schedule, check the website.

Then there’s me, personally. At other events, I feel like I have to be “on” at all times. Meaning, I need to be attentive, pay attention to everyone around me, be cheerful, talkative, helpful, and friendly. I had a very bad experience at one RWA conference that cut deeply and every time I walk into another, I have a sense of panic. It’s not overwhelming, but it makes me want to stay in my room when I have no place to be. I know, as Karin would say I need to grow-up and get over it, but it’s one of those things I haven’t been able to completely forget. Hey, I still go to big conferences!

Pershing Square, right outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Remember the climax of THE AVENGERS??? Yes, it was here! Love that movie. :)

Now, Thrillerfest isn’t perfect. My single biggest complaint is the lack of a public signing. The current signing schedule is ridiculous and modeled, I believe, after other mystery conferences. There was going to be a public signing this year, but they didn’t have enough time for the logistics. I have some ideas on this and am writing a memo to the Board on how I think it can (and should!) be implemented. Also, sometimes the panels are so people heavy that there’s not a lot of depth in 50 minutes. I think four panelists and a moderator works; six panelists, not so much.

I wish I could better articulate why this conference fills me in ways that other conferences have not. As a career-builder, I think no conference truly has an impact, but this one comes close in terms of refilling the writing well and making connections with people who truly seem to want to support the writing careers of authors both new, midlist, and established. Another plus is that published authors don’t pay dues (because of the anthologies we publish that keep us solvent.) Thrillerfest is also as much a READERS conference as a WRITERS conference, and has a track of panels just for the thriller reader, plus cocktail parties, morning coffees, and more that allow everyone to mingle. I have so much more to tell, but this blog is already getting too long!

Here’s one other benefit: Entertainment at the Thriller Awards Banquet. In the past, Michael Palmer and Daniel Palmer have entertained us with an original song; this year Brad Parks stepped in to fill Michael’s big, talented shoes. (As an aside, both father and son Palmer are fun, funny, and generous with their time and talent.) This year, we have Ghost Writers in the Sky — absolutely fabulous! Enjoy

ITW supports itself through the publications that are donated by members. Sandra Brown (talented, gorgeous, gracious and kind) edited LOVE IS MURDER, our romantic suspense anthology, which got two starred reviews and contains 29 fabulous short stories, including some for current and former MSW bloggers (myself, Laura, Rocki, Toni, Lori and Deb!) I’m giving away one copy, digital or hardcover, of this anthology to a lucky commenter.

Writers, let me know what you love most about your favorite conference (or your “never miss” conference); readers, tell me if you’ve ever been to a readers conference and what you love most about it — or if you would want to go to one!

Tagged with: Allison Brennan, book giveaway, Brad Parks, Daniel Palmer, Debra Webb, International Thriller Writers, Laura Griffin, Lori Armstrong, Love is Murder, Michael Palmer, New York City, Pamela Callow, publishing, romantic suspense, Roxanne St. Claire, Sandra Brown, St. Martin's Press, The Business, Thrillerfest, thrillers, Toni McGee Causey, writing
Posted in Allison Brennan

Sifting through the Garbage

First, I want to apologize to our loyal MSW readers for our Summer Slump. While we’ve been redesigning and reorganizing the blog, we have been neglecting it … that will change, just please have patience while we’re under construction!

STALKED is done. I turned it into my editor on Tuesday and spent yesterday a complete vegetable, playing games with the kids and goofing off. Then I went to bed early — 10:30. That’s early for me, because I’m usually up until 2 in the morning. Today, it’s back to work! I’m editing a novella I wrote 6 years ago. Needless to say, it needs a lot of work.

I’m often asked about my first four manuscripts. Why don’t I bring them out from under the proverbial bed and dust off those bunnies? Clean up the books and either sell them or self-publish them?

Why indeed?

Because they are total crap.

The novella I’m editing I had sold to a quarterly romance magazine back in 2006 … then the magazine went under. I never contracted for the story, a serial that would have been published over three issues. When I looked at it again, I saw a lot of potential — it was a tight, clean story. However, I have become a stronger writer in six years, and the original story was more a romance than a suspense. To me, all the “good stuff” happened off the page … the investigation, the discovery of the body, the footwork … so I’m layering all that in and my original 20K word story will be closer to 40K when I’m done.

But what about my first four books? Couldn’t I do the same to those?

HOT LATTE was my first book. I still love the idea, but the book is a total mess. Not just the sophomoric writing, but the story. I had EVERY romantic suspense plotline imaginable. Psycho ex-girlfriend to the hero, sociopathic ex-fiance for the heroine, psychopathic stalker — yes, three different people! I had a serial rapist, the psycho stalker killed his mother (hello Norman Bates!) and left her body rotting in her bed. Kidnapping, mistaken identity, corporate espionage … you name it. I had three completely books in one! LOL. That said, I did use the hero in another book — just his basic character and backstory. He became Zach Travis in THE KILL.

PROTECTING HART was a bit better — a female former cop turned bodyguard who saved the life of the lieutenant governor who was running for governor of California. I thought, right what you know? I was working in the capitol at the time! I had a lot of inside knowledge. And the book wasn’t bad, it was just … not good.

I can’t even remember the title of my third book, but I think it was BENEATH THE SURFACE. I knew when I was half way done that this book was total garbage, but I finished it anyway. Why? Because before I finished writing HOT LATTE, I had never finished anything I started. I didn’t want to get into that bad habit. And, it finaled in the Daphne contest. Ironically, the set-up and heroine became the set-up and heroine of the novella I’m currently editing.

My fourth book was actually pretty good. It was called FATAL SECRETS (I used the title for something else) and I pitched it as “JD Robb’s Eve Dallas meets Alias’s Sydney Bristow.” A futuristic spy story. The only book I entered in the Golden Heart (I got a 9, 8, 7, 6 and 4.) The only book that was requested in full by an editor through a contest (no, she didn’t buy it.) The heroine is fantastic, I absolutely love her, and I really want to use her. But she’s not a contemporary heroine. The sub-plot, about a clandestine diamond mine on the Mars moon Phobos, is plausible — there has been a lot of research into the moons of Mars. My agent at the time, after I sold THE PREY, read the book and she said she loved the characters but the story was too science fiction and confusing at the end.

I realized it would be far more work to save these stories, then to just write something completely new. The one exception is my futuristic … the core story is there and it’s pretty good. But it’s completely out of my genre, so if I do anything with it I have to really think it through.

I have four more days to fool around with the novella (I hope it’ll be done!) because on Monday I’m started to write STOLEN, the sixth book in the Lucy Kincaid series. I have one more idea for Lucy after STOLEN, but I haven’t pitched the idea yet. I love it, but we’ll see! After that, I don’t know what I’ll be doing … more Lucy books, or another series I want to write. Or both! Ironically, I wrote faster six years ago than I write now, yet I spend more time at the computer writing now then I did then. Odd.

My novella (MURDER IN THE RIVER CITY) and a compilation of all my short stories (KILLING JUSTICE) will be released by me digitally only this summer. I’m aiming for the week of July 15th. I had some frustrated readers when Ballantine published my digital only LOVE IS MURDER last year, a Lucy Kincaid novella. Ballantine printed it in the back of IF I SHOULD DIE, but I don’t want to make my readers upset. How do you feel when an author publishes a digital only story? What if it’s a stand-alone? Does that make a difference?

And for short story and romantic suspense fans, THRILLER 3: LOVE IS MURDER edited by Sandra Brown, came out last week from MIRA in hardcover and e-book. It includes stories by several MSW gals, including Roxanne St. Claire, Laura Griffin, Toni McGee Causey, Lori Armstrong, Debra Webb, and yours truly. My mom read it and loved it, even though she’s not usually a big fan of short stories. (She did say that she agreed with Sandra Brown’s comment on Toni’s story!)

Tagged with: Allison Brennan, Debra Webb, Laura Griffin, Lori Armstrong, Love is Murder, Lucy Kincaid, Roxanne St. Claire, Sandra Brown, Stalked, Toni McGee Causey, writing
Posted in Allison Brennan

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Allison Brennan

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-four romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband and five children.

Maximum Exposure
February 4, 2014

Two years before the events in Notorious, Max travels to Colorado Springs to investigate the disappearance of a college student. Frustrated over the lack of interest from both friends of the victim and campus authorities, Max tags along with the leader of search and rescue and his dog through the beautiful and deadly Rocky Mountains in the hopes of finding answers. Every answer she finds leads to more questions--questions neither the police nor the college want Max asking.
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The Year of Deb Webb

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