Happy dog days of summer. It’s been hot and very smoky in Seattle. I’m guessing I’ll be finishing my steps inside the house today rather than outside. I have it on good authority that our air quality right now is worse than Beijing’s due to forest fires burning to the north of us in British Columbia.
Last week with all the wedding hoopla, I somehow missed the memo that I should have written the newsletter LAST week in time for the pub date of Still Dead this week. All I can say is, better late than never.
Still Dead means Beau is back, thirty two years and counting. Even without the newsletter, I’ve heard from several readers who have already read it. Unfortunately, I’ve also come up with egg on my face. Maybe because I wrote the novella while on a cruise ship, my Washington State geography took a serious hit. That’s my story anyway, and I’m sticking to it.
So as you’re reading along and hit the part where Beau drives to Whidbey via CAMANO ISLAND!!!, please do not take to your computer keyboards to tell me how very wrong I am. Believe me, I already know you can’t get there from there!
My parents, who were happily married for 68 years, had an understanding. Rather than listening to what each other SAID they listened to what they MEANT. Since it worked for them, maybe my readers and I can work the same kind of deal.
In this case, regardless of what I WROTE, what I MEANT is that Beau swung off I-5 and drove toward Anacortes. A correction will be made in later editions, but probably not in the audio edition. And speaking of audio. I don’t know if the audio version of Still Dead is available anywhere other than Audible. Decisions about marketing the audio editions and about publishing this as an e-book only are above my pay grade. Sorry.
We will have bookmarks for both Still Dead and the upcoming Proof of Life. I suggest you request both at the same time, and they’ll be sent when they’re sent. I’m writing an Ali book right now, so don’t expect instant gratification. The address for your business sized SASEs is P.O. Box 766, Bellevue, WA 98009.
The tour schedule for Proof of Life is being finalized and will be posted when available.
I have two upcoming events later this month. On August 24, I’ll be appearing at the Coast Theatre in Cannon Beach from two to four. Then, through the miracle of jet travel, I’ll show up at Killer Nashville on August 26 where I have been nominated for a Reader’s Choice Award. Anyone can vote (One vote only!) and it doesn’t seem to be nearly as cumbersome as the voting was for the Best of Tucson. If you’re interested, here’s the link to the voting page:
https://killernashville.com/awards/killer-nashville-readers-choice-award/#
I don’t know about you, but this newsletter seems sort of … well … humdrum. I want something that will make people snort their coffee up their noses, so here’s a bit of wisdom my younger brother sent me this morning, from that noted comedienne philosopher, Betsy Salkind: Men are like linoleum. Lay ‘em right and you can walk all over them for the next thirty years.
I love that last thought. It is really true, but I won’t go into how I know.
As for giving wrong information about locations, etc in your books. People should remember that this is fiction and you can write anything you please.
That joke laid out the whole day for me and mine?. You sound like you may need a little more rest. Take care of yourself first! Thank you so much for your books and imaginative mind . I’m also becoming healthier through your reminders ?.
Remember, you are a writer. You make things up. So if you want your character to drive to Whidbey via Camano, he can! I live on Camano. Sometimes I think it would be more convenient if I could also do that.
I did not think your newsletter was humdrum, but I did detect an underlying impatience with us( your readers) So I will apologize for us. I wish I could send you
A massage from Gene Juarez. Bless you and your family.
Morning , it was wonderful to have Beau back in my life even if it was a novella. The book was delivered at nine and I read until the end. Looking forward to the new book in Sept.
Last year it was California who was burning with lots of fires.
WE have been married 48 years and my best advice for a long marriage is RESPECT , Patience and a big switch… lol
HAVE A great week … Jan
Well, I would have snorted my coffee if I hadn’t already finished it when I read, “Rather than listening to what each other SAID they listened to what they MEANT.” I had not five minutes previously told my husband of almost 41 years to do exactly that with what I tell him.
Thanks to you and your brother for the giggle.
Prime example of non-geographical accuracy is the 1988 movie Midnight Run. Robert DeNiro jumps out of a helicopter into the Salt River at the bottom of Salt River Canyon and swims to shore in Sedona. Many others in the same film. I loved the Novella and looking forward to September. Best, Loren Tollefson
Loved the book can’t wait for the next one
Sorry to hear that the smoke is so bothersome! I know from living where the air quality gets bad due to smog and humidity how much that can drain the energy and enthusiasm right out of the day – smart to do your walking inside.
ceci
Reading a hardcover edition. It’s bad enough the font is too small, but now the print is so light you can barely read it. Is the publisher trying to save ink?
I Enjoyed reading “Still Dead” immensely, as I have done with so many of your works.
Having a daughter stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station has resulted in her Mom and I visiting the region of this book’s setting quite frequently of late, i.e. Whidbey, Oak Harbor, Anacortes, Coupeville, etc. and have greatly enjoyed visualizing the region as I read the text.
One question I have for you: To the best of your knowledge is there actually a squad, department, or task force entitled “Special Homicide Investigation Team”?
The acronym seems to argue against this being the case.
Sincerely,
A Jance Fan