For most of my life, from fourth grade on, I’ve been a two-newspaper-a-day girl, morning and afternoon. In Bisbee it was the Bisbee Daily Review and the Douglas Dispatch. In Tucson it was the Arizona Daily Star and theTucson Citizen. In Phoenix it was the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette. In Seattle it was the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the The Seattle Times.
And through all those years, my must reads were always the ‘agony aunts,’ Dear Abby and Ann Landers. Ann Landers and Abigail van Buren were twin sisters whose sparring advice columns battled it out in newspaper all over the country for decades. For some reason Dear Abby always appeared in the morning papers and Ann Landers in the afternoon.
My newspaper reading gradually went away over the past several years as the Seattle P-I vanished and The Seattle Times became a shadow of its former self. I scroll through it now on line, but there’s not much there and the same articles seem to appear over and over.
As for my collection of current advice columns? I read those on line too, but here’s the problem, in order to read through them, I have to close a minimum of two and maybe three or four ads in order to arrive at the content I want to read.
You may have noticed that, when you come to my website, there aren’t ANY ads. Ditto for my blog. No advertisements for dental implants pop up in the middle of what you’re reading. I’ve made no effort to monetize those, because writing the blog is a labor of love.
I write the blog on Tuesday or Wednesday. Then, when it comes out on Friday, I read the comments, both on the website edition and on Facebook. I may not reply to the comments, but I read them all. During the Pandemic lockdown, reading those comments was a lifeline for me, a weekly validation that my work as a writer still mattered. And those comments are what my husband calls my “psychological income.”
Last week’s blog was all about the importance of keeping track of my progress while writing a book. Last week I was at 57%. Right now I’m at 65%. (By the inch it’s a cinch. By the yard it’s hard.) I know who the killer is, but at this point I still don’t know exactly how Beau will bring that individual to justice.
But last week one of my regular blog correspondents asked if I ever had reached a certain point in a book and then been forced to throw it away? The answer to that question is yes, but first allow me to introduce you to someone who has been an integral part of my writing career, Bill Schilb, my literary engineer.
Bill’s a retired double E—an Electronics Engineer. In 1968, while he was working for Motorola in Chicago, they brought him a brick-sized piece of balsa wood, told him that would be the shape of the first cell phone, and to build the radio equipment necessary for it to work inside that size and shape. Bill and his team did exactly that—without benefit of integrated circuits, and Motorola’s brick-shaped phone finally went on sale to the public in 1986.
The thing about engineers is this: THEY FIX THINGS THAT ARE BROKEN! I was working on the banana peel of Beaumont # 5, Improbable Cause, when the ending stalled out on me. That’s when I ran up the flag to my personal LE, my Literary Engineer. He read what I had written, handed it back to me and said, “This reads like a Seattle P-I news article. You need to put the characters back into it.” I wasn’t happy about that verdict, but I read back through the manuscript and realized he was right. As soon as I noticed that Big Al Lindstrom’s feet hurt as he walked around the Woodland Park Zoo, I was back in the saddle again.
Years later, while working on an Ali book, Moving Target, the story once again stalled out about the time the crashing climax should have started. Once again I asked Bill for help. After reading the story, he said, “Why don’t you do it the easy way?” That’s it—that’s all he said, and so I did. I finished the book the easy way, and if you want to know what that is, you’ll just have to reread it.
But now we come to Collateral Damage, and that was a whole other kettle of fish. That book, which took a whole year to write, stalled out from the get-go. It crawled along, inched along, oozed along, driving me nuts in the process. At last, when I had written what should have been a third of the book, I handed it over to Bill and asked him to tell me what was wrong. He had it for what seemed like a very long time before he finally gave it back to me saying, “This is a mess. I can’t read it.”
Not only is he a smart man. He’s a brave one!
So I reread what I had given him, and soon realized that he was right. The manuscript was a mess. The wise man builds his house upon a rock, but that story was built on sand. I had to go back to the beginning and introduce the bad guy so we all knew what we were up against. Because the book takes place in multiple jurisdictions, I did as Bill suggested and time-stamped each chapter so readers knew not only where they were but on which day and at what time. (That ended up being good advice not only for readers but also for the writer!)
So no, Dr. Catherine. I didn’t have to throw away everything. I was able reuse many of the scenes, but I did have to go back to the beginning and rearrange their order and sometimes even their point of view in order to make the story work.
And now that I’ve responded to Catherine’s question ATL (At Tedious Length), I’m going to go back to Beau and find out how he deals with taking down that bad guy.
I have read every single book of yours, and now will have fun of rereading some of them. Love Ali, Joanne and even crusty Beaumont. Can’t wait for the next book. I be first in line to get my copy.
At the moment I am at a stall in my memoir. Although the book could be considered finished – all the chapters are done – I am not happy with the sequencing. Other than throwing it all in the trash, I am trying to figure out how to revise/rewrite so it rings true for me. It’s a terrible hole to be stuck in. I have a developmental editor but I disagree with her suggestions. So, I am at an impasse.
My book is not a mystery novel, but the dissatisfaction with what has been written probably occurs in all genres. Trying to get out of the hole is exhausting.
Awww! Sounds like you need someone like Bill Schilb in YOUR life too!
Like the donkey who fell in a hole and the farmer and his friends kept throwing in shovelfuls of dirt to bury him, the donkey wisely kept stepping on all those clumps of dirt till he climbed right out of that hole… I don’t know how that can help, but maybe shovel by shovel it will grow so the donkey can victoriously walk out? 🙂
My first cell phone was a Motorola “brick”
Loved meeting you in Bremerton.
Having as a spouse someone who is an engineer of not only electronics but also literature (YOUR literature!) is such a blessing, especially in contrast to the guy who said there would be only one writer in the family–HIM!
Yes, when discussing husbands, I refer to Bill as “the good one.”
Sometimes it is wise, whether it be your own “gut feeling” or a jarring message from Bill, to stop, take a look at a work in progress and heed the advice wherever it comes from.
I have dome that in programming, writing IT documentation, and other things I have written.
It sounds like you are back on track. keep plugging away.
You are amazing when my mind is confused you come up with some of the reasons and permision to live thru that confuson and keep on Keeping on. This is Chuck In Tacoma . the OLD Shuttle express Driver and Reader of all thing JA Jance. ALoha and Maholo. Your wisdom is wonderful. and We are blessed by your stimulation of your Blog and sharing/….
That is a great story
How wonderful to have an LE available! I’ve read all your books, with the result I nearly gave myself whiplash in Arizona, when I found out High Lonesome Ranch exists, while driving in the area. Since then, I travel by your books, and really appreciate the effort you put into the descriptions. Thank you
I enjoy your blogs and especially that you let us take a peek at your process and sometime hurdles. Thanks so much!
Hi – It’s nice to know you’re human and go through tough times. But I am so glad you never give up. Shout out to your EE. Thanks Jim
I often feel badly about being able to binge-read your finished products, especially knowing from your blogs how much goes into their creation. So I comfort myself by binge reading them again and again over the years. My favorites are Beau and Joanna, but there’s room for Ali et al too. I’m champing at the bit for the newest Beau.
I feel the same! I love rereading & seeing old friends in books!
I really enjoy your blog. I’m in favor of everyone earning their kudos and, by sharing the reality of the hard work in getting them, it increases my enjoyment in the story. Ilona Andrews has a great blog lots of fun stuff but also in-depth writers information about publishing and self-publishing that is very eye opening for us readers. It makes me appreciate my favorite authors’ efforts even more.
Well, I MEANT to comment on your walking post but didn’t and since that blog’s comments are closed, I will just break rules and use this field to make that “meant to” comment. I was wondering if you had seen the article in the NY Times about David Sedaris and his legendary walking. It comes up in his essays, too, but just for fun, here is a gifted link to that story. (Hope it works. If not, the guy has a goal of 21,000 steps a day!! Thanks, as always, for including us in your life and adventures.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/well/david-sedaris-walking.html?unlocked_article_code=x-aPvlwwAl65KOmPv1Ro1sf_qQOCRq1gglmKO3RvH1a4TEBh1bixCuR4M88qGPm40iNoTLFYT1ZJ4f1FHKkwiwXS8eKmuZvkPUsoB6E2HiqCgvHuk7elkMZeryg48LuKMOGP6TsNstYHY9hSTwCuHDhu9tlJc4-TKJo1_Zpe7GKV4HWUJkRjuEgEufNfTVxL9IK1IWfgBnS6o64Gv-B0oI1FBiZYN0-9z9vpeMjhiVtOyP9okdPlLaz7wQiEjvKlHkVgq-ZEzosT45KZXrIWO5dSMRWw9CDawlAXhErfscI-wONOSpB8_cmLF1tooWNXau9ipHzTYWLIUOMA&smid=url-share
Really enjoyed that article. I have a 599 day streak going. I walk three to five miles a day, so compared to him, I’m a lightweight.
thank you…
I enjoyed your blog today as I do each week. Thanks !
Just amazing, Judy! God bless Bill for his wisdom – and for his bravery in being honest with your writing…so glad you are a team!
My comment has little to do with this week’s blog. This last week I watched a 60 Minutes episode that was about Artificial Intelligence. Being a long time reader of your books, I of course immediately thought of Frig. It seems that Frig is just around corner. On the program, they said that the AIs were not sentient and not self aware. But one taught itself an obscure language (Bengali?) without being told. That seems a pretty self aware thing to do. I just hope that the people involved in real life AI are as well intentioned as the High Noon crew. A forlorn hope, I’m afraid.
Your blogs are as easy to read as your books. I find it hard to put the books down and find myself reading late into the night. The characters seem so real to me and Beau is like a friend. I lived in the Seattle area for years and was familiar with all the surroundings that Beau was in. Now I’m living in Arizona, so I’m familiar with Joanna Brady’s surroundings. Keep up the good work.
I’m always amazed by how you manage to write such interesting stories! Thank you for writing.
Thanks for taking us through just a bit of the writing process with this entry. I was so interested in your explanation of “saving” Collateral Damage because it was, for me, a frustrating read. I ended up just not caring if I finished it or not. This has not put me off, of course and I am still looking forward to more from one of my favorite storytellers. As always, thank you!
7/14/2023 Good morning. This is just to let you know that even though I seldom send in a comment, I look forward to your weekly blogs and read them all. We’re both in that age of reflection on times past and your stories of connection with your cherished school teacher made me remember Mme Bloch, my high school French teacher. How I now wish that I had maintained contact with this wonderful, strict, but fascinating and caring teacher. I have good memories and only wish I had returned to let her know how influential she was in my life.
Good Friday morning. Thank you for sharing your blog. Being ad free is icing on the cake. I read my first Brady book sometime in the early 90s. I was hooked. I preordered every book. Then I found Beau. I was immediately in love so all of his books have been preordered. The Ali books & the Walkers have filled in the gaps as I waited for Joanna & Beau to reappear.
I love the books, love the characters and I am amazed at the plots. When I read a book, I not only enjoy the story itself, I marvel at the imagination involved in creating it and introducing the characters. It’s the same with music: writing the words, adding music and assigning the instruments their part. I appreciate the creative process as well as enjoying the finished product. I love the characters. They are so real and they live on in my imagination well after the book is finished. Thank you for many hours of reading pleasure. I’ve read all of your books and always anxiously await the next one.
I have gone through some of the same writing problems. I’m encouraged to hear I’m not the only author who has. If you have problems and work through them, then I should be able to do the same, even if I don’t have a LE.
Please keep writing and blogging. I may not comment on each post, but I read them.
Thank you for the insight into your life. You are also our travel companion as we listen to your audiobooks while we travel.
What you say is very interesting. And the other side is true too Sometimes a book is hard to read. Too many Characters, or storylines that jump back and forth. I did appreciate the time stamp in Collateral Damage. Believe me every one of your books is spellbinding and a joy to read! Thanks for your hard work to bring us quality reading.
Love getting these emails every Friday! ?
I followed both of the agony column twin’s comments on the various people put to them and loved the usually short, caustic replies. No Dr. Phil dramatics, just something plausible to do! Miss them. Have given up watching the news, mostly because it is bad news. And I have given up Facebook. As my name is Gay (and I have had it used for 85 years) I got so many weird entries. So I am on Instagram. I have four grown children, 5 grown grandchildren and then the 7 GREATS that I can follow. However I find that I have to wade thru so very many ads and unwanted “if you watched that, you should watch this items that I turn it off:-) And I want to congratulate you on your EE. He was an excellent choice on your part!
I’ve said it before, my mother loved you and thankfully she introduced me to your writing. I love you, the characters you have created and the personal and fictional stories you share.
I’m excited you’re at 65%+ on your latest Beau book. Sorry that I seldom comment ?
67% this morning
I really love how you tell us your processes. It makes me feel like I’ve been part of that process living though you! Thank you!!
Thank you for all your efforts in writing all the books! Are you going to have Joanna Brady involved in the building of the new jail in Cochise County?
I’m anxiously awaiting “Blessing of the Lost Girls” in September and love knowing there’s a new Beau book on its way.
Enjoying your blog very much. Can’t believe it’s taken me this long to discover it! Thank you.
Your’e welcome to read back through the archives. No ads there, either.
As always, I enjoyed it. I have no creative writing abilities. Never have. But I certainly enjoy everyone of your endeavors. Cannot wait for the next book. Hope you have a great day and weekend. Guess we are in for gloomy weather; nothing new for North Alabama. As long as it is not tornados, I can get through it easily. Lindsay does not handle it so easily. Have I told you about her yet?
Well you need to know about Lindsay K. One of my best friends since I was able to walk, was Lindsay K. She lived one house down from us and was about 7 months older than me. We were together until she died March 30, 2017. Her body just gave up fighting the MS. I still talk to her in my mind though.
It was not long after Lindsay died that we got a new dog, a chocolate lab. In the sun light, her coat was the same color as Lindsay’s hair. I called her husband and was excited to tell him all about her; she had been mistreated in very similar ways as Lindsay; was thin and hung her head; and most of all, was scared of everyone and everything and all sudden noise and movements. It broke our heart. She came to me almost immediately as I was down on the ground waiting to meet her. She still suffers from that abuse but does show some signs of improvement if she is with me. Consequently, I asked her husband if he would mind me naming her after Lindsay. I said that way I would have Lindsay with me for another 12 to 15 years. He did agree.
Lindsay has a totally different personality than Lady Kara, who you met at your book signing in Tennessee. All Lindsay wants is to be held, which is a slight challenge at 72-75 pounds. The fibromyalgia does make it a bit difficult, but I am working through it. Her heat helps me and my holding her helps her; it is a WIN/WIN for both of us. Lindsay is stubborn, but so am I and so was her namesake. We both have some Scotch/Irish blood running through us. I am trying to work through training her to be my Service Dog so she can travel with us and always be with me. The fibro is a great illness to make that possible.
I have rattled on long enough. Wish I knew how to include a picture but you can just use your imagination same as we do with your books.
Take care, say “HI” to your husband. Have a great weekend.
Diane Lamont
Please send a photo of Lindsay II to me at jajance@me.com
Your books have been like Christmas presents to me throughout the years. You have a true gift of bringing each of your characters to life. I met you on your recent book tour in Scottsdale, AZ and can clearly see why each of your characters are beloved members of my family — your wit and humor warms my heart! And, now, with your weekly blog, we get to receive small gifts from you each Friday.
Thank you for being you!
A deposit for your “P.I.”
Best email received of the week is the writings of Miss Judy. Your favorite Yuman waits impatiently each Friday morning for the letter in the mailbox. Binge reading back through your archives is my new favorite hobby. Hubs asks, when I get quiet, “What are you doing?” And most gleefully I respond, “I’m in Miss Judy’s world.”
Thank YOU for the deposits of enlightenment, of diversion, the mystery, and the thrill. Most of all, thank YOU for the humanity.
Love the way you explain things. Now I may have to reread these books with new eyes! Really liked last weeks blog also but things have been a little messed up. Right now in MN waiting on sister in laws home visit to see if she can come home from rehab. Sunshiny cool day and probably 20 degrees cooler than at home! Mosquitoes are bad but not quite as bad as they were in June after flooding. Can’t wait to read this new book. Love catching up on what Beau is up to. I hope I spelled that right, furry pet kept us awake meowing all night. Now he has gone to bed! He misses his momma. Where I could only pet her a little bit he now wants lots of closeness. Enjoy your day.
How long after you find out “who done it” do Beau, Joanna or Ali figure it out. I once tried writing a book (it wasn’t very good) and was much surprised to find the culprits had been in the story almost from the opening paragraphs. My sleuth was similarly stunned. I had not been able to keep him in the dark. once I kneqq
Just finished listening to Collateral Damage. I loved the time stamped chapters.
Love getting these emails every Friday! ?
I have total confidence in you and your LE! I know Beau will figure out how to take out the bad guy and the book will be amazing. We can’t wait!
Glad to know I’m not the only one who misses newspapers. My eyesight is bad so reading online is tedious. Don’t like books on a Kindle or Nook or whatever either. I always get an old-fashioned hard copy of your novels and I have had a library card since I was seven, which was ummmm a long, long time ago.
I have loved all your books since I first met Beau ever so many years ago. I cherish them for their growth and for overcoming their flaws. They feel like genuine people! And thank you for the many hours of pleasure. Keep stepping up!
Love your Blogs and, of course, your books! Thank you for your commitment
I look forward to your blog comments. Your writing fascinates me and so does hearing how you go about it!
We all sometimes need to listen to other folks. Sometimes some criticism opens my eyes something that I should do. I write some stuff on history. Often I have to take a step back. Doing history I have to look for events that happen at the same time that may have an influence on what I am writing about. Back stepping is good. Larry
My step brother is also a writer – generally was stories based on his service in Viet Nam. He was “attacked by Agent Orange” and lost his eyesight and his original career. He has asked to read several of his works in progress even though was stories are not my cup of tea. He says he appreciates by “different” viewpoint. One of the most difficult things I had to tell him was “this book has no ending. We know who the bad guy is, but there is no resolution. You HAVE to have a resolution. ” He was not happy, but 6 months later I got a new “ready for the final edit” copy of the book and scrolled across the front page was the comment YOU WERE RIGHT. Yep, he rewrote and — won a prize for the reworked book.
That is my claim to literary fame.
Interesting! I find that you continually surprise and amaze me. I actually am a good writer and go like crazy when writing an opinion but, I seem to have no imagination! I have had 2 – count them – 2 – ideas for a book. And absolutely no clue how to present them. Oh well – think I will be satisfied just reading you – my fav!
We first met about 40 years ago at a Footprinters Association meeting in Seattle. At that time, I had to admit I hadn’t read any of your books. Now, I read everything you write and you have inspired me to write my first novel. Not nearly as good as all of yours, but I didn’t have a Bill in my corner.
What can I say except that Bill is a very brave guy!
Luckily, it works.
About the advertisements in news, here are the counterpoints:
1. Most news outlets are financially struggling, especially locals. No one buys print edition and like to read on line (more and more). So, they have to have some source of revenue, advertisements,
2. Some of these news outlets etc. do give you a option to subscribe where you are not interrupted by nagging ads.
But yes, to your point they are pain in the #@,%
I’m quite frustrated by my local paper. Two years ago the monthly on-line subscription was $5.99. About a year ago it went up to $11.99. I was OK with it, but then the quality, never great, deteriorated further — fewer local stories, more day-old stuff. Editing close to nonexistent; I’m headbanging over stupid typos on a daily basis. This week, got another price increase letter — $21.99!! I am almost ready to cancel. I WANT to support a local paper, but it’s barely local and the quality is atrocious.
I think I’ll go read a good mystery instead. Of course, I just finished one that failed to engage me (NOT a Jance). I was especially disappointed because I have enjoyed this writer’s earlier work. I feel sad that this book doesn’t have the same creative spark. I don’t know what to say or do. I’m glad Judy has Bill to give her honest feedback, because clearly this other writer doesn’t have a Bill.
News these days are more of opinions then reporting (sometimes out and out lies). Most of population do not have trust in news media anymore, hence drop in subscriptions which results in poor reporting.
I don’t think I could ever be a writer–don’t have the patience for it. Through your blogs and in person gatherings I’ve realized just how hard it is to be a writer.
Beaumont will figure it out He always does.
I moved to Seattle in 2001 and The Beaumont books taught me how to get around the city. My office was a half block fro,the Seattle Mystery Bookstore so in 2007 I made it there on my lunch break to get your newest mystery. I had just divorced my husband after a 30 year marriage which had gotten more abusive as his untreated bipolar depression progressed. You were very kind to me and autographed your Poetry book you had written about your similar situation. It meant a lot to me that you took the time and helped me a great deal. When I retired and moved to the east coast to be with my kids it’s one of the only physical books I brought with me. So thank you again. I always look forward to your books.
Your comments are always interesting. It sounds like you are trying to make the best use out of the situation. You take a shot then go to Bill for comments. Then you consider his comments and go from there. You always come out on top. You are the best!!!
Jack, so good to hear from you. It’s a long time ago since we met in that hotel in Stowe on the Wold!
A great blog! You give insight and advice about writing all at the same time. I love your sharing with your readers. I am on pins and needles for the next Beau, meanwhile I will go back and reread at your suggestion ?.
If you haven’t read the Walker books, you might want to gear up for Blessing of the Lost Girls coming in September.
I enjoy reading your blog! I love you, your writing, and all of your books!
My sister-in law forwards to me your blogs and I delight in them! They are a great connection for us since we don’t have a lot in common (except for her brother?) so I am thankful for you being in our relationship. She has read all of your books and I have read many; we both love your style. And since we live in Southern AZ we especially relate to the Sheriff Brady stories.
So this is just a thank you!
I had never really realized it until reading your blog that I had always been a two-newspaper-a-day girl also. My parents always encouraged us at a very youngage to read the paper everyday. My father liked The State as it was published in Columbia, SC, our state capital and my mother liked The Times & Democrat (The T&D) the local town paper. My brother and I delivered 550 copies of The State for almost 4 years and I delivered the after version every day after school. We were always well versed on the news, needless to say. I know read the paper on-line due to the cost of the print version. Just recently the local paper announced they would only be printing the paper 3 days a week and it would be mailed to you house to arrive the same day. I find it sad that people no long subscribe or no longer read the paper.
I hope that print books never cease. I know you can read books on-line but there just isn’t anything better than holding a book in your hands, turning each page anticipating what happens next.
I know times are changing, but there are some things that don’t need to change.
Books in print, whether hardback or paperback are one of those things.
Your comment of the wise man building his house on the rock is taken from Matthew 7:24 where Jesus is speaking that we build our house on the rock when we hear His words and do them. Then when the storm comes into our lives we won’t fall because our house has been built on Him.!!
I discovered you by accident at a library book sale. Since the, many years ago, I’ve read all the back list and your new books. I love your characters and look forward to each new book. So happy I discovered your blog!
Love your blogs! Kind of like a personal touch for us readers – not many authors take the time to connect to their readers. Even when I have a hundred e-mails I always read your blog first. Hope you keep it up. (I’m eighty two, so I pick and choose my favorite authors – like you – to make sure I get your books read)!
Thanks for this window into your writing process-
One thing that always amazes me is the amount of detail in all your books, both physical and psychological, so that what happens feels very real- You somehow manage to provide such detail without interrupting the pace of the story-
I find I often learn about a subject previously unknown to me as I read your
novels-
Yay, J. A.!
Power on!
I still have my husband’s “brick” phone, and the big bag, etc. that it came with. Phones have gotten smaller, then they got bigger, and I have them all. Oh boy.
I keep forgetting to mention that one reason I love Beau is that I like doing crossword puzzles, too. My favorite puzzle maker, Merl Reagle, was a native of Tucson. His Sunday crossword is available on line after noon on Saturday. I print it off and spend the evening working it.
I have to say I really did enjoy collateral damage. I try to have all of your books on the written, Kindle version and the audible version so that I can go back and forth. Beau is still my favorite and I can’t wait for the new book!
Yeah for you , Beau, Bill and your LE! Am rereading Betrayal of Trust and very much enjoying how the story develops. Mel Somes is such a great addition both for Beau and your stories. Blessings from a grateful reader.
Your blogs are treasures. i read them as if I am sitting next to you and you are telling me about yourself, your problems, your joys. My authors are all great story-tellers and you are at the top of the list! I’m not going to tell you to keep writing…I know you will do that, but I am running out of time. And I just want you to know how I feel about you, your books, your blog, and Bill. The 3 B’s!
Thank you for offering your blog ad free! I enjoy reading it on Friday nights – especially news about upcoming books! I started listening to the Joanna Brady books in my car (CD’s from local library) and it took many years to try the JP Beaumont series, but once I tried those, I love them too! During the pandemic, newly retired luckily, I listened to all of them in order and look forward to the next one! I also enjoy the Walker series and Ali Reynolds books – glad you got bored with one character and created several. I guess I never thought about the absence of ads on the blog, but it is refreshing to just see your writing with no distractions! You inspire me to keep getting my steps in too! Thank you for being so good to your readers!
I have read almost all of your books…at least the JP Beaumont, Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds books… and love them. I bought the first 20+ books in paper, but when I ran out of bookshelf room and room for more bookshelves, I started buying them digitally. Then, there was a fire in my apartment building and I had to put all my “stuff” in a storage unit for 6 months. When I moved, a lot of things had to go, so I gave away all my paper books. They went to a good home where they are well loved, but I miss them just the same. I enjoy re-reading books, so I am now beginning with all the Beau books getting them for my Kindle. Beau is my favorite character and I enjoy how you’ve developed his character (and all the characters) throughout the years. I just want to say THANK YOU for the hours of enjoyment you’ve given me throughout the years. God Bless you!!
“ATL (At Tedious Length)” I LOVE that! I hope you don’t mind if I borrow it. I might be the Queen of ATL, but I did not find your post tedious or overly lengthy. How excellent that Bill can assist on occasion, that he’s brave enough to give it to you straight, and that you are secure enough to skip over the potential of deeming the advice an insult!
Motorola! I’m a fan. As a hospital switchboard operator, I was familiar with many of their gadgets–primarily beepers–and I’m pretty sure our headsets were made by them as well.
Keep on truckin’ on! (maybe replace truckin’ with writin’)
I’m so glad you’re still writing about Beau! I grew up in the Seattle area and was having a hard time when we had to move to California for my husband’s job. When I discovered your Seattle detective 35 years ago he soothed my homesickness! Now that I’ve lived in California as many years as I lived in Washington it’s still a treat to reread them and look forward to a new one!
I’m so glad you’re still writing about Beau! I grew up in the Seattle area and was having a hard time when we had to move to California for my husband’s job. When I discovered your Seattle detective 35 years ago he soothed my homesickness! Now that I’ve lived in California as many years as I lived in Washington it’s still a treat to reread them and look forward to a new one!
I always appreciate your honesty! I know everyone has difficulties with their writing, but when someone is at the stage in their career that you are, I think it might be easy to gloss over the hard times. You never do, and I appreciate it. I wish I had an LE! I don’t remember you writing about this subject, but did you ever belong to a critique group?
My employer has an unofficial policy that we can work mornings only on Fridays and recharge ourselves in the afternoon. My ‘drop everything I am doing and read’ event on those mornings is your weekly blog.
Thank you for sharing with us. Random question thought up when I was biking this evening: Do you worry that a Frigg-like AI thing could replace you as a writer and a blogger? I doubt it very much was my conclusion at the end of my ride.
Our random meeting is one I shall not forget. And tell Bill I remember meeting him too.
Jack Vogel
I enjoy reading your blog as well as your books. Here in the Detroit area, Ann Landers was in the morning Detroit Free Press, and Dear Abby’s column appeared in the Detroit News in the afternoon.
I now enjoy reading your blog and posting it to Facebook where my Mom, former newspaper editor, enjoys it as well. It’s been a sad demise of newspapers and with what’s remaining the articles that are published in multiple papers. So appreciated is the absence of advertisements in your blog. It is SO annoying trying to read articles with the interference of advertisements from multiple directions, some to the extreme that I abandon the article. Thank your for your insight in the writing process you go through and ultimately for the wonderful books!
Your weekly blog is the first thing I look for in my Friday emails. I love reading about your life, your writing struggles and even your walking habits. I’ve started walking two miles 3 to 4 times a week and am just amazed at the miles you have walked. Thank you for inspiring me to get healthier and for writing all those wonderful, exciting stories!