It feels like pub date for The Girl from Devil’s Lake was a long time ago, but it turns out I’m still doing interviews. Tomorrow, Tuesday, I’ll be doing two of them, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, which will mean my having to think and talk about THAT book while still needing to move forward with Beaumont #27, The Taken Ones. In other words, I’m back to doing mental juggling. Not only that, thanks to the reality of time zones and due to my living on the far western end of the continent, what someone else might regard as a civilized midmorning time slog can be very early for me.
I’m a confirmed night owl. My preferred bedtime is 12:30 AM and not a minute before. Just because I’ll be up at what I consider to be the crack of dawn tomorrow morning doesn’t mean my voice will be. My mother never smoked a single cigarette. Nonetheless, Evie had a daunting early morning cough. So do I. That means that most likely I’ll be on the air sounding like a gravel-voiced lifetime smoker even though I’m not.
By the way, and some Midwesterners may have already noticed this, in real life Devils Lake, North Dakota, has no apostrophe. Somehow that one got past me and past my publisher’s copy-editors, too. I’m going to claim use of my literary license on that one and trust that people will forgive me.
During the past two weeks, I’ve added a new wrinkle to my walking routine. One of my regular readers sent me an article about the benefit of walking backwards, saying that backwards walking improves both balance and the ability to concentrate. I talked it over with Dan, our physical trainer. He said that even doing a small amount of backward walking could be beneficial, so I decided to give it a try.
The first time I attempted it, I tried walking around the kitchen island. Wrong! The presence of a suddenly invisible area rug under the kitchen table made that a bad idea. So I tried the front hallway instead. It’s clear and straight, and by keeping an eye on the hardwood lines and noting passing doors and furniture, I know where I am along the way.
I’ve mentioned before that one lap from the kitchen to the master bathroom at the far end of the house and back is approximately 225 steps. The hallway from the elephant table (It’s an entryway table with an elephant on it!) to the turn into the kitchen is 17 forward strides. Walking backwards, it’s 41 steps—baby steps, much shorter than the forward ones. That distance using backward steps section is around twenty steps more and thirty-seconds longer. I only do about 160 backwards steps a day, 41 apiece.
Is it working? Let’s see. My balance has definitely improved. Concentration? I think so. I’m currently at 35.30% and counting. And I’m sleeping better because, with the book moving forward, I’m writing during the day instead of tossing and turning in bed because I’m thinking about the book when I’m supposed to be asleep.
Of course, Thanksgiving is coming at breakneck speed. I’ve already ordered some lefse. Soon it’ll be time to start thinking about baking pumpkin pies. I’m going to go way out on a limb here, but as my long ago Agency Manager, Gilbert F. Lawson, used to say: Know the score, keep the score, and report the score. The score will improve. So my goal–my official publicly announced goal—is to hit 50% on The Taken Ones before the end of Thanksgiving weekend. Stay tuned. I’ll let you know how I do.
Every week I write the blog without having any idea of how many people read it or where they live. This week I heard from a woman from Florida who stumbled upon the blog accidentally. After reading the blog, she went to the website and read my bio. Then she wrote to me and asked where she should start. I suggested she start with After the Fire so when she started reading the books she’d know where some of those characters and storylines originated.
By the way, I love having accidental readers—like the one who picked up a copy of my Paradise Lost thinking it was the ORIGINAL Paradise Lost, only to discover she was reading a murder mystery instead. Now that’s ALL she reads—murder mysteries.
Since I’ve run out of steam as far as blog writing is concerned, I need to figure out what on earth am I going to say about The Girl From Devil’s Lake, unnecessary apostrophe included, during tomorrow’s early morning interview.
Wish me luck.
Yes, here’ wishing you good luck with having your brain, as well as your voice, in gear so early in the morning! And as for walking backwards, the violin teaching course I took suggests it for when students are standing to play, and adopting a swayback posture. Fixes it right up. But I might try it for myself, as my balance is pretty precarious, and I’m diagnosed AHDH, so it could be helpful on both fronts. One learns all sorts of things from your blogs, and a lot of them have nothing to do with the murder mysteries that keep us coming back for more.
Comments are working today.
So glad you’re trying the backward walking. I discovered that when I had a knee replacement and was having trouble getting my knee flexibility back. Discovered all the other benefits to it after the fact. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I look forward to each one of your new releases!
Have a great day. Thank you for sharing. Enjoying a rare rainy day in Yuma, AZ and started it off right with a window into your world. Happy writing!
I guess by now you have had your interview and “good luck” is redundant, for that particular interview. However, “good luck” on your next one and the one after that also.
As I have stated many time, I am not a walker, but I do like the idea of improving my balance and concentration so I am going to try it. Probably not 160 steps a day, but perhaps 50. Will let you know next week.
Blessing to you and Bill.
On your errant apostrophe – my wife, at one time, was an editor for McGraw-Hill (before we were married). I became the editor for a very small local veteran newsletter. She told me once that if you make an error and people mention it, say to them, “It was intentional to see if you were reading” and I adopted that. In my last newsletter I published the upcoming meeting dates, and made them all 2025 not 2026. That’s the excuse I used.
Thank you again for another great blog that gets the old gray matter and so many memories.
I can top that. When Bill stopped being able to write checks, the first time I wrote one, I dated in the wrong CENTURY! That’s how long I hadn’t written checks. Now, thankfully, our daughter handles that!
You did top me!
The person who invented auto correct has died. May he roast in piss. Sorry for the naughty word but, the joke is great
My friend calls it auto-incorrect. I love that! Lol!
Yes that guy’s funnel is tomato.
Hey, that would be I, would it not? The friend who hadn’t been able to find you for 5 1/2 decades or so?
I hope your interview goes well today!
My husband had a pinched nerve in his leg and, consequently, walking and simply standing showed balance issues. Doc sent him to physical therapy to learn how to use walking with a cane which was a necessity for him to walk and even then, he was quite wobbly.
One day, the therapist had him walk backward – perfect balance and no need for the cane! Because it took so much concentration, he really didn’t practice so, there was only a little improvement in his balance.
Please continue to incorporate backwards walking in your steps – it can be a real game-changer.
Checking in from the 49th state, my home for 43 years. Always enjoy your blogs. Being old enough to have been on Medicare for a while, I will trying walking backwards a bit. Happy Thanksgiving!
Congratulations on walking backward! I’ve been doing that myself sporadically for several months. I find that I am speeding up, successfully negotiating a dining room chair and living room ottoman.
Having been a guest at a few of your events,a joy for sure! Saying that, you really don’t have much worry about preparing ahead. Your loyal readers usually speak a lot of questions to you, in turn, reminding you of all the details of what they liked, and remember. You’ve got this! Wish I were there, again! Your happy personality and openness willing to share personal tidbits of family and dogs, all in addition to book talk!
You are a winner! Thank you!
I love reading your blogs! Hope the early morning interiew went well. Just finished reading the girl from devil’s lake and loved it as I have loved all the Joanna Brady books. I’ve read a few of the JP Beaumont ones as well and need to get caught up before The Taken Ones comes out. Keep up the great work! (And I’ve started walking backwards a few steps as well, hoping to ward off some of the family health issues). Thanks for all the great books that keep us all entertained and on the edge of our seats!
It must be frustrating to write a blog but not know who you’re reaching. I’m a long time fan from early in the JP Beaumont series and I’m from Chicago. It’s been a while since I reread your books, and I needed something to read, so I decided to reread Ali Reynolds in order. I’ve never been a books on tape kind of reader, but I tried it and found that I love reading that way— but only if I’ve read a book already. It doesn’t seem right to not actually read a book that an author has taken the time and effort to write. Anyway I’ve been borrowing the Ari Reynolds books on tape from my library. When the next book isn’t available immediately, I pull it from my bookshelf and read the paper version. In the past few months, I’ve finished Ari Reynolds, listened/read my way through Joanna Brady and am halfway through JP Beaumont.
When I downsized my home before I moved I donated close to 5,000 books from my home and office. Your books are amongst the few I kept—because I knew I would want to reread them. Your work has brought (and continues to bring) many enjoyable hours to my life. As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to tell you how grateful I am for all of the wonderful books that you’ve written, and for all of the work that’s gone into getting them published and sold. Many, many thanks to you! And best wishes for the holidays! Leah Shepard
There are what I call SERs—Sharp Eyed Readers—who let me know about any and all copy-editing errors, including errant apostrophes. There are IORs—In Order Readers who like to read books in chronological order. Then there are DTRs—Dead Tree Readers who only like to read books in paper and ink formats. You qualify as an RR—a Re-Reader. Thank you.
Thank you being an RR—a Re-Reader, and thank you for the very kind words.
I wrote a long response which has now vanished. Thank you for the kind words. There are what I call SERs—Sharp-eyed Readers—who spot every copyediting error—including errant apostrophes—and let me know about them. There are IORs—in order readers who like to read book chronologically. There are DTRs—Dead Tree Readers—who prefer their books in paper and ink formats. You’re what I call an RR—a Re-reader. Thank you.
Does that make me a DTR-RR?
Thank you for introducing me to the term “lefse.” I thought it might be a typo at first, but the word I thought you meant did not make sense, so I “googled” it. My son-in-law, Arild, is a new American citizen (and my former Norwegian exchange student who fell in love with my daughter in 1991.) He loves everything “Southern California Style” but on Christmas Day, my daughter insists on serving his late mother’s and grandmother’s authentic Norwegian Christmas dishes. For Thanksgiving, my daughter insists on serving real mincemeat pie like my mom made.
Auto-incorrect didn’t like lefse, either. Tried to turn it into leaves.
I’m only 70, but I notice my balance isn’t what it used to be..Dr suggested standing on one leg while brushing my teeth, then switch. I’m going to try walking backwards, it might be easier! I hope you know how much we look forward to Fridays and your Blog. Thank you! Happy Pumpkin Day? Pam Jewett, on Fox Island, Puget Sound
Wishing you all the luck in the world!
I’m walking backwards, too, but I use my walker on wheels as a guide since I am afraid of falling.
Raising my hand high. I’m one of your readers and I live “in the country” somewhere between Duvall and Carnation. I grew up in Seattle and still feel like
Beau, you, and I are neighbors and friends. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
You should try walking backwards in a pool. It is much easier and you find you can go faster and not have to worry about falling or bumping into things. I try to do it at least 4 times a week. If you listen to music it makes the time and the years fly by fast. I listen to music from the 60’s, from my youth, makes me feel young at heart and my feet can move like they were young again. I want to let you know I have read all your books and really enjoy them. I like it that the characters age at the same rate as I have aged. Enjoy your holiday.
I’m raising my hand high. I’m one of your regular blog readers and it helps anchor my Fridays. I live “out in the country” somewhere between Carnation and Duvall. Growing up in Seattle, I consider you and Beau to be neighbors and friends. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Bill, and the rest of the family!
Good luck, girl, though you don’t need it. You’re perfect as you are! I’ve been reading your novels since 1985, when I discovered JP, and never stopped. I’ve loved getting to know JP, Joanna, and Ali, and feel as though they’re my friends.
Cheers,
Jackie
Lefse is great and my daughter, following her late mother’s and grandmother’s example, is the Lefse maker in this family. Have you ever tried surströmming? We experienced it on a Journey to our Roots trip to Scandinavia with about 20 relatives. Ray in Shoreline (just finished Den of Iniquity)
AMAZING!!! Judy, you are simply amazing…doing all you do, plus continuing to add more creative elements to both your personal life, as well as, your professional life. You are my inspiration!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I enjoy reading your blog and am very much looking forward to your new book. I have read and enjoyed them all, but I always look forward to a new Beau book the most (although I am excited when I find a new Joann Brady book). So glad you continue to write.
Greetings from Sierra Vista, Az. Just down the road from Bisbee. I have been here for 41 years and have met you a few times starting at Atalanta Book Store in Bisbee many years ago. Really enjoy your blogs every Friday morning.
We are snowbirds in Arizona. My friend, here in Salome, recommended your books to me. I am a retired female, deputy chief of police from Utah. I was a trail blazer at the time. I started my law enforcement career in 1982, working graveyard weekends, just like every other rookie. It was challenging to say the least. As I have read your books, I’ve also delved a bit into my family tree. My father, born in Los Angeles, was older when I was born. He was the youngest in his family and very tight-lipped about his personal life. He had even changed his name from Rubin P. Majocchi to John R. Major. I did not know he had changed his full name until after his death. His father had died years before my birth. I was curious. I discovered that my grandparents on my father’s side were married in Naco, AZ, around the turn of the century. My Uncle Hector Majocchi was born in Bisbee in 1910. A few years ago, we went on a road trip to Bisbee and the surrounding area. I tried to find my grandfather’s grave in Douglas with no success.
I read all of your blogs and I’ve read a lot of your books.
I tell you all of this to explain that I can relate to Joanna and I really do have history in Bisbee. I think of it all the time. I even wonder if you had ever heard of my family. My grandparent’s names were Francisco and Margaret Majocchi. My grandmother’s maiden name was Redondo. We were always told we were Italian. I’m not sure how much of that is true. I wonder if my grandfather worked in the mine.
I love reading your books and especially because I can relate in several ways. I promised myself I would write to you in the comments about all this and now I’ve done it. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. I feel lucky to be able to read and enjoy your books.
Thank you so much for all this history. That last name doesn’t sound at all Hispanic, and I’m sure your grandfather did work in the mines. Given the time frame, he might well have been one of the people thrown out of town during what’s called the Bisbee Deportation. You might check with the Bisbee Historical Society for more information on that. As for being a trail blazer? I did the same thing when I ventured into the life insurance industry in the mid-seventies.
As World War I started, miners thought there should be equal pay for equal work between immigrant miners and Anglo ones. That’s what the Bisbee Deportation was all about.
I was introduced to lefse when visiting relatives in Norway. It was always served with gomme. Yum
Speaking of After the Fire, I, too, was married to an alcoholic and I love those poems. Have you written more? Any chance of another poetry book?
Thanks for your encouragement to live life as it comes our way, sharing your wisdom as you continue to be the best story teller. Your creativity is beautiful.
I didn’t know what Lefse is/was until now. Those look yummy! And I found a recipe.
Making lefse is challenging. And I guess that’ll be the topic of next week’s blog. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m an avid reader of every one of your books! Then, I’ve found that I love to listen to them while I drive so I have doubled my enjoyment! I have nothing else to comment on other than thank you for your blog, your books, and your talent! Happy Thanksgiving!
It would be fun to see your interviews. Is it possible for you to let us know the details in case we have the opportunity to tune in? Thanks!
I love reading your blog as it states a bit of the back story to your books. Anything you write is definitely worth the read. Thank you for continuing to share your talent with the rest of us.
I have been doing HIIT workouts for 50 years. I always include backwards walking, and sometimes running. I don’t know whether it has improved my balance, but it definitely strengthens muscles that one would not otherwise strengthen.
When I rehabbed a broken ankle, I did a lot of backwards walking, and I am sure that it helped the rehab.
Good luck. You’re Girl from Devils Lake has resonated. You are an important voice in improving the lives of indigenous people’s. Keep up the good work!
Devils Lake reminds me of when I wrote to a ski site to tell them that their Stephen’s Pass was, in fact, Stephens Pass and they fixed it.
Just so you know, I read them all.
One less thing to stay up at night wondering about.
Blessings
I just finished reading The Girl From Devil’s Lake. Didn’t realize how much I missed Sheriff Brady. Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Medi taught and required her students to use the apostrophe. It is all her fault. She had never been or or probably heard of Devils Lake so not to worry. You did what you were taught to do.
Good luck and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I remember reading a book that, I think (it was a long time ago) had no capital letters. Drove me crazy.
I absolutely loved Devils Lake, with or without the apostrophe. I have been doing the backwards walking for about six months now. It does improve balance. About brain health, I’m not so sure. I have read every one of your books and love them all. Keep writing!
I love your blog! And oh and walking backwards! I’ll give it a try. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the pumpkin pie.
Just got an email from our library that Devils Lake is ready for pickup. We have been on the waiting/hold list forever. W can’t wait.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
One of my stumbling blocks for writing to you has been what to call you. Judy seems too familiar, J.A. clunks in a salutation, as does Ms Jance. Anyway, I do look forward to your Friday posts and I always look forward to a new book. I have been reading your books since your first Joanna Brady book came out. This year, I’ve reread Joanna, Ali and Beaumont as audio books. I feel like I’m walking with you as I go out and walk around the neighborhood with my dog. You are good company! Thank you and please keep writing. Carole Olson
I look forward to reading your blog every week – I don’t always comment but I always enjoy it. I tried walking backward tonight while getting my last 500 steps – and since I do a lot of my steps in the house (which I learned from your blog) I have a clear path to go back and forth – I think I will try to do some each day. Walking is part of my bone building program as I age! I am listening to Minor in Possession and have enjoyed going back to Beau’s early sobriety! Excited to know a new Beau book is in the works! thank you for letting us know more about you each week.
I didn’t accidently find you by stumbling into your blog. I don’t think blogs existed yet when I found you. We were on a vacation in Tucson and took a day trip to southern AZ and stopped in Bisbee for lunch. We walked around town for awhile and passed a book store. of course I slowed down to see what was in the window. There was a display of your books and I paid attention to the author. When we got back to Illinois, I looked you up and went to the library looking for your books. I created a list of the books in order by series and by pub date. This was before I knew you could find such a list online. Then started the search for copies to read. It took awhile, but I did get to read them all. So between the library for the very first books and the purchase of more recent ones, I’ve enjoyed them all. Ali Reynolds is my favorite. Having seen the red rocks of Sedona and visited Bisbee and Tucson, I feel at home in your AZ books. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours too.
Being retired, I don’t always pay attention to times and days. So I just realized that it is Sunday and I hadn’t read this weeks blog. Oops. I taught school for 36 years, 20 of those in kindergarten. So I am an experienced backwards walker. When taking class somewhere, usually walked backwards so I could keep an eye on everyone. Maybe I should take that up again.
Hello!
I will try that backwards walking thing. My house doesn’t have a hallway (small bungalow), but I will make it work. Cold, nasty weather is upon us, so indoor walking is necessary.
Can’t wait to read The Girl from Devil’s Lake! I am so spoiled. I tell everyone about your talent for telling amazing stories.
Have great holidays!