First a word to the wise. If you’re going to send me an email, one you actually would like me to read, don’t begin by saying, “I hope you are doing well.” That’s the way all the spam emails start—the ones from The Great Plains Book Club, The involved Readers Book Club, and countless other equally bogus book clubs. Two of those so far today, but it’s early hours. There will most likely be more, but the point is, I don’t get past that first sentence on those without hitting the delete button.
But for real emails? They come in, I read them, I answer them, and I keep them. I’ve just reviewed my correspondence with a lady named Chris. Her last name has been redacted to protect the innocent. She formerly lived in Louisiana but now lives in Maryland. My first correspondence with her occurred back in 2014 where we were sorting out her then-current location. Later we went through a series of notes back and forth about autographed bookmarks. (Sorry I’m no longer doing those.)
As I was reading through one of her notes from 2020, here’s what she said: “If you want to kill off another character, how about Marliss? LOL – The character we love to hate! I think it would be interesting to see how Joanna would handle a homicide investigation of someone she dislikes. Would Joanna have to force herself to care, and to be professional and do her best work? Plus, Marliss would probably have made lots of enemies. Then again, you’d have to bring another busybody to Bisbee. Just a thought.”
Did that suggestion from her rattle around in my subconscious for the next five years until Marliss ended up biting the dust in The Girl From Devil’s Lake? At the time I wrote that scene in the book I could have sworn that was all my idea, but maybe not.
This year I learned she had a daughter who wants to be a writer and who also was expecting a baby. It occurs to me that her writing will end up having to wait a year or so or maybe more. She also sent me a recipe for ginger snaps which I have yet to try making, but which sound delicious.
I also learned that she’s a member of a book club. I’ve never belonged to one of those. I’ve spoken at a few over the years. The ones I visited to focus their attention on literary fiction which, as Tony Hillerman told me once, is where nothing much happens to people you don’t like very much. I write books to tell stories. I’m not interested in the symbolism involved. On occasion, what someone else might see as symbolism is just me finding a way to complete the chapter I’m currently battling.
But as I said, Chris does belong to a book club, and this year when it was her turn to host, instead of asking members to read a single book, she suggested that they choose whichever one of my books they wanted to read. And that’s the photo that’s featured here—Chris’s book club have just finished discussing any number of my books.
It turns out that a few of the members had heard of my books before, but most hadn’t. As a result Chris did me the favor of introducing my books to a whole new group of readers, and believe me readers, both old and new, are my bread and butter.
So thank you Chris Nolastname. I hope your book club members are still reading!
You definitely are a story teller! My wife’s Mother and Stepfather were in a storyteller group back in Virginia. The name of the group escapes me now. I always loved hearing them tell stories, only wish I had been able to hear more. Since we live in California and them in Virginia visits were not very often. Funny how one looks back on life and wish things had been different, but at the time that’s the way it seemed best.
Thank you for another wonderful blog.
I loved your Hillerman quote about literary fiction. Recently I borrowed John of John to expand my reading scope. But decided after ~ 50 pages that I did not care about any of the characters and went back to the genre stories, like yours, that I enjoy so much. The most recent was Calico by Lee Goldberg, which melds police procedural with time travel and historical western – a tour de force in my opinion.
Thanks for all your terrific books over the years.
By the way, I am joining a book club in October. Specifically for socialization, which I keep hearing is necessary to us older folks for our health. I’m a widow for almost 40 years and live alone. It is too easy to live through stories in books, especially ebooks not even requiring trips out of the house to the library or bookstore. And this book club goes out to lunch after each monthly meeting.
I always tell folks about your books. They call me back with great reviews. You are well respected. Have a great day. Larry
Funny, I have been reading books since I learned to read. I was librarians favorite in grade school and worked in the library in high school, but I have never belonged to a book club. Never interested in joining one. Now I know why…I also, am not interested in the symbolism.
Blessing to you and Bill.
And that’s how it spreads, right? Chris Nolastname told her book club about your books. It was my sister who told me about you. And when I say, “My favourite author did ____ or said ____,” to others, they inevitably ask, “Who’s your favourite author?” So in my small way, I’m spreading the word as well. I lent a friend one of my JAJ books, and she liked it too, so hopefully she’ll look for more, AND also spread the word.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I am a new author (second book releasing in October) and a longtime fan. It took becoming an author for the lightbulb to go on with the thought that author’s like to hear from fans, and I sent you an email saying how much I have enjoyed your books over the years, most especially the Beaumont stories: J.P.’s voice echoes my late father’s to a “T”.
Fortuitously, I didn’t start my email with an enquiry that got it sent to the delete pile, and I had a nice reply from you.
I am looking forward to the next, unnamed so far, Joanna Brady novel. And I do hope you are doing well!
Cheers!
What a good idea! I belong to two clubs – one is a mystery club, so that selecting a variety of books by one prolific author would be fun and could introduce us to new possibilities. I agree with you and Mr. Hillerman regarding literary fiction. Please keep creating great stories and characters.
I was once invited to a book club, but did not join. I like to read what I like to read, not get a reading “assignment” and I don’t want to talk about it a lot, I guess.
I like the idea of telling the book club to read any one of an author’s books, or, in a case like yours, picking a series and telling members to read one or more. We would risk some inadvertent revelations–Marliss alive and annoying or gone–but it would be fun. Thanks for the idea.
Are all book clubs just full of women? My wife’s club is all female like your pictured one
Morning from northern California where it is sunny, bright and on the way to being HOT! ? Anyway, my little community if thinking of starting a book club, and you will definitely be the author I suggest first – how could we go wrong with 3 separate, and equally wonderful, personalities to read? Just thought I’d let you know more people are about to become fans of yours! ?
Although I’m a life long reader, I’ve never had a desire to join a book club. I do share book recomendations with my dear friend from middle school (we are in our 70’s now) Our tastes can be similar in an many ways but there are books she has loved that I just could not get in to. I’m sure she feels the same. I guess a book club would make me feel like I’m forced to read a book I don’t enjoy. Waiting patiently for the new Joanna. I hope the fires are not affecting you too badly. My sister in Seattle reports some bad air quality days.
Hi, I’m a friend of Gary Karg in Oak Harbor and he forwards your blog to me every Friday. I have read most of your books and have really enjoyed them. I feel that I am involved right in the area that you are talking about. Thank you
I love introducing your amazing books..so far i have shared you with my neighbor, another volunteer as my food bank and my son in law. Always so happy to be able to share the joy reading your books brings.
I was once part of a reading group with Judi Moreillon. She wanted to test her book – Sing Down the Rain – and asked each of us to read aloud a section to hear what it sounded like. Obviously it was a great book and I was honored to be a there at its birth!
Book clubs are great
What a neat way to introduce readers to your books. I know I’ve introduced your books to a few people and they are “hooked” on you. Keep writing.
What a great compliment of your work and now many new readers .
I have been retired now for quite awhile and have purchased your books on Kindle. We try to keep expenses down so my Daughter suggested I try the library so I have your newest on hold . They only have one of course and I am first in line after the current reader is through . I’ve never experienced such a slow reader . It’s been several weeks . I read them so fast it’s hard to wait for the next one . Wishing they hurry up 🙂 Love your books
Second try at commenting, the first one crashed for some reason. I love getting your blog. I am a newbie author and had thought that those stinky phishing emails were only targeted for such as me:new on the block kids who might not no any better than to bite. I was amazed they would try this with a seasoned professional!
I did send you a fan mail last year, saying how much I enjoy your books, especially the Beaumont series. J.P.’s voice is my father’s, spot on. When I read his words it’s like hearing him speak.
Looking forward to your new, unnamed, Brady book.
Cheers!
I’m late this week but will still say HELLO.
Your attitude is so heartwarming, JA. May you keep on forever!
Best to you and Bill. <3