As a mystery writer, I try to get all of the crime details right. I mean, noone wants to read a mystery that makes no sense. I have read a mystery or two that didn't add up and I don't want to do that to my readers. So, I have bought several books about crime scenes and police methods, but while writing latest mystery I came across a website calle Forensic Sciene Simplified. This website is simply amazing it has everything a mystery writer could want to know. It has 15 different sections that expain in cool detail about fingerprints, toxicology, trace evidence, and more. I do believe I have hit the jackpot with this webiste and I can't wait to dive into all 15 different sections. I believe this will help me write better mysteries and that is something that makes me very happy and excited for the next mystery that I write.
Until next time....
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My entry for today is a quick update on my reading list. I started the reading challenge on Goodreads in February this year, but I have to confess that I have had a difficult time finding the time to read. Or when I finally get done at the end of the day, I'm just too tired to read. Imagine that...I never thought I would say that but it's true. Also, I've come across several books that I have started but was unable to finish. I'm not sure if this is because I am a writer now and have a harder time reading or because the books were just not good. I really don't like when a book doesn't catch my interest from the start. Like it takes that author 12 chapters to really get into the story, which I think is ridiculous. Maybe, I'll have more time this week since I'm taking some vacation time. Anyway, I am returning to one of my favorite authors, Mary Higgins Clark, and trying to finish a book series that I enjoyed book 1 of....so hopefully my luck will change.
Until next time.... My entry today is going to be a little different...I've been obsessed with Dateline: Secrets Revealed crime show for the past two months. It comes on Monday - Thursday and every day when I get home after work, I get my dinner ready and sit down for the food and true crime. It is fascinating to me to hear the different stories and how the killers tried to get away with the crime. Who knows there might be a few story ideas in the midst of all this. I have learned quite a bit about how detectives go about solving crimes and just watching how people behave and react to different situations. Anyway, that's the main thing on my mind. I am in the process of getting some promotional and advertising things setup for my new mystery book, but right now I just wanted to share my new obsession.
Until next time.... Well, after months of writing, editing, proofreading, and designing my latest book, The Fatal Truth, is finally ready to be sent to the publishers. I am so excited and relieved that it's finally ready to be sent off. It will be ready for purchase sometime in July, so keep your eyes peeled for the next book in the Kathy Hamilton Mystery series. Book four will continue the mystery of who killed Kathy's mother plus an exciting new case that Kathy will have to solve. There are plenty of twists and turns, and you don't want to miss it. If you want the latest news and info about my books and what's happening just sign up for my newsletter and you won't be caught in the dark. Newsletter Sign-up
Until next time... I have been very preoccupied lately, my fourth Kathy Hamilton Mystery is almost ready to send to the publishers and I am very excited. I can't wait to finally get this book out there! I've also made some updates to my website and I am working on my next book project that, hopefully, will be ready this November. Next year, I hope to get some of my Kathy Hamilton books in audiobook and that will give me extra time to write my first single novel and start a new series. So, there's a lot going on and maybe I'll get a break soon. However, I have to say that I enjoy creating these stories and when I'm writing it doesn't seem like work at all. Anyway, on a completely different note, I recieved the nicest compliment about my Ruff Rewards book the other day and it just really made me day. It is so rewarding to hear from readers how much they enjoyed the books that I've written. So, just a quick update about what I'm up to and what's coming up.
Until next time.... For this blog post I thought that I would share one of my On-the-Scene newsletter articles. This article was for my April newsletter.
What inspires you? I was trying to write my inspirational article for my newsletter, and this is what came to mind. These are just some of my thoughts on what ‘something inspirational’ could be. What inspires you? Is there something or someone that gives you a feeling of enthusiasm to do something? For me, I might see or read about something that somebody did that inspires me to go about my day in a better frame of mind, but really, it's the little acts of kindness that stick with me. Acts of kindness showed to someone not because they should but because it was the generous thing to do. A lot of the time they go unnoticed, probably because we're too busy, to see them. However, they do still happen, but if you are in doubt about that then why not be the inspiration yourself. Instead of waiting to be inspired by something great, why not be the inspiration yourself. At a time when so many are stressed, tired, and confused why not take a moment to show some kindness to someone. Who knows maybe your act of kindness will inspire them to do the same. If you like what you've read, then sign-up for my newsletter here. Until next time... A few random thoughts for this post. First, I have created an Author Facebook page for my penname Elisabeth Casteen. I'll probably use it mostly for advertisement purposes, but I'll post my new releases and information as well. It's something I've been thinking about for quite a while and the only reason I hestiated was that I would be adding another thing to my plate. But you gotta do what you gotta do. I have also just finished editing my fourth Kathy Hamilton mystery, The Fatal Truth. Now, I feel I could sleep for months...it's so tedious and exhausting. So relieved that part of the process is over. I am still in the process of trying to schedule some book events for this year, not sure if I'll increase the number from last year. I'm going back-and-forth between online advertising and book events - how my money would work best basically. Everyone has an opinion about this...still trying to form mine. So, like I said just a few random thoughts this time.
Until next time.... A few random thoughts for this post. First, I have created an Author Facebook page for my penname Elisabeth Casteen. I'll probably use it mostly for advertisement purposes, but I'll post my new releases and information as well. It's something I've been thinking about for quite a while and the only reason I hestiated was that I would be adding another thing to my plate. But you gotta do what you gotta do. I have also just finished editing my fourth Kathy Hamilton mystery, The Fatal Truth. Now, I feel I could sleep for months...it's so tedious and exhausting. So relieved that part of the process is over. I am still in the process of trying to schedule some book events for this year, not sure if I'll increase the number from last year. I'm going back-and-forth between online advertising and book events - how my money would work best basically. Everyone has an opinion about this...still trying to form mine. So, like I said just a few random thoughts this time.
Until next time.... Not too much to write about today. I've been going through the edits for my latest mystery, The Fatal Truth so that's been taking up most of my time. However, I did want to mention an awesome comment I got the other day. I was at the library and saw one of my readers at the front. He had checked out my third book a few days ago, so I just wanted to say hi. He told me that he had already finished my book and couldn't wait for the next one. We started talking about some of our favorite authors and then he told me that I was his new favorite author. That complement really made my day and it's things like that that really help me to keep going, especially when I get bogged down in tedious book edits or a book event doesn't go as well as I would've liked. Anyway, just wanted to mention that and to say thank you for all the wonderful complements that I have received from readers. It means more than you could ever know.
Until next time.... Just a few things on my mind as I'm writing this. I've started my first carousel ad for my Kathy Hamilton Mystery series on Facebook. I've always wondered if carousel ads or single-image ads are better. It's nerve-racking making sure you have the right image that will resonate with readers, so that they will notice the book that you've spent so many hours on. To me, running ads is more of an art than a science. I don't think there's a magical formula for it to work every time. I think sometimes you just have to get lucky, and hopefully your ad will connect with potential readers amidst all the other things running across their screens. Anyway, I have also been trying to find book deals and leads for my newsletter each month, and so far, I think I've done pretty well. However, sometimes the deals I find run out just after my newsletter comes out which is, to say the least, not ideal. Just another thing to think about (as an author) and try to come to a 'sensible' solution for. Lastly, I have started outlining my first psychological thriller novel and I'm very excited and nervous about this project. On one hand I want it to turn out well and on the other I'm hoping that I'll do it the justice it deserves. So, the only thing to do is to jump in and see what happens. Anyway, I guess that's all for now.
Until next time.... |
AuthorA North Carolina author who published her first novel, Killer Deception, in 2020. She doesn't profess to be a professional blogger, just a writer with many thoughts. Archives
May 2024
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