Writer’s Corner

Last night I attended a webinar for a writer who belongs to the Crime Writer’s of Canada which I belong to. I won’t identify him because he said that you have to give away a lot of books and I don’t want people bombarding him for free books. He knows where I live, since he is part of the Board. I thought the entire talk was going to be on marketing, where I have no experience in. However, that was not the case, but that’s ok, because it had me thinking. This is a man who went from being a business man to a writer later in life. He has written four books. I have written four books. I actually had to count. Hold on, I am going to check my website. Yup, I have four! He was actually combining mystery with what he has learned in the business world. I am going to combine psychology/psychotherapy etc…with murder. What he recommended is never write more than a paragraph about the other, in his case business. In my next book, this will be the first time I shall write about such a combination because of the large requests I have had by the public at events. I can just sit down and write a book on couple therapy, family therapy, individual therapy etc……but I don’t want to. It is my work. Writing books is my passion; my life; my creativity. I have been doing so, since I was a child. However my life is also being a therapist. So, why not combine it all? Can it hurt? I don’t think so. I had one Author, his name is Steve Shrott approach me a few times at Word on the Street and it was he who suggested I join the Crime Writers of Canada and that I should write about “what I know.” I actually read his book, “Audition for Death” which is very funny. However, what brings me to mind is Toni Morrison whom when teaching students told them not to write what they know, because they know nothing. She told them to use their creativity. I have lived and worked long enough to have more than just creativity. Yes, I can write what I know, but that isn’t fun and when I write, something happens - the words write themselves onto the paper. I go into the direction my characters and their plots where they want to go to. My characters come alive and write their own stories. I need to always be open to learn and I am curious, a few of the traits, last night’s speaker spoke of. He said that as writers we need to connect with every reader. I agree but sometimes that connection is not there for everybody because we are all different. I can have one reader love me and another hate me for what I write. He said that people will buy our books if they like us. He talked about author events which I am always keen to attend. I am returning to Word On The Street, this year and hope to see you there. Then he said something that caught my attention. He said that John Grisham, one of my favourite writers ordered 1000. of his first book for a library event and then kept 900 of the remainder in his car to sell. You know, I never keep books in my car and that is something many authors seem to do. They have their books everywhere and I have bought a book more than one occasion which was pulled out of a purse or deep pocket. Where would I keep my books? Under my hair? Let me think? I really am not a business person, but should heed some of the repetitive advice I hear. He also said that not until someone read Grisham's book and turned it into a movie, that things went crazy. Well, not exactly his words, but you know what I mean. The same happened to Stephen King, my favourite all time horror author whom I discovered when I was serving in Europe. His books were in the library and I read each one. I was hooked. The Author last night said what prompted him to write books was when he believed he could write better than what he was reading. I have thought that at times as well, though I would never say it. Oooops, just did. I don’t identify the authors. I think that is mean. Sometimes, it is not true, as well. There is one Toronto Author whose books I have read and another Author was bashing him on social media. It was awful and untrue. I thought the rage was more than about his books. Not nice. I stayed out of it. However, sometimes I wonder. Not that long ago my sister asked me to read a book because she wanted my opinion. She said that it was among a series which she didn’t know when she ordered it, and that the Author had been on the best sellers list for New York Times, I believe. Since my sister asked, I read it or most of it. It was too terrible to finish. There was nada in it, except dialogue. I had no clue to what the characters looked like, what their history was, what the weather was like, nada. It was simply people talking to each other. The question I was asked is how in the world could any of this person’s books be a best seller? I have no clue. The author last night also said that if we are self published, we need to stop identifying our selves as that. Oooops, I am self published, no I am not, then what am I? Then he explained why? Apparently, there are a lot of people out there who write trash (not his words) publish it and sell it. Now, I have used the same publisher and each time she states after she reads it, that she accepts and sends me a contract. The Author last night said the trashy self published use cheap covers etc…I love the covers of my books and get compliments about that all the time. Some people buy my books simply because of the covers. Others buy my books because of Holy Terror and some buy just because. So, if anyone can think of another name, by all means I am always open to suggestions. I have attended webinars where I have been told the opposite. However, I believe they were the Americans sisters and of course it is known that I love Americans. Speaking of which…..I had to mail “Ominous” books and realized that I had run out of packaging so I rushed to the dollar store and there was a man blocking my route in the aisle. He turned looked at me and I saw a beast. He had hair all around his face and I wasn’t sure which was facial hair or hair that should originate from the top of his head. I was in the presence of a werewolf, and I could feel my eyes widen, as he stared at me. All of a sudden, he smiled, the most radiant smile, which lit his entire face and seemed to glow. Wow. The beast had turned into a prince and with a southern American drawl, he said still smiling and radiating, “You, trying to climb up my back?” I don’t know how to write in a southern drawl. My eyes still wide and uncertain how I am feeling, replied “sorry” and departed quickly to find my envelopes. I thought I would share that because I now find it funny. What I find interesting is that everyone has an opinion and that is how it has worked for that particular Author. It is all good as I navigate the possibilities. I was watching a documentary about Agatha Christie. I have read all her books. Apparently “The Affair at Styles” was turned down about six times. What comes to mind is when one person who was reading my book (as a professional), “The Internet Murders” told me that the book was not reflective of my city. You know, I have lived in Toronto for most of my life aside from my work details and being born outside the country but arriving here at 18 months of age. The only other places I have frequented is Montreal and Niagara Falls, so here is a person who comes from the middle of nowhere out West, telling me about my city and how I don't seem to know it. Which brings to mind, that last night’s Author said we should always be polite regardless of the bashing we will get. I try to be. I don’t normally become rude. I have been called everything under the sun and realize that people come from their own space and many are suffering. This is just from my previous careers, never mind my writing. The one thing I do find annoying is when I am asked if the book I have written is any good. I sometimes do say, “No, I did my best to write the worse ever” or words to that effect. On that note. I think, “Ominous” is the best I have written. I think that each book has been different from the other and won’t get into details now or ever or maybe later. The message I got was get a movie right and you will sell your books. However, he did say that you cannot write because your mission is to sell many etc….and I agree. He said there are 4000 new books out each day. I hope I got the number right. He said that even King and Chrisham have commented on the amount of competition. I think they are ok. Now, I am going to let you know also if you are writers to be careful. There are so many scams out there and some are false promises of film deals. It is terrible so don’t get too excited until you do your homework. Make sure that they are legitimate. So a film deal? That will supply me with an income? All you need to write is a room of your own as declared by Virginia Woolf, if memory serves me well. You know, we have a Tik Tok American food critic, Keith Lee, who happens to be in Toronto and he has sales soaring from local restaurants. I was watching a group from one kitchen thanking God in a circle. It is nice to see people not shy from thanking God. Do you think I can convince Keith Lee to take a bite out of one of my books? How would that taste? Wonderful!!!!!!! Good talk.