The Chicago Contingent

Hiatus

2010-03-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, with the demands of Kaye Publicity and Hey Dead Guy, I am unable to maintain the Chicago Contingent. I'm not going to take the site down, because at some point, I could find away to balance everything.

Thanks for reading everyone! I truly appreciate your support and it's been a great run!

For writing tips, book recommendations, and must-sees in Chicago, follow me on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

New Post on Hey, Dead Guy

2010-02-26T08:35:00.002-06:00

Check out my latest post on Hey, There's A Dead Guy In The Living Room where I discuss why no one can do everything.

Recently Read

2010-02-25T09:46:00.004-06:00

Back by popular demand, I decided to finish out the week with a few reading recommendations:

THE BLONDE by Duane Swierczynski had me at the opening line: "I poisoned your drink." The book starts at an airport bar when Jack, an unexpecting newsman hears those four words from the blond next to him. The book chronicles the 24-hours after, complete with over-the-top twists, unexpected turns, and pulse-pounding suspense. Told with fresh, cool that fans of Elmore Leonard will appreciate, THE BLONDE will suck you in and won't let you go until the very end.

BOCA MOURNINGS by Steve Forman is a light funny read told in the style of Carl Hiaasen. Although Jews and Baby Boomers will appreciate the writing style and dialogue more than others, P.I. Eddie Perlmutter is a memorable character who can be enjoyed by all. The aging detective sets up shop in a retirement community in Boca Raton. He thought his new life would be full of sunbathing and golf, but he quickly learns that even paradise isn't without its crime...

If you like humorous mysteries set in tropical locations, you can also try HEMINGWAY DEADLIGHTS by Mike Atkinson. This mystery series features Earnest Hemingway as an amateur sleuth. The next installment, HEMINGWAY CUTTHROAT, comes out in June, so you have a couple months to catch up on the first.

Next on my list is BURY ME DEEP by Megan Abbott. If you haven't read the queen of Noir, I highly recommend all her books. Haven't gotten to this one yet, but when I saw that it was nominated for an Edgar, I was reminded how much I enjoy her work.

New Dead Guy Post

2010-02-19T08:43:00.002-06:00

Check out my latest post on Hey, There's A Dead Guy In The Living Room where I discuss why books are so much better than movies.

Psych Up

2010-02-18T08:48:00.008-06:00

Whenever I'm out for a run or competing in a swim meet, music always pumps me up and gets me in the mood. If I'm sore, tired, or struggling, there are a few songs that will come through the speakers, instantly psych me up and help me power through.

I find the same can be true for writing. There are mornings where you wake up, sit down at the computer and, you're just not feeling it. Words don't seem to come, ideas don't flow, and your word count goal seems impossible to reach. For me, music doesn't inspire me to write, but there are a few things that can get the creative juices flowing.

Reading. What better way to inspire a novel than to read a great one? Reading a few chapters from one of your favorite books can remind you why you wanted to write in the first place and inspire you to keep moving forward. Nonfiction can be helpful too, especially writing guides. ON WRITING by Stephen King and WRITE FASTER, WRITE BETTER are two that always motivate me.

Getting Out. Most writing is done inside, alone, in a chair. You sit at a computer and make things up. Getting out of the house and exploring your neighborhood can open your mind, reconnect with the real world, and allow you to bring authenticity to the fictional world of your novel. Even if you're not writing about the same city you live in, hearing people talk and interact can be enough to freshen your dialogue and watching the traffic or the trees can help add texture to your scene.

Change The Scene. Do you always work at the computer at your desk? Try sitting in a chair with a paper and pen or heading to a nearby coffee shop. Changing the circumstances can initiate a change in attitude and motivate you to write.

Pep Talk. Every writer should have another writer they can talk to. Spouses and friends are okay, but if they're not writers, they won't completely understand where you're coming from. I think of the writer friend like an AA sponsor: they're there to encourage you and help you move forward while making sure you don't slip. Sometimes calling your writing buddy and talking about your story can be a world of motivation to keep moving forward.

New Hey Dead Guy Post

2010-02-12T08:07:00.001-06:00

Head over to Hey, There's a Dead Guy in the Living Room and check out my post about "Promoting Don'ts".

New Hey Dead Guy Post

2010-02-05T08:29:00.001-06:00

Check out my latest post at Hey, There's a Dead Guy in the Living Room where I discuss the importance of correctly branding.

The Oscars and The Edgars

2010-02-04T08:25:00.003-06:00

Every year, I make an effort to see every movie nominated for an Academy award. Not just best picture, but every movie with a Best Actor/Actress nomination, Best Screenplay, even a few of the foreign films when they come to town. So you can see I was overwhelmed when they announced not five, but ten best picture nominations. I figured Up In the Air, Precious, and Inglorious Bastards would be nominated, but The Blind Side? Up?

After listening to NPR commentary and reading the buzz around the blogosphere, I learned that the big reason behind the ten nominations is to include more mainstream movies that people who don't live near an art house theater or get every movie in their local Cineplex, would see.

Without going into the politics and saying whether I agree with their decision or not, this reasoning intrigued me. Before, the movies nominated were more obscure, often unavailable to the small-town crowd. They wanted to nominate movies available to everyone. Last year, more people saw THE DARK NIGHT than any of the pictures nominated for best film and therefore, in hindsight, they felt DARK NIGHT should have been one of the nominees.

Looking at the Edgar list this year, I see only a couple of small presses and those are in the Paperback Original and Nonfiction categories. None of the Best Novel and Best First Novel nominees are from independent publishers. In the past there have been a couple (SOUL PATCH by Reed Farrel Coleman, HEAD GAMES by Craig McDonald) but this year, zip.

So both prestigious awards have decided mainstream is the way to go, that nominees should be available to anyone who lives by a cinema or a Barnes and Noble. In both instances, I believe the awards should go to the best of the best, not the best of the most readily available. But the Oscars expanded their list to ten nominees. The Edgars are keeping theirs at six, which means in order to include a book by a big publisher, someone from a small publisher is getting pushed out.

All of this year's nominees are talented authors who deserve the honor and recognition. Like the Oscars, I attempt to read all the Edgar nominees, and I can tell you all of them are great books. But aren't there also some brilliant books put out by smaller houses that deserve to be on that list? And were they not nominated because they weren't mainstream enough? Did the judges hold certain prejudices towards small presses? Or were all books considered equally and nominated solely on their merit and the best books just happen to be from big publishers?

No matter the reasons behind the selection process, I believe these prestigious awards should go to the best movies and books of this year, regardless of availability. Of course, the term "best" is subjective, but I feel that's more true for movies than mystery novels. Good writing is good writing, regardless of publisher, and it's hard for me to believe that the best writing of 2010 all came out of big houses.

They Have Questions, I Have Answers

2010-02-03T08:37:00.003-06:00

For the month of February, I'll be answering questions on the ITW Debut Authors Mentor Forum. If you have questions about publicity, promotion and marketing that you've just been dying to ask, sign up and post on the forum. You'll have an answer within a day!

New Post on Hey, Dead Guy

2010-01-29T16:33:00.002-06:00

Head over to Hey, There's A Dead Guy in the Living Room where I talk about the importance of the book tour. Sort of ties in with what I discussed here earlier this week.

We have returned to regularly scheduled programming...

2010-01-27T08:07:00.003-06:00

Now that I finally feel like I can balance the two blogs, The Chicago Contingent will return to its regularly schedule programming. Thank you for your patience!

Today's topic is something that everyone thinks about but no one wants to talk about and bringing it up can often lead to tension and awkwardness: money. Yes, I know it's not proper and goes against all the rules of etiquette my grandmother taught me, but I'm going ahead anyway. Let's talk about money.

In my experience, authors and publishers are always concerned with cost vs. benefits, and justifiably so. There's no reason to hire a publicist, buy advertising, or create promotional materials if they're not going to pay off. However, in my experience, authors and publishers are often short sighted about the benefits and are growing more and more hesitant to front the money for things without a direct payoff.

Fan Conferences. The truth is, as an author, you will not sell enough books at conferences to cover the cost of your registration fee, flight, and hotel. It's likely you won't even cover half. However, connecting with readers, librarians, even other authors, creates a snowball effect. If one person buys your book, and they like it, they'll buy the rest of your books. They'll tell their friends about your book. They'll review your book on Amazon and others will buy your book. Though not all conferences are beneficial, and you have to pick and choose which you attend, they are important networking tools worth fronting the money for.

Signings and bookstore visits. All of my clients know what a proponent I am of visiting bookstores. As techno savvy and forward thinking as I am, I still believe books are bought and sold via word of mouth and an in-person recommendation beats anything you read online or hear over the radio. Like conferences, it's important to pick and choose which bookstores to visit. Choose those with a good internet business, who have connections in the media, and promote their events through social networking sites. It also helps if the bookstore is in a city where you have a network of people who would come out for your signing. Booksellers see thousands of books come through their doors, signings and events help them pick your book off the shelf and possibly recommend it to a customer. Again, you won't sell enough books at a signing to cover the cost of flight, hotel, etc. but if the bookseller continues to recommend your work and sell your signed copies online, you might make that money back by the end of the year.

Launch Parties. Unless you have the food and liquor donated (which I highly recommend) a book launch party always leaves the author in the red. However, it's a lot easier to draw a crowd with "free open bar" on the invitation. Plus, launch parties are great for leveraging press, especially if they're sponsored or at a unique location.

Promotional Materials. Sometimes the publisher supplies bookmarks and business cards with the latest book cover, but often times, it's up to the author to cover these costs. Bookmarks and business cards are relatively cheap and a good way to have people remember you. If you meet a potential reader, they won't remember your name or book ten minutes later. But if they get home and find your business card in their pocket, they will. Bookmarks are effective because they're something people can actually use. However, don't just plop them down on a freebie table, no one will pick them up. Give them to booksellers to pass out or slip bookmarks in your backlist at the local library. This will ensure you reach your intended audience.

Authors, feel free to comment with other expenses you've incurred that seem worth the money. Readers, do you buy books based on television or newspaper ads? Any specific promotion that made you go out and buy a certain book?

New Gig and New Format

2010-01-14T09:16:00.002-06:00

Starting tomorrow, I will be contributing to the wonderful crime fiction blog Hey, There's A Dead Guy In My Living Room. I'm excited and honored to be joining this talented group of bloggers. My posts will run every Friday, so be sure to tune in!

This also means I will be cutting back on blogging at the Chicago Contingent. The format will return to it's previous state: weekly essays about the writing world with the occasional book recommendation and author interview. To find out about literary events in Chicago, log on to Time Out Chicago and Metromix.

Must-See Monday

2010-01-11T08:59:00.003-06:00

Tonight at 7:30pm, 2nd Story returns to Webster's Wine Bar (1480 W. Webster). Stop by for a wine flight and performances by local authors.

Have you read Jonathan Frazen's THE CORRECTIONS? Dying to discuss it? Head over to The Gapers Block Book Club at The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) tonight at 7:30pm.

Tomorrow, stop by The Cliffdweller's Club (200 S. Michigan) where authors Laura Caldwell and Marcus Sakey discuss their latest novels. The event is part of The Society of Midland authors, and includes a social event at 6pm before the 7pm discussion.

Trek out to the burbs on Wednesday, January 13th where Elizabeth Gilbert will be signing copies of her novel, EAT PRAY LOVE. The signing starts at 7:00pm at the Borders in Oak Brook (1500 16th st.)

Head over to Beckett's Public Ale House (3210 N. Lincoln) on Thursday, January 14th for a cocktail party celebrating the Nelson Algren Awards. Mingle with nominees and celebrate Chicago's longstanding literary award, before the winners are announced on Friday, the 15th.

Since it seems to be a quiet literary weekend, head over to US Beer Company (1801 N. Clybourn) on Saturday January 16th for Cred Fest. The event kicks off at 8pm and includes four great rock bands, but the main event is defintely 20 Mark Helga, who will take the stage at 11pm.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Sell out?

2010-01-06T08:08:00.005-06:00

Despite all the advances with e-book readers, online media, and creative marketing, the world of publishing continues to struggle. There hasn't been a jump in book sales, overhead for hardcovers is extremely high, and after everyone takes their cut, there's very little profit left over.

Lately, I've been musing over different ways for publishers to increase their profitability. Not just by selling more books, but actually increasing their profit margins. For ideas, I looked at newspapers and movies, to see what they're doing right.

Product Placement: In movies, whenever you see the actor drinking a can of Diet Coke or washing dishes with Palmolive, it's not a coincidence. Companies pay to have their products shown in films. So what about books? Bestsellers like James Patterson and Nora Roberts have an enormous following of readers, how much would a company pay to have Alex Cross talking on a Nokia or driving a Ford? Authors name products all the time, but putting a price on those product names could mean an increase in profit.

Advertising: When you purchase a Mass Market paperback, there is often advertising for the author's next book or other books by that publisher. What about selling that space and using it to house ads for other companies? Of course, to maintain integrity, the ads would have to be appropriate:

A Nike coupon in the back of Jamie Freveletti's RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL
A Bloomingdale's ad in the back of Sherrill Bodine's A BLACK TIE AFFAIR
An ad for the Kindle, Sony Reader or Nook "You could have read this on a ___"

If the advertising fit, not only would the publishers earn some money off that space, it could increase sales for the author. Would people purchase an $8 book if they knew they would receive $15 off a Kindle? This could also apply to e-books, in the same way Hulu or online newspapers use ad space. Would readers care if, when they load their e-book for the first time, they see an advertisement?

These are just a couple ideas I came up with and I welcome additional suggestions. Ultimately, fiction is art, and selling art is far different than selling a commercial product. But if publishers are willing to adapt and think of creative ways to make their art profitable, they'll stay in business longer and authors can earn a better living.

Must-See Monday

2010-01-04T09:33:00.003-06:00

Stop by The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, January 6th at 7pm for their monthly book group. Tonight's selection is OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout. No RSVP required and all beer and wine is 50% off for book group participants.

Fans of Sherlock Holmes should head out to the Edgebrook Branch of the Chicago Public Library (5331 W. Devon) on Wednesday at 6:30pm. Nick De Leonardis leads a discussion of the Arthur Conan Doyle story "The Five Orange Pips."

The biggest must-see this week is definitely Sherrill Bodine's book launch. The fabulous event takes place on Thursday, January 7th 5:30-8:00pm at The Palmer House (17 E. Monroe). Help Sherrill celebrate the release of her latest novel, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR, with champagne, cocktails, and delicious appetizers.

Can't make it downtown? You can still catch Sherrill at Bundles of Books in Glen Ellyn on Saturday, January 9th at 1pm and pick up your signed copy of A BLACK TIE AFFAIR.

And for those of you not in Chicagoland, here are a couple bonus events for you:

Author Lou Berney will be signing is debut novel, GUTSHOT STRAIGHT, at Murder by the Book in Houston on Thursday, January 7th at 7pm.

Robin Burcell will be signing her latest novel, THE BONE CHAMBER, at The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale, AZ on Friday, January 8th at 7pm. She's also signing at Murder By the Book on Saturday, January 9th at 3pm.

Best Bets for 2010

2010-01-03T10:30:00.003-06:00

Start the year off right and pick up one of these must-reads:

GUTSHOT STRAIGHT by Lou Berney This witty, caper novel is generating much (well deserved) buzz in the crime fiction community. Berney's debut novel features Charles "Shake" Bouchon, fresh out of prison and roped in for one last job. Fans of Quentin Tarantino and Elmore Leonard will be instantly hooked.

THE BONE CHAMBER by Robin Burcell As we learned last week, Burcell is moving away from police procedurals and diving headfirst into high-octane thrillers. In her latest Sydney Fitzpatrick novel, the special agent heads to the streets of Rome, into the underground crypts and caverns of Naples, attempting to stay one step ahead of a ruthless killer. Fans of James Rollins and Dan Brown, read a suspenseful, international thriller from a female perspective.

A BLACK TIE AFFAIR by Sherrill Bodine For something light, witty and fun, pick up Sherrill Bodine's latest women's fiction novel. The first in a series, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR features Athena Smith, a fashion curator in Chicago. Harriett Klausner calls it "an entertaining joy ride" and Romance Junkies calls A BLACK TIE AFFAIR "a witty and sexy new contemporary romance".

Writer's Block Wednesday: Q&A with Robin Burcell

2009-12-30T09:00:00.003-06:00

Today, The Chicago Contingent welcomes Anthony Award winning author, Robin Burcell. She's here to discuss her latest book, THE BONE CHAMBER, recently released with Harper:

Dana Kaye: You've made a distinct shift from Police Procedurals to high-octane thrillers. What motivated the transition?

Robin Burcell: I read one of James Rollins’ thrillers and I was hooked! There was something about the excitement and adventure of jetting off to other countries, exploring new cultures, and vicariously living the life of an operative working for the government that thrilled me, made me want to experience it for myself. Suddenly, my own life of investigating crime as a police officer seemed so… ordinary. It may have something to do with my passion for the old “Man From U.N.C.L.E” shows when I was a kid. I wanted to be a secret agent. I decided to write a book where an ordinary law enforcement officer was thrust into the midst of a government conspiracy, thus allowing me to live the dream of being a special operative from the safety of my own computer desktop.

DK: How does your background as a police officer and forensic artist inform your writing?

RB: Quite simply it allows me to instill my experience from over twenty-seven years working as a police officer and forensic artist into the book. My protagonists benefit from that experience, since my training is their training. Granted, while I’ve been to Rome I’ve never jetted off through Europe, chasing after criminals and investigating legendary caches of treasure. My crime fighting has only been done on the local level. But that is what imagination is all about.

DK: After publishing five novels, how has your writing process changed?

RB: I’ve started writing on a larger canvas, so to speak. I am allowing my characters to take bigger risks, move outside their comfort zone, travel to new places and fight bigger villains. The writing process itself has not changed that much—unless you count the research. Where I was writing about San Francisco PD in past books, I am now writing about foreign countries, the most recent being Italy. And naturally, traveling to Italy was necessary to make sure my scenes rang true. I might have to set more books in foreign countries. Traveling to foreign countries for research is a lot of fun.

DK: In this economic climate, are you making any changes to your marketing efforts? Doing anything differently this time around?

RB: Internet, internet, internet. I am running a contest on Facebook and Twitter, and hitting various blogs, giving away copies of books to lucky readers as well as some other choice prizes. But I am also visiting a few key independent bookstores in hopes of introducing my work to new readers.

DK: What's the biggest piece of advice you could give an aspiring writer?

RB: A page a day is all it takes to finish a book. I wrote my books working full-time and raising three children, so I understand a busy schedule. At first the idea of writing a book under these circumstances seemed daunting. But when you break it down to small steps-a page a day-it becomes a manageable and enjoyable endeavor.

Robin is heading out on book tour, so visit her author page to see if she's coming to a bookstore near you. Chicagoans, she won't be doing a formal signing in the windy city, but she'll be in town January 28th for stock signings at various local bookstores.

Must-See Monday: The best of 2009

2009-12-28T09:07:00.003-06:00

As the year comes to a close, lets take a look back on some of the best literary events of 2009. Missed any? Make it your New Year's resolution not to miss these must-sees in 2010!

RUI: Reading Under the Influence: 1st Wednesday of every month
This long standing series is a mix of reading, trivia, and of course, drinking. Featured readers take a shot, read a piece of published work, and then ask a few trivia questions before taking their second shot. Prizes include books and drink tickets, what better way to spend your Wednesday evening?

Local Authors Night at Book Cellar: 3rd Wednesday of most months
I've found this is one of the best ways to learn about new, local authors. Every month, the Book Cellar wrangles 3-4 Chicago authors to discuss their latest books. Guests have included Jamie Freveletti, Marcus Sakey, Libby Fischer Hellmann, Laura Caldwell, and the list goes on...

Homolatte: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month
This queer performance series is the perfect combination of prose and music. Twice a month, host Scott Free invites a queer author or poet and queer musician to showcase their work. I've been introduced to many talented writers this way and I almost always walk out with the musician's CD.

2nd Story Festival: Multiple Ongoing Dates
Another great combination of prose and music, only at this reading, the two go together. Organized by the Serendipity Theater group, readers preform pieces of fiction set to music. Depending on the venue, a wine flight is also included in the ticket price.

Did I miss any must-sees? Feel free to comment!

The Chicago Contingent On Vacation

2009-12-23T08:53:00.001-06:00

I'm out of town for the holiday and will be putting blogging on hold until my return. But stay tuned next week for new must-sees and an interview with author Robin Burcell!

Must-See Monday: Your Independent Bookstore

2009-12-21T11:56:00.003-06:00

Because of Christmas, literary events are hard to come by this week. So, instead of trekking out to an Open Mic or book signing, stop by your favorite independent bookstore and pick up something to read over the holiday. Don't know where to go? Here are a few of my favorite Chicagoland indies:

57th Street Books in Hyde Park
Barbara's Bookstore UIC location
Book Cellar in Lincoln Square
The Book Stall in Winnetka
Centuries and Slueths in Forest Park
Myopic Bookstore in Wicker Park
Quimby's in Bucktown
Sandmeyers Bookstore in the South Loop
Unabridged Bookstore in Lakeview
Women and Children First in Andersonville

Weekend Reading

2009-12-18T11:06:00.004-06:00

Wow, I actually managed to post on the correct day today! Since 2009 is coming to a close, this week's recommendations come from my "Best of 2009" reading list. I know I'm missing a few, and to be fair, I'm not including any of my publicity clients (sorry guys!). But don't head into the new year without reading these amazing novels:

IN THE DARK by Brian Freeman. I'm a big fan of the Stride/Dial series, and Freeman gets better with each book. He knows how to craft a story, create suspense, and write dark, beautiful prose.

LORDS OF CORRUPTION by Kyle Mills. If you enjoyed the movie, Blood Diamond, you'll love this book. Instead of exploring the diamond trade, Mills dives head first into the corruption of the NGO's in Africa. It's evident that he did his homework, but Mill's knowledge and research never slows down the action.

THE LAST CHILD by John Hart. This haunting cross between lit fic and genre pulled me in from page one. Hart expertly establishes the bond between twins, and one happens to one when the other goes missing.

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stieg Larsson. No summary necessary, by now I'm sure everyone is familiar with this amazing trilogy. I enjoyed the slow rhythm to this book and how the character development unfolded on the page. This novel is much different than American crime fiction and it read like a breath of fresh air.

THE WAY HOME by George Pelecanos. Another master at character development, Pelecanos explores the relationship between a boy and his father. While there is plenty of external conflict and tension, it's the internal conflict that's the most compelling as they search for redemption. The book is beautifully written and like its characters, impossible to turn your back on.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Etiquette

2009-12-17T09:04:00.004-06:00

No, Chicago isn't a day behind, it's just me! But better late than never, right?

Today, I'd like to discuss etiquette. As an author, there are many things you wish you could do: lash out at the idiot who gave you a bad amazon review, heckle all the agents that rejected you, call Janet Maslin every day until she agrees to review your book for the New York Times. Obviously, you cannot do any of these things without ruining career, but there are other actions that go against etiquette which many not be so obvious.

The Follow Up: If you sent your book to a reviewer or bookseller, you're probably chomping at the bit to hear back. You sent it priority mail, you know they read fast, why haven't they gotten back to you yet? Rest assured. The package didn't get lost in the mail, your book isn't lost in the slush piles, and the person didn't forget about you. People are busy and nagging won't help. If you sent a query or pitch, make sure to review their guidelines before following up. If an agent or editor doesn't have follow up guidelines on their website, give them 6-8 weeks for a query, 3 months for a manuscript. If you're pitching media, 1-2 weeks is sufficient for pitches. If they request a book, wait 3-4 weeks before following up. Jumping the gun can leave a bad taste in people's mouths and may discourage them from working with you.

Online Protocol: Many people don't realize that when they twitter or blog about a subject, it's out there for the world to see. Unless you delete it, it's out there forever. Though it may be tempting to vent about how the new NYT bestseller sucks or how a certain author is such a hack, but keep those thoughts to yourself. Don't vent about your agent or editor over twitter, they may be listening. Don't discuss an upcoming book that you're publisher wants to keep secret. Don't post any photos you wouldn't want a fan or colleague to see. Though most of this seems obvious, I continually see authors talking about their publishing team or dogging books online. Not a smart move.

For Your Fans: Your fanbase is one of the most important elements to your success as an author. They are the people who will buy your books and remain loyal without regard to reviews or bad press. When your fans approach you, treat them as you would a friend. Chit chat, sign their book, ask them questions. I don't care how tired you are, where you are, or how little you want to talk to a stranger. Embrace your fans and treat them with respect. Your publisher may write the checks, but your fans are the ones who determine how large those checks will be.

Networking and Events: Attending conferences and book festivals is a great way to expand your name recognition and connect with your fans. But too often, I see authors conducting themselves in a way that's a turn off rather than a turn on. The biggest one is authors acting "too cool". We're writers. None of us are cool. This ties in with the previous section: embrace your fans. Another is authors getting sloppy drunk and making inappropriate comments. I know you're out of town, the wife and kids are at home, and you want to have a good time. But you're on a business trip, you're there to meet fans and sell books. Getting hammered and being offensive is the quickest way to lose your fan base.

What other etiquette taboos do authors need to be aware of? As readers, what behavior can an author exhibit to make you not want to read their book?

Must-See Monday - Tuesday edition

2009-12-15T14:14:00.005-06:00

I'm blaming yesterday's lack of posting on a brain cramp. I had written everything out, just forgot to click publish. Luckily, the post was restored in my drafts folder and no must-sees were missed yesterday!

This week, check out the Gerber-Hart library annual Holidaze Book Sale. Head over to this longtime LGBT establishment for some great deals on books, music, and DVD's. Check out their website for more information.

Stop by Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark) tomorrow night at 7:30pm for the popular Bookslut Reading Series. Tomorrow's guest is the talented Daniel Nester, author of HOW TO BE INAPPROPRIATE.

Can't catch Nester tomorrow? He'll also be reading with novelist Claire Zulkey at The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Thursday at 7:00pm.

Head over to Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Thursday at 7:30pm to hear punk author of PLEASE KILL ME, Legs McNeil chat with Joey Ramone's brother, Mickey Leigh. They recently co-authored I SLEPT WITH JOEY RAMONE: A Family Memoir. This is one conversation you don't want to miss!

Return to Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark) on Saturday, December 19th for Drinking & Writing IV: The Twelve Steps of Christmas. Celebrate two loves that always go together!

For a non-literary event (but one which I'll be attending), swing by the AJ Kane Gallery (119 N. Peoria) on Friday, December 18th from 5:30pm-midnight to catch photographer Megan Baker's Chicago debut. This talented artist has photographed musicians such as Jason Mraz and Gavin DeGraw and her work has appeared in Eyemazing and Kurv photography magazines. Oh, and did I mention she's only eighteen? So come out, have a drink, and be the first to view this groundbreaking series!

Weekend Reading - The Holiday Gift Guide

2009-12-11T08:10:00.003-06:00

Still haven't finished your holiday shopping? Not sure what to get your in-laws, siblings, or family friend? Instead of Weekend Reading, I'm giving you a holiday gift guide (but of course, you could read all the books here too!)

Mom or aunt: If she enjoys fun fiction, pick up Laura Caldwell's Red Hot Trilogy. The mass market paperbacks will fit perfectly in her purse. If she's into literary, Oprah's book club type books, give her THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett. Mom who doesn't read? Pick up Think Thin One-Pot Meals by Ruth Glick. This helpful cookbook is something every mom needs!

Dad or uncle: My dad is into non-fiction, so this year, I'm giving him HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920's Transformed American Sports by Mike Bohn. If he likes crime fiction, try THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey, GONE TOMORROW by Lee Child, or EVEN by Andrew Grant. For something high concept, try RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL by Jamie Freveletti.

Sister: A lot depends on what type of a sister she is and what you want your gift to say. For something meaningful and heartfelt, give her A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith. My sister is into Victorian novels, so I'd give her TEARS OF PEARL by Tasha Alexander or Murder on Bank Street by Victoria Thompson. If she enjoys fun chick lit, GOOD IN BED by Jennifer Weiner. If she's the corporate type, stuff her stocking with CLIMBING THE CORPORATE LADDER IN HIGH HEELS by Kathleen Archambeau.

Brother: My brother doesn't read anything except the sports section, so I'm giving him THE BOOK OF BASKETBALL by Bill Simmons. If he's into shows like The Wire and Oz, try LUSH LIFE by Richard Price or THE SWEET FOREVER by George Pelecanos. If he's a music buff or tech geek, give him RIPPED by Greg Kot.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Self-Publishing Today

2009-12-09T14:14:00.005-06:00

It seems that lately more people are turning to self publishing. Instead of going through conventional channels, they are printing their work with Lulu or other print on demands, uploading Kindle editions, and marketing the books on their websites. Does this mean that the publishing industry is changing? Absolutely. Does it mean self-publishing is a better option over traditional publishing? No way.

I wrote about this subject a couple years ago, so I won't repeat myself, but a lot has changed since then. E-books no longer carry the same stigma and, in some cases, are actually more profitable than print books. Most of our society has moved from print to digital and books are slowly following. When writers are rejected by agents and big houses, self-publishing seems like a viable option. After all, you get to control your product, the way its marketed, and if you need to, you can change it.

I understand why more and more authors are going down this road, but despite all the changes, the downside of self-publishing is still far greater than the upside:

The Cons:

No Distribution. Chain stores won't carry the book and the indies that take it on consignment will take a large chunk of the profits. In order to hit it big, your book needs to be available everywhere.

No Financial Help. Even though publishing houses don't have huge marketing budgets, they will still give you something. Whether it's free copies of the book to send to critics, promotional bookmarks and business cards, or even providing you with a webpage, the publishing houses offer you something. When you're self published, all those review copies, promotional materials, and shipping costs come out of your pocket, and even though it doesn't seem like much, after a while it begins to add up.

No Resources. Publishing houses have a lot of pull. If you want to be on a panel at a conference, have a book signing at a local bookstore, or land a guest spot on a radio show, your publishing house has the backing to make those things happen. The publicists and marketing team have contacts and long standing relationships that you don't have. If you self-publish, all the market research will have to be done yourself unless you hire an independent publicist, which again, takes money.

Lack of Media Coverage. Even with all the changes in e-publishing, book critics still won't review self-published books. This is due to reasons I explained in my previous post. Media coverage is necessary to marketing a book, and without it, your book cannot succeed.

My advice to writers is get published through traditional channels. If you get 400 rejections, it has nothing to do with the quality of your manuscript. It could be the current market, sales trends, or for whatever reason, it simply didn't strike a chord with anyone you queried. Fight the temptation to self publish and simply put the book aside and start a new one. Once the new book is completed, return to the query-go-round. Eventually someone will bite.

Must-See Monday

2009-12-07T08:52:00.004-06:00

It's a light week for all things literary. So if you're not going to head out into the snow and cold for either of these must-sees, might I suggest staying in and curling up with a book? Preferably one purchased from an independent bookstore....

Literary/art magazine, "Two With Water" celebrates the launch of their debut issue on Tuesday, December 8th at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Stop by at 7:30pm to meet contributors Denise Dooley, Bobby Evers and Nick Sarno, and hear music by four Chicago bands.

It's that time of year! What better way to celebrate Chanukah than with two Jewish, Chicago authors at a neighborhood bookstore? Join Sara Paretsky and Libby Fischer Hellmann at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Sunday, December 13th at 5:30pm for readings, signings, and of course, latkes.

Weekend Reading - Mass Market edition

2009-12-04T09:59:00.002-06:00

The holidays mean traveling, which means airplane reading. No one likes to carry a huge hardcover on a plane, so mass market paperbacks are the perfect travel companion. Here are a few of my favorites:

Just out in paperback is Steven M. Forman's BOCA KNIGHTS. The first in a series, this debut novel features Eddie Perlmutter, a Jewish detective in Boston whose arthritic knees can't take the New England cold anymore. He retires down to Boca Raton, looking forward to a life of golf and sunbathing, but even paradise is not without its crime. It's a hilarious, fun read that, after dealing with security and airport hassles, is guaranteed to put the smile back on your face.

Another recent paperback release is THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter. Selected for Indie's Next List, the fifth installment of the Henry Parker series opens with young man found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body had been dumped in New York's East River. The suspenseful follow up to THE FURY will keep you hooked from take off to landing.

For another nail-biter, pick up Rebecca Drake's THE DEAD PLACE. This psychological thriller chronicles a serial killer who preys on college students in a small university town. As I said in my review of her first novel, DON'T BE AFRAID, don't let the soccer mom exterior fool you, Drake's writing is dark, twisted, and never lets up.

If you prefer pulp fiction for your holiday travels, pick up any of the mass markets published by Hard Case Crime. A few recent releases include THE CORPSE WORE PASTIES, QUARRY IN THE MIDDLE, and THE VALLEY OF FEAR.

Writer's Block Wednesday: The Gimmick

2009-12-02T08:40:00.003-06:00

Most authors have gimmicks nowadays. Tom Schreck has beer cozies, J.A. Konrath has coasters (I'm sensing a theme here), Joanna Campbell Slan has scrapbooking, and Luisa Buehler has coffee. A platform is a theme for what your book is about; a gimmick is something you use to market that platform.

Two questions arise from this observation: what makes an effective gimmick and do gimmicks actually sell books?

An effective gimmick will help you remember the author, or better yet, will never let you forget them. At last year's Love is Murder conference, Jamie Freveletti (a black belt in Aikido) and Tom Schreck (a trained boxer) performed a fight scene demonstration. The image of this petite woman bringing a six-foot tall boxer to his knees is forever burned in my memory, which makes it an effective gimmick.

Giveaways like coasters and beer cozies can be effective because they're things you'd actually use. I still use my BIG CITY BAD BLOOD notepad and my Jack Reacher USB which looks like a Swiss army knife. Pens are kept but seldom looked at, bookmarks and postcards can be easily thrown away, and anything high tech and fancy will be expensive. The items which are used and kept are more effective because people will see your name everyday and, like in the case of my notepad, others will too.

Though effective gimmicks work well to brand an author and increase their name recognition, will it translate into sales? I've never run out and bought a book because someone gave me a cool pen or a snazzy matchbook. Bookmarks tell me a bit about the book and about the author, which could theoretically lead to a sale. However, the fight scene demonstration definitely sold some books.

The difference is personality and author recognition. A pen or bookmark picked up from a freebie table won't directly sell books. A pen or bookmark given to you by an author with a few minutes of conversation might. A unique demonstration or moving speech is likely to translate into sales because readers get a glimpse of the author. A glimpse of the author is a glimpse of their writing, so the more readers know about the author, the more likely they are to read the book.

Not every author has a platform and not every author will have a gimmick. But if something sets you apart, if something differentiates you from others, find a way to utilize it. If you're unique, you'll stand out amongst a crowd of authors, and so will your books.

Must-See Monday

2009-11-30T09:10:00.004-06:00

Kick off December with Tuesday Funk at Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark). Hear fiction, poetry and essays from authors Jennifer Scappettone, Jotham Burrello, Nicholas Michael Ravnikar and Nicholas Kryczka. The night kicks off at 7:00pm.

On Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, head over to Sheffield's (3248 N. Sheffield) for RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's theme is "Snow and Whiskey" and features Literary Death Match champion Jill Summers, performance artist Sean Ewert, 2nd Story ensemble member C.P. Chang and local author Jeff Phillips.

On Thursday, December 3rd, swing by Chicago Comics 6:00-8:00pm for the YI SOON SHIN: Warrior and Defender Issue #1 launch party. Help celebrate the launch of this historical comic book series with complimentary drinks and mingle with the Chicago author, Onrie Kompan.

Depaul hosts a Holiday Book Bash on Friday, December 4th 6:00-9:00pm at the John J. Egan Urban Center (1 E. Jackson). Hosted by "The Today Show" correspondent Mike Leonard and Young Chicago Authors president and WBEZ radio personality Sylvia Ewing, the event features over 30 authors, including Elizabeth Bracket and Janice Metzger. Tickets are $50, $15 for students. Visit the Young Chicago Authors website for more info.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Q&A with Onrie Kompan

2009-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Joining the Chicago Contingent just before the Thanksgiving festivities, is comic book author, Onrie Kompan. Onrie is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, a native to the area, and his first comic book series, YI SOON SHIN: Warrior and Defender, launches today!

Dana Kaye: What was your motivation for writing this series?

Onrie Kompan: I grew up reading many comic books and have always been intrigued by the struggles that super heroes dealt with. I always felt like I could relate to them on a personal level but there was always this line that couldn’t be crossed because none of these heroes actually existed.

When I first started writing comics I found that nothing I had produced was adding any value to the medium. Then one day, I came across a TV show called THE IMMORTAL YI SOON SHIN.

Like many super heroes, Admiral Yi endured very difficult hardships and I believe he stands out more because he existed. Not only is he real but you can also relate to him because he was just as human as everyone else. His philosophies not only guided me through the process of producing the series, but they also had a significant impact on my life in general.

Because so few people outside of Korea know who Yi Soon Shin is, I feel it is my calling to bring his story to the center stage of the world.

DK: Speak a little bit about the writing process. How is it different for comics and novels?

OK: I spent 5 years learning how to write novels and then spent two years unlearning it all. Not that writing novels is a bad thing but comics have a very different flow to them than novels. You need to get the point across very quickly.

In college, many of my professors asked me to slow down when I was writing so that I could see everything on the page. This forced me to pay attention to all the fine details going on in each scene, but I was no longer focused on the actual story itself and I often found myself stopping and asking, “Wait, what’s this about again?” In other words, when it comes to writing, I have a severe case of A.D.D and memory loss.

In prose forms, you control the whole playground and I find that to be a bit distracting. I like to get close to my characters and I like to watch them interact with one another. Writing comics has always felt natural to me because I can let my artist worry about the background details. I’m all about character interaction.

DK: Since this is your first series, what has surprised you about the publishing process? Anything you wish you knew going in?

OK: Oh yeah! I’m still learning things as I go and I’m making lots of mistakes and having lots of breakthroughs. I had many mentors who helped me along the way. Mort Castle and Len Strazewski taught me how to write and produce. My father taught me how to conduct business. All of them have been extremely supportive.

Putting my production team together was a dream come true but there were some difficult moments. Till this day, none of us have actually met each other face-to-face. David (the editor) and I talk on the phone fairly often but the rest of the team is pretty spread out. Gio’ lives in Italy and Adriana and Joel are from Argentina.

Despite our distance and how difficult it can sometimes be to communicate with each other, I have never worked with such a committed group of artists. They are all extremely talented and it’s a great honor working with them.

In my humble opinion, the ride isn’t worth it if you know what’s in store for you. If you decide to get involved in comics, you’re already taking a risk and are in store for a ton of surprises. Some are great and some just really suck. But there is nothing more gratifying than accomplishing the goals you set for yourself and standing out from everyone else.

DK: Which book or series made you want to write comics?

OK: Growing up, I was a huge Spider-Man fan and I always knew that I wanted to write comics professionally.

Over the last ten years, I began exposing myself to more mainstream comics and eventually started developing an interest in independent graphic novels.

I have a great deal of admiration for writers that choose to maintain their integrity and know when to walk away from a project. Alan Moore’s works are a prime example of that.

I would love to write all kinds of comics but I also feel that it’s important to add to the medium. The comic book industry as a whole is in dire need of afresh perspective in order to survive and attract new readers.

For decades comics have been seen as a childish form of entertainment. That’s something I would like to see change over the course of time and I’m really glad to see that there are so many talented writers out there who are telling their own stories.

******
Want a signed copy of Issue #1? E-mail Onrie and he'll send you one! For more information on Onrie and YI SOON SHIN, visit his website.

Must-See Monday

2009-11-23T09:40:00.002-06:00

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Check out "Going Pro" at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph). StoryStudio founder Jill Pollack, author Carol Saller, and Agate Publishing president Doug Seibold discuss what it takes to become a professional writer tonight at 6:00pm.

2nd Story returns to Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) on Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm. Check out this long-running reading series where authors put their prose to music. Tickets include wine tasting.

Friday, November 28th at 8:00pm, head over to the Playground Theater (3209 N. Halsted) for Christopher Piatt's Thanksgiving Spectacular. The Time Out Chicago theater editor has put together a show of storytellers talking about their families. The catch? The families have to be present. No doubt, there will be plenty of laughs. And don't worry if you burned through your paycheck at the Black Friday sales, the event is free!

If you don't laugh enough on Friday, stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Saturday, November 29th for Comedy Night with the Kates. The literary stand-ups who once preformed at Kate The Great's Bookstore have now made the Book Cellar home. Show starts at 7pm.

Weekend Reading

2009-11-20T08:44:00.003-06:00

This weekend I'll be inundated with upcoming releases (STEIN STONED by Hal Ackerman, THE DARKNESS by Jason Pinter, WHY MY THIRD HUSBAND WILL BE A DOG by Lisa Scottoline), but there are still plenty of great books out on the shelves now:

Michael Connelly finally did what his fans (and publisher) have always wanted him to do: write 2 books in a year. Detective Harry Bosch returns in NINE DRAGONS, and Connelly explores the world of Asian gangs. When the most important person in Bosch's life is taken from him, he's forced to do something he seldom does: leave LA.

If you ask Andrew Grant which book made him want to become a writer, he'll tell you it's ICE STATION ZEBRA by Alistair Maclean. It was published before I was born, so the book was never on my radar. But after Andrew's recommendation, I picked it up and couldn't put it down. If you like Espionage or Action/Adventure, ICE STATION ZEBRA is right up your alley. And if you want to write crime fiction, it's a necessary read.

Last weekend, I was up all night reading THE JOKER by Brian Azzarello. Even if you're not a graphic novel fan, it's impossible not to get sucked in to the gripping story, spot-on dialogue, and impressive illustrations. THE JOKER was published prior to The Dark Night's release, but judging by the similarities in illustrations, it's clear where the Hollywood guys got their image.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Expectations

2009-11-18T09:49:00.004-06:00

I'm a firm believer in having reasonable expectations. This doesn't mean you shouldn't set lofty goals or you should have a pessimistic attitude. It simply means accepting the reality of situations and knowing that not everything is going to go perfectly or as planned.

Many authors have lots of unreasonable expectations and I'd like to address a few. This is not meant to be mean and I'm not trying to be a downer. It's simple honesty and I believe the more reasonable your expectations, the better chance you have at exceeding them.

The Expectation: I'll be rich and famous
The Reality: I always laugh when people think we become authors for the money, but apparently, a lot of writers do have the expectation of wealth and fame. Unfortunately, there is only a very small percentage of authors who make six figures and there are more authors who make less then 10K. This isn't to say if you work hard and market yourself you can't get up to that eight-figure-four-book contract, but it's not going to happen with your debut novel. Fame is even less likely. Even authors who I deem famous (Dennis Lehane, Nora Roberts, Junot Diaz) are still unknown to many non and infrequent readers. If you want to be rich, go into finance. If you want to be famous, star on a reality TV show. Write because you want to write.

The Expectation: You'll go on an extensive book tour and pack bookstores across the country
The Reality: Aside from your home town, you will be lucky to have 5 people at your book signing. Many times, it will be you and the two bookstore employees. The reality is, it is very difficult to get people to go to book signings, even for well known authors. I attended a duel signing with Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos at the Borders downtown. There were about 20 people in attendance. That was for two bestselling authors. Over time, you'll build up an audience and there may be a few signings where you do pack the room. But don't be surprised or disappointed when attendance is light. It's just the reality.

The Expectation: Your book will be reviewed in the New York Times and Washington Post, you'll have a feature on the Today show, and your book will chosen for Oprah's book club.
The Reality: If you have a decent publicist, the odds of landing a handful of newspaper reviews and radio spots are good. Odds of appearing on network television? Slim. Big media is hard to land, especially if you're a debut or mid-list author. Even the bestsellers don't always have luck. Online reviews can be just as effective as those in newspapers and an appearance on Leno isn't a guarantee that your book will be pushed up into the NYT bestseller list. Work to attain any possible media coverage rather than focusing on the most prestigious.

The Expectation: You won't have to market or promote your book; that's what the publisher is for.
The Reality: Unfortunately, writers cannot simply sit at their desks and churn out product while their publisher handles the promotion. Bookstore visits, writing conferences, and utilization of social media are all necessary steps for a successful writing career. If you have a supportive publisher, they'll attempt to attain press, maybe take out a few ads, but the grassroots marketing is all up to you. The most successful authors are accessible to their fans, which means attending conventions and scheduling bookstore signings.

Feel free to comment with additional unrealistic expectations. The more aspiring authors know about the business, the better, even if the reality can sometimes be harsh.

Must-See Monday

2009-11-16T07:34:00.003-06:00

Tonight, stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7pm for the debut of Essay Fiesta. This new reading series features readings of personal essays and a raffle to raise money for Howard Brown Health Center.

On Wednesday, November 18th, Jonathan Safran Foer will appear at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State) at 6pm. The author of EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED and EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE will be reading from his latest work, EATING ANIMALS, a book about vegetarianism.

Young and Single? Like comic books? Stop by Holiday Club (4000 N. Sheridan) on Thursday, November 19th at 7:00pm for Dating for Nerds. Though this isn't actually a literary event, this month's guest emcee will be Chicago comic book author, Onrie Kompan. Stop by for board games, comic book trivia, and a chance to meet that special someone.

Head back to Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) Saturday, November 21 at 7:30pm, for the Monkeybicycle and Knee Jerk Magazine readings. The event will feature contributing writers Billy Lombardo, Aaron Burch, Amy Guth, and others.

Writer's Block Wednesday: What I Learned at Court

2009-11-12T08:19:00.003-06:00

For those of you who follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, know that I've spent the last couple of days serving on a jury. It was a criminal case, a drug dealer on Chicago's west side, and although it was extremely disruptive to take off work for so long, I did find the whole experience rather intriguing. I learned a lot about how our legal system works (or sometimes doesn't work), procedures cops must follow when apprehending a suspect, and really how hard it is to convict someone of a crime. All of this information, all of the details I experienced during my two days, could be used in a novel.

Though most of our research is done via the internet, nothing compares to the authority of personal experience. I can go on Google Earth and look at an aerial photo of a neighborhood, but it's not the same as growing up on that block. I truly believe the best research is active research, where you are experiencing something first hand rather than reading an account of it on your computer.

So, should all crime writers stand on the most violent corner to witness crime first hand? Should romance writers attempt to get involved with an unattainable man and overcome obstacles where love triumphs in the end? Of course not. We write fiction because it's more interesting than anything we've experienced. But there are small things we can do to research and bring more authenticity to our novels.

Talk to People. Say you're writing a police procedural or some novel involving a cop. Do not write a single word of dialogue before talking to a couple police officers. Cops have a different way of speaking, a specific way of saying things, and it's necessary to capture that on the page. Is one of your characters a lawyer? An ER nurse? Talking with people in these professions will give you insight into their daily lives, which you will bring into your book.

Explore the City. Most of us are perfectly content to stay in our house for days on end writing and not seeing the light of day. But if you're writing about people and places, you need to get out and experience them. I find driving or biking through different neighborhoods gets the creative juices flowing. If you know what certain neighborhoods look like first hand, your knowledge will shine through in your writing. You don't have to visit every location in your book, that takes too long. But if you're writing about a neighborhood you've never been to before, it's probably worth a trip.

Try Something New. Do you know what it feels like to hold a gun? To dig a ditch? To ride in a helicopter? Trying a few of these things can also help bring authenticity to your book. Again, you don't have to experience everything you write about, that's why they call it fiction. But if you have one or two new experiences a year, you'll eventually build a large stash of knowledge. Visit a shooting range (or in some states, Wal-Mart) and ask to hold a gun. Go on a helicopter ride. Even something as small as swimming in the ocean can serve as important research.

With all of these suggestions, comes a warning: Research is fun, sometimes more fun than writing. Don't get so caught up in the research that you use it as a way to push the writing aside. Remember your goal is to write a novel, a good novel, and while research is necessary, it does not take the place of writing.

Must-See Monday

2009-11-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Stop by The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) on Wednesday, November 11th for Funny Ha-Ha, the monthly comedy and reading series hosted by Claire Zulkey. This month's guests include Tribune critic Maureen Ryan, The Onion's A.V. Club, novelist Kevin Guilfoile, and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde.

Also on Wednesday, Time Out Chicago Kid's editor Judy Sutton-Taylor, reads from her contribution to P.S.:WHAT I DIDN'T SAY, a collection of unsent letters written by women to their friends. Stop by the Book Cellar at 7pm to hear readings from the anthology.

Feel like a road trip this weekend? Head up to Wisconsin for Murder and Mayhem in Muskego. This great library event features appearances by Marcus Sakey, Jamie Freveletti, Andrew Grant, Tasha Alexander, Michael Koryta, Sean Chercover and...who else...oh yeah, myself! Sign up for the Friday evening cocktail reception where I'll be interviewing Freveletti, Alexander, Grant and Koryta and stay Saturday for a long lineup of authors.

Weekend Reading

2009-11-06T08:48:00.004-06:00

This weekend, I hope to read CHRONIC CITY by Jonathan Lethem, which was recently chosen for Indie Next List. For this book, he moves the setting to Manhattan, but hopefully it will be just as gripping as MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN.

Another one in my To Be Read pile is Martin Limon's G.I. BONES. Part of the Sueno/Bascom series, this military novel is set during 1970's Korea. Limon is a master at setting the scene and transporting readers into his world. If you're not familiar with the series, I encourage you to start from the beginning with JADE LADY BURNING.

If you're a sports fan or a history buff, pick up Mike Bohn's HEROES AND BALLYHOO: How the Golden Age of the 1920s Transformed American Sports. This nonfiction book profiles the great American sports heroes of that era , including Babe Ruth, Red Grange, and Bobby Jones. He goes further to explore those behind the scenes: sports writers, press agents, etc. Bohn is a knowledgeable storyteller and his book is a fascinating read.

In Lieu of Real Content...

2009-11-04T11:55:00.003-06:00

Because of work and some family obligations, I don't have time to blog today. Instead, I refer you to some of my colleagues, all of whom have some very helpful writing tips:

Enjoy!

Must-See Monday

2009-11-02T11:02:00.004-06:00

Lots of big name authors are coming to Chicago this week, most as a part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. I've picked my favorites, but visit their website to get the full lineup.

Stop by Sheffields (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, November 4th for the monthly reading series RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's theme is "Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes" and features Chicago authors Kathie Bergquist and Geoff Hyatt.

Also on Wednesday at 7pm, the talented John Connolly reads from and signs his latest novel THE GATES at the Albany Park Borders (6103 N. Lincoln).

University of Illinois's literary magazine Ninth Letter celebrates the release of their latest issue at 57th St. Books (1301 E. 57th) on Thursday, November 5th at 6pm.

Head up north for another lit mag launch on Friday, November 6th. Fifth Wednesday Journal celebrates the release of their fall issue at Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7pm.

Also on Friday, Margaret Atwood reads from her latest novel, THE YEAR OF THE FLOOD at the Merle Reskin theatre (60 E. Balbo) at 7:30pm. Her novel is a follow up to ORYX AND CRAKE. Tickets are $20 for the public and $10 for DePaul students.

Sunday, November 8th at 12:00pm, radio host Victoria Laufman interviews bestselling author Jonathan Lethem at the Art Institute (111 S. Michigan) in the Fullerton auditorium. Tickets are $5, but Lethem fans will agree with me, it's totally worth it.

Halloween Weekend Reading

2009-10-30T07:44:00.002-05:00

When I think of Halloween reads, I immediately think of Anne Rice. If you enjoy vampire tales, try INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE or THE VAMPIRE LESTAT. If you prefer witches, try any of the books in the Witches of Mayfair series.

For contemporary paranormal, try Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, inspiration for the hit show True Blood. Probably best to start at the beginning with DEAD UNTIL DARK.

If you want a non-paranormal Halloween read, pick up Ray Bradbury's SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. The psychological horror story takes place in small-town Illinois one week before Halloween when an eerie Carnival rolls into town and begins to destroy the lives of everyone who participates in its attractions.

Lastly, what Halloween would be complete without the Horror-master himself, Stephen King? My favorites include THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, IT, and THE SHINING even though they all kept me up for days.

Writer's Block Wednesday: The Blurb Revealed

2009-10-28T09:46:00.005-05:00

What's one thing writers hate and editors will always require? Asking for blurbs. Those little snippets on the back of books from New York Times bestselling authors and prominent book critics. They rave about the characters, claim the book kept them up all night, and praise the exceptional prose. A great blurb can give a lesser known book a boost and being paired with a NYT bestselling author in Amazon searches always helps. But are blurbs really accurate recommendations?

Well known authors can receive as many as ten manuscripts a day from authors requesting blurbs. Many of them, in the interest of helping fellow writers, will try and read as many as they can, but obviously, can't get to them all. Others will blurb based on the back cover and first 50 pages. Some will give an okay book an exceptional blurb by finding one or two things the author did really well.

The blurbs are not mean to deceive readers, but to help writers. However, if you pick up a book because your favorite author blurbbed it and the book was bad, does it make you feel different about your favorite author?

After years of reviewing and spending a lot of time with authors, I've learned that there are four types of blurbers:

The Blurb Whore - This is the big name author whose stamp of approval seems to be on every single new release, whether it be a crime fiction novel or a low-carb cookbook.
The Fair blurber - This author will blurb a fair amount of books, but only ones they honestly enjoyed.
The Newbie - This is the recently published author who is so flattered when approached by authors for blurbs, they feel obligated to provide one, even if they didn't enjoy the book.
The Coveted Blurb - This is a blurb from an author who never blurbs anything, and if s/he said something wonderful about your book, it must be amazing.

As a reader, you learn to identify the difference, and the blurb whores will soon lose credibility. A book with a coveted blurb may rise to the top of your list and a blurb from a newbie author may have no affect at all. As an author, it's important to identify a big name author who will enjoy your book and who doesn't dole out blurbs by the dozens. You can go after the coveted blurb, it may pay off, but it's risky and time consuming.

Lastly, there's the issue of conflict of interest. Can an editors ask one of their big name authors to blurb a book by one of their lesser-knowns? Can an agent? Would people outside of the industry notice?

I think now, with Amazon reviews and book bloggers, blurbs aren't playing as much of a part in book buying. Most people will consider reviews and friend recommendations rather than solely relying on a blurb to tell them whether a book is good or not. But looking at all the implications of a blurb and all the outside factors, it's impossible to say without a doubt that the quotes on the back of the book are accurate recommendations.

Must-See Monday

2009-10-25T17:44:00.006-05:00

Head over to the Music Box (3733 N. Southport) on Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm to hear Augusten Burroughs read from his new collection of holiday short stories, YOU BETTER NOT CRY. Tickets required.

Stop by Manny's (1141 S. Jefferson) to hear David Sax read from his new book SAVE THAT DELI. Not only does the book sound entertaining, Manny's is arguably the best Jewish food in Chicago.

Stop by Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) on October 28th at 7:30pm for the Halloween edition of 2ND STORY. This long-running series features authors reading their work with musical accompaniment.

For something different this Halloween, stop by the Irish American Center (4626 N. Knox) 11:00am-9pm Saturday and Sunday for iBam! A Celebration of Irish Books Arts and Music. Author Malachy McCourt, cartoonist Jack Higgins, and Irish rock band Black 47 are all scheduled to attend.

Weekend Reading

2009-10-23T07:41:00.003-05:00

This weekend, I'm diving head first into the stack of books I took home from this year's Bouchercon. My list includes:

DEAD MEN'S DUST by, Matt Hilton. This debut novel had been on my reading list for quite a while, since it released in June. The protagonist, Joe Hunter, is reminiscent of Jack Reacher: a former military operative and ex-CIA agent who gets the job done. When his estranged brother has disappeared because he stole from the wrong man, it's up to Hunter to find him.

BOULEVARD by, Steven Jay Schwartz. This I managed to read when it first came out, but if you haven't, definitely pick it up this weekend. Protagonist, Hayden Glass, is a robbery and homicide detective in LA. He's also a sex addict. And when a string of murders, executed by a sadistic, sexual killer, his two worlds collide.

I'm not familiar with her work, but I also snagged EVIL WITHOUT A FACE by, Jordan Dane. This book is the start of her new series featuring bounty hunter, Jessica Beckett. She's on the hunt for an online predator who's abducted a teenage girl, but soon realizes, she's nothing but a pawn in a terrifying global conspiracy.

Lastly, the book that was on everyone's lips this Bouchercon, is DOUBLE EXPOSURE by Michael Lister. For most, it was the Michael Connelly recommendation that had everyone rushing to pick up this book. For me, it was the back cover. I'll let it speak for itself:

Following his dad’s death, Remington James returns to the small North
Florida town where he grew up to assume his father’s life—taking care of his
dying mother and running the local gun and pawn shop.One fateful fall evening,
as the sun sinks and the darkness expands, Remington ventures deep into the
river swamp to try out some new equipment and check his camera traps.
Encountering the kind of wildlife that made him want to be a photographer in the
first place, Remington gets some of the best shots of his life, but he’s about
to happen upon the most dangerous animal of all—a feral, patient, sociopath who
wants Remington dead.

Writer's Block Wednesday: What I Learned at Bcon

2009-10-21T09:53:00.003-05:00

Get a bunch of writers in a room, guaranteed you'll leave with some helpful writing tips. This weekend, we had a hotel filled with authors, and I left with lots of great insights into the world of writing:

"Everyone has to have skin in the game." --Marcus Sakey
I think this is something a lot of writer's forget. They let their minor characters meander through the book, not serving any purpose. A good rule: if the character has a name, s/he should have something at stake. This doesn't mean cut your cast of characters in half. Instead, give those characters something to gain and, more importantly, something to lose.

"I don't do much research, I just make shit up." --Harlan Coben
Besides causing a lot of laughter from the audience, I know this quote struck home with a lot of writers. We spend so much time doing research - police procedures, setting details, etc. - that we sometimes forget we're writing fiction. Research can give writing authenticity, but it can often serve as a form of procrastination. Don't waste all your time doing research, just make it up. Once the story is on the page, you can authenticate it later.

"Write what your passionate about. Write the book you want to read." --R.J. Ellroy
This is a good alteration to the old adage, "write what you know." For most people, what they know isn't too exciting. Or maybe it is, maybe you're a homicide cop in south central LA. But if you're not passionate about the life, if you have no interest in reading LA crime fiction, then don't write it. Most people take 10 months to write a book, that's too much time spent on something you're not passionate about.

The last quote I picked up was spoken by so many authors, I couldn't give attribution:

"You sell books one reader at a time."
I honestly believe this. While there are many who read reviews or hear an author on the radio before racing to buy their book, most of us rely on word of mouth. If you impress one reader, they'll recommend the book to other readers, creating a snowball effect. Many authors are so concerned with numbers, signing attendance, and media coverage, they forget who's doing the buying. Even after all the technological advances, I still believe word of mouth is the best way to sell a book.

Must-See Monday

2009-10-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

It's a busy literary week here in Chicago! Creative Nonfiction week kicks off today at Columbia College, so be sure to check out the following events at the Film Row Cinema (1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor):

Student Reading today at 3:30pm
Pulitzer finalist Luis Alberto Urrea reads from a selection of his work tonight at 6:30pm
Sam Weller, author of THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES, hosts Words + Music, featuring Sun-Times writer Laura Emerick, blogger Max G, musician Laura Lindeen, and Time Out Chicago music editor Brent DiCrescenzo tomorrow at 3:30pm
The South Loop Review launches their latest issue Friday at 3:30 in the Hokin Gallery (623 S. Wabash).

Events unrelated to Creative Nonfiction week include:

MARLEY & ME memoirist, John Grogan, reads from his new novel, THE LONGEST TRIP HOME, at Barnes and Noble (1 E. Jackson) tomorrow at 5:30pm.

Chicago author, Joe Meno, reads from his new novel, THE GREAT PERHAPS, at Literacy Chicago (17 N. State) Wednesday, October 21st at 6pm.

Also Wednesday at 6pm, Michael Chabon reads from his new memoir, MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS, at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State).

And if that's not enough Literary activity for a Wednesday night, head up to Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) for Local Author night. Readers include Libby Hellmann, Lise Marinelli, and Craig Hickman.

Off to Bouchercon

2009-10-14T21:19:00.004-05:00

I'll be heading down to Indianapolis first thing in the morning and won't be blogging in my absence. I will, however, attempt to Tweet a few of the highlights. If you want a more comprehensive play-by-play, check out The Rap Sheet.

The Chicago Contingent will be back with Must-Sees first thing on Monday.

Must-See Monday

2009-10-12T09:00:00.004-05:00

Tonight, Monty Python fans should head over to Borders (830 N. Michigan) to see comedian and author Eric Idle. He'll read from and sign copies of his new book, MONTY PYTHON LIVE!, written in collaboration with fellow Monty Python comedy troupe members.

Chicago author Sara Paretsky visits the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton) on Tuesday, October 13th at 6:00pm. She'll sign copies of her latest V.I. Warshawski novel, HARDBALL.

Billy Lombardo, another Chicago author, will read and sign copies of his latest novel, HOW TO HOLD A WOMAN at Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Wednesday, October 14th at 7:30pm.

Not much going on this weekend since everyone worth seeing will be down at Bouchercon Indy. This mystery convention is like 100 signings, book launches and readings rolled into one! Good news is, it's not too late to register. Here are a few events you won't want to miss this weekend:

Thursday at 6:00pm - presentation of the Barry, Macavity, Derringer and CrimeSpree Awards
Friday at 9:45am - First novelists speed dating event, get a chance to chat with 24 debut novelists attending Bouchercon, including Jamie Freveletti
Friday at 10:30am - Character Is Destiny panel with Marcus Sakey
Friday at 1:30pm - Michael Connelly interviewed by Michael Koryta
Sunday at 9:00am - Books Bazaar hosted by J.A. Konrath, get free signed copies from over 100 of your favorite authors

Weekend Reading - Bouchercon Edition

2009-10-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

Next week is the 40th annual Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, one of the largest in the world. I deem it the world series of writer's conferences. For those of you heading down to Indy, spend the weekend reading the works of authors in attendance. It'll give you something to talk about at the bar. There's still time to register, but if you're unable to attend, read these books anyway and see what you're missing:

Heavy Hitters
Michael Connelly - THE SCARECROW
S.J. Rozan - THE SHANGHAI MOON
Lee Child - GONE TOMORROW
Linwood Barclay - FEAR THE WORST
C.J.Box - BELOW ZERO

Ringers
Marcus Sakey - THE AMATEURS
Sean Chercover - TRIGGER CITY
Michael Koryta - THE SILENT HOUR
Laura Benedict - ISABELLA MOON
Theresa Schwegel - LAST KNOWN ADDRESS
Libby Fischer Hellmann - DOUBLE BACK
Robin Burcell - FACE OF A KILLER

Rookies of the Year
Jamie Freveletti - RUNNING FROM THE DEVIL
Rebecca Cantrell - A TRACE OF SMOKE
Connie Dial - INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Writer's Block Wednesday: Q&A with Rebecca York

2009-10-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

This week, bestselling author Rebecca York joins The Chicago Contingent. She is the author of over a hundred novels and her latest, DRAGON MOON, was released yesterday by Berkley.

Dana Kaye: Tell us a little about your writing process. How has it changed over the years?

Rebecca York: Every book I write begins with what I’d call a “cool idea.” For DRAGON MOON, the germ of the book comes from the idea: What if a frightening dragon-shifter monster from my parallel universe planned to invade our world? What if he sent a spy here–and she had to figure out how to free herself from his hold on her?

I always get as much of the story down in outline form as I can before I start to write. And I try to develop plot and character together–because they are so intertwined. The characters must fit into the plot, and the plot must keep the reader interested and illuminate the characters.

I always plan to start with a gripping first scene that will plunge the reader into the action. In DRAGON MOON, Vandar, my dragon-shifter monster, flies over his domain, lands and gathers his slaves so he can execute one of them by drinking his blood. Then he thinks about his current project–invading our world and how he’s going to accomplish it.

When I write the first few chapters of my book, I get to know my characters. Although I have an outline, I’m free to abandon any part of it if I think of something better. As I said, I try to write ten pages a day. I always start the next day by editing what I wrote the day before, which gets me back into the story. I try to write fast. Then I spend a lot of time editing my manuscript. Each book I write gets edited on the screen at least once. Then I edit on paper two to four times. I also try to write fast to give myself time to put the book away for a few weeks or months. When I get it out again, it’s like someone else wrote it, and I can be very objective about what works and what doesn’t.

Really, my writing process hasn’t changed much over the years. I just understand it better. When I wrote my first novel, I said to myself, “Let’s see if I can outline part of this book before I start writing.” When I’d come up with part of the plot, I felt comfortable starting the chapters. I wrote the first part of the book while working on the outline. And just as I do now, I edited over and over to make the story better.

DK: What inspired you to write a mix of paranormal, romance and suspense? How does each genre inform the other?

RY: My chief reading material when I was young was science fiction and fantasy with some mysteries and adventure novels scattered in. I didn’t even know that “romances” existed. So it was natural for me to start off writing science fiction. My first published novel was a kids’ science fiction story. Then the romance field heated up, and a friend asked if I wanted to write one. When I told her I’d never read a romance, she brought me shopping bags full of paperback romances. I LIKED them. I’d always loved reading about the development of a relationship between a man and a woman (like the strong romance element in THE PUPPET MASTERS, by Robert Heinlein, for example), and romances were all about that relationship. I wrote a few, but I wanted more plot with my stories. So I was one of the early modern writers of romantic suspense, beginning with the Peregrine Connection series for Dell in 1986-87. In my first books for Harlequin Intrigue (in the early 90's), I started sneaking in paranormal elements. At first I wrote what I call “stealth paranormals” because I had to hide the weird bits until well into the story. The reader didn’t know the hero was a space alien or a clone being trained for a suicide mission until she’d already gotten to know and like him.

As paranormal became more acceptable, I got more overt about using it. I wanted to use those elements that I’d liked so much in my own reading. One book that stuck with me for years was DARKER THAN YOU THINK, by Jack Williamson, about a man discovering his werewolf powers. It made me want to BE a werewolf. Later I read THE WOLF’S HOUR, by Robert McCammon, and that rekindled my interest in the subgenre. I wanted to write my own werewolf story, but I was sure I couldn’t sell one unless I wrote the whole book. It was hard to make myself do that since I was selling to Harlequin Intrigue on short proposals. But finally, I HAD TO write KILLING MOON. That was my first single-title paranormal, and I’ve been deep into the weird ever since. DRAGON MOON is the latest example.

The heroine of DRAGON MOON, Kenna, is a slave from my alternate universe, sent here to help Vandar, her ruthless dragon-shifter master, invade our world. She meets werewolf Talon Marshall, is drawn to him, and desperately wants to tell him the secret she’s been commanded to hide. But every time she tries to reveal her plight, excruciating pains stab into her head. Even as Kenna and Talon fall in love, he knows he can’t trust her. And she struggles to break through the barriers that control her mind. It’s classic romantic suspense, with the paranormal twists that add so much to the book for me. I love writing stories about men and women falling in love against a background of suspense and danger, so I always have a fast-paced plot with plenty of frightening incidents that my hero and heroine must deal with. But the most important thing about any plot element is how it affects the hero and heroine emotionally. Like when Talon comes home from a wilderness expedition to find Kenna attacking a man who came to Talon’s lodge to burn it down. Or when Kenna’s programming forces her to rob a nearby house, and Talon watches her in wolf form. Knowing she’s a thief sends him off on a near disastrous course.

DK: In this economic climate and with the world of publishing drastically changing, how are you shifting your marketing efforts? Are you doing anything differently this time around?

RY: I’ve been looking for more ways to bring my books to the attention of readers. Several books ago, I decided there was value in having a book trailer made because it’s something you can “show” people. Circle of Seven, which produced all my book trailers, is offering more services to go along with the trailer (like podcasts), which I’m taking advantage of. I’m also doing more guest blogging, and I’m taking more advantage of Facebook and Twitter, and trying to increase my followers.

DK: What piece of advice can you give aspiring writers?

RY: Don’t think that because you’ve written something, it’s set in stone. Be prepared to revise and improve your work. Shoot for the best markets first. Don’t try “easier” publishers until you’ve struck out with the bigger ones.

Must-See Monday

2009-10-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

Marcus Sakey will be signing copies of his latest novel, THE AMATEURS, at 57th St. Books (1301 E. 57th) Tuesday, October 6th at 6:00pm.

Stop by Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, October 7th for RUI: Reading Under the Influence 7:00-10:00pm. This month's theme is "Where the Wild Things Are" and will include readings by Devin Polderman, John Flaherty, Rob Duffer, and Jesse Jordan.

Also on Wednesday is Patrick Somerville at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State) where he'll read and sign copies of his debut novel, THE CRADLE. The reading is part of the Chicago Book Festival which lasts until the end of October and will host events at libraries throughout Chicagoland.

On Thursday, October 8th, Prose, Poetry and Pints returns to Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). This month's featured readers include the talented Darwyn Jones, Mark Richard Zubro, and Rick Karlin. There's also an open mike component, so don't forget to bring something to read!

Weekend Reading - Birthday Edition

2009-10-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today marks the three year anniversary of The Chicago Contingent! I remember when it all started: after attending Bouchercon Madison in 2006. So, in honor of my blog's birthday, I'm recommending books published around the time The Chicago Contingent was born. Some books will be a trip down memory lane, others you may have missed the first time around:

THE MEPHISTO CLUB by Tess Gerritsen. She's among my favorite authors and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I had read all her previous books and I remember anxiously awaiting the release of her latest.

Just as nice and just as talented is Julia Spencer-Fleming. When I met her at Bouchercon Madison, ALL MORTAL FLESH just came out. I never thought I could enjoy a book whose protagonist was a priest, but Julia proved me wrong.

And of course, the lovely John Connolly and THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS. Not a mystery, but a sort of fairy tale for adults. He demonstrates that it's always possible to cross genres, as long as you do it well.

Lastly, I couldn't forget the publication of THESE GUNS FOR HIRE. This short story anthology, published by Bleak House, seemed to include every author I could think of: David Morrell, Lawrence Block, Sean Doolittle, Marcus Sakey, Max Allan Collins and others. Lots of great stories, all about hit men.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Q&A with Jason Pinter

2009-09-30T08:00:00.006-05:00

This morning I have the pleasure of hosting Jason Pinter, author of the Henry Parker series. His latest installment, THE FURY, launched yesterday from Mira Books.

Dana Kaye: Tell us a little about your writing process. How has it changed from book one to book four?

Jason Pinter:Writing the first book, the hardest thing for me to learn was pacing. I think most every first novel is a little overwritten, and when writing a thriller the first think you need to do, as Elmore Leonard so wisely said, is cut out the boring stuff. So I trimmed probably about 70-80 pages from THE MARK. Now as the series progresses, I feel like I have the pacing down pat, but I want to make sure that every book keeps the characters growing and changing. If the book doesn't have some sort of emotional impact on the character, it's not worth writing. I want readers to have a stake in what happens to the characters, so that's something I've worked hard on, especially in the new books coming out.

DK: THE FURY is out now and the THE DARKNESS is out in December. Multiple books a year seems to be the growing trend. What led you to publish two books back to back? Is this something you'll be doing every year?

JP: When it came time to write the fourth book in the Henry Parker series, I wanted to do something different and bigger. Probably my biggest inspiration for these books was James Ellroy's masterful L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. And what I loved about that book was how he took a seemingly isolated incident, the Nite Owl murders, and as you looked closer you saw it was the tip of a massive and sinister iceberg. I'm no Ellroy, but I wanted to write a story that was much larger in scope, intimate in character, but possibly a snapshot of the time (as Ellroy's book was of 1950's Los Angeles). I'm not sure if this will happen every year, but I think that because these two books should be read back to back it works well.

DK: You came from a publishing background as an editor. How has this shaped the way you write?

JP: I think I'm a good self-editor, and I also listen to my editor (who is very, very wise). I've fought battles before with authors who refused to believe that I had their best interests in mind. And anyone who thinks their prose doesn't need a fresh set of eyes probably isn't a very good writer. So I'm a pretty ruthless self-editor, but I also almost always defer to my own editor, as she's really made every one of my books better.

DK: Newspapers are shutting down, indie bookstores going under and kindle sales on the rise. How has the rapidly changing world of publishing changed your marketing strategies?

JP: Much more attention has shifted online, and that's both a blessing and a curse. Rather than add to newspaper coverage of books, online coverage seems to be replacing it. Newspapers in a lot of ways signed their own death warrants, but I'll never understand how they can ignore some of the biggest problems with their book sections. Many papers, including some of the biggest in the country, seem to almost willfully ignore the books that people are actually reading. And when you lose touch with your readers and the community, you're living on borrowed time. Thankfully the online community is full of passionate hardworking reviewers, critics and bloggers who don't care about what other people think they 'should' be covering--they just write about what they love. Which is why there's such a great mix of online sites devoted to mysteries, thrillers, romance, literary fiction, non-fiction, and everything else. I only wish newspapers would embrace such diversity.

DK: You mentioned earlier that James Ellroy inspired THR FURY. Has Ellroy read THE FURY? Any joint signings in your future?

JP: I wish and I wish. Though Ellroy is on Facebook, so perhaps I can cyberstalk him. Can one be 'The Demon Dog of Facebook'?

DK: What's one piece of advice you can offer aspiring writers?

JP: Use rejection as fuel. We've all been there, we've all faced rejection, but the successful writers internalize that frustration and anger and use it to hone their craft. It's easy to blame external forces--editors, agents, the industry--it's harder to sit back, look in the mirror and work your butt off. Success is often as much about discipline as talent.

Must-See Monday - Tuesday edition

2009-09-29T08:58:00.003-05:00

For me, the only must-see yesterday was the inside of my synagogue. But despite the late start, there are still plenty of literary happenings this week:

Tonight's featured must-see is James Ellroy who will speak at the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State) at 6pm. Don't miss the "Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction".

Also tomorrow at 6pm, Audrey Niffenger will be signing copies of her long awaited second novel, HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY, at the Newberry Library (60 W. Walton). Don't want to miss Ellroy? Niffenger is also signing tomorrow at 7:30pm at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark).

The Chicago literary magazine, MAKE, is having their release party on Thursday, October 1st. Stop by the Roots and Culture Contemporary Art Center (1034 N. Milwaukee) at 7pm for readings by Rob Schlegel, Rob Duffer, Brian Anderson and Emily Ferris.

On Friday, October 2nd, head up to the Book Stall in Winnetka (811 Elm) for the Ragdale Foundation opening cocktail reception and supper at 6pm. Ragdale is a wonderful organization and reservations are required, so visit the website for more information.

Weekend Reading

2009-09-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Seems like I only recommend fiction, so this weekened, I've decided to post a few of my favorite non-fiction books:

Ray Bradbury fans should pick up THE BRADBURY CHRONICLES by Sam Weller. Sam is a Chicago author and spent months with Bradbury in preparation for this biography. It's a fascinating read and you learn everything you could possibly want to know about the world famous author.

More than biographies, I love reading writer's journals to gain insight into their life and their writing process. Some are comical, some are profound, others can be very dark. A few of my favorites include THE DIARIES OF FRANZ KAFKA, Albert Camus's notebooks 1951-1959, THE UNABRIDGED JOURNALS OF SYLVIA PLATH, and WINDBLOWN WORLD: The Journals of Jack Kerouac.

I believe that all writers should read ON WRITING by Stephen King (which I mentioned in a previous post) but I'm also adding LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING by David Morrell to that list. The book includes much of the same information given in his talks or panels, but those of you who haven't seen the accomplished writer speak should definitely pick up the book.

Lastly, for you Chack Palahniuk fans out there, check out STRANGER THAN FICTION. The true accounts are often more absurd and more unsettling than his novels and short stories.

I Want Fans, You Want Books

2009-09-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Don't forget about The Facebook 50 contest!

The Facebook 50
When Kaye Publicity has 50 fans, everyone will be entered to win one of these fabulous books:

THE BLADE ITSELF by Marcus Sakey (2 copies)
TALK OF THE TOWN by Sherrill Bodine
THE END OF BASEBALL by Peter Schilling
LOSERS LIVE LONGER by Russell Atwood
One of the "Moon" books by Rebecca York

We have something for everyone: crime fiction, women's fiction, historical, pulp, and dark fantasy. Have a preference? Write on the Kaye Publicity wall!

Writer's Block Wednesday: To Blog or Not To Blog

2009-09-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

Writers often ask me, "Should I blog?" Many editors and publicists are telling their writers to start blogging before they even ask. Blogging is a great marketing tool and an effective way to expand your name recognition. I love reading writers' blogs because I can see who they are and how they write before I buy their book. However, if a writer has nothing informative to say, blogs infrequently, or only blogs to say, "Buy my book!" then it's a turn off.

My rule of thumb is don't blog unless you have something to say. JA Konrath blogs about the world of publishing on a regular basis. Sarah Weinman reviews books and blogs about industry news. The Outfit Collective is a team of Chicago authors (since a daily blog was too much of a commitment for any one writer). All of these blogs are clear, focused, and updated regularly. Therefore, they are effective marketing tools.

When I started this blog three years ago, I did it because I had something to say. I had just started reviewing books, recently graduated from college, and had lots of thoughts and musings about writing. Now, I have become more focused, using this blog as a way to promote talented writers, especially those in Chicago, and to help aspiring authors write better books and get published. Full disclosure, this blog is also a great place to promote my clients and my business. But promotion isn't the only reason I blog, which is why, I think, The Chicago Contingent works.

For the authors still unsure whether or not they should start a blog, ask yourself the following:

Do I have something to say?
What would my focus or angle be?
Do I have time to blog? (Depending on length and speed, posts can take up to an hour)
Would people be interested in reading it?

And don't forget all the benefits. Blogging:

Gives readers a preview into your writing style
Expands your name recognition and Google-ability
Helps you hone your craft. The more you write, the better writer you become.
Is an outlet to market your books and interact with your readers.

Bloggers? Non-bloggers? Care to weigh in?

Must-See Monday

2009-09-21T07:53:00.002-05:00

Tonight is Open Mike night at Twilight Tales, the monthly reading series. Head over to the Bourgeois Pig (738 W. Fullerton) at 7:30pm and bring your speculative fiction.

Local author Jeff Phillips reads from his new book WHISKEY PIKE at Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00pm. His book is described as a "bed-time story for adults", complete with illustrations. I'd go just to see what an adult bed-time story would look like.

If you want something that won't put you to bed, head over to Washington Square Park (901 N. Clark) on Saturday, September 26th for the Banned Books Week Read Out. Between 12:00pm and 3:00pm, authors will read from their banned or challenged books with a signing to follow.

High Holiday Weekend Reading

2009-09-18T08:25:00.003-05:00

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown, officially kicking off the high holiday season. In honor of the New Year, I'm recommending books by some of my favorite Jewish authors.

Of course, I'd begin with Phillip Roth, one of my favorites. I first read PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT in college and it blew me away. I thought, "You mean, all Jewish mothers are overbearing and don't have boundaries?" I then read the trilogy of AMERICAN PASTORAL, I MARRIED A COMMUNIST, and THE HUMAN STAIN. All great books, but the next Roth book that really left me breathless was PLOT AGAINST AMERICA. I loved the alternate history and his clever story line.

For a glimpse into the lives of Orthodox Jews in Chicago, pick up CROSSING CALIFORNIA by Adam Langer. It is a great exploration of the northwest side neighborhood, and since I came from a family of Orthodox Jews, it was exceptionally poignant.

Myla Goldberg's BEE SEASON is one of my favorite books of all time. It is an authentic, well crafted story, not to mention beautifully written. This coming of age novel explored Jewish mysticism, parental pressures, and sibling relationships. I picked up BEE SEASON when it first came out, didn't put it down until I finished, and have re-read the book several times since.

There are hundreds of great Jewish authors - E.L. Doctorow, Paul Auster, Studs Terkel - but these are a few of my favorites. Feel free to comment with yours and have a happy new year!

I Want Fans, You Want Books

2009-09-17T10:12:00.005-05:00

I've decided to take my own advice and run a contest for Kaye Publicity:

The Facebook 50

When Kaye Publicity has 50 fans, everyone will be entered to win one of these fabulous books:

THE BLADE ITSELF by Marcus Sakey (2 copies)

TALK OF THE TOWN by Sherrill Bodine

THE END OF BASEBALL by Peter Schilling

LOSERS LIVE LONGER by Russell Atwood

One of the "Moon" books by Rebecca York

We have something for everyone: crime fiction, women's fiction, historical, pulp, and dark fantasy. Have a preference? Write on the Kaye Publicity wall!

Writer's Block Wednesday: Ask an Agent

2009-09-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

This week I wanted to blog about querying agents, but since I don't have an agent myself, I'm not an expert on the subject. Instead I've invited Sara Wolski of Calliope Content to answer some frequently asked questions:

Dana Kaye: What is the first thing you look for in a query letter? Is there something that can make or break that submission?

Sara Wolski: A good query letter is clear, concise, and follows a specific format. I get almost all of my queries via email, and there can be a few pitfalls to that medium. Informality is one pitfall, along with casual errors, typos, improper grammar, and my favorite, accidentally addressing the query letter to another agent or something standard like “Dear Gentlemen.” A great query letter is one that tells me (succinctly) what the book is about, a brief introduction to the author and his writing credentials, and hopefully, it piques my curiosity. Nathan Bransford, an agent with Curtis Brown, has an excellent blog on the anatomy of a good query letter (http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2008/03/query-letter-mad-lib.html).

DK: After you've asked for pages, what do you look for? What's your decision making process?

SW: If the query letter has done its job and hooked my interest, I’ll usually ask for the first three chapters or the first fifty pages. Less frequently, I might request the full manuscript. At that point, I’m looking for a story in which I become completely absorbed – I know what I’m looking for in writing quality so the winning combination is if the craft is there structurally and I can get lost in the story. Assessing the market is also a consideration (i.e. is there a book already published that’s exactly like this, has this story been told before, etc), but overall, if a book has a great story, compelling storytelling, and strong writing, chances are there will be a publisher for it. Sometimes books that don’t quite fall into a clear genre (genre-benders or “hybrids” and whatever else they’re calling them these days) are a bit harder to sell on principle, but “General Fiction” has become a genre of its own these days, so sometimes that’s not a huge factor in my decision-making process.

DK: Agents are always inundated with manuscripts and pages often get lost in the piles. Is there anything writers can do to stand out? Is there anything that will make you dig someone's manuscript out of the slush pile?

SW: The slush pile can be very daunting, but again, a well-written query letter automatically stands out from the rest. Queries printed on scented, pink paper do not stand out in a positive way, nor do query letters with fancy fonts or photos. Authors often forget that this is first and foremost a business, and agents love it when authors are on the same page – kitsch and cute is not the way to an agent’s heart. A professional query is always best. Once a manuscript is requested, if the author is sending it by post, the best way for it to not get lost in the jungle of paper is to label the envelope with “Requested Material” in large, clear writing. Sending it certified mail is another way to assure its arrival without bugging the agent. Sometimes assistants and interns handle the mail and requested manuscripts (and at times will even read it first), so certified mail can be a less obtrusive way of confirming this. However, I don’t mind at all when authors follow up with a short, professional email 3-4 weeks after sending their requested manuscripts. With agents dealing with a million different irons in the fire, a polite reminder can be helpful.

DK: Many agents are saying now, "If you don't hear from me, I'm not interested." What is the follow-up protocol?

SW: This is a product of the emailed query letter, unfortunately. I know how frustrating it can be to send missives out into the ether and wonder if anyone is ever even reading them, so I try to follow up with every query letter with either a “No, thank you” or a “Yes, please.” Some agencies put on their websites that replies are not guaranteed with emailed queries, which is somewhat better, but the best practice is to research each agency to learn their submission guidelines. The way email is, sometimes queries get snagged in spam filters. This is unavoidable, but again, I think it’s acceptable to send a short, professional, and polite follow up to ensure that the query was received and read. If there is still no response, I’d move on. The fact of the matter is that publishing can be a long process and with the amount of agencies out there, there’s no sense in dwelling on whether one of them received a query letter. Authors should be submitting to as many agencies as possible – hundreds if possible! It’s such a subjective process too, so the more agents queried, the better chance an author has of attaining representation.

DK: What is the most common mistake made by writers?

SW: I find that the biggest mistakes made by writers all stem from not understanding the publishing industry. Authors have to realize that this is a business, and even though it’s virtually impossible to be completely objective about one’s book, authors have to separate the rejection factor and the business methods from their intellectual property. Directly related to this is the mistake of letting emotions get in the way. I can’t tell you how many nasty responses I’ve received over the years from authors I have rejected. As a writer myself, I do understand the frustration and desolation of rejection. What writers might not realize is that agents have to deal with rejection with almost every book they sell. Georges Borchardt, one of the most famous agents (with clients like the Tennessee Williams estate, Ian McEwan, Kate Millett, the Samuel Beckett estate, the list goes on!) talks about how Elie Wiesel and William Faulkner were rejected from several big publishing houses before finding their editorial homes in a recent interview he did with Jofie Ferrari-Adler in P&W (http://www.pw.org/content/agents_editors_qampa_agent_georges_borchardt). With email it’s so easy to just click “reply” and send an ugly tirade of insults to the agent that did the rejecting: regardless of how polite and sincerely regretful the rejection may be, some authors insist on having the last – bitter – word. I guess it gets it out of their systems. Needless to say, this does nothing to help them. I have had some severe replies to very nice rejections and have not hesitated to tell my agent colleagues about it. The bottom line is that graciousness and professionalism speak volumes in every situation.

DK: What is the biggest piece of advice you can offer writers seeking an agent?

SW: My advice is to do the homework and stay active. Even when an author is published, there is no time to sit back. To get an agent, read agents’ blogs, research how to write a strong query letter, look up the agencies you’d like to submit to and follow the submission guidelines. Don’t agonize over whether everything is perfect – make the materials as strong as you can and run with it. Send it out to as many agents as possible that represent books similar to yours. Once the submissions are out, don’t sit back and wait. Submit short stories to literary magazines whenever possible, submit articles and make contacts within local publications – learn how to pitch articles to magazine and newspaper editors. The more you develop your pitching skills the better you will be at pitching your book to agents and editors. Create a website and blog frequently and on topic. The more active an aspiring author is about furthering his writing career through every avenue and means possible, the more likely an agent will find him and offer representation – not to mention that the stronger an author’s platform is, the easier it will be to publish the book and most importantly, sell copies.

Sara Wolski is the founder and president of Calliope Content, a full-service literary agency. She is newly based in Chicago after spending four years in the publishing industry in New York and London. She enjoys general fiction, educational books, children's literature, historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, literary fiction, memoir, narrative non-fiction, and business books for the trade. Visit her online at www.calliopecontent.com.

Feel free to comment with follow-up questions for Sara and she'll do her best to answer them.

Must-See Monday

2009-09-14T08:00:00.003-05:00

Not that many readings, but there are quite a few signings and release parties. Here are a few to check out:

Stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) for Local Authors Night on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00pm. This month's guests are Tasha Alexander (Tears of Pearl), Claire Zulkey (An Off Year), Scott Blackwood (We Agreed to Meet Just Here) and Joan Napre (Beautiful Dreamer).

Also on Wednesday, David Ellis signs copies of his new book, THE HIDDEN MAN at the Webster Place Barnes and Noble (1414 W. Webster). The show doesn't start until 7:30pm so you could try to make both, but if not, catch David Ellis at the Oak Brook borders (1500 16th St.) on Friday, September 18th at 7:00pm.

If you'd rather not fight the traffic on a Friday night, head over to Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) at 7:00pm for the Granta 108 Release Party. Have a drink with editor John Freeman and meet some of the Chicago Contributors.

Weekend Reading

2009-09-11T08:38:00.004-05:00

For something new this weekend, check out THE HIDDEN MAN by David Ellis. He's a Chicago author and a newer member of The Outfit Collective. THE HIDDEN MAN is the first in a series featuring attorney Jason Kolarich and has already received much critical acclaim. Also, be on the lookout for Ellis's signings in next week's Must-See Monday.

Another new release is TOWER by Ken Bruen and Reed Farrell Coleman. When you combine two noir masters with cult followings, the product is nothing short of brilliant.

After watching the first season of True Blood all week, I'm feeling compelled to go back and re-read some Charlaine Harris. If you like the show but haven't read the books, pick up DEAD UNTIL DARK and LIVING DEAD IN DALLAS to see where the hit HBO series got its start.

Writer's Block Wednesday: Speak up!

2009-09-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

It always amazes me how many authors have difficulty reading aloud or speaking in public. But if people are going to buy your book, they'll want to hear you read from it first. Why do you think every Must-See Monday has at least one reading or open mike? If you fear stepping on stage and reading in front of an audience, here are a few tips to help you out. These may seem obvious, and yet, there isn't a reading I go to where I don't see someone who could benefit from this advice:

Practice. You should always read your work aloud for editing purposes, but for a reading, it's important to practice the finished piece a few times and learn your story better. If you're familiar with the words, your piece will sound like storytelling rather than reading.

Gestures and Eye Contact. These will also help you tell your story rather than read it. When the stage lights hit you, it's easy to keep your head down and get sucked into the page. Don't forget to connect with your audience and meet their eye. It's hard to ignore someone who's looking right at you. Gestures help get your story off the page and animate the material. As your character absentmindedly scratches the back of his neck, go ahead and demonstrate.

Slow Down! I'd say 90% of readers go too fast and I guarantee 100% of them think they read at a fine pace. Most of us talk too fast to begin with, but when we're anxious, we only speed up. Always slow yourself down and give every word full value. Often, a slower speed helps build the tension and suspense.

Speak up! Most readings you'll have a mic, but if you don't, make sure you get your voice up so even the folks in the back can hear you.

Mind your body. When you read, you don't want your feet glued to the floor, but you don't want to be running the marathon either. Command your presence on stage by turning to either side every few pages and addressing your full audience. Again, it doesn't hurt to practice this at home.

The best practice is doing this in front of an audience, so attend a few open mikes to get more comfortable. Once you're published, you're going to have to read aloud and speak in front of audiences, and by then, the stakes are a lot higher. As with anything, practice makes perfect, so start attending the smaller readings before you hit the big time.

Must-See Monday

2009-09-07T19:20:00.003-05:00

Now that you're recovered from the BBQ filled three-day weekend, check out these great literary events:

Need some book recommendations? Stop by Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) on Wednesday, September 9th at 7:00pm for Book Reps Rep Book Club Books. The area's publishing experts share their picks for great book club books.

Prose, Poetry and Pints returns Thursday, September 10th at 7:30 at Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). This month's readers include Aldo Alvarez (Interesting Monsters), Kathie Bergquist (A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago), and Mark Kendrick (Desert Sons). And don't forget to bring a couple pages to read during the open mike portion!

If you're in the western suburbs, stop by the Oak Brook Barnes and Noble (297 Oak Brook Center) on Saturday, September 12th at 2:00pm to meet Tasha Alexander and pick up your signed copy of TEARS OF PEARL.

Or, if you're further north, stop by the Schaumburg Public Library for "Coffee, Tea, and a Smoking Gun" from 10:00am-4:30pm on Saturday. The event is free, open to the public, and includes workshops some of Chicago's finest authors: Jamie Freveletti, Sherrill Bodine, Laura Caldwell, Patricia Rosemoor, and others.

Labor Day Weekend Reading

2009-09-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

In honor of the holiday weekend, this week's selections are dedicated to the working man, specifically, police officers. Here are a few of my books featuring my favorite overworked and underpaid detectives.

One of the most famous fictional detectives is Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch. There are a lot of great books featuring the LA detective, but my two favorites are THE LAST COYOTE and THE NARROWS.

Kate Gillespie is Robin Burcell's hard working San Francisco Police Officer. With this series, start at the beginning with COLD CASE. Three more follow.

Another favorite series detective is Brian Freeman's Jonathan Stride. Often teamed up with female counterpart Serena Dial, Stride is a compelling character who throws himself head-first into every investigation. IMMORAL is the first in the series, followed by STRIPPED, STALKED, and IN THE DARK.

For a non-series detective, and one of my top ten favorite books, check out CLOCKERS by Richard Price. Rocco Klein is the definition of overworked and underpaid, and is one bad shift away from burnout. At times you hate him, others you feel sorry for him, changes scene by scene. But his character has depth and is extremely well written, which is compelling no matter how you feel about the guy.

Writer's Block: The Bookstore Schmooze

2009-09-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

As an author, one of the most important players to have on your team, is the book seller. They are the ones recommending and hand selling your book. Because most of you are avid readers and have to-be-read piles up to the ceiling, you usually don't seek out a book seller's advice on what to read. But you're not the norm.

Last week, instead of bringing my laptop to the local cafe, I went to a Barnes and Noble to work. Their cafe was positioned across from the customer service desk, close enough that I could hear each inquiry. In the three hours I was there, I heard seven people ask for some sort of book recommendation:

"I liked GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. Do you have another book like that?"
"My dad really likes Law and Order. Do you have any books like that?"
"My daughter read all the Stephanie Meyer books. Now what?"

As an author, you want your book to be the answer to these questions, and unless you have a rapport with the book seller or are on the NYT bestseller lists, it probably won't.

Obviously, you cannot visit every bookstore in the country, take the seller out for a drink and schmooze, but there are plenty of ways to make a connection without breaking the bank or using up your frequent flier miles:

Identify Key Bookstores. Since you can't contact every bookstore in the country, pick out ones that are priority. These are the bookstores in your area and the ones outside your area that sell a lot of books. If you write crime fiction, stores like Seattle Mystery Bookshop, Murder by the Book in Houston, and Mystery One in Milwaukee do a lot to promote authors and sell a ton of books to collectors (which means signed first edition hardcovers). Literary authors should check out Book Passage in San Francisco and Book Cellar in Chicago. They have great programming, extensive mailing lists, and a very loyal customer base. You can also consult with your publicist on these matters.

Book Signings. Once you've identified the key bookstores, you'll need to schedule signings. Most authors get discouraged at out of town book signings as there is usually a low turnout. Even Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos only had 20 people at their signing and they're well known, bestselling authors. Remind yourself that you're not only there to sell books. The main purpose is to meet the seller, start a rapport and sign their stock.

Drop Ins. Many of the high profile bookstores book up fast. If they don't have any signing time available, ask if it would be okay for you to drop in and sign their stock. Always let the book seller know you're coming so you can ensure they'll be available. It also doesn't hurt to bring bagels, doughnuts, or some other treat for their break room. People are a lot more likely to sit and chat if they have food in front of them. You should also sign stock at all the bookstores in your area, but don't worry about schmoozing every seller. You don't have the time and if they're not the type of store that hand sells books, it's not worth it to you anyway.

Galleys and handwritten notes. If you are unable to make it to a few of the priority bookstores, make sure to send a galley along with a handwritten note. The galley will encourage bookstore employees to read the book and hopefully recommend it. The handwritten note shows that you care enough to take the time out of your schedule, even if your schedule didn't allow for a special trip.

Give 'em some buzz. If there is a bookstore that has been particularly supportive of your career and always recommends your books, it doesn't hurt to send some business their way. Thank the bookseller in your acknowledgements, mention them on your blog or twitter account, recommend the store next time your on the radio. They'll never forget it.

Must-See Tuesday

2009-09-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay folks, but I am semi-recovered from the Chicago Triathlon and back with new must-sees.

Tonight, check out the bi-monthly performance series, Homolatte, at Big Chicks (5024 N. Sheridan). Enjoy a reading by the talented Darwyn Jones and musical stylings by Phil Putnam.

If you'd rather drink and buy books, Tasha Alexander is celebrating the release of her new novel, TEARS OF PERIL. Stop by the Lincoln Park Borders (2817 N. Clark) tonight at 7:00pm, buy a book and meet Tasha, then head out to drinks with the gang afterwards.

For more drinks and a lot more debauchery, check out RUI: Reading Under The Influence on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:00pm. This months readers include J. Adams Oaks (Why I Fight), Nadine Warner, Kyle Chaney, and Gapers Block editor Ramsin Canon. As always, the kind folks at Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) host.

I cannot believe I've lived in Chicago all my life and never knew about the Book Cellar Adult Spelling Bee (4736 N. Lincoln). I have every intention to check it out on Thursday, September 3rd at 7:00pm. Guest judges include Random House sales rep Bridget Piekarz and authors Claire Zulkey, Billy Lombardo and Stacey Ballis.

Not much going on over the holiday weekend, plenty of time to relax and read!

Cloudy Weekend Reading

2009-08-28T08:17:00.003-05:00

As the rain continues here in Chicago and the sun isn't predicted to make an appearance until Monday, it is the perfect weather to cozy up with a book. Pun intended. Though I'm not usually a fan of cozy mysteries, here are a few I really enjoyed:

If you're not familiar with cozies (mysteries where the violence and sex takes place off stage and the action centers around solving a puzzle) start with Agatha Christie's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. She is the woman who started it all with her character, Miss Marple.

Once you have the background, you can move on to contemporary authors such as Julie Hyzy, author of the White House Chef mystery series. The latest installment isn't out until January, so take this weekend to catch up with HAIL TO THE CHEF and STATE OF THE ONION.

For a historical cozy, try Victoria Thompson's MURDER IN CHINATOWN. It is part of the gaslight mystery series set in turn-of-the-century New York and features midwife Sarah Brandt.

Writer's Block: Time Management

2009-08-26T08:49:00.003-05:00

Time is something that is never on our sides. We have too little of it and we run out of it far too fast. Unfortunately, writer's need time to plan, edit, promote, and...oh yeah, write! Many of my clients are parents or have day jobs. When I tell them they should be twittering, updating their website/Facebook, and visiting certain bookstores, they look at me like I'm nuts. "Who has time for that?" In a perfect world, writers would write and someone else could take care of the marketing. But we don't live in a perfect world, so here are a few tips and tricks to more effectively manage your time.

Organize. I recently obtained a Blackberry and immediately fell in love. Not because of the internet or the twitter app (although I do love those) but because of the task reminders. I sometimes forget to open Outlook until I'm well into my morning or I'll forget to enter an item into my calender. Now, I can record tasks even when I'm away from the computer and if I forget, a little buzz and a couple beeps remind me. You don't want to waste time figuring out what you're supposed to accomplish that day. Write To-Do lists, utilize your smart phone, stick post-it notes to the computer, whatever works. But when you wake up and pour that first cup of coffee, you should already know what's on the agenda for that day.

Have a plan. My brain begins slowing around 6pm and dissolves into mush by nine. I work best and I'm the most creative in the morning. Therefore, e-mails, phone calls and errands are pushed to the afternoon. If I have a lot on my plate that day, I wake up a couple hours earlier. Some writers work better at night, which is fine. But if your muse visits you after dinner, make sure you complete all administrative tasks prior to sunset.

Set limits. If you wanted to, you could waste your entire day on Twitter and Facebook alone. It's a good idea to only dedicate 1-2 hours a day to social networking. Anything more than that takes away from writing and isn't the best use of your time. Also, it's easy to respond to every e-mail right when it comes in or to pick up every phone call. If you need to write a certain amount of words, don't let yourself answer the phone or check e-mail until you've reached your word count. You'd be amazed how much quicker you complete tasks when you focus on one thing at a time.

Use all the tricks. Why update both Facebook and Twitter when you can link the two? Why Twitter about every blog post when you can set up an automatic tweet? Why blog everyday when you can write five blog posts in one day (after you've reached your word count of course) and schedule them to post throughout the week. Using these tricks can save you precious writing time and overall, simplify your marketing efforts.

Delegate. There are many marketing and administrative tasks that you don't necessarily have to do yourself. Many of my clients hire me not only for my contact list, but so I can give the marketing effort they don't want to do themselves. Sending out books, visiting bookstores, setting up Twitter and Facebook; all of these take time and many authors would rather use that time to write. If you're not in a financial position to hire an assistant, publicist or manager, reach out to your network. Is your husband a computer whiz? Let him manage your website and Facebook pages. Don't have time to visit every bookstore in the US? Tell your aunt in Omaha, your college buddy in Ann Arbor, your in-laws in LA and your Bubbe in Boca to head down to their local bookstores and libraries and ask for your book. If you delegate the tasks you don't need to complete yourself, you will have less stress and more time to write.

Feel free to comment with your own time-saving tips and tricks. We can never have too many!

Must-See Monday

2009-08-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

The Book Cellar (4736 N. Lincoln) hosts "The Brother's Delacorte" on Wednesday, August 26th at 7:00pm. This is group of YA authors - Daniel Kraus, James Kennedy, and Adam Selzer - are all published under the Delecorte imprint. Stick around until 8pm for Never Too Old, the YA book group for adults.

If you prefer a reading that's 21+, head over to Red Kiva for 2ND STORY, also on Wednesday at 7:00pm. A combination of storytelling, music, and wine; what better way to spend you evening?

Head over to Bloomingdale's (900 N. Michigan) on Thursday, August 27 5-7pm to meet Laura Caldwell, author of the Izzy McNeil Trilogy. Receive a free book with any Bloomingdale's purchase and Laura will be happy to sign your copy.

Friday, August 28th at 5:30pm, Th!nk Art (1530 N. Paulina) hosts the William Burroughs 50th Anniversary Celebration. $60 in advance and $75 at the door earns you food and open bar and the proceeds will fund a documentary film on the famous author. Music by Maya Jenson, food by David Leigh and readings by Anne Waldman, Kurt Henner, and Davis Schneiderman.

Weekend Reading

2009-08-21T08:21:00.003-05:00

After reading Sarah Weinman's review of Thomas Pynchon's INHERENT VICE, I'm going to have to pick up a copy and see for myself. He lightens up with this one, Weinman speculates that could have read Hard Case Crime novels as research, and the book trailer definitely intrigued me.

Also new to the shelves is VANISHED by Joe Finder. This is the first in the Nick Heller series, a high powered investigator with Special Forces training. All of Finder's novels are gripping page-turners, so VANISHED is a perfect weekend read.

If you want something light and fun, I recently read Sherrill Bodine's TALK OF THE TOWN. The novel features gossip columnist Rebecca Covington, a fabulous fashionista who knows everyone worth knowing in Chicago. The tone is light, fun, over the top, and Chicagoans should get an extra kick out of it.

Wednesday Writer's Block: Channelling the Muse

2009-08-19T09:57:00.005-05:00

Writers are artists. The work we produce is subjective and comes from inspiration. But when you're on a deadline, you don't have time to wait for your muse to show up. There's a reason most career novelists can write a good book every year: they know how to channel their inspiration.

A Few Tips for Channelling The Muse:

Location. Write in a place that's free of major distractions. Background noise at a coffee shop or park can be beneficial, but you don't want the phone ringing off the hook or the dog begging for a walk.

Timing.Writing at the same time every day will train your brain to be creative on a regular schedule. Most writers don't have all day to reach their word count; they squeeze in a few hours of writing before work or after the kids have gone to bed. Writing on a regular schedule will cut down on the brainstorming or "warm up" time and will prevent hours spent staring blankly at a computer screen.

Think. This one seems pretty obvious, but it's easy to forget your story throughout the day. Most of the writing process is brainstorming, and what's great about brainstorming is you don't have to be in front of a computer to do it. While you're doing the laundry, commuting, sitting in a waiting room, think about your story and it's characters. Try to solve some of the plot problems or develop the characters in your head (it also helps to carry a small notebook). The more your story is in your head and the more problems you work out prior to sitting down at the computer, the easier the writing will come.

Read. I know a lot of writers who cannot read during the writing process, but for most of them, that only applies to fiction. Reading regularly will keep you accustomed to storytelling. If you are a crime writer, you may not be able to read crime fiction mid-manuscript, but you can read newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction books. For me, it helps to read in the genre I'm writing. It often acts as inspiration, but mostly I read to see how other writers handled similar situations. We'll often hit obstacles such as point of view shifts or backstory; it helps to see how other writers conquered the hurdles.

Some writers have their favorite chair or a lucky pen, but for me, these practical tips are enough to keep the creative juices flowing. What about you? How do you channel your muse?

The Chicago Contingent On Vacation

2009-08-12T20:45:00.002-05:00

I'm heading out to San Francisco first thing in the morning and leaving my computer at home. If you need a fix of book reviews and literary musings, check out some of my colleagues:

Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind
The Rap Sheet
Jason Pinter
Murderati
The Outfit Collective

For must-sees, try:
Metromix
Time Out
Flavor Pill

We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming with Writer's Block Wednesday.

Writer's Block: Q&A with Linwood Barclay

2009-08-12T07:00:00.006-05:00

I had so much fun with Marcus last week, I decided to invite an author again this week. Joining today's writer's block is Linwood Barclay whose latest novel, FEAR THE WORST, launched this week. Linwood is a master at suspense and, before heading out on tour, he was kind enough to offer a few pearls of wisdom:

Dana Kaye: Speak a little about your writing process. After writing eight novels, how has your writing process changed over the years?

Linwood Barclay:Well, for one thing, I don't print them out anymore. I used to print out each chapter as I went, but now I just write the whole thing as one file without ever hitting the "print" button. But I suspect that's not what you meant by the question. I don't think my process has changed all that much, but I hope I'm getting better at it with each book. I'm aware of the things I don't do as well as I'd like, and try to improve each time. I'm also learning to listen to that voice in the back of my head that warns me when something is not going well. I've regretted it in the past when I've not listened.

DK: What draws you to writing ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances?

LB:I'm an ordinary person, so I write about the kind of person I know best. I find it easier to get inside the head of a regular guy than some brilliant detective or spy or ex-military loner. Not that I don't love books about those kinds of heroes, but I don't typically identify with the situations a Jason Bourne might find himself in. But a father whose daughter is missing, I think that's a character, and a situation, a great many readers can imagine themselves in.

DK: All of your novels are packed with suspense. What tips and tricks can you offer about maintaining tension on every page?

LB: I like chapters to end with a revelation, or a turning point. That bit of white space between chapters creates a "dramatic pause" effect for me. And I love performing the thriller equivalent of a magic act. I've got you looking over here, but what really matters is happening over here, up my sleeve. But mainly, I try to write something that keeps me interested. If I'm getting bored, then the reader will get bored.

DK: The world of publishing has drastically changed since the publication of your first book. Kindle sales are rising, newspapers are shutting down, etc. How are your promotion strategies adapting to the changing market?

LB: I'm glad I'm not the one who has to devise the promotional and marketing strategies. But FEAR THE WORST is the first book where I have gone on not only real tours -- Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and Canada -- but a blog tour. I like the part about not having to pack. The situation with newspapers concerns me deeply, having worked for them right up until last year when I decided to work exclusively on books. And among the many things newspapers have cut back in the space devoted to book reviews. It's more difficult to get books reviewed in the pages of a newspaper, but the blogs and other sites are trying to fill the gap.

DK: What piece of advice can you offer aspiring novelists?

LB: Two of three things. The first, of course, is to write. Even if you are the only one who ever reads the material. And persevere. I had written a couple of novels by the time I was 21, and thankfully, they were not published. (Not that there was even the slightest risk of that happening.) My first book -- not a novel -- wasn't published until I was 41. And my first novel came out when I was 49. So, you have to stick with it. The other advice: Read. You can learn so much by reading. All sorts of things. Stephen King's book On Writing is as good as anything I've ever read when it comes to advice in this area.

Check out Linwood Barclay and FEAR THE WORST, coming to a bookstore near you:

Borders in Baileys Crossroads, VA August 13 at 7:30pm

M is for Mystery in San Mateo, CA August 14 at 7:00pm

Mysteries to Die For in Thousand Oaks, CA August 15 at 1:00pm

The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles, CA August 15 at 4:00pm

Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, CA August 16 at 2:00pm

Murder By The Book in Houston, TX August 17 at 6:30pm

Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH August 18 at 7:00pm

Books and Co in Dayton, OH August 19 at 7:00pm

Must-See Monday

2009-08-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS author Chris Garnder visits the downtown Borders (150 N. State St.) on Wednesday, August 12th at 12:30pm.

Stop by Quimby's (1854 W. North Ave.) on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm to celebrate the launch of THE 2ND HAND's 32nd issue. Includes readings by Patrick Somerville and CT Ballentine.

Also on Thursday, check out "Prose, Poetry and Pints" at the Wild Pug (4810 N. Broadway). Readings by novelist Stephanie Kuehnert and poet Robert McDonald as well as an open mike.

For you out of towners, Marcus Sakey is doing a Midwest regional tour this week and maybe coming to a bookstore near you:

Joseph Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:00pm
Mystery One Bookshop in Milwaukee, WI on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm
Aunt Agatha's Bookstore in Ann Arbor, MI on Saturday, August 15th at 1:30pm

Weekend Reading

2009-08-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

Received my package of Pinter books this week, so I'm planning on diving in to THE FURY and THE DARKNESS over the weekend. THE FURY is the first in the two-part Henry Parker epic and THE DARKNESS releases in December. Love that Pinter is flooding the market and I love that he sent me advance copies because I know I won't want to wait til December for book #2.

The Crimespree Awards were announced Monday. Award the winners by picking up their books:
Favorite Book of 2008: TRIGGER CITY by Sean Chercover
Best in an ongoing series: CHASING DARKNESS by Robert Crais
Favorite comic books writer: Brian Azzarello (Author of THE JOKER and the 1000 Bullets series)
Favorite original paperback: MONEY SHOT by Christa Faust

Another winner is Once Upon A Crime in Minneapolis, voted favorite mystery bookstore. If you're in the area, be sure to stop by.

And finally, in case my last two posts weren't clear, pick up a copy of THE AMATEURS by Marcus Sakey. Last time I'm going to say it, I promise.

Writer's Block: Q&A with Marcus Sakey

2009-08-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

Though I love doling out writing tips and discussing marketing trends, sometimes I like to let someone else grab the mic. So today, I've invited Marcus Sakey, a talented Chicago author, to discuss writing and his latest novel, THE AMATEURS.

Me: Talk a little about your writing process. How has it changed from book #1 to #4?

Marcus: More than I thought it would. That old axiom about every book being different? It's spot-on true. I've become a more organized writer with each book, which helps when the fear sets in. I outline the overall shape, and where it makes sense, I apply a three-act structure. There's less wing-it-and-pray and more take-this-hang-glider-off-the-cliff-and-still-pray.
This is a strange and scary way to make a living. You need to strike a balance between planning and inspiration. Lean too far either direction and you're likely to end up with something that's either stale or scattered. I guess the biggest change is that having done this a couple of times, I know to expect certain traps. I know that around page 200 I'm going to hate the whole damn project. I know that nearing the end, I'm going to hit problems that seem unresolvable. But I also know that (fingers crossed) if I just keep banging my head against them, eventually I'll break through.

Me: What research do you do for your novels?

Marcus: I tend to research all the fun stuff. I've ridden with gang cops, gone shooting with Special Forces, toured the morgue, learned how to make chemical weapons, practiced picking a deadbolt. Generally, if research involves a fair chance of hurting myself, I'm in.

Me: THE AMATEURS is about 4 friends; are these characters based on people you know?

Marcus: The characters aren't, but part of the setup is. When I lived in Atlanta I had a group of die-hard friends that got together every Wednesday night for drinks and conversation and laughter. It was a very intense, very intimate friendship, and that provided part of the idea of the novel. That said, there was less sex and murder in the Wednesday Night Crew than in the Thursday Night Crew. Praise be to Allah.

Me: How did the idea for THE AMATEURS come about?

Marcus: My books don't get traction in my head until an issue seizes me. In this case, there were two: first, I wanted to write a novel about how best friends could become the most effective enemies. And second, I wanted to explore the question of whether it's better to save the lives of a lot of people you don't know, or a handful you do. Those kinds of questions are what really fuel my books, or at least fuel me in writing them. I think that's why I write crime fiction: I like both playing with ideas and writing about pistol whipping.

Me: What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist or debut author?

Marcus: It's always the same. Ass in chair, fingers on keyboard. That's how it works.

Want to hear more? Stop by Marcus's launch party tomorrow, 7:00-10:00pm at Sheffields (3258 N. Sheffield). Free beer and books available for sale.

Must-See Monday

2009-08-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Start the week off right and head over to the Twilight Tales open mic, tonight at 7:30pm at the Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton). This long running reading series has an emphasis on speculative fiction, so bring in your work-in-progress and take it for a test drive!

The Bookslut Reading Series returns to Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark) on Tuesday, August 4th at 7:30pm. This weeks guests are journalist Katherine Joyce and Chicago Tribune columnist Mark Caro.

Head over to Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) on Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00pm for RUI: Reading Under the Influence. This month's featured reader is Chicago author Marcus Sakey. He's both a talented writer and talented drinker, so it's sure to be a good time. He joins Dennis Frymire, Tim Weaver, and RUI's Amy Guth.

If you like what you hear on Wendesday, return to Sheffield's Thursday 7:00-10:00pm for the release of THE AMATEURS, Marcus Sakey's fourth novel. The drinks are free and the books are for sale.

Weekend Reading

2009-07-31T07:00:00.001-05:00

I just bought THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE by Stiegg Larson and cant wait to dive in. If you haven't read the first novel, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATOO, pick it up immediately.

If you're heading on vacation, pick up a copy of BOCA KNIGHTS by Steven M. Forman. It's about a retired cop who moves down to Boca Raton. Forman does a great job describing the over the top characters and all the silly politics that go on in the city of retirement communities. If you happen to be Jewish, you'll enjoy the book even more as parts of it are reminiscent of PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT.

Finally, Laura Caldwell's last installment of the Izzy McNeil trilogy, RED WHITE AND DEAD, releases this weekend. Be sure to complete your collection!

Writer's Block: Author Marketability

2009-07-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

I've spent much time discussing ways for authors to market their books, but what about authors marketing themselves? In a perfect world, only the writing would matter and readers wouldn't care how attractive or charming the author was. But, we're not in a perfect world. Your marketability matters.

Marketability Factor: Conversation Skills
If you can't talk about your book, people aren't going to want to buy it. Talking and relating to people is half the process of selling a book. Most of the books I purchase are written by authors that I've met and spoken with. If I didn't enjoy their conversation, I assume I won't enjoy their book. If you have a tendency to be awkward in social situations, practice with someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Marketability Factor: Platform
We can't all be lawyers or bomb experts or former CIA operatives. Most of us are everyday people who happen to write books. But having a platform doubles your marketability as an author. Go through your book, go through your life, what makes it special? Do you have any hobbies that relate to the book? Is there something in your heritage or culture that would appeal to readers? As a publicist, I do this for authors on a regular basis. There's always something.

Marketability Factor: Contacts
The more people you know, the more people you know who will buy the book. Knowing the right people can lead to media exposure, awards, and topping bestseller lists. If you've been attending writing conferences or stockpiling Facebook friends and twitter followers, you probably have more contacts than you think. Remember, when you go out on tour, most of the audience will be people YOU bring. You can't count on the bookstore to draw a crowd. But if you pull from your contacts and have a great turnout, the bookstore is sure to have you back.

Marketability Factor: Charm
It makes sense that the more charming you are, the more books you'll sell. Authors like Barry Eisler, Marcus Sakey, or Laura Caldwell could probably sell me an essay from 3rd grade for twenty-five bucks. This sort of ties in to conversational skills, but charm is something more. It's about knowing how to relate to people. Not all of us are born with this gift. It may take practice. Attend the panels at writer's conferences and observe the authors that get a lot of attention. They're funny, are able to speak to an audience and relate to other people. Keep this in mind when your talking to a potential reader, agent, or reviewer.

Marketability Factor: Drive
Agents and editors love a writer with drive. They know their client will produce good work in a timely manner and do everything they can to get their career off the ground. Readers will respond to dedicated authors, especially those who work hard to reward their fans with contests and signings. No one likes a lazy bum. Charm and charisma can be difficult to attain. Working hard only requires putting in the effort.

Retiring Top Ten Tuesdays

2009-07-28T12:31:00.002-05:00

As you may have guessed, blogging four days a week has proved to be too much. Therefore, I have decided to retire Top Ten Tuesdays until further notice.

Stop by tomorrow for a brand new Writer's Block Wednesday!

Must-See Monday

2009-07-27T07:00:00.004-05:00

Stop by Hopleaf (5148 N. Clark) on Wednesday, July 29 for the Bookslut Reading Series. The literary blog hosts an evening of non-fiction writers Adam Frank, Luke Bergmann, and Rachel Shteir. I haven't heard any of the readers before, but if nothing else, Hopleaf has a great selection of beer!

The 2nd Story reading series returns, this time to Red Kiva (1108 W. Randolph) also on Wednesday, July 29th at 7:30pm. Writers/preformers Rosie Forrest, Larry Kerns, and Julie Ganey read original work set to live music.

The fifth annual Printer's Ball kicks off Friday, July 31 at 5pm. Head down to 1104 S. Wabash and check out the showcase from the Columbia College Book and Paper Department, load up on free books and magazines from various small presses, and participate in paper making and book binding demonstrations.

Weekend Reading

2009-07-24T06:41:00.003-05:00

Everyone is talking about Jeff Abbot's TRUST ME and with good reason. I haven't had the chance to pick up his latest yet, but man, that guy can write! I remember reading PANIC in one sitting, my heart racing the entire time. I can't wait to see what he has in store next, but I'm going to have to clear my schedule.

If you enjoy short stories, pick up a copy of UNCAGE ME, the latest anthology edited by Jennifer Jordan. With an introduction by John Connolly and stories by Christa Faust, Victor Gischler, Declan Burke, Gregg Hurwitz and others, UNCAGE ME is full of talented storytelling.

In the mood for something literary? I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE author Stephanie Kuehnert's second novel, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, releases today. She writes wonderful characters, often the weird kids at school who are haunted by their family lives. She's not afraid to write the hard scenes, which leads to brutally honest writing.

Belated Writer's Block

2009-07-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Deadlines, house guests, and many other distractions have caused me to fall behind in my blogging. But don't worry, my fellow bloggers have plenty of writing advice for you:

Blair Hurley suggest reasons your story isn't getting published
JT Ellison talks about her idea box over at Murderati
Jason Pinter suggests conferences should be free for those under 18
Sharon Wheeler discusses the Big Brother effect of Amazon

Enjoy!

Top Ten Tuesday

2009-07-21T09:39:00.003-05:00

Top Ten Places to Write in Chicago

Book Cellar in Lincoln Square - they serve wine and you're surrounded by books
Cafe Ennui in Rogers Park - funky cafe with outdoor cafe serves up inspiration with their beverages
Coffee Studio in Andersonville - free Wi-Fi and is popular with many Chicago writers
Harold Washington Library in the Loop - especially convenient if you need to research as you write
Metropolis in Edgewater - free Wi-Fi and they serve food if you're going to be there a while
Millennium Park in the Loop - plenty of benches and grassy knolls to sit away from the tourists
Promontory Point in Hyde Park - peaceful scenery along the lake is perfect to channel your muse
Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park - friendly staff and quiet atmosphere when there isn't a Cubs game
Sheffield's in Lakeview - beautiful outdoor beer garden and a great selection of food/beverages, also quiet when there isn't a Cubs game
Starbucks at North and Wells - open 24 hours for all you night owls

Must-See Monday

2009-07-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Uncover the lies your parents told you by heading down to Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted) on Tuesday, July 21st at 7:30pm when Dr. Aaron Carroll and Dr. Rachel Vreeman discuss their new book DON'T SWALLOW YOU'RE GUM: Myths, Truths and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health. Haven't read the book, but it sounds like a fun read.

Columbia College professors Ann Hemenway and Eric May read original work at The Poison Pen (1128 W. Armitage) on Wednesday, July 23 at 7:00pm. Both are talented readers and excellent oral storytellers.

Book shelves looking bare? Head over to the Newberry Library Book Fair (60 W. Walton) Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 12:00-8pm and Saturday, July 26 10am-6pm.

Chicago author Stephanie Kuehnert reads from her new novel BALLADS OF SUBURBIA at Women and Children First (5233 N. Clark) on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm. She's a fellow Columbia College grad and the author of the critically acclaimed I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE.

Weekend Reading - Hard Case Crime

2009-07-17T07:44:00.004-05:00

It looks like it's going to be a busy weekend, so I need some good, quick reads to squeeze in between happenings. Hard Case Crime is perfect. They publish pulp novels, some new some old, but all of them are gritty crime fiction you can stick in your back pocket. Here are the ones I'm picking up this weekend:

HOUSE DICK by E. Howard Hunt. Hunt used to be a spy in the CIA and was the inspiration for the Ethan Hunt character played by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible. He writes this detective novel with insider knowledge of what goes on in Washington DC.

PASSPORT TO PERIL by Robert B. Parker. This is a cold war novel originally published in 1951 by "the Original" Robert B. Parker. No, it's not the same Parker who penned the Spenser series; this Parker is a little known pulp novelist who spent three years crossing borders without a passport and evading arrest by the Gestapo. He's another author who has the background to give this fictional story authority.

CASINO MOON by Peter Blauner. This too is a reprint, but it's a reprint of a novel which was published only 15 years ago. It's also twice as long as the typical Hard Case Crime novel. But the premise is intriguing: son of an Atlantic City Monster tries to escape the life of crime by creating a comeback for a washed-up boxer (and of course sleeping with the round card girl).

More books can be found on the Hard Case Crime website. I'm also a fan of THE CUTIE, KILLING CASTRO, and MONEY SHOT.

Bonus Must-See

2009-07-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

Indie rock band, 20 Mark Helga, will be playing at the Elbo Room (2871 N. Lincoln) tomorrow night. Show starts at 8:00pm, they go on at 9:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the door. Here are the links:

Buy tickets for the show
Hear their music
Follow them on Twitter
Become a fan on Facebook

Their shows are always a lot of fun and the Elbo Room is a great venue. I'll be there, so stop by and say hello!

Writer's Block: Revision

2009-07-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Writing is rewriting. We've been told this hundreds of times. The first drafts is just the beginning. There will be a second, a third, possibly a fourth. Plot points will change, scenes will be deleted, characters will be killed off. For me, this is the part of writing I dread. But I've gone through this process enough to learn a few things.

Get some distance. You cannot finish draft one and immediately go back to the beginning and begin draft two. You're too close. Put the book in a drawer for a few weeks, even a month. If you remember your work too clearly, you won't see what needs to be changed.

Cut, cut, cut. It's been said so many times, it's probably cliche: kill your darlings. Those beautifully written scenes, the ones that aren't really forwarding the overall plot, get rid of them. If it makes you feel better, put the deleted scenes in a file folder, just in case you need them. But you won't.

Add, add, add. Often times we are so roped up in the writing, that we forget to add texture to a scene. Look at the sections that are mostly dialogue or action and add description, internalization, depth. Even action sequences deserve to be slowed down and described; it often makes them more suspenseful.

Play with Structure. The order of chapters is not set in stone, nor is the timeline of your story. Don't be afraid to switch events, switch chapters, or change the major turning points. Sometimes a first draft is more like a 400-page outline. You're working out the structure of your story, and in the end, it may need to be changed.

Get feedback. During the revision is when you really need your critique group or other first readers. It's very easy to get stuck or to not know if something is working. Talk it out with your trusted readers, give them portions of the revision to read. The feedback won't only help you see needed changes, it will give you motivation to keep going.

Feel free to leave your own revision tips. We've all been there and if you're like me, it can be a stressful/frustrating part of the writing process. But in the end, you'll have a better book, which makes all this craziness worth it.

Top Ten Tuesday

2009-07-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Top Ten Book Marketing Tools That Don't Require Leaving the House:

Blogging
Calling in to book clubs
Electronic newsletters
Mailing books to independent bookstores and libraries (if UPS comes to pick them up!)
Posting short stories to sell on Amazon
Radio interviews
Sending postcards and giveaways to fans
Social Networking (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Soliciting book reviews from newspapers, magazines and websites
Submitting listings to local papers and websites advertising your book signings

Must-See Monday

2009-07-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Head over to the Hungry Brain (2319 W. Belmont) on Monday, July 13th at 8:00pm for a reading hosted by local literary magazine The2ndHand.

Voice your opinions at the Women and Children First community forum on Tuesday, July 14th at 7:30. Stop by the bookstore (5233 N. Clark) and let the booksellers know what you hope to see in the store's future.

Laura Caldwell signs copies of RED HOT LIES and RED BLOODED MURDER at the Webster Place Barnes and Noble (1441 W. Webster) on Wednesday, July 15th at 7:30pm. Joining her will be debut novelist and fellow Chicagoan, Henry Perez.

Or, check out The Book Cellar's Local Author Night (4736 N. Lincoln) at 7:00pm on the 15th. This month's featured readers are Robert Rodi and Bryan Gruley. Seems like an unlikely pairing aside from both being talented writers, but it should be a fun night.

Head back to WCF (5233 N. Clark) on Saturday, July 18th at 7:30pm for the Sappho's Salon Anniversary Show. Readings by poetry duo Aquamoon and local author Kathie Bergquist.

Weekend Reading

2009-07-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Lots of new releases this week which means you'll have plenty to read over the weekend!

Check out Theresa Schwegel's LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. She's a Chicago author and writes wonderful, hard boiled police procedurals.

Also out this week is SHADOW OF BETRAYAL by Brett Battles. Brett is another talented writer and this is the third book in the Jonathan Quinn Series. Want to catch up? Check out THE CLEANER and THE DECEIVED.

I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I can't wait to pick up the first of Karen E. Olson's new series THE MISSING INK. Protagonist Brett Kavanaugh is the owner of an elite tattoo shop in Vegas. With all the story possibilities, I anticipate a long, entertaining series.

Top Ten Thursday

2009-07-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

Top Ten Items Writers Can't Live Without

Books - both for research and for inspiration
Booze - how else do you reward yourself after hitting your daily word count?
Coffee - caffeine and creativity are obviously related
Computer - not just for writing but for distracting ourselves with YouTube and Facebook
Hobbies - we all need something to get us away from the computer. H0bbies can also be the source of inspiration
Libraries - for the books and the resources, but also for the readers there
Munchies - can't write on an empty stomach!
Notebooks - especially the ones that fit right in your pocket
Reassurance - in an industry full of rejection, we often need pep talks
Workshops or Writing Groups - for the camaraderie and the feedback

Writer's Block: Conferences

2009-07-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm off to Thriller Fest this weekend while some of my colleagues are hanging back for ALA, and even though I spoke on this topic a few years ago, I thought I'd touch on the subject again.

Conferences are the perfect place to attend informative panels, meet other authors, and network with industry professionals. Some of my most important contacts I made at writer's conferences. While they can be extremely fun and beneficial, it's important to be productive and use discretion. Otherwise, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on registrations, hotels, and flights all over the country.

Consider the following before registering for a writer's conference:

Why? Why do you want to attend? How will you benefit? Bouchercon is a fan-based conference, so it is perfect for novelists promoting a book. Thriller Fest is more industry centered. Authors meet their publishing team and newbie writer's pitch at AgentFest. It's less about book promotion. Something like ALA is the perfect conference for authors because it gives them an opportunity to promote their books to librarians (very important book buyers). Make sure you're attending the right conference for the right reasons.

Cost. If the conference is local, you'll save on travel, hotel and dining expenses. If it's out of town, consider how much money you'll be spending. Is it worth it? You cannot put a price on networking and making connections, but you can choose wisely. If there are two similar conferences with similar attendees, pick the one that you can drive too or the one where you can stay with family rather than splurging for a hotel.

Once you've registered for the conferences, you'll need:

A Plan. Before you attend a conference, you should have a plan of what you want to accomplish. This may be to introduce yourself to a certain agent that you queried recently or to give away three copies of your book to possible fans. It's easy to get swept up in the camaraderie (and by that I mean drinking), and that's okay. Just keep your eye on the ball and know what you are there to accomplish.

Business Cards. People want to know who you are and how to get in contact with you.

An Open Mind. You will meet tons of people at conferences, and you may be surprised by which contacts actually make a difference. You may be dying to talk to the headlining, NYT bestselling author, but don't shrug off a fellow newbie who offers to buy you a drink. Connelly, Coben, and Lehane were all newbie's once. Bet you wish you had a blurb from them...

Networking and mingling are necessary to succeeding in publishing, whether you're meeting fellow writers, promoting your latest novel, or pitching agents. Publishing is a small community and the more people you know, the better. So if you're in New York, stop by ThrillerFest and meet some industry professionals. Or if you're in Chicago, come down to ALA and hang with authors and librarians.

Old Friends Start New Publishing House

2009-07-07T21:12:00.002-05:00

Friends Ben LeRoy and Alison Janssen are leaving their positions at BleakHouse Books to start their own press, Tyrus Books. They are both extremely talented, not to mention awesome, and I can't wait to see where this adventure takes them.

Learn more about Ben, Alison and Tyrus books here.

Must-See Monday + an NYC bonus

2009-07-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

The Chicago Contingent was still recovering from the holiday weekend and was a little late posting the must sees. But not to worry, there is still plenty to check out this week (and tune in Thursday for this week's top ten list)

Thursday, July 9th at 7:00pm, head out to Centuries and Sleuths in Forest Park where Rosemary Harris signs copies of her latest novel THE BIG DIRT NAP.

Friday, July 10th at 8:00pm come celebrate the launch of Theresa Schwegel's new book LAST KNOWN ADDRESS. The California Clipper (1002 N. California) hosts.

Stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon) on Saturday, June 11th between noon and 5:00pm to visit the Digital Bookmobile. Sponsored by the Chicago Public Library, the bookmobile will help guests download audiobooks, music, and more from the library's website.

And for those of you attending Thriller Fest this weekend:

Drop by the HarperCollins book signing at the Mysterious Bookshop (58 Warren St.) on Friday, July 10th 5:30-7:30pm. Authors include James Rollins, Steve Martini, Jamie Freveletti, Sean Chercover, and Hallie Ephron.

And be sure to stop by the bar at the Grand Hyatt New York where agents, authors, and industry professionals will be mixing and mingling. I'll be there, beer in hand, so if you're in NY, swing by and say hello!

July 4th Weekend Reading

2009-07-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

I'm going patriotic for this weekend's recommendations. Check out the following books if you're in the mood for a good read:

RED BLOODED MURDER by Laura Caldwell just released this week and is the second installment in the Izzy McNeil trilogy. If you missed the first one, be sure to pick up RED HOT LIES as well.

WHITE TIGER by Aravind Adiga won the Man Booker Prize last year and was selected for the Indie Bound spring/summer reading group. Though it's not crime fiction, Adiga's writing is beautiful and captivating.

BLUE HEAVEN by C.J. Box is his first standalone thriller. Box is a talented writer who knows how to craft a story. Also check out his Joe Picket series and his most recent novel, BELOW ZERO.

Writer's Block: Writing Don'ts

2009-07-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

I've written a lot about things to do when writing, but I haven't spent much time discussing writing taboos. As a reader/reviewer there are many things authors do to make me cringe (not in a good way) or worse, put the book down all together. You don't want any reader to put your book down, so here are a few things to avoid:

Coincidences. In life, there are plenty of coincidences. You run into an old high school buddy on the street, you decide to drive to work instead of taking the train and your car breaks down, etc. Coincidences don't have a place in novels. Your protagonist cannot happen to find a gun in a dumpster. Your villain's car cannot break down just as the police are on his tail. One or two coincidences in a novel are okay, but you have to earn them. Make it hard for your characters, don't take the easy way out.

Head-Hopping. This is when the point of view shifts from one character to another in the middle of a scene. It's jarring and it pulls readers out of the story. I understand that it's tempting to tell the story from all perspectives, but if you need to shift point of views, insert a section break before you do. But even that sort of feels like a cheat. I'm more impressed with a writer who can sustain a scene and convey another characters emotions or reactions without going into their head.

Stretching Realms of Believability. Yes, fiction is made up, but you want to avoid disbelief. If you create the world of your story with enough authority, readers will follow you anywhere. Too many far fetched twists or plot lines, will increase readers disbelief and possibly turn them off to the story.

Losing Your Characters. This is particularly true for thrillers where the action drives the plot. It's easy to lose sight of your characters, for them to turn into talking heads or for them to fall off the page all together. But even in thrillers, it is the characters that breathe life into the story, and if you forget about them, your story will fall flat.

Being Predictable. When you're trying to figure out where to take your characters next, the first answer is usually the most predictable one. Be creative, avoid cliche, find a solution that readers won't expect. The best part of reading is being taken on a ride, not knowing what twists and turns will come up next. Predicting the end eliminates the joy of the journey.

Feel free to comment your own pet peeves or writing taboos. I'm sure there are things I left out!

Top Ten Tuesday

2009-06-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

I'm sure I will have missed one or two on this list, so feel free to comment and make additions. Remember, these are in alphabetical order by last name, not ranked, and that contemporary means the author must still be alive and writing the series:

Top Ten Contemporary Series Characters

Must-See Monday

2009-06-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

Not that many book signings this week, but there are plenty of readings to check out. Here are a few of my favorites, all in the same week!

Monday, June 29th at 7:30pm Twilight Tales hosts it's monthly reading series at Bourgeois Pig Cafe (738 W. Fullerton).

RUI: Reading Under The Influence welcomes Jonathan Messinger and Patrick Somerville on Wednesday, July 1st at 7:00pm. Sheffield's (3258 N. Sheffield) hosts, providing great beer to compliment the reading and trivia games.

The last reading series worth checking out this week is at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark). Story Club features improv, readings, oral storytellings and sketch comedy. Friday, July 5th at 8:30pm.