Authors, Remember The Logistics of Pet Ownership

The hubby and I are planning the logistics of our next trip to the cottage in Wisconsin. Much has happened since the last time we  vacationed. The saddest of all was the deterioration of our Amstaff, Rascal, whom we'd loved for almost eleven years, and who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in November.

Happiest, was the addition of our Miniature Pinscher, Buster,whom we adopted shortly thereafter to take our minds off our loss, and to provide a home for an animal in need.

Rascal was getting up in years and had been with us since a puppy. She knew what was accepted and what wasn't. Two-and-a-half year old Buster, on the other hand, still needs training, although I must say, he does very well in obedience classes.Also, he's very adept at giving us kisses.

Anyway, we're figuring out our strategies ahead of time to keep our little animal safe, so we can all have a good time. When we're away from the cottage, we may need to put him in one of the bedrooms and close the door. That sounds like a possible solution, but, there are other matters to consider, such as blocking off any targets of exploration in that room, such as under the bed, where objects are stored. Then there's the dresser, above which is the TV, and underneath runs the cable and electric wires. We'll set up barriers and see if that will work. Otherwise, we may need to resort to placing him in a crate when we're gone. 

Of course, we'll also need to keep him company and make him feel at home in the new environment, along with addressing his physical needs, such as walks, food and water.

Why am I mentioning this on a book blog? When writing fiction, it's important to make fiction seem authentic and believable. I enjoy reading books where dogs are included, and I also like watching movies where a pet plays a small or large role. However, often it seems a dog is added merely for decorative or emotional purposes, and the logistics of dog ownership are absent. 

Matters such as where a pet is allowed to stay in the home and the reasons are not always revealed to the reader. What's even more irksome is when a book character gets up, and no mention is made about seeing to the animal's needs. Let the poor dog out, please, and give it some food and water!

 

Instead, the book character leaves and goes about life trying to solve a mystery, or falling in love. Then, later, when the character deigns to come home, whatever time that may be, the animal sometimes is greeted, other times ignored, along with its needs. 

So, if you decide to add a dog or other pet in your book, remember that I and other pet owners are not happy if an imaginary animal is treated poorly. I beg you, when including a dog or other pet in your book, remember the logistics of pet ownership.

R.I.P. Rascal - Here she is in her younger
 years in the backyard with Morgan Mandel.

Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Also, find excerpts and descriptions at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @Morgan Mandel

Mark Your Calendars for Wed, Feb 3

Hi Gang,

Just to let you know, my interview of popular romance book cover model, Jason Aaron Baca, is set for Wednesday, February 3 at The Blood-Red Pencil Blog at http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com.

Jason is on over 400 romance book covers and is closing in on Fabio's record.

I hope you can join me over there next Wednesday. Here's a teaser picture from one of his book covers:

And there's lots more pictures you'll see next Wednesday over there!

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances and mysteries at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts and links are also at:
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Christmas Carol

If you missed it the first time around, Christmas Carol is still available to offer you some Christmas cheer. 

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2

What it's about: 

 Stranded for the Holidays in a snowstorm, famous author, Blake Dugan, discovers the true meaning of life and love through a waitress with the unique name of Christmas Carol. 

And here's the link again:

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2

Find all of my books at my Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts and buy links also at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Catch me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

HAILEY'S CHANCE - FREEBIE ON DEC 4, 5, 6 (FRI, SAT, SUN)

Come and get your free copy of Hailey's Chance: Will Baby Make 3?
This event will happen on Dec 4, 5 and 6 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Here's the link:  http://amzn.com/B013D2FB78

Hailey's Chance is the prequel to the romance, Christmas Carol. Both books are set in the fictional town of Deerview, Wisconsin, but the main characters are different.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:

What's one woman's curse could be another's blessing.

Happily expecting her first child, Hailey is unprepared for the deadly storm which tears apart her hopes and dreams. Lost in grief, she's startled by her neighbor's suggestion. What's proposed could bring joy or heartbreak. Should she take the chance?

If you like this book, I'd appreciate your writing a very brief review on Amazon.

And, if you really like this book, you might want to read the 99 cent romance, Christmas Carol, this holiday season.

*These two books are also presently enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited program.

Come follow me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

All of my books are on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Links & excerpts are all at: 

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com 

What Kind of Job Does Your Hero or Heroine Have?

Painting a picture of a hero or heroine very often involves deciding on a job or a good reason why that person doesn't have one. Here are a few examples from my own books:

1. A famous occupation - This is one of my favorites. Right away, the reader can guess the hero must be a cut above the average Joe. 
In Two Wrongs, my first book, the hero is in college, but is so great at basketball he turns pro. By the way, this book is still free at http://amzn.com/B006LSE4FC.




2. An occupation involving education - In Killer Career, my heroine is a successful attorney who wants out. 

3. Dream job - Another example from Killer Career. When my heroine decides to give up her law practice to follow her dream of being a writer, her decision could kill her. 

4. A job requiring practical know how - The hero in Her Handyman, is a Jack of All Trades, and generous with his time and talents. 




Now it's your turn. What job does your hero or heroine have?  Or, maybe you'd like to mention a favorite one from someone else's book.



Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Stormy Weather

Stormy weather sometimes comes in handy writers. Here are some ways:

1. Personal stormy weather - Sharing our own rough patches with others can help others make it through similar ordeals, and let them know they are not alone. Also, sometimes sharing can make us feel better.

2. Stormy weather writing -   Sometimes writing helps to take our minds off our troubles.

3. Meteorological stormy weather - What better way to describe thunder storms, lightning, strong winds, and other stormy weather than to get firsthand experience? It's not the most comfortable way, but we might as well put what we've observed to use in our books.

Can you think of other ways stormy weather comes in handy?

Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Through Someone Else's Eyes

Last night I brought the first page of my thriller, with the working title of Wide Awake, to be critiqued by my RWA Chapter, and I'm glad I did. It's amazing how everything that seemed so clear to me confused the other members.

Fortunately, I now know what to do to remedy the problem. Goes to show, it really helps to get fresh eyes looking over a manuscript.

I suggest you find at least a few people who are willing to start you out in the right direction, even if they don't have the time to read your entire manuscript. It will make all the difference!

Find all of my completed books at http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel and
also excerpts and links at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
Join me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com.morgan.mandel


 
 
 
 
 
If you don't yet have your free copy of my first thriller, Two Wrongs, the ebook version is still available on Amazon at:http://amzn.com/B006LSE4FC and is also free at most other venues.

Freebie 9/24 through 9/27

Come and get your freebie of the romance, A Perfect Angel, beginning Thursday, Sept. 24  through Sunday, Sept. 27, and tell your friends -

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LP0EWQM

This is a sequel to Her Handyman, the first of a 2 part series. You can enjoy this book by itself, but you may even like it more if you read Her Handyman first.

Here's what A Perfect Angel is about:
Sometimes being perfect is not enough. 
When gourmet chef, Angelina, gets dumped by her fiance in favor of a flower child wannabe who can't even boil water, she sets out to prove that she, too, can be imperfect, if that's what it takes to get a man. No matter what her best friend, Vince, says, she'll not spend her non-wedding night alone and moping, when she can let loose at Ginty's, a wild bar in Chicago's Wrigleyville. What happens that night surprises and embarrasses her. 
While groping for answers to restore her self-confidence, things get terribly confusing. When a famous newscaster she's admired from afar takes an interest in her, a new dilemma presents itself. Is he the answer to her dreams, or does her heart lie with her best friend? 

Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel
Follow on Twitter: @MorganMandel

Inbetween Land

Right now, I'm in inbetween land. That's the place where I've finished writing one book, and am not sure which to go to next.

I have two likely candidates already begun, and keep shifting between the two. One has the working title of Wide Awake, the other is Always Young. Both are thrillers, though Always Young has more Speculative Fiction aspects as well.

Now that I'm home from vacation and after I've gotten caught up with mail, laundry, bills,, etc., I'm hoping to get some time to devote to making one of these books the next release.

Until then, I'm grateful I was able to recently release Hailey's Chance: Will Baby Make 3, the prequel to my previously released Christmas Carol romance. Hard to believe that Christmas is already around the corner, and I think I'm busy now!

 

Time to relax for the night.

 

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances, women's fiction books, and mysteries at her

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/autghor/morganmandel

Connect on Twitter: @MorganMandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

 

 

Hailey's Chance Is Out!

Hailey's Chance is now ready for your enjoyment at:
 http://www.amazon.com/Haileys-Chance-Will-Baby-Deerview-ebook/dp/B013D2FB78




Here's what this Christian Women's Fiction story is about:

 Bursting with anticipation, Hailey awaits the arrival of her first child. Then, one morning, the unthinkable happens, turning her joy to grief.

 When her neighbor offers a startling suggestion, Hailey’s torn. Should she take a chance? The offer is tempting, yet if something goes wrong, she’d be wide open for more heartbreak.

This standalone novella is a prequel to the previously released Christmas Carol. Both are set in the fictional small town of Deerview, Wisconsin.

 

 

 

**EXCERPT FROM HAILEY'S CHANCE: WILL BABY MAKE 3**

                   

                   CHAPTER ONE - JUNE 27

Will this day ever end?

Hailey Burke shifted her weight behind the checkout counter at Deerview Foods and turned to the next customer. At sight of the tight tank top, short shorts, and tats running up and down the arms of her former classmate, Lynn Manning, Hailey flashed a welcoming smile.

Sure, the dishwater blonde’s coal black eyeliner and matching lips seemed extreme, but appearances were deceptive. Inside lurked a sweet and loyal soul. Too bad Lynn had chosen troublemaker, Billy Wallace, as the object of her affections.

Thinking back to their high school senior year, when Billy had tripped the fire alarm to get out of taking a math test, Hailey resisted a chuckle. He sure was a character. It’s a wonder he’d graduated with the rest of them.

Five years had passed since then, yet nothing much had changed. Enough tourists drifted into town to keep businesses going, but not enough to make anyone rich. Jobs might be scarce, but Deerview was where Hailey was born and would stay, alongside her hubby, Ryan.

“How’s it going, Lynn?” Hailey pretended not to notice the home pregnancy test sliding past her on the conveyor belt between the frozen pizza and the cold cereal.

“Same old, same old,” Lynn said, her eyes lingering on Hailey’s belly. “Say, aren’t you about due? How much longer?”

“A month, give or take a few weeks.” At the thought of finally seeing and touching her baby, Hailey’s heart soared and her smile widened.

“Looks like you can hardly wait.”

“You’ve got that right. It’s no fun carrying this extra load, but it will all be worth it.”

“Your child will be so lucky.”

“No, we’re the lucky ones.”

At Lynn’s wistful look, Hailey felt a pang of pity. If Lynn’s test proved positive, life would not be easy for her. She’d get small support from her single mother, who existed in a drunken haze, nor knucklehead Billy, the likely father.

 

This book is available for Amazon Kindle purchase, or borrow from Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited at

http://www.amazon.com/Haileys-Chance-Will-Baby-Deerview-ebook/dp/B013D2FB78

 

Short Link: http://amzn.com/B013D2FB78

 

 

 

Find all of Morgan Mandel's Romances, Mysteries,

Thrillers, and Women's Fiction on Amazon on;

 

http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

 

Excerpts on:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

 

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

 

Twitter:

@MorganMandel

 

 

 

Hailey's Chance is Almost Ready!

Yesterday, I finally typed the magic words, "The End," on my Hailey's Chance: Will Baby Make 3 manuscript.

I had been editing right along, but still, I'm going to be more stringent now when looking for problem parts to change.

Anyway, this book, which I'd originally hoped to get ready by Easter, is looking toward an August release. It turned out to be longer than originally intended. Also, a bit of research was involved.

I'm getting there!

 

 

 

Hailey's Chance is about making the best of what life hands you and rising above it. Here's the blurb from the front of the book:



 

Bursting with anticipation, Hailey awaits the arrival of her first child. Then, one morning, the unthinkable happens, turning her joy to grief.

 When her neighbor offers a startling suggestion, Hailey’s torn. Should she take a chance? The offer is tempting, yet if something goes wrong, she’ll be wide open for more heartbreak.

 This standalone novella is a prequel to Christmas Carol. Both are set in the fictional small town of Deerview, Wisconsin.

 

Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at

http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

 

Excerpts are at:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Dating Your Book

Depending on which time period you wish to convey, think twice about what to include in your book.

http://amzn.to/1F8w45wa

If you're going with contemporary, do you want to sprinkle in giveaways of when the book happens, or be vague? That may depend on whether you're looking for quick sales and/or longevity. Still, you don't want to seem too unaware of what's going on.

Writing about the here and now can be problematical, if your book is available for a while, such as my backlist mystery, Two Wrongs, which debuted in 2006, yet can still be found online. Fortunately, cell phones had been in use then, and I didn't go into many details about other habits which have changed.

Here are some contemporary habits you might consider including in a book:

1. Texting and e-mailing - Choose to include or  explain why your character doesn't use them.
2. Phone calls  - Even calling someone requires explanation. Almost everyone has a cell phone these days. Many don't have landlines. Make a choice what your character picks up to make or answer a call.
3. Using the mail - Hardly anyone writes letters now. Most bills can also be paid online. However, many people still like to pay bills the old fashioned way, or mail birthday and other special occasion cards. Yes, some use online services to send greetings, but in my experience, I don't get many.
4. Google or other search engines - Finding the answer to almost anything can now be found by a search on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Your character would have to live under a rock not to know that, or be someone who abhors technology.
5. Clothes - It's the style for women not to wear nylons, though some still like to hide flab or veins by wearing them, or feel more dressed up with them on. Guys don't wear ties as often. They hardly ever wear suits, even to work, unless they're attorneys or other professionals who appear in court or in public venues, where such appearance is expected. Sports coats or just nice shirts are acceptable for dressing up. You can find jean wearers in church or in the nicest restaurants these days.
6. Social media - Even seniors are active online.. You may want to incorporate a Facebook or Twitter experience in the book, or mention something about looking for a job on LinkedIn.
7. Speech - One example: The word, Hi is often replaced by Hey.

Of course, all of the habits I've mentioned depends on your characters. If they're old-fashioned, they'll stick to their own habits and ignore what others do, or they could be unaware of what's going on around them.

Can you think of other examples, either from the here and now, or other time periods?

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances and mysteries at:

http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

Excerpts at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter: @MorganMandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Take Out Those Hard Drives

Well, I didn't spend much time writing today. That's because on Saturday there's an electronic recycling event happening in our area.

Every time I get a new computer, I make sure to transfer the important files to the new computer. Still, I'd been hanging on to the old laptop computers, though they were useless in many ways. Two had Windows 98 still, another had Windows XP and was prone to stalling. None had enough memory. The hubby also had a Windows XP that needed recycling.

So, today was the day to get those laptop computers ready to be recycled, not an easy task. For each of the four computers, I had to locate the hard drive and remove it. Amazing how the hard drive turns up to be in so many different places!

Early on, I decided to Google and find out where to look. That helped quite a bit, although at times it was still hard to find the right video to show me what to do. Then I had to tackle all those little screws in all the weird spots.

Still, it was important to remove those hard drives, and I did it! Next step will be hitting them with a hammer or maybe dunking them in water, or both, so no one can retrieve sensitive information off of them. At least the hard drives are small, so I don't expect that chore to be as difficult as removing all those little screws.

Find Morgan Mandel's mysteries and
romances on her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel
Twitter: @MorganMandel

Who Needs Cardboard?

Cardboard's flat, and  may come in handy for packing.

When it comes to book characters, it won't get you anywhere. Whatever you do, don't write a cardboard character. What's that, you ask. It's a one dimensional character, who doesn't seem real. Here are some ways to give your characters dimensions:

1. Family - People don't come from nowhere. Offer some kind of information of a character's family, even if it's only the basics of whether or not he or she is the only sibling. To expand, you can throw in tidbits about the jobs, habits, good or bad qualities of family members. 
2. Experiences - Unless your character is a newborn, he or she will have memories of the good and bad things which happened before the story begins. Dot in a few of those experiences here and there, but not too much, so readers can understand how and why your character thinks or behaves.
3. Goal - There must be something your character is striving for, even if it's only to be left in peace. Offer hints about what your character wants.
4. Emotions - In subtle or even obvious ways, show how your character reacts to various situations. An eye twitch, a furrowed brow, kicking something across the room, swearing, blinking back a tear, or outright sobs, are some ways to show your character has feelings.
5. Health issue - Whether it be existing or brought about by the plot, you can easily slide in ways to make a reader worry about your character's well being. The possibilities here are endless. They can be something beyond that person's control, or not. Either way will work. A character may be an alcoholic, or maybe get drunk only once, but at exactly the most dangerous time in the plot. A character could get into an accident, even while completely sober, and suffer minor or catastrophic injuries. Or the character may overeat in times of stress, and is slightly overweight.  
6. Hobby - You can easily include a hobby for your character, either one you enjoy, or one you wish you enjoyed. Joanna Campbell Slan uses scrapbooking in her books. Because of that, she gathers a huge audience of scrapbookers. A few other examples are stamp or coin collectors, attending garage, yard, and rummage sales. I'm sure you can come up with other ones that can round out your character, and as an added bonus, may also pull in specific hobbyists.
7. Obsession - In large or small ways, your character absolutely craves something. It might be an unattainable person or object. It could be demanding perfect order in appearance or a dwelling. The opposite obsession could be slovenliness or hoarding. Or, a character could get caught up in gambling. Reading, watching TV, and movies, can also become small or large obsessions.

Can you think of other ways? Or, maybe you'd like to mention a multi-dimensional character in one of your own books or someone else's.

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances and

mysteries at her Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts of her books are at:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Connect on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

How Do You Like Your Romance?

It's easy for readers to get confused by the variety of romance books available.

Here are some broad categories:

Historical
Contemporary
Sweet
Spicy
Erotic
Paranormal
Futuristic
Humorous/ Romantic Comedy
Inspirational
Time Travel
Romantic Suspense
Romantic Element in a Mystery

A sweet contemporary romantic comedy
http://amzn.com/B0097EVXBK

However, there are a great many subgenres, such as combining a sweet with a time travel going back in time, which could also make it historical. Or, you might see a paranormal featuring vampires, taking place centuries ago, making it historical as well. Or, you could have a humorous paranormal vampire book. Then, there are all sorts of contemporary romances, ranging from sweet to spicy to erotic, some combining humor, some combining inspirational messages, some containing mysteries.

It's a confusing, yet exciting time for those who love to read or write romances.

I used to enjoy historicals, but for some reason that phase passed. My favorites these days are contemporary sweet romantic comedies, which I also enjoy writing. I also like reading cozy mysteries with a bit of romance thrown in, but so far I haven't written one myself.

What about you? How do you like your romance?

Find all of  Morgan Mandel's romances & mysteries

at her Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

 

Excerpts are all at:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

 

 

Chris Karlsen Reveals the Inspiration for Her Mystery/Suspense Book, Silk

Please welcome mystery/suspense author, Chris Karlsen, to Book Beat Babes today. Morgan Mandel

Chris is a Chicago native. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was in her late teens where she later studied at UCLA. She graduated with a Business Degree. Her father was a history professor and her mother a voracious reader. She grew up with a love of history and books.

Her parents were also passionate about traveling and passed their passion onto Chris. Once bitten with the travel bug, Chris spent most of her adult life visiting the places she'd read about and that fascinated her. She's had the good fortune to travel Europe extensively, the Near East, and North Africa, in addition to most of the United States.

After college, Chris spent the next twenty-five years in law enforcement with two agencies. Harboring a strong desire to write since her teens, upon retiring from police work, Chris decided to pursue her writing career. She currently writes three different series. Her historical romance series is called, Knights in Time. Her romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters, and he latest book, Silk, is book one in her mystery/suspense series, The Bloodstone series.

She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five wild and crazy rescue dogs.

Website /  Facebook / Pinterest / Trailer 

ABOUT CHRIS KARLSEN'S MYSTERY/SUSPENSE BOOK, SILK 

London-Fall, 1888

The city is in a panic as Jack the Ripper continues his murderous spree. While the Whitechapel police struggle to find him, Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner are working feverishly to find their own serial killer. The British Museum's beautiful gardens have become a killing ground for young women strangled as they stroll through.

Their investigation has them brushing up against Viscount Everhard, a powerful member of the House of Lords, and a friend to Queen Victoria. When the circumstantial evidence points to him as a suspect, Rudyard must deal with the political blowback, and knows if they are going to go after the viscount, they'd better be right and have proof.

As the body count grows and the public clamor for the detectives to do more, inter-department rivalries complicate the already difficult case.

Purchase on Amazon

Next, Chris reveals her inspiration for Silk.

When A Setting Is Perfect by Chris Karlsen

I was in the middle of writing another book, part of my Knights in Time series, when Rudyard Bloodstone came to me. As a character he was that rare protagonist who was crystal clear in my imagination from the start. But I pushed him to the back of my mind until I finished the other story.

When I started my latest release, Silk, a suspense thriller with Rudyard as the protagonist, I had much of killer drawn out as well. I didn't think twice about the setting either. It had to be Victorian England. I would be hard pressed to name a more atmospheric setting for a murderer. Growing up my parents were big fans of horror films. The films then weren't the gruesome Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers Halloween-slasher types of the 1980's. We watched the typical Hammer Film horrors. Those were the ones where a young Englishman in deep debt agrees to spend the night in a haunted house somewhere in the moors or countryside away from London for a large sum of money. All those movies were set in either Victorian or Edwardian times, which were perfect for a scary movie. Having visited England many times, I was familiar with the Victorian influences, especially in London. So, what better setting for my murder suspense than Victorian London?

I knew with Detective Inspector Rudyard (Ruddy) Bloodstone I make him a veteran of the Zulu Wars of 1879. Eleven Victoria Crosses (the equivalent of the Medal of Honor) were awarded after the Battle of Rorke's Drift (Jan. 1879). Rudyard is a recipient of the VC, but he's a war hero who doesn't believe himself one. To Ruddy, he only did what was necessary in battle. A civilian now, he is a down to earth, determined and clever detective, a keen observer with a droll sense of humor.

The killer, William Everhard, is a wealthy nobleman, a member of the House of Lords, and friend to Queen Victoria. I wanted to hold a mirror to the society of the period, the difference in classes and attitudes but without being too Dickensian. I wanted to show both the good and bad. Mostly, I wanted to use the "feel" of the city. To me, this is the perfect setting: the cold fog, the beautiful carriages pulled by handsome teams of horses, the gardens for strolling, the grittiness of Whitechapel, dark allies and the terror Jack the Ripper sent through the population.

As a writer, one of the biggest joys of writing historical settings is living the period, experiencing the culture, if only on the page. I enjoyed walking Victorian London with the characters in Silk: sitting with Ruddy while he visited his friend's pub, walking around a crime scene taking in every detail with him, or simply strolling through the park with him, and his adopted stray, Winky, on a Sunday afternoon. I even liked sharing the dark and dangerous places I took them when needed.

Setting is more than scenery. I think of it as a living, breathing thing, another character. Like fashioning a character exactly the way you envision him or her, finding the perfect setting is one of the best parts of storytelling.    

Connect with Chris Karlsen at: www.chriskarlsen.com
Please welcome Chris by leaving a comment below.

 

Getting Hooked on a Series

Some authors have success by writing their books in a series. In a way, it seems hard, thinking up new plots for recurring characters in each book, but there are also advantages. The more you write about a character or place, the more you come to know, and the more nuances you can reveal to the readers.

Lately, I've gotten hooked watching such TV series as The Listener, Blue Bloods, Judging Judy, and Bones. By watching them in order, I can catch all the fine points, jokes, and references I might otherwise have missed by seeing them randomly.

I have dabbled into series writing, and hope to do more. I've heard the more books in a series, the more chances a reader can get hooked and want to read them all in order, like I've been doing watching my favorite TV shows.

When I wrote Her Handyman, I had no idea I'd follow up with A Perfect Angel, but I felt sorry for one of the characters and had to make life better for her. So, that ended up being a two book series, but might turn into more, after I finish a few other books first.




I'd like to complete Easter Basket, which would be the second in a holiday series. First was Christmas Carol. Both feature inhabitants of the fictional town, Deerview, Wisconsin.





I'm not sure which holiday might come next, as I still have a few other books to finish.

What about you? Are you hooked on a particular TV series or book series? Or, have you written a book series?







Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances
and mysteries at her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

Excerpts: http://www.morgansbloglinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Fun and Games at Tax Time!

I've been trying to get my tax stuff together for the accountant, so haven't had time to do much else. Every year, I promise myself to be more organized. I thought I'd done better this year, but discovered I still had tons of stuff to get ready. It's almost all together now.

Yesterday, I had one drawback. I list various categories on Excel spreadsheets each year and save the file with the year name and the category. I'd pulled up the prior year's spreadsheet in one category and made a number of entries into it and saved it. Then, I realized I'd automatically saved it under the old name, which meant I'd lost the version from last year on my computer. Yes, I have a printed copy, but it's still not the same.

Fortunately, my subscription to Carbonite came in handy. At first, I looked and couldn't find the prior version before I'd made the changes, but then I read their instructions again, and found the one saved last year, and was able to recover it.

So, it does pay to have a backup system!

Today, I'm going to wrestle with why Amazon sent me two statements for receipts, and neither matches what they deposited into my writing account.

So, my advise is you can never be too organized when it comes to taxes. Also, get a backup system if you don't have one!

Find Morgan Mandel's
Romances, Mysteries & Thrillers
at http://amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

Excerpts at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Will a Cover Help Me Finish the Book?

Since I had so much fun writing Christmas Carol, I've decided to get out an Easter book as well. For inspiration, I've devised a cover. I figure that will help me along.

So far, it seems to be working. I really am psyched to get this one finished.

Here's the cover:

Stay tuned for progress on my race toward Easter!

Find all of Morgan Mandel's romances and mysteries at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel