What I’ve been up to…
As you can see I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon… but for a very good reason (which I will confess to you shortly). Let me first tell you what I have been reading, though, as this is the very most important detail, isn’t it? As I don’t have the time right now to be writing the full length reviews, I will give you snippets and then hopefully go back and write complete reviews later.
Read this month:
How I Write by Janet Evanovich: I LOVE this book as a resource. It is in Q and A form, which makes it easy to read. It is broken down into sections and then organized into categories within these sections. It makes for very organized, easy, informative, and interesting reading. It is the most honest and useful book I have (yet) read on writing.
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich: Good. Not quite as quick of a read as the first one, but my mom had warned me that this happens throughout the series… some are stellar and some are harder to connect with. No worries, it’s a series — not all are going to be fantastic. I still loved the characters and will absolutely continue with the series. It was the plot that lagged a bit in this one. I read the Evanovich’s father passed away while she was writing this one (which was set in a funeral parlor) so I’m not actually surprised that this lacked the spark that the first one had. I’m actually impressed that she still did so well under the circumstances.
You Can Write a Mystery by Gillian Roberts: A primer for writing mysteries (or writing in general). Bogged down by too much information for my taste. It’s more of a step-by-step “this is how you write” rather than pointers. I would recommend this to someone who is very uncomfortable writing at all and needs some very basic examples. Possibly for someone who is having to take a creative writing course as a GE and needs assistance getting through the class. Reads like a very short textbook.
Reading Now:
A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton: Am doing my research in this genre… can’t skip the alphabet mysteries by Grafton!
Watching Now:
Murder She Wrote starring Angela Lansbury: LOVING it. Am in the first season, which was made when I was 4, so no– didn’t see it the first go ’round. Was more interested in Sesame Street and Mister Rogers at the time. Am wishing I knew Jessica Fletcher in person, she’s absolutely adorable and lovable.
In the Queue:
Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie (obviously can’t even claim to be researching Mystery genre without reading something from it’s Queen).
The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry… another mystery author who has made quite a name for herself.
In the Shadow of Gotham by Stefanie Pintoff: 2010 Edgar Award winner for Debut novel.
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So, as you can see I am really getting into the Mystery genre. That is for a very specific reason. Are you ready for my confession? I have been so busy because I am writing a book. And the most I will say about it is that is going to be a mystery (at least at this particular juncture).
I have loved writing all of my life. In highschool I was fond of writing short stories and poems. In college I sucked at tests but miraculously made up for that with my grades on papers. As a teacher I did very little fictional writing but a ton of writing of lesson plans, reviews of assignments, reports, etc. For the past year and a half I have been writing book reviews (as a way of combining two of my all time favorite things — books and, you guessed it, writing). Earlier this year I took an online writing course (my first online course AND my first writing course, ever). I came out with some knowledge, a short story and the incentive to write a book, which I almost did. I wrote half of one and then decided to shelf it for the time being. It was good practice and a great experience of seeing what writing a book is like. For this project, I’m putting a lot more time into research and development (which is where I am in the process as of now).
Why am I telling you this? Aren’t I afraid that I will fail and then you will all know about it? Absolutely!!! I’m telling you so that you know I am still here, but very busy working on a dream; so that you can hold me accountable; so that I can have some cheerleaders (yes, I unabashedly put that out there as I will need cheerleaders); and so I can share with you along the way. 
Well done my friend! I’m very proud, I know it will be fantastic.
Thanks so much, J!
Well, you must, you absolutely MUST work on your dream. If you don’t do it – who will? Congratulations, let us know as you go along, but only if you feel like it.
I’ve been meaning to read the Evanovich book on writing, just because I am interested in how the sausage is made, if you know what I mean. Another book you might want to read: Stephen King ON WRITING. I’m not a King fan but this happens to be a GREAT book about the nuts and bolts and whys and wherefores of writing.
The third Evanovich book is hilarious! I’m glad you’re going to continue with the series.
Agatha Christie. You’ve never read her before? You’re in for a treat. She’s not called The Queen of Crime for nothing. ; )
I’ve read all the books written by Anne Perry in her first two series. So as far as I’m concerned, when it comes to historicals she’s one of the very best. The CATER STREET HANGMAN is not her strongest, but it’s the first in the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series, so you have to read it.
The books get stronger as they go along, in my view. In truth, I believe her William Monk series is the stronger of the two, but, if you love historical mysteries you can’t go wrong with Perry.
IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM: Read it, loved it.
You’ve made some good choices, Wallace.
How exciting Wallace! Like Yvette, I loved In the Shadow of Gotham (very interesting that you liked it, Yvette….we must talk about this) as well.
I would recommend that you read The Alienist by Caleb Carr before In the Shadow of Gotham. While I didn’t care for the book at all, Yvette loved it and so did the group leader of my book club. She HATED In the Shadow of Gotham (thus why I want to talk to Yvette about it) because she said it was such a rip-off of The Alienist. Just food for thought.
Good luck Wallace! That’s amazing!
When I looked it up on GR I saw that you loved it, so I took that as a good sign!
I saw a few of the reviews mentioning The Alienist… will have to look into that — thanks for letting me know.
Thanks for the support, Carin!
Yvette, you may have to be one of my early readers if you’re up for it! You are so well versed in mysteries! Thanks for your support!
No problem, Wallace. I’d be happy to do what I can. This must be tremendously exciting for you. I wish you the best of luck!
Carin: to tell you the truth, I read IN THE SHADOW OF GOTHAM a while back and don’t remember a lot about it except that I wrote in my little book journal that I liked it – especially for a first book. It was a great debut. I remember more of THE ALIENIST than I do of Pintoff’s book. (My memory is not what it used to be, I’m afraid.)
I’m thinking some RE-READING is coming up for me. The question is: when?
Like I said above, the group leader of my book club HATED In the Shadow of Gotham because she thought Pintoff stole so much from Caleb Carr. I actually saw what she was talking about and agreed to some extent, but I thought that Pintoff was better in the writing department. Don’t push yourself to reread it if you have other things to read, but I definitely want to see your POV on both books for sure! I know Carr was fairly groundbreaking in his novel so when and if you do get around to it, make sure to bug me!
I can’t wait to read your book!!! Or even find out a few fun details about it to tide me over until I can read the whole thing!
Thanks NCR! I”m sure you and J will be getting e-mails with “what do you think of….?” and “what’s a better word for…?” haha!
What an exciting announcement!!!
Thanks Zoe! I’m very excited and it helps to have all of this support!
Wow! That’s good news! When you’re terribly famous I’ll be able to tell people that I already read your blog before the spotlight hit you
Please keep us updated!
Haha, thanks! Let’s hope for that!
I’ve really enjoyed the Janet Evanovich series, but at some point I stopped reading it and can’t remember which one I dropped off with! I remember them to be really funny, though!
In the Shadow of Gotham looks fantastic!!
I think so too — I love historical fiction… and one with a mysterious twist is bound to be fun to read!
Wallace, that is awesome! Your book is gonna rock! Can’ t wait to read it
Thank you, Nadia!
Hooray! What a genius idea. I can’t wait to hear all about it. We should probably schedule some extensive “research” trips around the world. All for the book, of course.
So excited!
Thanks! Sounds like a good plan to me!
So excited for you Wallace – I check your blog faithfully a few times a week, and I don’t see that changing. Good luck to you with your writing and keep the reviews coming as you can (and discussions!)
That’s so amazing: well done you! I think that actually starting out must always be the hardest part. Settling down and just getting on with it is more than half the battle. Look forward to reading how you get on – I have my pom poms at the ready for cheerleading duties!
Lyndsey
How exciting! Best of luck!!