Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Read all about it......

Dear Friends,
Many of you have followed my blog for years and I appreciate it. When I look at my last post, it was Easter, 3 months ago, and I apologize for the lapse in posts.
As I may have mentioned, I have been writing and finally published my book,
The Gay Detective.

Synopsis:
The premier of Nick Scott’s TV talk show, The Gay Detective, appears to be a big hit until his first guest ends up murdered. Nick, also a detective with the Chicago Police Department, and his older, straight partner Detective Norm Malone hunt this heinous serial killer tagged The Grim Reaper. This Odd Couple encounters both personal and professional conflict as this suspenseful noir thriller races to a surprise conclusion that leaves Nick and Norm battling for their lives.

Available at amzn.to/1MeZLLA
                    Smashwords, IBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble.

My new website and I also have a blog attached to it, 

I may post occasionally here but you will find most of my new information on those sites. 

I have enjoyed posting here and the feedback I received. In fact, it's been a blast.
Look forward to seeing you at my new sites. Thank you.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Happy Easter

On Easter morning, our family would go to Easter Mass and once we returned home we would celebrate a Polish tradition.

The day before, we had taken a basket of assorted foods to our local parish and had it blessed at an appointed time. Usually, we saw our neighbors there who were doing the same in preparation for Easter Sunday.

As we gathered in the living room or kitchen, my mother would start by saying,Chrystus ZmartwychwstaƂ” (Christ is risen)" usually to my father and he would respond with: “Prawdziwie zmartwychwstaƂ!” (Truly He is risen). This would then be passed on to each of us kids and then we were to say the same to each other. This usually involved a kiss and a hug, followed by an English, "Happy Easter."  Then each of us sampled each item in the basket which symbolized Christ's suffering until his Resurrection. Once this was finished, we usually settled in to a large Easter breakfast.

It is a wonderful tradition which is still practiced by members of my family today. With that in mind, I wish each of you a Happy Easter or as my mother would say, "Christus Zmartwychwstal."




Thursday, March 26, 2015

And the winner is.....





Thanks to all who voted.  I think it's a quote that is significant to the book. Your help is much appreciated.


“Any advice for those out there struggling with their sexuality?”  I asked my guest.

“Sexuality is an important part of life, but not the most important. Be known for your accomplishments, not your preferences.”









Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Help


I'm asking for your help.  I've posted a poll on my home page asking you to vote for the blurb you like best.

The blurb will go on the back cover of my book The Gay Detective. The reason I'm asking is I don't know which one is the most interesting or the one that will get readers to want to read the book.




Your vote will help me determine which one to use on the cover.

There will be giveaways as time gets closer but your help now will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

BookEnds Literary Agency: How to Stop Complaining and Live a Happier LIfe

BookEnds Literary Agency: How to Stop Complaining and Live a Happier LIfe: I came across this article in Fast Company about the Complaint/Restraint project . In an attempt to create more positive lives, Thierry Blan...

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Writing




The most important part of your book is the writing. Your goal should be to write the best book you
can write.  If you are writing to make a million dollars after it's published by appearing on Oprah, or finalize a movie option, or get agents,  I'd say stop right now and find something else to do.

Writing is work. Sometimes it's enjoyable and many times it is painful and tedious. I never expected to make a lot of money on my book and the more blogs, tweets, and tumbles I read, most authors agree on that one. Often you want to scream when the right word or sentence won't come out. Persist or just move on. It will come in the next draft.

Everyone is different when it comes down to the actual writing.  Some believe in a certain number of hours per day whether morning, afternoon, or evening. Others do it whenever they can because of their schedule. I myself prefer to set 3-4 hours a day and try to stick to it. Nathan Bransford gives tips on writing on his blog and in his book, How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever!           


I tend to also be obsessive (good and bad trait) and become a hermit and anti-social. This too, I hear is not unusual. The answer to this is balance, but to be honest, I haven't been able to do that yet.  I think it's a good idea to force yourself to go for a walk, exercise, see a movie with friends.


Whatever you do, don't get to the point that you become like our friend Jack in The Shining.


The point of this post is that there are ways and tools out there to help keep you focus. Mary Jaksch, of Write To Done, also suggests some apps. No one else can actually write the book except you, but there are authors and friends out there who do give tips to help you stay writing. Read and heed. Experience is the best teacher.







Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Process

I first got the idea for my book, The Gay Detective, when a friend
came over and said, "
Your drapes aren't puddling."
"What's puddling?" I asked.
Rather than explain, he went over to the right, picked up the panels,
and let them drop.
"That's puddling. You try it."
I went over to the left side, let the panels fall to the floor and said, 
"I puddled my drapes."

For some reason, this stuck with me. You know when you hear a song
and it stays in your 
mind.  Well, that's how the word puddle went.

I was looking for something to write and I talked about this with another
 friend.  The lightning  bolt struck. "Wouldn't it be fun to have a gay 
detective analyze a crime scene by design clues?

And that's how it all began.

Do your drapes puddle?  Go ahead, try it.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Cell Block Tango


This is from Broadway Backwards, a charity production put on in New York to raise money for Broadway Cares 

(AIDS charity). This is an all male version of Cell Block Tango from Chicago.

Enjoy the show

Friday, March 13, 2015

Why Write?


There have been times in my life when I didn’t write.  Now I realize that was because I was too depressed, or so I told myself. What I didn’t realize I was depressed because I didn’t write. I believe that any creative person must express themselves or the anger at not doing so (whatever the reason) turns inward. 
It is better to take that rage, anger, disappointment and channel it into your writing, dance, acting, whatever it is. In other words, use your emotion and channel it into your art. When I acted, I found that was true. Oddly, or maybe not, when I was depressed and wrote, I felt better. There it is. What came first?The chicken or the egg? Finally it doesn’t matter. Channel it. It works.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

The Gay Detective, Book Cover


I'm posting the cover of my book by Laura Duffy, who I think is one of the best designers out there.
If any of you are interested, her website is located at laura duffy   Do you like it?



Sunday, March 1, 2015

Sleuthfest


Have been attending Sleuthfest in Deerfield, Fl., a convention for mystery writers with many workshops and panels with agents, publishers, and fellow authors. It has been very informative
and helpful.  Today is the last day and I'm sorry it's coming to a close. I look forward to coming again next year. Met a lot of great people.

Monday, February 23, 2015

The Gay Detective

I'm sorry I haven't posted in quite some time.  I've been busy writing a new book and am near the final wrap up.

It's been quite a journey and a difficult but exciting one.  The book hasn't been published yet and probably won't be out for another month or two but I will link this blog to my new one which will be all about the book.

As a teaser, it is a mystery which takes place in Chicago. There are two main characters, one gay and one straight and it is about their relationship which is much like The Odd Couple. It's a suspense/thriller with a few murders involved. Shhh.......that's enough.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Blast From The Past


A friend sent this to me and I found I really enjoyed it. At first, I thought it would be too long but much like those of us who remember, the time flew by. Great memories.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Christmas 2014 & New Year 2015



Christmas Table
As I sat at the Christmas table decorated with pinecones and candles, three Shipperkees (often called Skips) yapped for attention. Nathan. my black pug, nestled in my lap, hoping not to be asked to play with the rowdy dogs jumping at the TV or barking at strange noises. 

Where's Beekie?
Taking a whiz.

I love the Skips. They are loyal, fun, and loving dogs. Once they calm down, they are crawling to be near me or on my lap, usually trying to separate Nathan from me. We've visited before and Nathan has stayed with my friends and their dogs. He blends in and soon becomes a member of the pack.

Another Christmas

So that this message gets published, I will only make a quick comment about New Year's. Had New Year's dinner, filets, and sides. Today going to dinner with friends.  Life's good.

My wish for all:  Have fun and stay healthy.