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.”

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.