On Love Is Murder Release Day

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Between the Lines of LOVE IS MURDER edited by Sandra Brown a special bonus interview for Big Thrill newsletter subscribers by Julie Kramer LOVE IS MURDER says it all. Story after story. Romantic suspense is the theme of the latest International Thriller Writers anthology. Sandra Brown, author of more than sixty New York Times bestselling novels, immediately accepted the task of editing the short story collection even though she's never written a short story herself. “The challenge of writing a short story is so daunting to me,” she said.  “I'd rather write a full-length novel than even attempt a short story because a good one requires a particular talent that, sadly, I don't have. That's why I was so impressed by the cleverness of the stories.” The book's appeal is also that Brown shares her gut reaction to each narrative's mechanics and passion, heightening readers' expectations story-by-story. “These writers knew what they were doing,” she said. “Each is different. Some are poignant, others scary. Some focus on high octane action, while others are shatteringly emotional or psychologically terrifying.  Reading them for the first time, I was truly, jaw-droppingly amazed by the variety of talent.”          Brown says the allure of romantic suspense as a genre comes because it crosses over so many other genres -- mystery, thrillers, even science fiction.  “Diehard readers of those genres find all the elements they expect and favor, plus the love story angle. The romance adds spice, certainly, but it also raises the stakes for the protagonists.  Love is a dramatic and powerful motivator that can instill in a character strong emotions like rage, bravery, despair, all of which makes for great storytelling.”   Cameos by Series Characters    Many of the anthology authors used familiar characters from their novels in their short stories, including Allison Brennan. Her series protagonists Lucy Kincaid and Sean Rogan appear in “Vacation Interrupted” to save a drowning man only to discover he's not out of danger yet.   “This story gives my fans a snapshot of my characters between books and allows new readers a chance to meet them,” she said.   “No dead bodies, no psychopaths, no one trying to kill us.”   As managing editor of the ITW anthology, Brennan sized up the challenges: “Romantic suspense is more complicated than most thrillers because it requires three central characters  -  a heroine, hero and villain. That's a lot of conflict to fit in a few thousand words.”   Brennan says most of the sex in LOVE IS MURDER comes from sexual tension.    Lori Armstrong's short is definitely the exception. In “Holding Mercy,” her western series star, Mercy Gunderson, can't have a normal date night without things going wrong.   The bad thing about wearing a tight black dress? No place to put my gun.   Yet the story moves from Mercy and her man, Dawson, making up to making out to making love in a sizzling sex scene climax. How did Armstrong fit plot and sex in the three-thousand word story?   “I wasn't going to force putting sex in,” she said, “but it worked. When I started writing the story, I wasn't sure there would be time for the characters to have sex because I tend to write long. But in the end, it worked.”    Stand-Alone Shorts    Most of the stories stand by themselves, with no connection to previous work by the authors. But  romantic suspense is no guarantee the characters will live happily ever after. Take Julie Kenner's “The Honeymoon.”  A bridal couple on a road trip run into trouble...and when their honeymoon is over, so is their marriage.   “I need sleep.” She rubbed her hand along his thigh. “And sex. New brides need lots of sex.”   “I love noir films and novels, “Kenner said, “and I've always been particularly fascinated with endings that are both twisted and dark. I wanted to have fun with the journey, but knew from the start that it wouldn't have a happy ending.”   The time it takes to write a short story can stretch long.  J.T. Ellison wrote a version of “The Number of Man” - a TV anchorwoman stalker tale - and shelved it for six years.   It began in a single moment, the briefest of connections.   “When the chance came to write a story for a romantic suspense anthology, I immediately pulled it out,” she said, now having the confidence to write the multiple points of view and up the creep factor in her villain. “What could be more romantic than a stalker, really?”    Ellison says the obsession displayed in her story was inspired by an actual criminal. “The Wooded Rapist here in Nashville. We’d just moved to a house that backed to the woods – and I was warned about him. He only struck on rainy nights, at houses that backed to the woods. Freaked me right out, and variations of his character began to work their way into my stories.”   Tough Guys Penning Romantic Suspense?   Of the 29 stories in LOVE IS MURDER, eight were written by men, including Robert Browne whose story “Speechless” deals with a mother-daughter conflict over a boyfriend. Browne wrote the piece from a woman's perspective in first person so effectively the editor didn't realize he was male.     The only reason I was there was because of my mother.   So what's a tough guy like him doing in a romantic suspense anthology?   “Seriously, I'm not much for labels,” Browne said. “To my mind a story is a story and every story I write has some romance in it, so this didn't seem like much of a stretch to me.”   Browne has written five thrillers, but also found the short story format more difficult. “Fewer words makes it much harder for me. You have to tell a complete story in a few thousand words and that's a very tough thing to do. Novels give you room to explore. With short stories you have to get in and get out as quickly as possible, and hope you made an impact on the reader while you were there.”   Setting as a Character   In person, Heather Grahamexudes a theatrical presence, so no surprise her story, “Grave Danger” takes place in a special effects production studio. Stage props of zombies and werewolves abound, but it's the hint of real life paranormal that makes readers think about the life and death tale long after it's over.   The shuffling sound of footsteps had brought her here.   Graham's inspiration doesn't always come from her imagination. “I have a friend who works at such a studio and I was still in wonder of all the things I'd seen there,” she said. “She created the little pig that goes “wee, wee, wee,” all the way home in the car the insurance commercials. She also dresses Robert Downey Jr. When he's being Ironman.  Seeing her work and how so much was created was truly an awesome experience.”   If you can't get enough of where all her action happens, the studio setting plays an encore appearance in her upcoming thriller, The Unholy.   Wildcard Winners   While most of the LOVE  IS MURDER stories came from popular authors who were recruited to pen a piece for the anthology, three were selected from 68 blind submissions. Among them, Dr. D.P. Lyle - best known for his medical thrillers and acclaimed nonfiction forensics books.  He was stunned when “Even Steven,” the first short story he's ever written, was declared a winner. His premise centers on revenge: What if a couple decided to kill the murderer of their only child?   “I can still smell him.”   “I wrote it in a weekend,” Lyle said. “I knew the beginning, middle and end in my head. Months and months passed and I didn't hear anything.” Finally, the wait was over. “An editor at Mira called to say she loved it and that everyone in their office was talking about my story. 'We want to know what happens next,' she told me. “Have you considered turning it into a novel?'”   So he did. And Run to Ground will be released by Oceanview Publishing in August.   Lyle hopes the behind-the-scenes story of his success will inspire other writers to try short stories and not be discouraged by authors who claim they are difficult.  “I like to think of myself as a natural born teacher. I hope someone says 'If that dufus can do it, I can do it.”    Breaking Rules?   The unusual structure of Lee Child'sstory, “I Heard a Romantic Story,” stands out from the pack:  a six-page paragraph from the point of view of an assassin. He hooks readers from the first line to the last.    I heard a romantic story. It was while I was waiting to kill a guy.   “I re-read the story when I saw the galleys and I thought, what was I smoking?” Child said. “I treat all short story commitments as a chance to experiment and this is what came out that time. I wrote it in one sitting and didn't revise it. I think novelists see shorts differently from their readers. I just hope mine cut me some slack.”   As editor, Sandra Brown had no worries about his unconventional approach. “The only problem I have with Lee Child is that he doesn't write fast enough.  I could read something new from him every day.”   For readers looking for new material from their favorite writers or to find new authors, LOVE IS MURDER delivers plenty of intrigue. The anthology has garnered critical acclaim, including a starred review from Publisher's Weekly: “Chockablock with nifty plot twists, these stories aren’t to be missed.”  “Absolutely superb.” Doug Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author Now available online and in bookstores!   Go on vacation with Allison Brennan’s Lucy Kincaid, where she saves a man from drowning, only to discover he is in far greater danger on land. Meet Roxanne St. Claire’s “bullet catcher”–bodyguard Donovan Rush–who may have met his match in the sexually charged “Diamond Drop.” Debut author William Simon shows us what happens when the granddaughter of the president of the United States is kidnapped. And Lee Child’s pitch-perfect “I Heard a Romantic Story” puts a whole new spin on Love Is Murder. Bodyguards, vigilantes, stalkers, serial killers, women (and men!) in jeopardy, cops, thieves, PIs, killers–these all-new stories will keep you thrilled and chilled late into the night. With original short stories from Lori Armstrong, Jeff Ayers, Beverly Barton, William Bernhardt, Allison Brennan, Robert Browne, Pamela Callow, Toni McGee Causey, Lee Child, JT Ellison, Bill Floyd, Cindy Gerard, Heather Graham, Laura Griffin, Vicki Hinze, Andrea Kane, Julie Kenner, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Dianna Love, Jon Land, D.P. Lyle, James Macomber, Carla Neggers, Brenda Novak, Patricia Rosemoor, William Simon, Alexandra Sokoloff, Roxanne St. Claire, Mariah Stewart, and Debra Webb, you won’t want to miss this! Join the Love Is Murder Thriller Roundtable discussion for a chance to win a free copy! Join Love Is Murder contributors William Simon, Laura Griffin, Jon Land, Alexandra Sokoloff, Jeff Ayers, Diana Love, James Macomber, and J. T. Ellison as they discuss the inspiration behind their anthology short stories. Post a comment for a chance to win one of 3 copies! May 28 - June 3 - only on The Big Thrill! Watch the trailer!   “An absolute must-buy for thriller readers everywhere.” Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “I love this book and you will, too.” Tess Gerritsen, International bestselling author “Gripping, exciting, engaging–every story will leave you breathless.” Karin Slaughter, #1 Internationally bestselling author “A slam-dunk collection of the best in the business.” Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author “For romantic suspense lovers, this is magical mayhem loaded with bark and bite. Downright beguiling.” Jeffery Deaver, International #1 bestselling author “It’s like a box of chocolates–each one is different, but they’re all great.” Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author You are receiving this e-mail because you opted in at one of our web-sites. Unsubscribe <<Email Address>> from this list. Our mailing address is: International Thriller Writers, Inc. 2313 I Street Eureka, CA 95501 Copyright (C) 2011 International Thriller Writers Inc All rights reserved. Forward this email to a friend

On Rejection

I've been watching a young writer friend go through the tumultuous, difficult, heart-rending process of querying her first YA novel. She's been rejected half a dozen times now, but not form letters. The rejections have been constructive, and have changed her writing. She's taken each letter, carefully listened to the suggestions, gone back into her manuscript and tightened, revised, fixed. Several agents has offered to reread the manuscript if revised, or to submit new material.

I've been watching her work, and trying to help, to guide, though I know she is truly on this journey alone. It is her baby. It is her feelings hurt. It is her spirit that must survive the onslaught of people saying you're good, chick, you're really good. You're just not quite good enough for me, right now.

Right now.

Two very little words, that equal hope.

Right now means you've got talent, sister. You can turn a phrase and make it weep. But you need to keep tightening, keep revising, keep making that book as good as you can make it, and then send it out again. Which, in all facets, is rather uplifting. Revision is the writer's greatest asset, our finest tool. If you can't revise, you can't write.

Listen, getting rejected sucks donkey butts. There's no two ways around it. But it is also a part of the process. New writers often think that once you make it through the "doors" into the publishing world, by landing an agent and a deal, you never face rejection again.

Oh, darlings. If only that were true.

Not a lot of published authors talk about it, but we get rejected all the time. A proposal doesn't work. A reviewer slams us. Our agent doesn't like the new direction we're headed. Is it as sting-ey as those first few rejections when you start out? Actually, yeah, it is. It may almost be harder because you've done it before, once, or twice, or twenty times, and suddenly, all stop, now, this doesn't work for us can be very demoralizing.

I did a piece on rejection early on in my career. Back when I thought that once I was through the doors, the rejections would magically disappear. I share it with all of you again, simple because it bears repeating. Rejection happens. It's how we deal with it that defines us. I've pulled this from that piece. Hope it helps.

Rejection Do's and Don'ts

Do – Give yourself permission to be upset when a rejection comes. If a piece of chocolate or an ice cream cone will make you feel better, then have it. Enjoy a drink with friends. Be social.

Don’t – Comfort yourself with destructive behaviors, like going out on the town and ending up blowing in a tube. It’s just a rejection letter, not the end of the world.

Do – Go for a walk.

Don’t – Burn your manuscript, shred your notes, and delete all the files on your computer. Seriously.

Do – Take a day off from writing and read a book.

Don’t – Call all your friends and tell them you’ve decided not to be a writer anymore.

Do – Step away from the computer for a few hours, allow yourself a break from the cycle.

Don’t – Call the originator of your rejection to ask why they didn’t like your project. Really, that’s just not a good idea.

Do – Reorganize your office.

Don’t – Quit writing.

Do – Something productive that will allow you to feel better. My personal favorite? Staples therapy. New pens always put me in a better mood.

Don’t – Give up. We’ve all been there. Commiserate for a day, then get back to it.There will be more rejections in your life. But if you persevere, there will be bigger triumphs in the end.

On Murder Most Foul and Abandoning Roots

I saw this tweet the other day, and it really resonated with me. 

Sarah Hilary (@sarah_hilary) 

Bored to death with grisly crime. Headless this and severed that *yawns* Psychological suspense is the way to go crimewriting

I have to admit, I feel the same way. I don't know when my - shall we call it squeamishness? I think we shall! - began, but it reared its head during the writing of The Immortals. And trust me, that isn't exactly a book for the squeamish. Or maybe it was after 14, which has a scene that turns my stomach. Honestly, it must have been, because Judas Kiss is a straight up murder mystery, not a serial killer book, and The Cold Room, while a serial killer book, has no blood in it. Which was a fun challenge.

I remember having this exact conversation with an author I greatly respect. I told her I was starting to get put off my lunch by my work. That the violence against women didn't work for me, that I was scaring the crap out of myself, that I was having such vicious nightmares I considered seeking help. She very adroitly pointed out that suspense could be just as intense with the threat of blowing up a mall at the heart of the story as could the threat of dismemberment.

Her words stayed with me. I knew I had one more bloodbath of a book to write, and I dove into it with all my heart. But it wasn't gross, it wasn't freaky, it was simply violent. And that was better, but not quite enough.

I followed that book with one without a murder. No one dies in Where All the Dead Lie. On purpose.

And my Samantha Owens books are straight up suspense, heavy on the mystery, with a strong dash of romance. 

I guess somewhere along the way I lost my bloodlust. Even my reading habits bore out this theory. I steered clear of the writers I knew were going to have gorefests, and went back to some of my previous favorites - historicals, romances, mysteries and psychological suspense. 

Have I abandoned my roots? Perhaps. But my writing is stronger, it's more appealing to just about everyone, and I don't cringe when I have to discuss the plots. And boy, how, have I been sleeping better.

So what about you, chickadees? Have you ever been into the freakily frightening stuff? Who's your favorite suspense writer these days? Recommendations wanted!

On Changes Afoot

You will be so proud.

Those of you who know me know I am a world-class control freak. World. Class. I am also a Taurus, which means I don't do well with change. But of late, I'm spending much too much time on the business of being a writer instead of the writing part of being a writer.

This is in part my inability to allow others to help me, a trait I've exhibited since I was a young child, one that isn't necessarily a good thing, and in part the sad reality that I started programming computers in the 7th grade, and have always been comfortable with code. You know how we all have special, idiosyncratic little talents? One of mine, probably as high up the food chain as my innate ability to spill tea on my research materials, is the bizarre ability to spot discrepancies in large chunks of seemingly indecipherable code. I probably could have gotten work with the NSA. Can't balance a checkbook or tell time, but give me a 17 digit number for my library card and I'll have it down pat after a few reads. What's worse, I know my credit card numbers. Dangerous, that.*

This isn't a strong ability, but one that drives me to Figure Things Out. As such, I tend to be able to teach myself computer stuff without a problem. Which means, of course, that I've been running my own website, newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, etc., from the beginning. It hasn't made sense to give over to someone else - in the time it would take me to compose the email asking for a change, I can just do it myself.

That's not to say I'm good at it. On the contrary, just because I can doesn't mean I should. Because it isn't my main focus, I don't necessarily know all the tricks, so it takes me ten times as long as it would an expert. Plus I'm a perfectionist. I'll do something ten times over that's probably just fine the first time.

And so. I've decided to hire an expert. Content will still come from my brain, but the techy aspects will be controlled by others.

I only have a few hives. I trust they will get better by the end of the day.

A few changes will be quickly apparent. A monthly contest will be instituted, as will a monthly newsletter. The content therein will have more of an "insider" bent than what you're currently seeing, so be sure to sign up. I've killed the Twitter feed to my personal Facebook page, I hope you understand. The two mediums are simple not congruent. But I will post the blog there, with links I think are worthwhile included.

Also, more housekeeping details: Comments have been turned back on. It came to my attention that not everyone uses Facebook and Twitter (GASP. Say it isn't so!)** and emailing me comments is a pain. You have been heard. Forgive me using Captcha, but it at least arrests some of the spammers.

And now is the time. Seize the day! If there's anything you'd like to see - changes you think need made to the site, to the blog, things I'm missing, topics you'd like me to write about, etc., leave a comment.

I'm off to immerse myself back in my research. For your reading pleasure in the meantime, please see the following blogs of writers I admire:

Laura Benedict

Deanna Raybourn

Greg Rucka

Laura Lippman

Dani Shapiro

Louise Penny

Murder She Writes

Stephen Pressfield

Gwarlingo

Doug Richardson

Jeanne Veillette Bowerman

Happy Wednesday to you all!

* Yes, all of this is probably undiagnosed Aspergers, but quirky is just a nicer term, don't you think?

** Kidding. I actually greatly admire folks who can manage without being sucked down the rabbit hole.

On Vertiginous Moments

Have you ever driven along a familiar path, lost in thought, and suddenly came back to reality not know exactly where you are? Car coma, they call it. It's like being on the Penrose stairs, going around and around and never climbing any higher. Your mind winds around itself, blocking out at the reality to allow for fertile imaginations.

I had one of these vertiginous moments Friday. They're dangerous, truth be told, because if your mind isn't on your driving, your hurtling two tons of car down the road going forty, fifty, eighty miles and hour, people can get seriously hurt. But fun, for all that.

I'm underwater at the moment, working on two major projects. One is incredibly research heavy, one is fertile imagination land. Both, though, have me in fits of distraction, as was evidenced by my getting lost on Old Hickory Boulevard, a road I travel weekly. I came to and literally had no idea where I was. It took a full thirty seconds for the familiar to reassert itself. Gives lost in thought a whole new meaning.

This spatial oddity was further compounded by a mini-plague, which created actual vertigo. Hubby had a walloping plague, two doctor visit, highly miserable week. I attended to him with all the loving kindness I could muster, and was rewarded with a cold. So it was a quiet weekend as we both finally started recovering: a couple of nice, ambling walks, loads of chicken soup, and catch-up. Sundays are my favorite, really. A nice breakfast out, some work, then catch-up on whatever needs attending to. I like to read magazines on Sunday afternoons, Architectural Digest being one of my favorites, and Elle, and of course, People. I managed to eliminate everything on my online reading list that had been building since January, and feel so much more caught up. Rode roughshod over my inbox and got it down to zero, unsubscribed from several blogs that are no longer giving me what I need, and added a whole new category to my RSS feeds - Yoga blogs. I'm anxious to see if that helps my practice solidify.

Since the big project involves more reading than writing at the moment, I'm feeling a bit at loose ends. So I may be here a bit more, just to keep my fingers engaged a few times a week.

Have a lovely Monday. Remember, I turned comments off here, so we can chat on Facebook and Twitter instead. Tell me how you're liking the new set up, if you will. Like it? Hate it?