Babble 'n Blog

Never Say Never

2009-11-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have officially thrown my hat into the vampire-rage ring. Last year I got an idea for a vampire book and let it sit in my brain, giving it time to ferment into something solid and interesting. Then a few months ago, it knocked on my skull and said it was ready to come out.

Next, I honed and developed the idea until I had several solid chapters and a synopsis for a vampire mystery series. A series I hoped would be very different from anything out there to date. Yesterday, my agent informed me my vampire proposal was ready to be sent to various publishers. Yikes, the submission process all over again!

But the business of publishing isn't at issue here. What's bothering me is where in the hell did this idea come from? I mean, get real. Me? Write a vampire series? You've got to be kidding! At least that's what I would have said had anyone asked about it a year ago. Yet, here I am, gleefully composing paragraphs using words such as fangs and undead.

Then again, if anyone had asked me a few years ago if I had any plans to write a ghost series, I would have laughed. But look at me now. Ghost a la Mode was recently released and the second book in the Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery Series has been delivered to my publisher.

Never say never...

Writer, Writer, Pants On Fire

2009-11-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today, November 1st, officially kicks off National Novel Writing Month, and the start of the annual NaNoWriMo program.

What is NaNoWriMo, you ask? In it's own words:

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

This is a grueling pace. I know, because it's similar to the one I keep month after month, year after year, in order to produce two novels a year. And my novels are not 50,000 words, but generally fall between 77,000 and 85,000 words each. They must also be honed and polished when they hit my editor's desk. Of course, I take a bit longer than a month to do this. And during the year I must also do editorial edits and galley corrections on other books and book promotion.

I think NANOWRIMO is a great jump start for those budding authors who have never thrown commitment into their writing. NANOWRIMO isn't about whether someone has the talent to write a novel, but whether or not he or she has the cajones to stick it out. No matter what.

Several people I know have signed up to participate this year and I wish them all the best.

TIP: put your heiny in the chair, your fingers on the keyboard, and type like your pants are on fire and only getting to your word count will put out the blaze.

It works for me.

Since my 6th Odelia Grey novel is due to my publisher in exactly 75 days, I will be conducting my own unofficial and personal NANOWRIMO program this month. See you on the other side of November, scorched panties and all.

For a fun look at the potential aftermath of NANOWRIMO, check out Alan Orloff's blog about it. He's looking ahead to December 1st. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Notarize My Book?

2009-10-28T21:57:00.001-07:00

I'm over at Inkspot today talking about my two careers colliding. Come on over and say hello.

October Isn't Just About Halloween

2009-10-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Wondering why there have been so many blogs, news reports, and special events about boobies lately? Might be because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It fact, 2009 marks the movement's 25th year.

A lot of my friends and family have participated in various events across the country. My niece Lindsay walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Boston. My author friends are Bowling for Boobies tonight. And Tamara Rupke, the niece of an online friend, participated in the Grandmother of all breast cancer awareness events, the 3-day, 60 mile Washington, DC walk.

Here, in Tamara’s own words, is an accounting of her experience.

Many of you have asked, “How was the walk?” Well, here goes..

At the opening ceremony participants carried flags describing their motivation for walking- Dreams, The Future, Myself, My Friend, My Wife, My Mother, etc. Right then I knew it would be an emotional weekend… even for a ‘tough’ girl like me.

The walk itself was much more difficult than I imagined. Many walkers suffered from blisters and sore/pulled muscles. 60 miles in 3 days is INSANE, walking or not. After the first night I heard one girl talking to her sister about getting a blister on her behind. (I assume they were walking for their mother.) One sister said to the other, “Mom always said she was going to blister our A$$.” The Pit Stops became our best friend. We were able to re-vaseline our tootsies, change socks, get a snack, rehydrate, tinkle, stretch, and hit the road again… not necessarily in that order. There were also cheering stations along the way where supporters greeted walkers with candy, (one camper greeted us with wine J) and wow did they cheer! Oh, and I mustn’t forget the creative pink ta-ta paraphernalia!! Men in pink tutus, Harley’s with bra’s strapped to the front handlebars, and shirts that read, “boobs, sweat, and tears”, or “Yeah their fake, my real ones tried to kill me!” I could go on and on. So much creativity.

Camp featured local entertainment which Charlyn and I regrettably declined. We preferred to stretch, shower, and sleep. Camp was surprising comfortable. We had hot showers, delicious meals, and all the coffee one could ask for. I’ve never seen so many pink tents in my life! And of course one white tent, the Remembrance Tent, where participants could record their story and honor loved ones.

The weekend carried many emotions, fear, anticipation, happiness, sadness, disappointment, appreciation, courage…. Needless to say, I had many “ah ha” moments. There is one memory I will take with me forever and reminds me why I walked that weekend. On Day 2 as we walked through Bethesda, a woman who appeared to be shopping approached and asked us why were walking. We told her to benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure. I noticed the woman choke up. As she turned and walked away carrying her shopping bags she looked back and replied, “It’s because of people like you that I am still alive today.” I wanted to share that story with all of you because I feel like it’s also because of YOU that this woman is still alive today. Thank you so much for your support and for allowing me to participate in such a worthy event. I had a great time and I hope if any of you have ever considered doing anything like this that you don’t think twice and just go for it! It is an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!!!

Love,
Tamara

The month is almost over, but it's not too late to contribute to one of these very worthy events. So put down the candy corn and get involved in one way or another. It's never too late to raise awareness and fight breast cancer. Make it a year-round event.

Bravo - What In The Hell Were You Thinking?

2009-10-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

Bravo TV has become the "Rich People Behaving Badly" channel.

There, I've said it. And I say to you, Bravo TV: Shame, shame, shame.

I've always been a big Bravo TV watcher, which still has some of my favorites shows like Top Chef and Inside the Actor's Studio, and until recently considered it a fairly classy network. But somewhere along the line, someone at the network decided that watching rich, privileged women cat fight, bitch and scream, and spend with no conscience would be great and enlightening entertainment. I've watched one episode each (and not even full episodes) of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of New York and The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and wanted to retch each time. And don't even get me started on a few of their other shows.

Real housewives my big fat ass!

Even in good times, I would find these shows appalling. Given the present state of the economy, job losses and foreclosures, I find these shows a slap in the face of the REAL housewives and househusbands across the nation who daily clip coupons, juggle car pools, scrub floors, care for sick children, and fix broken plumping. These men and women raise entire families on what one of the wives on a Bravo show pays for a cocktail dress. They are the REAL heroes of the American family. I shudder to think what other countries think when they watch these Bravo atrocities.

Question for James Lipton: Mr. Lipton, do you have to go to the studio with a bag over your head?

Wanted - Serious Art Patron (without the wink)

2009-10-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Often in old movies, we are introduced to the “art patron.” A wealthy man or woman who subsidizes a budding artist financially so that the artist – a composer, painter, writer – can continue being brilliant on his or her road to discovery without the crushing worries of expenses. Sometimes the title “art patron” came with a sly wink. Sometimes not.

Recently in an interview, I was asked what was the one thing I know now that I wish I’d known before I started writing. My answer was that I wish I had known more about the business side of writing. That answer is true, but sanitized. I do wish I had known more about the biz of writing and publishing, but more to the point, I wish I had known how much out-of-pocket money it was going to cost me for promoting my work, because without full blown promotion, even the best books can die on the vine.

This brings up another valid question. Had I known the rocky debt road ahead of me, would I still have continued down the path? Absolutely! You see, this is my dream. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. I was born to write. It’s the only thing in my life that comes as easy to me as breathing in and out. And I think I’m pretty good at it. I can also say, without even a slight blush, that I am one of the hardest working authors on the planet.

According to my agent, my manager, the producer who optioned my Odelia Grey series, and even some murmurings from my publisher, I am about to “break through.” This means my books and my sales could hit it big in the future. It means my dreams are about to explode onto the scene.

You know what? My gut is telling me that, too. Even when I feel crushed emotionally, financially, and spiritually by the business of writing, I keep going, like the Energizer Bunny, convinced in my stout heart that all my dreams will soon be realized.

Film producers have backers
Olympic hopefuls have sponsors
Painters have patrons

This writer needs one of the above to keep fighting the good fight.

My manager and I have kicked around several ideas to package me for investment purposes. Basically, we need to find an investor/sponsor/backer/patron who can fund the writing expenses of my career for this last leg of the journey without needing a quick return. Remember, publishing moves SLOWLY.

If you know of someone who might be interested in discussing a professional and proper arrangement, please pass this along to them. Interested parties should contact me at sue@sueannjaffarian.com.

Bowling for Boobies!

2009-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Christa Faust, one of my very favorite people, has put together a team of Sister In Crime members and friends for the upcoming Bowling for Boobies fund raising event on October 27, 2009.

The event runs from 6-9 pm and takes place at Jillian's Hi-Life on Universal City Walk in Los Angeles. At this time, celebrity bowlers include Jane Wiedlin of The Go Go's, and Thomas Lennon of RENO 911, and, of course, our own Sisters In Crime celebrities: Christa Faust, Naomi Hirahara, A.H.Ream, Jane DiLucchio, Sue Stimpson, and Maureen McLaughlin.

Unfortunately, I'm unable to be there, but I will be present in spirit and in checkbook.

Why Bowling for Boobies? Here's why, in Christa's own heart-felt words:

A good friend of mine named Edith recently took her own life after discovering that her breast cancer had returned even after a double mastectomy. I was devastated, as were all her friends, but Edith was an amazing woman who always wanted to help others and so it is in her memory that I have formed Team Sisters in Crime for The Busted Foundation's Bowling for Boobies charity tournament.

The Busted Foundation helps women who beat breast cancer but can't beat the bills. I know times are lean for everyone, and there's very little left over for anything extra, but please consider donating to sponsor my team. No amount is too small. Even one dollar helps keep women like Edith from being crushed under the financial pressures in the aftermath of breast cancer.

You can donate online here: http://www.firstgiving.com/TeamSinC

Read more about the event here: http://www.bowlingforboobies.com/

Thanks!- Christa

The Sisters In Crime team is very close to meeting their $6,000 goal. So let's all pitch in and help them bowl a perfect game. As Christa says, no amount is too small.

Next Stop - Bakersfield!

2009-10-07T19:34:00.001-07:00

This coming Saturday, October 10th, I will be signing books in Bakersfield, CA, at Russo's Books.

Russo's is a family-owned independent bookstore. It's a lovely place. Light and airy and full of knowledgeable and friendly staff. I signed there earlier this year and they're having me back to sign Ghost a la Mode.

If you're in the Bakersfield area, drop on by and say hello. Make Russo's your indie in Bakersfield.

Saturday, October 10th - 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Russo's Books
9000 Ming Avenue #I-4
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 665-4686

The Passion of the Pen

2009-10-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

I'm writing about the passion of the pen over at Inkspot today.

Come on over and say hello.

Joining Cirque Du Soleil

2009-10-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

The folks from Cirque Du Soleil were at WEHO this weekend advertising their new Kooza show. I think this is the best headshot I've ever taken.

Heigh-Ho, See You At WEHO

2009-10-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, October 4th, West Hollywood will once again host the West Hollywood Book Fair. This event is in its eighth year and is always a lot of fun for the entire family.

The hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the location is the West Hollywood Park on San Vicente Blvd. (corner of Melrose and San Vicente)

Unlike the monster Los Angeles Times Book Festival, author panels at WEHO do not require tickets and are easy to attend. There is also plenty of free parking across the street at the Pacific Design Center, as well as parking in other lots with a free shuttle to the book fair.

I'll be at the Sisters In Crime/LA booth signing books from 1-2. At 2:30 I'll be on a panel in the mystery pavilion and signing books again after that.

Come on down! This is a fun way to spend a sunny Sunday.

Reading - Try and Stop Me!

2009-09-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was reminded today by my friend Ashley Ream that this week is Banned Books Week - the week most of us thumb our noses (and/or flip the bird) to those folks who believe some books should be banned because of their content.

Now, there are books you might not want your 8-year-old to read until he or she is older. And there are books you might not agree with politically, religiously, or in theory. And I'm sure we've all come across books that have offend us for one reason or another. But that doesn't mean those books should be banned. It just means we, individually, choose to avoid those books or keep them from the hands of our little ones. But even the latter situation is iffy. Just because you might think a book inappropriate for your offspring, doesn't mean all parents feel the same.

Case in point: All my life I've been a heavy reader. In my youth, precocious. When I was in junior high school I tried to check a particular book out of our school library, but the librarian refused, saying it was beyond my age level. She chose for me instead a book I found silly and childish. When I insisted on having the book I wanted, she told me I would have to get the permission of one of my parents in order to check it out.

Neither of my parents finished school and neither supported me or my brother much when it came to academics. They worked hard all day. Came home, tried to relax, went to bed, and did all over again the next day. And the next. And the next. Pretty much I was on my own when it came to anything school-related. Asking my mother to write a note to the school librarian had a 50-50 chance of success. It all hinged on her mood at the time I asked.

When I told my mother what I needed and why, she asked just one thing: "This book already in the school library?" I told her it was. She scribbled out the note and I took it back to school. Pretty much the note said that I was allowed to read ANY book that was in the school library.

The book in question was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

This week, in honor of all the Banned Books, I am going to finally read The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. It's amazing that I've gotten this far in life without having read this often challenged and banned novel, even more amazing in that I've owned a copy for at least a decade. But tonight I'm putting down the other books I'm reading and opening the pages of this American classic.

So, what banned book are YOU reading this week?

Houston, We Have a Success!

2009-09-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report, the launch party for Ghost a la Mode, the first Ghost of Granny Apples mystery, was a huge success. We set up a pie bar where folks could help themselves to apple, cherry and french apple pie, along with coffee, tea and soft drinks. It was a nice crowd, mostly familiar faces with a few new ones in the mix.

The family of Ish Reynolds came down for the event. Ish Reynolds is Granny Apples' real name in the books, and the real Ish Reynolds was one of Odelia's biggest fans. She even came down from the Bay Area for one of the Odelia Grey launches. About the time I started writing the Granny Apples series, Ish died of liver cancer. Her granddaughter Stacey is a friend of mine and I thought the name perfect for Granny.

The first half hour was spent chatting and eating pie. Then I read a short passage from Ghost a la Mode and answered questions. People were very interested in where both Odelia and Granny were going from here and many asked about Corpse on the Cob, the 5th Odelia due out February 2010. Several asked how I did in the Mud Run. We ended with a drawing for a few "apple" themed prizes, including a Ghost a la Mode tee shirt, and the signing of books.

As always, the folks at The Mystery Book Store were armed and ready with stacks of books, all of which sold out! Even a few Odelia Grey novels made their way out the door. And Odelia didn't mind one bit taking a back seat to Granny and Emma.

For those of you who want signed copies of Ghost a la Mode, but can't make it to one of my events, contact The Mystery Book Store. They are ordering more copies and I will be going in to sign them as soon as they arrive. They will even take special requests if you want the book personalized. Their number is: 310-209-0415 or 800-821-9017.

There are a few more photos on my Facebook page.

Time now to focus on Odelia. Book #6 is due mid-January. YIKES!

Pie, Coffee and Ghosts

2009-09-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, September 26, 2009, will be the official launch of Ghost a la Mode, the first book in my new Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series. We'll be serving up pie, coffee and beverages.

Drop on by and say hello!

3:00-4:00 p.m.
The Mystery Book Store
1036-C Broxton
Los Angeles, CA (Westwood Village)

2 hrs of free parking in the parking structure next to the bookstore.

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-09-16T06:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning, extremely early, I will be driving to Las Vegas for two book events. I'm not fond of Las Vegas. The noise, the crowds, the second hand smoke, all make me nuts. And even though you can find cheap buffets in Sin City, that's about the only thing that is inexpensive. But there are a couple of things I am looking forward to about the trip.

1 - The 4-5 hour drive will give me time to listen to a book on tape. I've been trying to read Diana Gabaldon's A Breath of Snow and Ashes since it first came out. I even own a copy of the 1,000 page tome. But since it's not exactly a convenient book to tuck into one's purse, it has been languishing in my To Be Read pile. This week I went to my local library and picked up part 1 of the audio recording for the road. Since the entire audio edition is 24 hours long, I seriously doubt I'll finish it, but I should get a good jump on part 1 and can listen to part 2 while doing stuff around the house and on drives to other book events. I absolutely love this historical time travel series.

2 - I'm speaking on Thursday evening and Saturday morning, leaving Friday to languish by the pool and do several thing I love: read and write. My manager and friend, Diana James, is going with me and we're both are excited about having a full day of down time. My plan is to work on Odelia book #6, Body Bingo, and to read some research materials for the new series I'm developing.

3 - We're staying at a hotel that's new to both Diana and me - South Point. This hotel came highly recommended to me by a friend who stays there every time he visits family in Vegas. It is NOT on the strip, which is a plus for me, and is almost a self-contained little resort, complete with movie theatres, large rooms, even a spa. Better yet - we got it at a dirt low price. Vegas is almost giving away their rooms these days.

4 - I'm really looking forward to the two speaking events. The first one is on Thursday night. I will be speaking to the Las Vegas Writers Group. Saturday morning it's off to spend time with the Las Vegas Romance Writers - Cactus Rose RWA. Following the Cactus Rose meeting, it's back to LA for a Sunday of catching up.

Going to Las Vegas is a chore for me, but this trip, with its several plus sides, could be the best one yet. I'll post about my travels when I return.

Brunch with Me is Cheaper

2009-09-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard about the eBay auction for dinner with Sarah Palin, I thought, but of course!

Whether or not you like the former VP candidate and governor of Alaska, this is a great marketing gimmick to raise money for charity. After all, if you're a fan of Palin's you'll be happy to spend time with the woman for a worthy cause. If you're not, it'll be good for a few laughs and some spectacular stories to tell your friends.

Personally, I'd rather have dinner with Tina Fey, but then, who wouldn't?

Then I read the fine print, some of which is here: Dinner shall last no more than four hours, but could be less, in the sole discretion of Sarah Palin.* Governor Palin reserves the right to refuse dinner with a winning bidder if, in her sole discretion, the winning bidder is not a suitable bidder based on her subjective standards of suitability, professionalism, background and other factors. In the event the high bidder is rejected for this reason, the high bidder's bid will be refunded, if paid, and the next highest bidder shall be notified, and thereafter, until a suitable match is determined. (emphasis added)

WTF!

So, even if you spend TENS OF THOUSANDS (the current bid is at $37,700) and win this auction AND pass the mandatory background check, Sarah can still turn up her perky, ignorant nose at you and yell "next." And she can keep yelling "next" until someone she deems suitable is found amongst the bidders. And even then, she only has to stay however long she wants. There is no minimum time requirement for her presence.

Kind of like the way she treated her governor's term, isn't it.

I often donate character names in my books for charities, and once even auctioned off lunch with me personally, and I picked up the check and stayed for the entire meal. Security issues aside, I didn't check out the bidders first for suitability or retain the right to choose someone else. The winning bidder was the winning bidder. (We had a great time, BTW!)

So, here it is:

Who wants to have bunch with me and donate money to breast cancer? Think I'm kidding? Stay tuned...

Different Puppies, Same Litter

2009-09-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

Last night at 6 pm pacific time, I hit the send button on my computer, sending Hot 'n Haunting, the 2nd book in my Granny Apples mystery series, off to my publisher.

What is especially auspicious about this event, is that it was book #7 of the 15 books I have under contract with Midnight Ink (between 2 series). It's like hitting the half way point during a marathon. When #8 is sent off, it will be like cresting the hill - like having Suicide Hill behind me on the Mud Run.

Now before anyone out there thinks I'm complaining, think again. Yes, it is almost like I've become a single-employee book factory, but I am truly enjoying writing each and every book I'm cranking out. Each one is like birthing a different child. And like children born from the same gene pool, each book has a different personality, sensitivity level and sense of humor, as well as commonality. Sort of like the 7 puppies in the photo above. They are different, yet with the same DNA. Each new book presents me with new challenges. And I can't wait for the next.

Speaking of next. Here's what's queued up.

On September 20th I begin work on the 6th Odelia Grey novel, currently titled Body Bingo. I will also be fleshing out my idea for the 3rd Granny Apples book. Between now and then, I will be taking my usual short hiatus from my novels to work on things like cleaning up my desk, sorting my notes, and resting my brain. I will also be working on an idea I have for a new mystery series, and writing 2 speeches for upcoming events. So have no fear, I won't be wallowing in inactivity.

For the next 2 months I will also be making many appearances up and down Southern California, including 2 in Las Vegas. I will be keeping very busy before the big push at the end of the year to get Body Bingo out the door on time.

Check out the Calendar page of my web site, and if you can make it to any event, please stop by and say hello!

Me and the Mouse Go The Distance

2009-09-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

EXACTLY 12 hours ago, I was standing with 3,999 other entrants at the starting line for the 2009 Disneyland Family 5K. We were herded together in a starting chute and while waiting for the official start were entertained by the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, who also kicked off the race with a lovely rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Although called a "run" or "race," for me it was a walk. I don't run. I have bum knees. But I love to walk, and walk I did through Disneyland and California Adventure, including the back lots. Tons of folks walked. As the bulk of walkers crossed the finish line, the announcer told the crowd how they love their "walkers." That walkers are like runners, just without the caffeine. A lot of folks toted young children (you cannot bring a stroller on the route). Whole families were walking the happiest place on earth at 7 am this morning, and, in spite of the heat, I'd say we all had a great time. It was more of a festival than a race and the proceeds from the entrance fee went to Anaheim Community Charities.

The only hitches in the get-along were the oppressive heat and humidity. So. Cal is having a heat wave right now and Friday and Saturday were brutal. Added to that was a lack of water stations along the 3.2 mile route (Disney - what's with that? The Marines had a water station every mile during the Mud Run!) There was 1, count 'em 1, water station at the 1.5 mile mark and then again at the finish, where they gave away fruit, bagels, water and hydration drinks. (Note to Disney - move some of that stuff to along the route, please!) Next year, I'm packing my own drinks. I think I sweated enough this weekend to fill a bathtub. I keep telling myself it's great for flushing toxins and for my complexion.

My participation in this event started when I announced that anyone signing up for the event with me would receive a signed copy of Ghost à la Mode and a Ghost à la Mode tee shirt, which my publisher, Midnight Ink, donated. We had 5 people sign up for the 5K and one will do the half-marathon on Sunday. A couple other friends came along for support although they didn't do the 5K. Unfortunately, there were several folks who wanted to do the event but had already made Labor Day Weekend plans, and two tried to sign up for the 5K but it sold out.

Walking with me and celebrating the release of Granny Apples today were Shirley and Doug Pearson, Mark Baker and Carolyn Bryant. My dear friend Susan Groeneweg went with me and we both agreed that the Paradise Pier Hotel was tops. Shirley and Doug Pearson, who are Disney-philes and the nicest people in the world, and walk the Disney 5K every year, got us a fabulous discount at the hotel. After the race, we went back to our hotel rooms and showered and trekked to The Grand Californian Hotel for brunch at The Storytellers Cafe, where we were joined by Mark's friend Angelique. Brunch was fabulous and our table was visited by many a 6 ft furry creature.

It was decided that this should become an annual event.

You in?

A full photo album from the day can be seen at my profile on Facebook.

Chatting With Moi

2009-09-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday, September 12th, at 2pm, I will be interviewed by the lovely Hannah Dennison in front of a live audience.

The event is called "In Conversation With Sue Ann Jaffarian" and is sponsored by The Friends of the Costa Mesa Libraries. Hannah, a journalist as well as a wonderful author, promises a no-holds bag of questions, so anything can happen.

Come on out and meet Hannah and me up close and personal. And bring your own burning questions. This is your shot to ask me anything and everything!

The event will be held at the Balearic Community Center, 1975 Balearic Drive, Costa Mesa, CA. Admission is free, but they would love you to RSVP by e-mailing Bob at: bobbyooten@aol.com

Hot 'n Haunting - Emphasis on HOT

2009-08-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

This was me this weekend, except for the slippers. After a fairly mild summer to date, California got hit with a heat wave - right on the final week of my deadline for Hot 'n Haunting. Seems appropriate, doesn't it?

Starting with Friday night after work, I glued myself to my computer for most of the weekend, pounding out the final chapters to the second book in my Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series.

I live on the 3rd floor in an apartment without AC. At 10 pm on Saturday evening, the thermostat in my apt read 90 degrees. And that was with 2 big fans running 24 hrs a day in the living room and one huge oscillating fan running in my bedroom/office. Sweat poured down my back, down my face, down my arms. Even over the computer mouse. I took cool showers twice a day and lived on stuff like yogurt, cottage cheese, and fresh fruit. Oh yeah, and some ice cream. The cats sprawled on the cooler linoleum in the entry hall and enjoyed the ice cubes I dumped into their water from time to time. Speaking of water, I think I drank my weight in it in the past couple of days.

Why, you ask, didn't I just leave and go someplace with AC to work? Because I write better when I'm at home at my desk top. And because Hot 'n Haunting is due to my publisher in 8 days. Yes, eight, ocho, VIII days!

So how did I do on my deadline this weekend? I'll tell ya straight out - I ROCKED! In spite of the brutal heat, I cranked out some of pretty cool stuff. And I'm so close to finishing, I not only can see the finish line, I can smell it.

Or is that me needing another shower?

Tough Love

2009-08-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

I'm dishing out TOUGH LOVE for new and aspiring writers over at Inkspot today. Drop on by!

Sue Ann Does The Bay Area - Sort Of

2009-08-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

No, this weekend I didn't make a trip to San Francisco, one of my favorite cities. Rather San Francisco, or more specific, the Bay Area, came to me.

Saturday, I took time out from my feverish writing to visit the Mystery Bookstore where pal Sophie Littlefield was down from the Bay Area to hawk her new book, A Bad Day for Sorry. With Sophie were Margaret Grace (Malice in Miniature), Juliet Blackwell (Secondhand Spirits) and Ann Parker (Leaden Skies), three other Bay Area ladies of mystery that I know. Check out these fine authors who represent four distinct subgenres of the mystery world. It was a fun time and buds Eric Stone and Ashley Ream were also there. Then it was back home to work on my own manuscript.

After getting up very early to write on Sunday morning, I met up with long-time friend Leila Sarkisian, who lives in SF but was down in LA this weekend for a family event. We hadn't seen each other in a very long time and it was fun catching up over breakfast at Grub, a place I discovered when searching on the Internet for a new breakfast spot.

Grub is a charming little bistro on a small street in Hollywood. It had everything I look for in a brunch spot - early hours, casual environment, outdoor dining, and an interesting and reasonably priced menu. Another thing that caught my attention is that Grub is co-owned by Betty Fraser, a former contestant on Top Chef. Being a TC devotee, that sealed the deal. I'm happy to say that Grub delivered on all pistons. I had what's billed as their "Friggin' Amazin' French Toast." It was wonderful, though I usually prefer eggs for brunch over sweets. Leila, not a typical breakfast eater, had the pulled pork sandwich. I definitely intend to go back. Their lunch and dinner menus looked great, too.

By 11 am I was back at my computer pounding away towards the finish of Hot 'n Haunting. I am very pleased to say I wrote a crap load this weekend! And still managed to do laundry and vacuum, along with grooming a very disgruntled B. And, of course, I didn't miss a minute of True Blood or Drop Dead Diva!

Now it's off to the day job with a sense of a weekend well done.

Just 2 more weeks until Hot 'n Haunting is due to my publisher - pant, pant.

Lusty Confessions of a Middle-Aged Crazy Woman

2009-08-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

I have several things to confess, right here, right now. And I don't care who in the hell reads this.

I am in lust with Alexander Skarsgård. For those of you not in the know, Skarsgård plays the 1,000-year-old bad-boy vampire, Eric Northman, on the fabulous HBO show True Blood. I mean, look at him! He's even sexy when he has fresh blood dripping from his fangs.

The thing is, I have never had a fondness for fair-skinned blonds. I prefer men on the swarthy side and closer to my age, so it surprised the begesus out of me when I found myself holding my breath until each time his character showed up on screen.

Holy batshit, I am waaaaaay too old to be behaving like an obsessed teeny-bopper. In fact, I'm old enough to be this boy's mother for cripes sake. Ummm, that's Alexander's mother not Eric's. After all, Eric is supposedly 1,000 years old and, well, I'm not... yet.

For many reasons, I thought this past week's episode of True Blood ("I will Rise Up") was the best one yet. And I would feel that way even if the episode didn't feature Eric Northman stretched out naked on a bed. Really, I would! I liked this episode so much I've watched it at least 3 times. For the crisp dialogue, of course.

Oh boy, Sunday night is just around the corner. I can't wait.

Eric, you can bite me anytime...

My Aching Eyeballs

2009-08-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

As most everyone within a 5,000 mile radius of me knows, I’m in the final throes of finishing Hot ‘n Haunting, the 2^nd book in my Ghost of Granny Apples mystery series. This means that I need to be writing several hours a day, both in the morning before I go to work at the law firm and after work. Problem is, at ye old day job I’ve been given some pretty boring and tedious projects. You know the kind. The sort of work that numbs the mind and makes the noggin throb. Throw in hours of squinting at legal due diligence documents on the computer and you can add bulging, bruised and unhappy eyeballs to the mix. However, this work needs to be done just as much as Hot ‘n Haunting needs to be finished. Both are on deadlines. Neither can be missed.

So how’s a gal supposed to write when her eyes needs cold compresses?

Hot ‘n Haunting is going well. I’m pleased with it, but just when I can see the finish line, someone moves the tape. I know the ending. It plays like a movie in my brain. But unlike movies, which move fast, novels get tied up with pages and pages of dialogue and description. There's simply no short cut. I can’t get to the finish without following the trail up and down the hills and over the obstacles.

Gee, that’s sounds a lot like the Mud Run I recently finished, doesn’t it. Funny thing, the Mud Run had now become my touchstone. My point of reference when things get tough.

“If I can finish the damn Mud Run, then I can [fill in the blank].”

If I can finish the damn Mud Run, then I can finish Hot 'n Haunting, in spite of wanting to skewer both eyes with knitting needles.

Granny is Alive!

2009-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Just got word that Ghost a la Mode, the first book in my new Ghost of Granny Apples series, is already in stock at Amazon. That means it should be coming to a book store near you shortly. If you don't see it, ask for it!

In a few weeks, I'll be hitting the trail every weekend for book events and signings. Lots of fun things planned, so check the calendar on my website to see where I'll be. The calendar is a work in progress and is updated frequently, so check it often.

Come on out to an event and say hello. I don't bite, unless you ask nicely.

Meanwhile, I'm just 3 weeks away from finishing Hot 'n Haunting, the 2nd offering in the Ghost of Granny Apples series.