New Year's Eve

I have an associative, free-flowing memory. Moments from decades past feel as current to me as a minute ago. The flip side of this is I can't recall offhand the highlights of a given year. I started a blog, after all, to get the highlights in writing.

I also tend to focus on the moment or task at hand. You won't hear me say I had a bad year, a bad week, or a bad day. Time unfolds constantly. We have a choice in how and what we remember, the narrative we give the past.

I will only say I'm lucky to have had the time. I wish you all the same luck.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL

Thanks to a belated gift of movie tickets from my Kris Kringle, I was able to treat two college friends to an IMAX showing of Mission: Impossible, which we had been hearing great things about.

If you've seen the commercials, you know the premise: Framed for bombing the Kremlin, Ethan Hunt and the IMF scramble to find the real bomber before he can plunge the U.S. and Russia into nuclear war.

I was not much a fan of the previous three movies, but this one stands on its own as a well-structured action/suspense movie that develops its supporting cast as much as it lets Cruise shine.

#verseday Being Late

#verseday is a Twitter hashtag I've come up with to promote poetry writing. Participants must draft poems by noon Eastern today. The resulting poems can be submitted anywhere, including The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly and NoirCon's First Annual Poetry Contest.

Even if you've never written a poem before, you're invited. Taking the time to think poetically can help your creativity on other projects. My topic this week is being late.

Write a poem about being late by noon today, December 30. Incidentally, The 5-2 is accepting love- or passion-themed crime poetry if you wish to tie the three elements together.

Jim Winter's NORTHCOAST SHAKEDOWN Now an Ebook

Jim Winter has re-released P.I. Nick Kepler's novel debut, Northcoast Shakedown, as an ebook. Here's my review as posted to Amazon.com:

Dogged and down-to-earth, Jim Winter's Cleveland P.I. Nick Kepler won me over years ago, when I was fiction editor for THE THRILLING DETECTIVE WEB SITE. Despite Kepler's long, fine reputation online, NORTHCOAST SHAKEDOWN, his novel debut, never received the publicity or support it deserved from its print publisher. I'm glad to see NORTHCOAST as an ebook, and fellow P.I. fans will be, too.

At The 5-2: A Haiku by Duane Spurlock

Enjoy.

In other news, I've accepted poems from Nyla Alisia and Hal Sirowitz for February at The 5-2. Two spots remain open. Submit today.

Christmas Presence

It's Christmas Day, and for the first time I'm not expecting any presents from my extended family. I've had to tighten my belt for the second year in a row, and I don't want my relatives splurging on me, either. I say this knowing there will be presents anyway. From this perspective, I'll be truly surprised and pleased whatever they are.

The truth is, I've never had enough money to buy gifts for everyone. And I wouldn't be just checking names off a list; each of them has helped me in ways I can never repay. The only gift I can bring is my presence, to make our time together the best it can be.

Peace and good will today and every day.


UPDATE: This year, for once, the family stuck to the idea of giving only one present each, Kris Kringle-style. I planned to give cash, but my Kringlee went to Canada for the weekend with his girlfriend, who turned out to be my Kris Kringle.

Her gift, a $50 card to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, was purchased by proxy, and I'm sure I'll use it toward some essential appliance in the future.

Part of the fun, of course, was trying to guess who each person's Kris Kringle was. I was on the right track for myself and my brother, but his Kringle skillfully lied when confronted. Said brother's Kringle also threw us off the scent of my Kringle for a while. Well played.

Christmas TV Traditions

In years past, Santa visited us on Christmas Eve and gave out our presents, and we played through the night. Lately, though, the eve has been for preparation, so I try to sneak in some favorite episodes of TV to put myself in the mood.

Already today I've watched "The Miracle Job", a first-season episode of Leverage written by my friend Christine Boylan. Though the episode itself wasn't set at Christmas time, it originally aired on December 23, 2008, and involved lapsed Catholic Nate and the team trying to save the parish of St. Nicholas, patron saint of reformed thieves. The episode also starred Long Island's own D.B. Sweeney as Nate's priest friend Fr. Paul.

Next up is the Season 2 episode of The Big Bang Theory "The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis". Sheldon buys several gift baskets for Penny, planning to give her the one closest to the value of her gift to him. The plan hits a snag when Penny gives him a napkin signed and used by Leonard Nimoy.

JAG always had momentous Christmas episodes because Harm's father was shot down over Vietnam on Christmas Eve 1969. My personal favorite is Season 4's "Jaggle Bells". Harm and the rest of the JAG staff are snowed in at headquarters, and Harm befriends Navy psychiatrist Jordan Parker (Susan Haskell), who goes on to play a vital role helping lure Mac's Little Sister, Chloe (Mae Whitman), out of an elevator shaft.

#verseday Endings

#verseday is a Twitter hashtag I've come up with to promote poetry writing. I invite Twitter people to suggest poetry topics by noon Eastern each Thursday. Participants must then draft poems by noon Eastern Friday. The resulting poems can be submitted anywhere, including The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly and NoirCon's First Annual Poetry Contest.

Even if you've never written a poem before, you're invited. Taking the time to think poetically can help your creativity on other projects. If you'd like to participate, tweet your topics, tagged #verseday, by noon Thursday, December 22. My topic this week is ending.

Write a poem about an ending or endings by noon Friday, December 23. Incidentally, The 5-2 is accepting love- or passion-themed crime poetry if you wish to tie the three elements together.

6th Annual Graham Powell Appreciation Day

December 22 was the day chosen in 2006 by bloggers grateful to be tracked on Graham Powell's ever-expanding CrimeSpot.net. I finally had the pleasure of meeting Graham at Bouchercon in St. Louis. As of late, he's volunteered to perform poetry for The 5-2. Thanks very much, Graham.

At The 5-2: "Cold Call" by Jay Stringer

I'm glad to say I nudged crime fiction author, blogger, and podcaster Jay Stringer into writing a poem. As a bonus, Jay included a taped confession you can hear after his read of "Cold Call".

Meanwhile, The 5-2 is open to submissions and looking for a female voice to record an upcoming poem. If you're interested and can create audio files, e-mail me at g_so AT yahoo DOT com.

Ebooks and "Print Length"

I noticed a new statistic in Amazon's Kindle Store, "Print Length", which estimates the length of ebooks "based on the page size of a paperback book". Putting aside that paperbacks come in different sizes, I can appreciate the stat's intent, to give me a better idea of the amount of content than does memory size (which is influenced by cover image size). However, for the ebooks I've published so far, the stat is misleading.

Amazon has assigned the 32-poem ebook of The Lineup #4 a "Print Length" of fifteen pages. If I hadn't read the poems, I'd flinch: $2.99 for fifteen pages? Amazon assigns my 3-story ebook First In, Last Out thirteen pages, my 3-story ebook Stones seven pages, and my own 24-poem, $1.99 ebook We Might Have five pages.

"Print Length" doesn't tell you poetry cuts to the heart of things. It doesn't tell you how much action I deliver in few words. It doesn't tell you my C.J. Stone stories rely as much on what isn't told as what is. I invite you to read sample poems from The Lineup #4. Read "Gypped" from Stones, or listen to four poems from We Might Have. By all means, decide for yourself whether the books are worth your money.

Still The One

Upon hearing the long-running Lipstick Chronicles is ending with 2011, author and blogger Karen E. Olson yesterday asked if blogs are still relevant alongside Facebook and Twitter:

My friend and blogger at The Rap Sheet J. Kingston Pierce commented:

I realize I'm saying this as another blogger, but no, I don't think blogs are a dying breed. I do, however, think that a lot of people who started blogs did so without realizing the commitment they were making, and many of them have fallen by the wayside. But the more serious bloggers, those who feel they have something to say and are persistent in saying it, will probably continue to deliver their messages in the same form they've been delivering them.

On the whole, Facebook and Twitter don't offer real writing; they're merely networking tools, not intended for long-form remarks or creative prose, which the better blogs can supply.

I commented:

I read about the same number of blogs I always have—maybe not the same ones because a handful of them are defunct—but I think the form remains relevant for the reasons Jeff mentioned.

Also like Jeff, it seems to me a lot of people started blogs because they were trendy, not from a genuine desire or talent for blogging. I'd bet many of the same people have gravitated to Facebook or Twitter for the same reason.

I've had my personal blog for almost eight years. I started it with the simple goal of organizing my thoughts, which would ideally increase my creative output. Of course I use my blog to bring attention to my work, but my work isn't my blog's sole focus. I've never had a schedule or a formally stated purpose. Readers can jump in anytime.

I'm not on Facebook, but I am on Twitter. I use Twitter for in-the-moment thoughts, but my blog is still the place for anything I want to discuss in full.

#verseday Los Angeles

#verseday is a Twitter hashtag I've come up with to promote poetry writing. I invite Twitter people to suggest poetry topics by noon Eastern each Thursday. Participants must then draft poems by noon Eastern Friday. The resulting poems can be submitted anywhere, including The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly and NoirCon's First Annual Poetry Contest.

Even if you've never written a poem before, you're invited. Taking the time to think poetically can help your creativity on other projects. If you'd like to participate, tweet your topics, tagged #verseday, by noon Thursday, December 15. My topic this week is Los Angeles.

Write a poem about Los Angeles by noon Friday, December 16. Incidentally, The 5-2 has a spot open in January 2012 that you could fill if you participate in this week's #verseday challenge.

ZEKE BARTHOLOMEW: SUPERSPY by Jason Pinter

Twelve-year-old Zeke is mistaken for young spy Derek Lance and has to wing his way from there. It's escapist fantasy with several winks to the adult espionage genre, but Pinter maintains momentum and wit throughout.

I didn't read much outside the classroom growing up, but have been a James Bond fan since I was old enough to watch TV. If Zeke Bartholomew: Superspy had been around back then, I might have discovered the joys of reading earlier, and been better served for it.

My Best Reads of 2011

Traditionally I'm not up on the newest books so I give you my favorite books I've read each year, regardless of when they were published. This year, though, my favorites are all from 2011:

COUNTY LINE by Bill Cameron continues his loose series of linked novels (Lost Dog, Chasing Smoke, Day One). I enjoyed the cross-country trip that delved into one of his characters' pasts.

LIQUID SMOKE by Jeff Shelby was the anticipated return of San Diego P.I. Noah Braddock after five years. When last we saw Noah and friends (Wicked Break), they fit snugly in the tradition of Parker and Crais, but in this third novel, Shelby takes his P.I. to a dark place Parker never (and Crais so far hasn't) dared.

LASSITER by Paul Levine was the even more anticipated return of ex-Miami Dolphins linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter after fourteen years. Some months earlier, I read Flesh & Bones, the immediately previous Lassiter novel, and could detect no rust in the new release. It's everything a fan wants in a return.

THE RANGER by Ace Atkins is the start of a new series by the author tapped to take over Robert Parker's Spenser. This novel gave me confidence Atkins could write like Parker, but, as curious as I am about the continuation, I'm more engaged by ex-Army Ranger Quinn Colson and the characters and past to which he comes home.

My favorite short story read this year was "Blind Date" by Scotti Andrews from the ebook anthology West Coast Crime Wave. Andrews expertly built on the premise of mistaken identity to keep me guessing to the end.

Coming February 1, 2012

I've written many a lovelorn tale over the years, and I'm collecting some of them into an ebook in time for V-Day 2012:

"Call Me Cupid"
"Connect the Dots"
"Every Man for Himself"
"Sweet Child O' Mine"
"Rocky Road"
"Once Upon a Wedding Cake"

Comments here on the blog have called these stories "Brilliant," "Clever and entertaining," "Refreshing."

Give yourself or your Valentine the gift of my wit. Just $2.99 for Kindle or Nook.

At The 5-2: "Nothing To See Here" by C.J. Edwards

This week's poem is by Indianapolis police officer and crime writer C.J. Edwards. Enjoy.

Pondering Pastiche

Yesterday on Do Some Damage, Scott D. Parker blogged about reading reviews of Anthony Horowitz's Sherlock Holmes novel, The House of Silk after he had read the book himself. Struck by how often the word "pastiche" appeared in reviews, Scott went on to wonder:

Why do we pigeon-hole authors, their characters, and their writing styles to a certain, compartmentalized segment of the literary world? ...What would a Holmes novel sound like if Hammett was the author? How about a Spenser novel written by P. D. James? A Perry Mason book written by Michael Chabon? Heck, what if Doyle himself wrote a Continental Op tale?

...[W]hy are experiments like this not the norm in literature? Are we so conditioned to having Holmes and Watson always live in 189- that we don't want them to sound like the pulp heroes of the 1930s? Are we so worried that if Spenser starred in a story that "sounded like" Agatha Christie wrote it that we'd throw the book across the room?

I commented:

It seems to me the restrictions placed on characters and authors naturally stem from the choices authors must make when creating characters, just as people are shaped by their upbringing and life choices.

Once defined by these choices, characters are expected to stay consistent; the author's fictional world as a whole is expected to stay consistent. People are more allowed to change than characters, but if they do so too often, they're seen as weak of character.

If you separate a character from the world and author that helped shape him, unless the new author painstakingly follows the original, the character will change. Individual readers are left to decide how much the character can change and still be recognized as himself. Some critics said [Jeffery] Deaver's Bond wasn't Bond enough.

Still, I would say experimentation is the norm in literature. Many if not all authors begin by imitating their idols, gradually experimenting with their own innovations. Parker, for example, asked, "What if Philip Marlowe lived in 1970s Boston?" The typical result of such experimentation is not just a new spin on an existing character, but a new character entirely. 

New Trailer for STONES

I've made a new video trailer my first C.J. Stone ebook, featuring original music by my friend and Stone fan John Ricotta:



And my latest original Stone story is "Partners" at Pulp Pusher.

Love- or Passion-Themed Poetry Needed. Deadline: January 31, 2012

I'm seeking an original love- or passion-themed poem to run at The 5-2 the week of February 13-19, 2012. Submissions do not have to be specific to Valentine's Day. Crimes of passion take place every day, and I may publish poems from this submissions call after Valentine's week. Please submit by January 31, 2012.

Aside from the theme and deadline, the usual guidelines apply.

Honoring excellence in short mystery fiction

Since 1997, The Short Mystery Fiction Society's Derringer Awards have brought attention to short mystery and crime fiction. If you're a reader, writer, or publisher/editor of the genre, I urge you to join the SMFS by December 31, 2011 for full participation in the 2012 Derringer process.

Full participation includes the chance to submit your favorite stories published in 2011 for Derringer consideration, the volunteer judging opportunity to narrow the field to five finalists in each of four length categories, and the group vote determining the winners in each category.

As a past president of the SMFS, I know how much dedication goes into the Derringers, all for the love of the short mystery/crime story. Here are the Derringer rules in full.

You'd Better Watch Out

My Christmas story "You'd Better Watch Out" is now live at The Flash Fiction Offensive. Thanks to editor David Barber.

#verseday January

#verseday is a Twitter hashtag I've come up with to promote poetry writing. I invite Twitter people to suggest poetry topics by noon Eastern each Thursday. Participants must then draft poems by noon Eastern Friday. The resulting poems can be submitted anywhere, including The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly and NoirCon's First Annual Poetry Contest.

Even if you've never written a poem before, you're invited. Taking the time to think poetically can help your creativity on other projects. If you'd like to participate, tweet your topics, tagged #verseday, by noon Thursday, December 8. My topic this week is January.

Write a poem by noon Friday, December 9, about whatever January brings to mind. Incidentally, The 5-2 has two spots open in January 2012 that you could fill if you participate in this week's #verseday challenge.

The 5-2 Holiday Poetry Chosen

I've chosen the 5-2 poems for the weeks of December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2011. They are a Christmas haiku by Duane Spurlock and "The Christmas Itch" by Kent Gowran respectively. Thanks to everyone who submitted holiday crime poetry.

Robert B. Parker's Official Site Updated

Yesterday, I noticed Parker's official site had been snazzily revamped by the Web marketing firm FSB Associates.

I'm not much interested in Michael Brandman's Jesse Stone novels, but it's nice to see the first one, Killing The Blues, was a New York Times bestseller. I did furrow a brow at the Contra Costa Times praise, "Definitely classic Parker". How can it be classic if it's a new book? How can it be Parker if Parker didn't write it?

I also peeked in on the Robert B. Parker Facebook page and learned more about Ace Atkins's first Spenser novel, to be published May 1, 2012.

At The 5-2: "VIP Security" by David S. Pointer

This week's 5-2 poem is by Lineup #3 alum David S. Pointer, who often draws inspiration from his four years as a USMC military policeman.

Also be sure to check out the audio reading by CrimeSpot.net admin Graham Powell.

A Writer's Highest Calling

Today on Do Some Damage, Joelle Charbonneau blogs about a family friend's death, concluding:

[T]omorrow I will start writing again because it is what I do—what I have to do—what he was so proud of me for. And while the holidays will take time away from the work we all want to do, I cannot stress enough that we should all give life permission to intrude. Our families, our friends and the memories we make every day are the reasons we all can do what we do.

I commented:

My condolences, Joelle.

I believe a writer's highest calling is to put into words an audience's deepest shared experiences, those most difficult to express. If writers don't indeed share in some of these experiences, they can't begin to write about them. Their writing becomes less vibrant, more routine.

Make Room for Ooma

Having researched various voice-over-IP alternatives, my family and I this week chose Ooma for the bulk of our home phone needs. Ooma makes its money from the $200 initial hardware purchase. After that, there is no monthly charge, only taxes and fees.

As part of the move, we disconnected one line that was dedicated to a fax machine—the machine still works, but so does my last VCR—and switched our more-used landline to a less expensive, local-only plan for emergencies.

We've gained lots of desk space putting our motley crew of phones in storage, and overall we should save $100 per month. Ask again after our next bill.

#verseday Firsts

#verseday is a Twitter hashtag I've come up with to promote poetry writing. I invite Twitter people to suggest poetry topics by noon Eastern each Thursday. Participants must then draft poems by noon Eastern Friday. The resulting poems can be submitted anywhere, including The 5-2: Crime Poetry Weekly and NoirCon's First Annual Poetry Contest.

Even if you've never written a poem before, you're invited. Taking the time to think poetically can help your creativity on other projects. If you'd like to participate, tweet your topics, tagged #verseday, by noon Thursday, December 1. My topic this week is "firsts", "first of the month", "your first time".

Write a poem about a first or firsts by noon Friday, December 2.