It never ceases to amaze me how writers pull together and help one another in times of need. Case in point is the blog “tour” being conducted to assist mystery writer Elaine Viets. She has a new book coming out in May, but due to suffering a stroke, she may not be able to go on tour. Writers across the country have jumped in to help her by adding her books to theirs at booksignings. In some cases, her fellow and sister writers are standing in for Elaine at scheduled signings on her tour.

Other writers are passing the word about her new book Murder with Reservations. It’s the latest in Elaine’s “Dead-End Job” mystery series. One of the most interesting things about Elaine is that she researches her novels by working the “dead-end” job of her heroine, Helen Hawthorne. In her latest book, Elaine…uh…Helen is a hotel maid hiding out from an ex-husband. Add a dead body and…well, that’s all the teaser you get. LOL

Writers and readers can participate in the “tour by proxy” and get an autographed bookplate.

I’m busy reviewing entries in a novel writing contest.  It’s a privilege to be able to give back some of what I’ve learned about writing over the years. I tend to write more out of gut instinct regarding what works and what doesn’t, so providing feedback challenges me to be clear and specific. Writers often enter contests to get feedback on their work, and with the hefty price tag of $25 per entry in many cases, they have a right to expect a bit more than “This doesn’t work.”  There needs to be a “because.”  We preach about “show not tell” in writing a novel, but that can also apply to giving feedback in contests.  At least that my two cents. 

Later today, my webhost is moving my website to a new server – bigger, faster. Yea!! Access might be sporadic during the changeover. Not a big deal, just a minor inconvenience for a few hours, and mainly overnight at that.