Some time ago I read an article by a man who was vastly in favor of AI, especially for writers. “It’s just a tool,” he claimed, “the same as a pen or a typewriter”. Pardon me while I stop laughing. I have this image of a typewriter taking every word ever typed on it and…Read more How Bored Do We Have to Be?
Reading
What have I been up to?
While the weather's still nice, I'm enjoying many author-related activities. For instance: Last Saturday I had a wonderful time with authors Max Folsom and Kara Lacey. We formed a panel arranged by the Springfield Library, Springfield VT and Sisters in Crime New England. It's such fun chatting with people about the writing life, giving them…Read more What have I been up to?
‘Tis the Season (for murder)
In the spirit of October, I'm posting an old poem of mine from seasons past (sung to the tune of "My Favorite Things"): Mysteries in millions And novels with corpses Bright copper daggers And all the pale horses Brown paper packages dripping with gore These are my favorites So let’s have some more! Cream-colored cupcakes…Read more ‘Tis the Season (for murder)
Rejection, anyone?
Rejection: a fact of life for writers. Recently in the Short Mystery Fiction Society, someone asked what was our worst rejection. In my long life as a struggling writer, I've been lucky with tactful, encouraging rejections. The only bad one I ever got wasn't really a "rejection", at least not of a finished work. Long…Read more Rejection, anyone?
Just a quick update:
INAUGURAL DERRINGER AWARD FOR BEST ANTHOLOGY FINALISTS The Short Mystery Fiction Society has announced the Finalists for the Inaugural Derringer Award for Best Anthology. Congratulations to all! First finalist listed: Devil's Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024, edited by Susan Oleksiw, Ang Pompano, and Leslie Wheeler. Containing my story "A Christmas Cat in the…Read more Just a quick update:
The Best Books to put you on Raymond Chandler’s Mean Streets
Shepherd.com invited me to list five of my favorite mysteries -- and why they rate: https://shepherd.com/best-books/raymond-chandlers-mean-streets
A moment can change everything
At least for a while. This has been a summer of panic and procrastination for me. Plus some pleasure, especially traveling with my son and his seven-year-old grandson. But for months I’ve suffered the mother of all car electrical problems, not only expensive but turning trips to the grocery store and laundromat into disappointments and/or…Read more A moment can change everything
Come join us!
And bring your questions! On Aug 29 at Alumni Hall in Haverhill, NH, I will participate in a panel discussion about writing and publishing. I know I will have a great time comparing notes with authors Bernie Marvin, Zoe Tilley-Poster and Michelle Sherburne, moderated by my good friend and writer-buddy Hilary LLewellyn-Thomas.
White is the New Orange
What is White? The other day I was filling out one of those forms that have little boxes to click: African-American, Asian-American, Latin-American, Native American. And White. Okay, there was one that said something like “prefer not to say”. To me that has always felt rather childish, like “Neener-neener, you can’t make me tell you.”…Read more White is the New Orange
To AI or not to AI
A friend recently shared this article from “The Verge”, about authors using Artificial Intelligence. I read it out of light curiosity, believing such technology had no connection to me. It made me incredibly sad and depressed, not least because of the initial description of the woman who needs to finish a new novel every nine…Read more To AI or not to AI
Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author 