Posts by Lynn Slaughter
Father’s Day Reflections: Sadness But Gratitude as Well
My father was a “big deal” in the publishing world. Prior to the illness that eventually took his life, he was the number two guy at McGraw-Hill. His boss delivered his eulogy. Harold McGraw genuinely loved my dad, not only for his business contributions but for his character and friendship. Leafing through the sympathy letters…
Read MoreAward-Winning Author Pamela Meyer Reflects on “Islands and Silver Linings”
I’m so delighted to welcome Pam Meyer to my blog today! Pam is not only a gifted writer but is extraordinarily supportive of other authors in our online Guppies chapter of Sisters in Crime. If there’s a place in heaven for talented authors who are also really generous people, Pam will definitely be there! Below…
Read MoreAccidentally Blocked!
Recently, a dear author friend and I had a total miscommunication breakdown. Here’s what happened. In late March, unbeknownst to me, my friend stopped receiving any emails from me: no submissions of my work for our critique group (she solicited my chapters from other group members), no thank you notes for her feedback on my…
Read MorePriming the Pump: The Value of Writing Prompts
My fourteen-year-old creative writing student and I had our last session of the semester before summer break. She is a gifted writer already working on a novel. When I asked her what she enjoyed the most about our sessions, she said, “The writing prompts. I feel like it gets our creative juices going.” I had…
Read MoreCelebrating the Gift of Life As We Age
This afternoon, Joyous Singers, my chorus of music-loving seniors will sing at the memorial service of a longtime beloved choral member. On a recent Thursday at one of our final rehearsals before the start of our spring concert series, a group of us chatted amiably before the start of practice. Our soon-to-be deceased friend seemed…
Read MoreThinking about Eugenie Baird and My Mom on Mother’s Day
Coming from a family peppered with jazz musicians, I grew up listening to gifted big band vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald who went on to successfully build solo careers in the 1950s and beyond. I thought I was familiar with all the great jazz vocalists of that period, but I was…
Read MoreSometimes You Just Have to Stumble Through
Last weekend, I attended Malice Domestic, a popular conference for mystery authors and fans held annually in Bethesda, Maryland. I missed going last year and was determined to make it this time, despite another spinal flareup that’s made it difficult for me to walk or stand for any length of time without a lot…
Read MoreMurder and Mourning Mixed with Humor: Julie Eble Releases DAD DIDN’T PREP ME FOR MURDER
Few things can match the excitement of the publication of an author’s first novel, and it was wonderful to interview Julie Eble as she celebrates her debut amateur sleuth mystery, memorably titled DAD DIDN’T PREP ME FOR MURDER. I was especially interested in what Julie had to say about her background as a playwright and…
Read MoreWhy Are Mystery Writers Such Nice People? Award-Winning Author Kaye George Has a Theory
What a pleasure to host Kaye George on my blog as she releases SOMEONE IS OUT THERE, her first suspense novel. Kaye is living proof that perseverance, along with a terrific sense of humor, pay off, as she ushers her 17th book into the world. First off, congratulations on the release of SOMEONE IS OUT…
Read MoreHumor Matters When You Collaborate: Tilia Klebenov Jacobs Talks about Co-Authoring STEALING TIME with Norman Birnbach
I’ve always wondered how writers manage to successfully co-author novels. Tilia Klebenov Jacobs’ account of her collaboration with Norman Birnbach in writing STEALING TIME is fascinating, as is the rich diversity of her life experience as a “Third Culture Kid,” prison educator, and outdoor adventurer. It was such a treat to interview her! First off,…
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