Meet the New Authors Breakfast at the Left Coast Crime Conference

I have the honor of hosting the Meet the New Author Breakfast at the Left Coast Crime Conference in Albuquerque on Friday, April 8. I will be introducing 23 authors who will give a one minute pitch on the most important thing readers should know about their debut mystery novel. This is a tradition that has been taking place at each Left Coast Crime Conference since 2008.

Speaking to an ESL Class

I had the opportunity last week to speak to an English as a Second Language (ESL) class via Zoom. I gave a presentation about my writing journey and then opened it up for questions. I received excellent and thoughtful questions and enjoyed the discussion with the students.

Getting Ready for a Book Launch

I’m getting ready for the release of my humorous mystery novel, Old Detectives Home, in April. Now that the edits are complete and the publisher has designed the cover, I need to prepare for my promotional activities. Once the publication date is set, I’ll send out an email notification to my list of interested readers. I’ll also, with the assistance of my graphic artist daughter-in-law, have a postcard produced for mailing to my snail mail list of interested readers. This will also serve as handouts at conferences such as the upcoming Left Coast Crime Conference. I’ll also finalize dates at three bookstores within driving distance to do a book talk and signing. Finally, I’ll complete a new presentation to give at bookstores, libraries, book groups and service organizations.

Cover for Old Detectives Home

I’m pleased to share with you the cover for Old Detectives Home, the first book in the Omnipodge Trilogy of mystery novels, which will be published in April by Encircle Publications.

 

Here’s a preview:

Imagine a retirement home populated with residents such as an aging Hercule Poirot and a dementia-suffering Sherlock Holmes and run by staff including Art Doyle, Dash Hammett and Dot Sayers. In this light-hearted spoof of the mystery genre, every character is either a namesake of a person from the mystery writing world or a character from a mystery novel. On anything but a dark and stormy night, a dead body is found. The staff managers find themselves unable to control the unruly old detectives. Mix in clues and red herrings galore as the cast of suspects investigate each other. Hold on to your rockers as the top detectives of all time reunite at Old Detectives Home to solve their most difficult whodunit—but first without killing each other.

 

I’m also available to give presentations to book groups, libraries and service organizations via Zoom or in-person. Mikebef@aol.com

COVID in Elementary School

Our grandson is in first grade. There are two classes of first graders at his school. In the other class, the teacher is out with COVID this week, so there is a substitute teacher. In his class, one of the students tested positive, so our grandson came home with a rapid test kit. I swabbed the inside of his nose and waited the fifteen minutes. The good news: he tested negative. We’re supposed to test him again at the end of the week. I’m glad the school is taking precautions but staying open.

 

Edits for Old Detectives Home

My editor provided very constructive edit suggestions for my upcoming mystery novel, Old Detectives Home. One very useful change was to eliminate the redundancy of reviewing the clues too often, as this slowed the pace of the story. The story is much tighter now with the changes made.

Here’s a preview of Old Detectives Home, due out in April: Imagine a retirement home populated with residents such as an aging Hercule Poirot and a dementia-suffering Sherlock Holmes and run by staff including Art Doyle, Dash Hammett and Dot Sayers. In this light-hearted spoof of the mystery genre, every character is either a namesake of a person from the mystery writing world or a character from a mystery novel. On anything but a dark and stormy night, a dead body is found. The staff managers find themselves unable to control the unruly old detectives. Mix in clues and red herrings galore as the cast of suspects investigate each other to figure out who done it. 

Left Coast Crime Conference 2022

One of my favorite conferences for mystery fans and authors is The Left Coast Crime Conference. This year it’s being held in Albuquerque April 7 – 10. Typically, 400 to 500 people attend. In 2020 the conference was cancelled after one day, and last year it was virtual. The name of the conference comes from it being located in a city in the western part of the country. During the four days, attendees can choose from a wide variety of panels about the mystery genre. I will be hosting the Meet the New Authors breakfast at which we’ll introduce debut mystery authors. The best part of the conference is the opportunity for mystery authors and readers to mingle, chat and share stories and experiences.