Keeping in Touch with Friends

Periodically, I call old friends to check in to see how they’re doing. I did this during the pandemic and again recently. My friends include those from school, college, graduate school, work, writing and Boulder, CO. It’s always a joy to catch up but fraught with illnesses and disabilities. All in all, I find it a worthwhile activity.

Pet Peeve

When contacting an organization that provides a service I’m interested in, my pet peeve is that no one responds. Recently, I wanted to sign my grandson up for private swim lessons. I was given a phone number to do this, but no one answered the phone after multiple attempts. Finally, I left a message to call me back. No response. Then I sent an email. No response. After several weeks of frustration, I found another organization where someone answered the phone immediately and I got my grandson signed up within five minutes. If the other organization ever responds, I’m tempted to say, “You have my condolences.” I’ll pause. “Apparently, you had a major family emergency because you never answered the phone or responded to voicemail or email.”

Book Talk at Bach Library in Long Beach, CA

Mike Befeler : Lessons Learned as an Author

Friday, June 24, 2022, 11:30am – 12:30pm

Bach Neighborhood Library, 4055 Bellflower Blvd

I’ll be speaking about Lessons Learned as an Author and my latest mystery novel, Old Detectives Home. 

Gun Violence

Usually, I blog about things I’m doing or book related activities. Today, I’m taking a detour because of the serious nature of a vital issue in our country: gun violence. A minority in our nation has placed unlimited gun ownership above the value of human life. We, as a civilized nation, need to change this priority and place human life above unlimited gun ownership. Common sense measures of background checks, red flag laws and limiting access to assault weapons need to be enacted. Encourage your representatives to change our priorities.

Reading Fiction or Non-fiction

Do you read fiction or non-fiction? I read both. Since I primarily write mystery novels, I read a lot of mysteries, but I also read many other fiction genres. I also enjoy non-fiction, particularly on a subject I’m trying to learn more about. I remember one author giving a cautionary note of not reading something very similar to what you’re writing at the time. This makes sense. My wife enjoys going to My Little Library book boxes in our neighborhood, so she’s always trading in and bringing interesting books to read. I also belong to three book clubs and read numerous good books I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Finally, my best source is recommendations from friends. All of this provides me with a wide source of reading material.