“Nobody reads a mystery to get to the middle. They read it to get to the end. If it's a letdown, they won't buy anymore. The first page sells that book. The last page sells your next book.”
- Mickey Spillane
Step into the minds of this group of talented, twisted, slightly psychotic crime novelists with a penchant for mystery, mayhem and murder. We write crime fiction or true crime that gets the heart pumping and the blood boiling.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Sometimes I Cheat...
Sometimes I cheat on blogging - ironically it seems to get in the way of my writing - and just offer up gems of mystery wisdom from other authors. Mystery Trivia is an important aspect of the genre, I think, and as you can see from the side bar under other blogs ... the importance of being trivial should not be understated. So, for the first time ever, a dual entry.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
44 WINNERS on Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s 44th Birthday!
The countdown is on...
I really hate birthdays (mine) and I have an aversion to the number 4, although I have to admit, the last 4 years have been amazing. Please help me celebrate my 44th (OMG!) birthday on AUGUST 12th, 2007 and enter to WIN FREE BOOKS, MUGS, BOOKMARKS and more.
Here’s how it works:
- On August 12th ONLY be one of the first 44 people to order Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif on either Amazon.com (US customers) or Chapters.ca (Canadian customers).
- On August 30th ONLY email me a copy of your Amazon or Chapters “order has been shipped” receipt as proof of purchase (don’t worry; it doesn’t have your credit card info on it). cherylktardif@shaw.ca
- The first 44 people to send me their receipt WILL WIN one of 44 exciting PRIZE PACKAGES! Make sure you mark those dates on your calendar!
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: The first receipt that I receive on August 30th will WIN a limited edition collector’s copy (autographed) of the original Whale Song novel featuring cover art by world-famous David Miller; a beautiful Whale Song limited edition collector’s mug; an autographed copy of BOTH Divine Intervention and The River; and some beautiful bookmarks. Prize valued at approximately $100.00.
- 43 Second place prizes: The next 43 receipts that I receive on August 30th will WIN their choice of either Divine Intervention or The River (autographed) and a beautiful bookmark.
Rules: (please read carefully)
- You must be 18 years of age or older and be a resident of Canada or the US.
- You must order Whale Song by Cheryl Kaye Tardif ON AUGUST 12th, NOT BEFORE OR AFTER. (Cheryl’s birthday!).
- On August 30th, you must email the receipt that has the following in the subject line: “Your Amazon.com order has shipped (#...). Do NOT send the first confirmation order receipt.
- 1 prize per receipt.
- Winners will be contacted on August 31st.
- No returns, exchanges or refunds on prizes.
- I am not responsible for late or missing emails.
- Of course, you may order my books any other time, but you will not qualify for this contest. If you do order on a different date, you may email me and request an autographed bookplate (sticker) for your book.
- It really is easier to enter this contest than it may look, and I wish you all GOOD LUCK! This is my way to celebrate turning 44 and I hope you’ll help me make my birthday a day to remember. I love giving away prizes! CKT
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Blog block
Blog block is like writers block only blogger - or maybe it's foggy depending on how little sleep one has had the night before. Someone could walk in and steal all my costume jewelry right now and I doubt I'd miss it - which is saying something because it practically decorateds one whole wall - glitter extravaganza, hanging from hooks.
So it's blog block today, impending passing on of a dear family member and numerous turtles heads looking like little girl's knees.
So it's blog block today, impending passing on of a dear family member and numerous turtles heads looking like little girl's knees.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Cheryl Kaye Tardif Talks About Assisted Suicide on AM640 Toronto Radio
On June 1st, the same day that "Dr. Death" Jack Kevorkian was being released from prison after serving 8 years for an assisted suicide related death, Cheryl Kaye Tardif was interviewed on AM640 Toronto Radio about this highly controversial topic.
To order Whale Song, a novel about love, deception and assisted suicide, check out Amazon.com.
Monday, June 11, 2007
A Murderous Mind
"Are you always thinking of how to kill someone?" one of my readers asked. Well - yes, I guess I am. I recall dining on a patio in Sydney, Australia. It was lovely afternoon that was turning into a lovely evening. As the sun set and the air started to chill, the restaurant staff began to light these lamp-post like gas lanterns. In that instance, I had a scene for a future novel. The lamp would of course explode and the hapless employee would be killed. Who did it? Why? But wait....maybe that wasn't the person meant to die! And another story has started.
Overheard phrases, random scenes, and always a group of people will inspire the most deadly of thoughts. A scene is born or maybe a line of dialogue. Something to jot down and file away until its time is right - hoping that when that time comes, I can remember what my note meant!
Agatha Christie mentioned this very habit in her autobiography. Coming across phrases and notations for plots she couldn't rembmer. Oh how many more stories could have been told! Then again, in reading her last Miss Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, I see how one idea grew over time.
In Sleeping Murder, an older woman in a sanatorium asks, "Is it your poor child?" and then continues with, "Behind the fireplace." That woman and those two short phrases became another novel, By the Pricking of My Thumbs. Interesting to note: while the character and phrases started in a Miss Marple story they ended up in a Tommy and Tuppence book.
So yes, murder seems to be on my mind but then I think I'm in good company!
W.G. Eggleton, Author of Murder Makes Mischief
Visit me at my website
Overheard phrases, random scenes, and always a group of people will inspire the most deadly of thoughts. A scene is born or maybe a line of dialogue. Something to jot down and file away until its time is right - hoping that when that time comes, I can remember what my note meant!
Agatha Christie mentioned this very habit in her autobiography. Coming across phrases and notations for plots she couldn't rembmer. Oh how many more stories could have been told! Then again, in reading her last Miss Marple novel, Sleeping Murder, I see how one idea grew over time.
In Sleeping Murder, an older woman in a sanatorium asks, "Is it your poor child?" and then continues with, "Behind the fireplace." That woman and those two short phrases became another novel, By the Pricking of My Thumbs. Interesting to note: while the character and phrases started in a Miss Marple story they ended up in a Tommy and Tuppence book.
So yes, murder seems to be on my mind but then I think I'm in good company!
W.G. Eggleton, Author of Murder Makes Mischief
Visit me at my website
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Langley Chapters Hires Bodyguard for Bestselling Mystery Author..."SECURITY!"
Ok, well now that I've got your attention, I guess I have to explain the title of today's blog post. Yesterday, I visited the Chapters in Langley, BC. As we pulled into the parking lot, my first reaction was: "Wow! They even have people outside waiting to greet me...and they're handing out invitations to my signing." As we got closer, I saw it was a couple of protesters. So much for my special welcome...darn! :)
Upon entering the store, however, I was met with a great welcome. They had a table set up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that smelled heavenly. And of course, copies of Whale Song. I was met at first by Diane, one of the managers, who made me feel right at home. In fact, so did all the staff who took time to come by my table and talk to me, including two aspiring writers. (Don't forget my words of wisdom: Don't just say you WANT to write; DO IT! WRITE! :)
But I think the highlight of my afternoon at Langley Chapters was that a few feet from my table was my very own security guard. I couldn't believe I had my own bodyguard for the day. And I must confess, as a mystery author used to "killing off" people, there was a bit of a thrill in that. Mike--my bodyguard from Crusade Security--stayed ever-vigilant a few feet away, sometimes barely moving. At one time I threatened to prod him with a cane (that I planned to get off a customer) if he dozed off. After all, he's gotta keep all my crazy fans in line...lol. Well, not ever having my own bodyguard at a signing before, I spent part of my time chatting with him...and wondering how I could fit him into my next novel. Mike...I apologize in advance if I create a bodyguard named 'Mike' who just so happens to not make it past chapter three.
During my time there, I met a general manager in training and the regional manager, who took a moment to welcome me. A special thank you to all the staff: Diane (manager), Joanne (manager), Kim, Nadine, Amy, Megan, Karen, Christina, Barandon, Rebecca, Jordan and everyone else I didn't get a chance to meet. Your enthusiasm and interest made such a difference to me.
Ok...well I'd like to leave it at that and sign off...
But, I guess I should explain that (in case you haven't already figured it out) Mike, my bodyguard, wasn't actually hired for me...sob, sniff! Did you forget I write fiction? :) Mike was hired because of the protestors in front of the store. The funny thing was, I think they left about an hour after I got there...yet he still stood there watching the door. But come on, you've gotta admit...my story sounded better.
Yes, I figured I should confess. I wouldn't want to be hauled away for false advertising!
"SECURITY!"
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
Upon entering the store, however, I was met with a great welcome. They had a table set up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that smelled heavenly. And of course, copies of Whale Song. I was met at first by Diane, one of the managers, who made me feel right at home. In fact, so did all the staff who took time to come by my table and talk to me, including two aspiring writers. (Don't forget my words of wisdom: Don't just say you WANT to write; DO IT! WRITE! :)
But I think the highlight of my afternoon at Langley Chapters was that a few feet from my table was my very own security guard. I couldn't believe I had my own bodyguard for the day. And I must confess, as a mystery author used to "killing off" people, there was a bit of a thrill in that. Mike--my bodyguard from Crusade Security--stayed ever-vigilant a few feet away, sometimes barely moving. At one time I threatened to prod him with a cane (that I planned to get off a customer) if he dozed off. After all, he's gotta keep all my crazy fans in line...lol. Well, not ever having my own bodyguard at a signing before, I spent part of my time chatting with him...and wondering how I could fit him into my next novel. Mike...I apologize in advance if I create a bodyguard named 'Mike' who just so happens to not make it past chapter three.
During my time there, I met a general manager in training and the regional manager, who took a moment to welcome me. A special thank you to all the staff: Diane (manager), Joanne (manager), Kim, Nadine, Amy, Megan, Karen, Christina, Barandon, Rebecca, Jordan and everyone else I didn't get a chance to meet. Your enthusiasm and interest made such a difference to me.
Ok...well I'd like to leave it at that and sign off...
But, I guess I should explain that (in case you haven't already figured it out) Mike, my bodyguard, wasn't actually hired for me...sob, sniff! Did you forget I write fiction? :) Mike was hired because of the protestors in front of the store. The funny thing was, I think they left about an hour after I got there...yet he still stood there watching the door. But come on, you've gotta admit...my story sounded better.
Yes, I figured I should confess. I wouldn't want to be hauled away for false advertising!
"SECURITY!"
~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
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