Besides interviews with thriller and mystery writers, and reviews of their work, Mystery Scene Magazine is the go to place for mystery fans about upcoming events and releases. So check it out!

In all, a productive break from the day job–largely because of what I tossed to the curb. Shredded reams of old paperwork in the home office. Donated clothes that stopped fitting–or how I learned that light beer did not discourage blubber accumulation, only that it contained less calories than standard hops. Replaced a very scratched up bedroom set with new pieces from Furni. Also recycled some old electrical gear coalescing at the bottom of the closets. Basically got all the major distractions out of the way so I can write without interruption when at home.

Though mentioned before, July brought two traditional reviews for The Last Track, one in Mystery Scene Magazine ( #115 not yet on the stands, me thinks ) and another in the Midwest Book Review. There is a reason I’m bringing this up again, since it dovetails with the eternal lesson of publishing.

Both the publisher and Ellen had warned me about the lag time between publication and the bricks and mortar review coverage filtering back to base. Honestly, I didn’t quite believe them. I probably even said something like, “No way.” Even though the reviewers usually receive titles months before release, reviews appearing months or even a year after the launch is the norm–unless your last name is Flynn-Nolan, Patterson, King or Grisham. Surely they were kidding. Oh well, color me converted.

So like everything else in the writing process, usually getting what you want takes time, and the distance between you and that point is inversely proportional to your patience for said outcome.

And I got this cup:

Download the Book and a Chat podcast interview
Listen at BlogTalkRadio – Across the Pond

July’s leg of the virtual tour began Monday. Or was it Tuesday? Anyway, the tour page has all the latest links and tour stops information. Except for a podcast next week, all the work on the tour is done. At least the work that involves me. Which means a lot more free time for writing.

Speaking of writing projects, Mystery Scene Magazine ( Issue #115 ) has a review of The Last Track which should land around July 29, 2010, and appear in Borders and Barnes and Nobles ( and many fine booksellers ) shortly thereafter. Can’t lie, I’m pretty psyched about that one. The editor requested a picture that may appear alongside the review.

About the old familiar black and white photo. Certainly got some mileage out of that shot, and completely by accident. Taken by a friend, it was intended as solely filler for a photo class portfolio. Final assignment called for nine pictures; they were short one and I was around. Would have stayed only in their portfolio, never to be seen again.

But then Chuck Palahniuk offered excellent advice for writers in regarding author photos during an interview. A pearl something like: “Get your author photo taken now, because by the time the book comes out, you’ll look a lot older.” Very good advice. Recycling is not just something one should talk about; it means taking action. And the plan of action means recycling that photo for awhile.

Maybe indefinitely. Or at least until the hair goes gray.

Oh, and the good news alluded to last week? The first print review for The Last Track is now available in Mystery Scene Magazine, Summer Issue 2010, Issue #115. With a very respectable subscriber base, the must have magazine for mystery fans also is for sale at Barnes and Noble, Borders and other fine booksellers.

While I don’t have a PDF scan of this review yet, the publisher forwarded the review along. My favorite line is the last:

. . . Brody is such a riveting character that he could easily anchor an entire series.

Betty Webb, Mystery Scene Magazine

A forthcoming event that I’m particularly excited about will occur in June. More details will follow very soon.

Today’s tour stop: From the Shadows for a review and giveaway hosted by E.J. Stevens.

Much thanks to Farrah!