Publisher’s Weekly

“Carmel, California comes alive in Flinn’s engaging fourth mystery to feature Molly Doyle, antiques dealer and reluctant but adept sleuth.  Once again Molly delves at considerable personal risk into a homicide case.  Full of interesting antiques lore, this expertly plotted whodunit is a must-read for fans…”

CrimeSpree Magazine - Jon Jordan

“Elaine Flinn is a favorite of the mystery community and reading DEADLY VINTAGE is a perfect example of why people love her.  A truly perfect tradintional mystery…Flinn has the ability to draw the reader into the story with characters so terrific you very quickly feel like you are spending time with old friends.  This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a traditional mystery.”

Okay - I’m teasing you. But I don’t want to give EVERYTHING away!

SO INSTEAD - HERE’S WHAT TWO OF MOLLY’S FRIENDS HAD TO SAY:

“You don’t need to know anything about antiques to recognize when you’ve found a genuine treasure. Elaine Flinn’s Molly Doyle series gives the reader that same warm glow. Witty and skillfully plotted, DEADLY VINTAGE has a cast of characters you can believe in. Look no further for the perfect traditional mystery.” STEVEN BOOTH - Barry and CWA Dagger award-winning author of THE DEAD PLACE.

“Barry Award-winner Elaine Flinn is at the top of her game. DEADLY VINTAGE is champagne and caviar, the best yet in the intriguing and delightful Molly Doyle series. Flinn’s story telling will pop your cork!” JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING - Agatha, Anthony, Barry and Macavity award winning author of ALL MORTAL FLESH.

SO - COME SEPTEMBER 15TH - LOOK FOR DEADLY VINTAGE!

AND UNTIL DEADLY VINTAGE IS ON THE BOOK SHELVES - TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE HILARIOUS ON THE BUBBLE INTERVIEWS FROM EVIL E

THIS ISN’T AN ‘ON THE BUBBLE’ - I INVITED GAR TO STOP BY WHILE I WAS OUT OF TOWN AND HE IS - AS USUAL - A TERRIFIC GUEST WITH MANY PEARLS OF WISDOM TO SHARE.  SO LISTEN UP! 

GAR HAYWOOD, HERE…

I KNOW I’M GOOD BECAUSE…UH…

Like everyone else here (I’d be willing to bet), I have a Manuscript In a Drawer.You know the one I’m talking about. The orphaned child that Cannot Be Published, because it’s too flawed or too violent, too personal or too counter to the market decrees of the moment. It shames you, and yet it calls to you. It is useless because no one else wants it, and yet you have a love for it that will not die.In my case, the MIaD is 140 pages of a standalone thriller that has never found a reader who didn’t prove to be indifferent to it. My agent didn’t get it; my former editor passed on it without breaking a sweat; and the two or three other people to whom I’ve shown it over the years have all responded to it with a collective shrug.It’s gotta suck, right?Well… (more…)

CARA BLACK http://www.carablack.com

And here is Cara’s new book! Ohh, La La! This one looks like a dark and stormy night is ahead!

EE: Whispers are rampant that some envious wags (once upon a time) claimed you began your series in Paris just so you could fly over there each year and call it ‘research’ - but now that your SEVEN books have become such hits - isn’t it terrific to have the last laugh? Come on - fess up - it feels great, n’est-ce pas?

CB: It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. Now at least I can write it off. But I still pinch myself, wish I could say there was a big plan - but in my wildest dreams I never thought I’d write a book set in Paris, let alone more than one, or a series. I never intended to. Pablo Picasso said, “I am always doing things I can’t do. That’s how I get to do them.” For me, since childhood, there was always this draw to Paris and this passion to find a voice and relate a story of my friend’s mother - a hidden Jewish girl during the German Occupation of Paris - that drove me. I was reading tons of P.D. James (Baroness P.D. James), at the time…and thought, well, what about using a detective story as a structure, a framework to tell this story? I needed a detective, one who tied her scarf the right way, but was an outsider because I can’t write as a French woman. That idea, three and a half years of writing it and dumb luck converged. My publisher took a big chance and bought it. I’m truly blessed.

What an important and inspiring subject matter to explore - particularly today for so many younger readers.

EE: (more…)

BARRY EISLER http://www.barryeisler.com

Darn! I wish I could have made this photo larger! Sigh. I mean - it’s a killer!

EE: What prompted you to create that great blog - THE HEART OF THE MATTER? http://www.barryeisler.com/blog.htm And when the hell do you find the time?

BE: I realized it was unfair to make my wife continue to endure my constant political rants all by herself. HEART OF THE MATTER is my support group for her. The other reason is, I’m a longtime political junkie, and I read, think, and talk politics constantly. But what really engages me isn’t the kind of venting and acrimony you see on 99% of political blogs, but rather an attempt to honestly understand - and possibly respect - bedrock political differences. Hence the name of the blog…the point isn’t to yell, vent, insult, etc., but to try to work together to understand what’s really going on for a given issue. Thinking is hard work, and not getting irritated when someone doesn’t share your politics takes discipline, but I find the whole exercise enormously satisfying. I wish I had more time for it.

Well, for once - an author won’t get a cute reply from me here. I’m a big fan of THOTM and seriously urge you to stop by. The subject matter is always concise, pertinent to what’s going on in the world - and presented in a simple and straightforward manner. The exchanges are wonderfully civilized and erudite - and from some names that would surprise you. I just wish Barry would let me bandy his name around the political blogs as a man we need to represent us some how and somewhere. But damn, he’s such a spoilsport. He won’t let me. Do I hear any volunteers out there to give me a hand? Hell, we could really start a grassroots movement.

EE: I hear whispers that the next book after REQUIEM FOR AN ASSASSIN is a standalone. Can you give us a hint or tow? Or, is this one of those ‘need-to-know basis’ things?

BE: I do have an idea for a Delilah-centric Rain book, so there will probably be more Rain at some point, but I’ve decided to put that on hold and write something entirely different for #7. It’s a thriller, it involves Asia, and there will be plenty of realistic action and steamy…er, love scenes, but that’s all I’m saying for now…

Darling, say no more. I’m ready. To read, of course.

EE: Rumor has it that you’ve patterned John Rain after a real person. That can’t be you, can it? I mean, Barry - I’ve always thought you were such a sweet guy. Not that I don’t adore Rain, it’s just that…

BE: I’ve never admitted this publicly, but…John Rain is patterned after Paul Guyot. There, I said it! The burden is lifted!

Who? Is this someone I should know?

EE: I love that section on your website - JOIN THE FIGHT. Your crusade, as it were, against ‘linguistic viruses.’ What is your feeling about writers lately using that venerable musician’s term - ‘doing a gig’ - when describing a book signing? I know a few musicians - and they’re a little pissed off about this.

BE: This is the first I’ve heard of it. But it seems a little silly to me…the point of live music is live music. the point of an author reading is to sell books. I know I’m over-generalizing a little, but writing is my ‘gig’, not book signings. Those are more a means to an end. But that’s just my opinion; I could be wrong. On “like,” “you know,” and the other linguistic viruses with which I do battle, I know I’m doing God’s work…

And He is pleased.

But, like… you know…what I’m hearing from friends (names withheld to protect their careers not their innocence) is that writers supposedly have vast vocabularies and they should coin their own words, man. Like, you know?

EE: And speaking of words…which words or phrases do you think you most overuse?

BE: Elaine, I doubt you could print them here.

Oh, those words? Probably not. Betcha they’re some of my favorites too.

EE: So, I understand the CIA got into a tizzy when your publisher used their official seal on the jacket of the UK versions of your first four books, huh? Uh, just how angry were they?

BE: I don’t know that the organization is sentient enough to become angry. Actually, their objection created a terrific promotional opportunity, which my UK publisher, being a bit more retiring than I, declined to pursue. I wanted to put big orange stickers on all of the covers declaring that “The author’s previous employer, the CIA, has not authorized, endorsed, or approved the contents of this book.” It would have been great.

Damn, what a lost opportunity! Too bad you couldn’t have sneaked a few on.

EE: What are you reading now? And which book do you wish you had written?

BE: I just read Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. It blew me away - maybe his best yet. As for a book I wish I had written…there are a lot of books and authors I admire enormously, but I never really think about writing anything other than what I write. I couldn’t write anyone else’s books, and on one could write mine, and that always feels good to me.

Perfect answer…and one which I will leave alone. And what timing - I have The Road on order - and am doubly looking forward to it now.

EE: Which living person do you most admire?

BE: Nelson Mandela. If to forgive is divine ( I think it is), he’s as close to a living god as I expect to see in my lifetime.

Yes - I think forgiving is divine. And I applaud your choice. How sad that Stephen Biko wasn’t able to do the same.

EE: What do you consider your biggest challenge?

BE: Right now, juggling writing, the writing business, and family. But that’s a quality problem to have.

Ah, yes. The business part. A complaint widely heard these days. Newbies take note. It doesn’t get easier either.

EE: Have your many travels to Japan - and your experiences there - influenced any aspect of your way of life or your thinking?

BE: Probably more than I’m aware of. Living in Japan certainly gave me the kind of perspective - that is, relative objectivity - about my own culture you can only get by looking in from without. I also admire (and aspire to) the restraint that is fundamental to so many aspects of Japanese culture.

Restraint. Yes, a perfect word to describe so much that is Japanese. From their manners, to their sense of personal dignity and honor. I too am an admirer of their way of life - and their impeccable manner of simplicity. Much of our home reflects their artistry - simple pieces, yet offering a daily sense of serenity. So, Barry - let me know when next you traipse off, okay? I have a never ending shopping list.

EE: Okay, let’s get serious now. Tell us who would make up your ideal panel - and why?

BE: I think I already did the ideal panel, at the Toronto Bouchercon. I moderated, the subject was something like “The Bad Guy Protagonist,” and the panelists were Ken Bruen, Victor Gischler, Simon Kernick, and Jason Starr. Duane Swierczynski couldn’t make it, and Reed Coleman, who’s a terrific panelist, was set to stand in, but graciously made way for Victor instead. We had a blast.

So did the audience - and so did I. Uh, so did the gals sitting behind me.

EE: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?

BE: I wish I were one of those people who needed three or four hours of sleep a night. It would be like having a whole additional life to live.

If you figure out how to accomplish that - please do let me know. We could bottle it.

EE: Barry, darling - something has got to be done about all those swooning women when you’re on a panel. I couldn’t hear a damn word you said at the last one with all the sighing and moaning going on around me.

BE: Yeah…someone needs to get ‘em new eyeglasses! That, or Jim Born was up there with me, and the swooning was for him…

Oh, be modest if you must! Such an endearing trait…but Jim - adorable/macho as he is - wasn’t on the panel.

EE: Time for your Walter Mitty Dream. Other than a cozy dinner with moi -what’s yours, Barry?

BE: I get to do my life over again, and start living abroad, learning languages, and training in martial arts from a much earlier age.

Oh. I was hoping that…well, nevermind.

Arigato, Barry - for playing On The Bubble. And Sayonara - but not for long, okay?

One of the best perks about doing these interviews - is the opportunity to offer both the serious and not-so-serious side of my favorite writers and friends.  If you’re gonna do one of these things every week, you might as well have some fun, right?  At least my guests and I obviously think so.  If you do too - then come along and have some fun with us.  But if you’re looking for one of those no-nonsense, heavy into the mechanics of literati - the pulling of hair, the suffering for your ‘art’, the angst searching for that perfect paragraph - or that hidden key to the best seller list - this ain’t the place. 

So - if you’re still with us - come along and meet Jim Born!

JIM BORN   http://www.jamesoborn.com

EE:  Rumor has it that the head man at the FBI - Bob Mueller - would look kindly upon you if in your next book you’d make the Feebs look like they were on the ball instead of - well - you know.  Uh, your are mulling this over, right?

JB:  I am a graduate of the DEA academy, which used to be in the same facility as the FBI at Quantico.  I’ve heard jokes about the FBI since my first days as a cop.  If you keep saying you’re the best and the brightest, you better prove it every day.  Individual FBI agents are great.  I’ve met a number I count as the smartest, hardest working cops in the country.  But the agency continues to frustrate our desire to hold them in the esteem in which they believe they deserve.

My first two books made jokes about the FBI but in the end - FBI agents helped save the day.  In last year’s ESCAPE CLAUSE - the FBI is not even mentioned.

FIELD OF FIRE is not part of the Tasker series.  The novel is about the ATF.  There is an FBI presence - but not too much.  I’ll leave it to the reader to decide how they are portrayed.

Well, guess that should satisfy Mueller, huh?  I’ll let you know after he calls me later today.

EE:  I know you to be a devoted husband and father, Jim - but how on earth do you manage to remain a vital member of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, write intricate thrillers, go on book tours and attend cons?  I mean, that is one very heavy schedule!

JB:  I pretty much ignore my family.  I steal most of my novel ideas, that’s a real time-saver.  I have a mountain of leave time built up at work and I travel easily.  All in all it works out.

Steal ideas?  But…but…you’re a cop!  Stealing is a crime!  But I like it!  Let’s talk, okay?  Maybe you can help me find some antiques dealer sleuths to copy.

EE:  And speaking of writing - what’s the scoop on the Tasker/Chin connection? That’s one dynomite lady.  Hmmm?

JB:  She is wholly fictional.  Most of my characters are based, at least physically, on someone I know.  It helps to visualize them when I write.  Renee Chin is the exception.  I liked her sleek, aggressive nature.  She can learn from mistakes but not admit them.  That’s talent.

Talent?  No - that’s being a woman.  Ohhh….I can already hear the screams from women out there now!

EE:  How much teasing do your law enforcement friends give you now that you’re damn near a household name?

JB:  I do take some - but I’ve never had anyone say anything nasty.  All the people I work with are supportive.  I get a huge kick out of being on a scene and having a cop there ask, "Hey, are you the guy who writes books?"  And now it happens a lot more frequently.

It’s nice to know you’ve got a great cheering section - you’ve done a lot to honor your profession.

EE:  What thematic plans are itching to get out from under that Kevlar?  Is FIELD OF FIRE the beginning of more standalones?

JB:  It started as a standalone - but Putnam has purchased the sequel to it.  BURN ZONE will be published next year and follows Alex Duarte to New Orleans and Panama where his informant has been killed, sparking him to find the killer.

I have another, tender, coming-of-age story about a dull boy from St. Louis who moves to LA to be a screen writer and hits it big.  Really big.  I mean JUDGING AMY big.  Then chucks it for the simple life back in the mid-west.  It’s titled ARE YOUR FREAKING CRAZY?

Congrats on the new series!  But, uh - the coming-of-age one?  Sounds like a downer to me.  I mean, this is the age of ‘I wanna be a star’ - who the hell is gonna cheer for a guy who left fame and glory behind?  But - who am I to second guess you?  So - who inspired this new tome?  Anyone we know?

EE:  What’s your greatest indulgence since you’ve become a successful published writer?

JB:  I eat out all the time.  And I bought a new truck.  Is that indulgent?

Oh, you spendthrift, you! 

EE:  Time for the Walter Mitty Dream segment, Jim.  What’s yours?

JB:  To rule a South American country with an iron fist.  To smash opposition and instill fear in all who know me.  OR - To be a scuba instructor in the Florida keys.

I like your first choice better.  How about starting with Venezuela?  And after that…

EE:  It’s widely known that you have a terrific sense of humor, but would you say it is your most marked characteristic? 

JB:  Along with my large nose, yes.

Awww, come on!  You have a very aristocratic nose.  Besides, you know what they say about men with an interesting nose, don’t you?

EE:  Okay, you’re moderating a panel at ThrillerFest - and you get to select your panelists.  Who would they be - and why?

JB:  Donna Moore for the cool accent and humor.  Paul Guyot for his experience in TV and humor.  Peter Speigleman for some class and Jeff Shelby so the rest of us look good.

Uh, Jim? That’s only four panelists.  You can have five, remember?  I, uh…well…I know I need to work on my sense of humor, but I could bring age and wisdom.  Think about it, okay?

EE:  If you could change one thing about yourself - what would it be?

JB:  That’s a tough question.  It’s taken me a long time to get comfortable with myself.  I wouldn’t mind having a range of emotion.  People tell me it can be fun.  I like being ‘even tempered’ but wonder what it would be like to let go.  To get really excited or really bummed out.

Oh, that’s easy, darling!  Just do it!  But really you need to be Italian first to do it first rate.  Call me, okay?  I can help you there.

EE:  Scuttlebutt Station reports Al Pacino misses Florida.  He hasn’t been back since SCARFACE - and he wants you to get rid of Derrick Sutter and write him in your next book as Tasker’s new sidekick.  What does Sutter think of that?

JB:  Sutter wouldn’t give him a second thought.  A miniature Italian man from New York wouldn’t last eight seconds with a Miami cop like Sutter.  The city alone eats up and spits out guys like that all the time.  I get a kick when I hear Pacino or Joe Pesci described as "tough guys".  My daughter would kick their ass.

Speaking of ass - I’m laughing mine off now.  Now you know why I married an Irishman.

EE:  Who are the six living writers you’d like to have a night on the town with?

JB:  I’ve already had a night on the town with a couple of them.  Whenever we’re together, Reed Coleman, Ken Bruen, Jason Starr and I have a fine time.  Throw into that mix Michelle Martinez, Christine Kling and Jonathan King and it’s a party where someone will get hurt.  Wild, unpredictable and not too serious.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall.  Might produce good On The Bubble material?

EE:  My favorite spy tells me that many of your female fans went ballistic when you shaved off your beard.  Seems there will be no more hotel room key cards thrown your way at cons anymore.  Maybe you should rethink this, Jim?  I mean, women buy a lot of books, darling.  It would be a shame to lose all that adoration and sales to Eisler and Child.

JB:  I gave my extra keys to Eisler anyway.  By the way, he makes a cameo as himself in FIELD OF FIRE.  The beard was a little scratchy and gray.  I grew it for my police job but then had to keep it when that was the only way anyone ever recognized me at Bouchercon.  The new look is easier and more professional.  That’s a word you don’t hear in connection to me very often.

What word?  Easy?  So Barry’s in FIELD OF FIRE, huh?  He’ll be my guest next week here - Hmmm.  Wonder what he’ll have to say about that?  You were kind, I hope.

EE:  Who is your favorite fiction character?

JB:  Harry Bosch

Ohhh…I love that guy too!

EE:  What book do you wish you’d written?

JB:  MEMORY OF RUNNING by Ron McLarty or, of course, the KITE RUNNER - by some guy.  Both, I might add, are part of the Penguin family of fine books available at book stores everywhere.  Always the company man.

That ’some guy’ is Khaled Hosseini - and I’m very much taken by your choices.  I think they say much about you as a person - and one I’m pleased to say - I admire - even if you didn’t include me on your panel or night out.  But hey, I’m a big girl - I’ll get over it. Snif.

Thank you, Jim - for playing with us today.  Please do come back again - and I promise to have a photo of you sans the beard.  But it was just so…so…devilish looking, you know?

PHIL HAWLEY, JR. http://www.philiphawley.com

BUT - that doesn’t mean I can’t tell you what a terrific book Phil’s debut is! STIGMA is one fast ride that will keep you - as they say - glued to the edge of your seat.

STIGMA will be out in March and believe me when I say it is one of the best debut’s ever. I mean, have I ever led you astray? So get your order in (favorite indie naturally) and be prepared to sit in awe that this is a first book. We’ll catch up with Phil soon and it goes without saying that all of us here at Murderati wish him great success.

But please do stop back next Wednesday and have a few laughs with Jim Born and Evil E.

SO, COME JOIN OUR CONVERSATION AND MEET A GENUINE DYNAMO - A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS - I GIVE YOU BOB LEVINSON! 

BOB LEVINSON  http://www.robertslevinson.com

EE:  Rumors are rampant, Bob - that after producing that rollicking ITW Gala last year in Phoenix - Hollywood is making overtures for a nod for next year’s Oscar party - but you’ll only agree if you can bring the dazzling Killerettes along.  So, what’s the scoop on that?

BL:  Well, if you insist… Truth is - the Killerettes started that rumor - originally talking about performing at the Hollywood Foreign Press awards banquet.  Alex said later they were inspired by Heather’s Golden Globes (Harley said I’m the one said that, not Alex.  If the gag just got a laugh, Harley’s correct.  No laugh, what does she know anyway?)

There are times when even moi - Evil E - leaves answers alone.

EE:  And isn’t it true that John Lescroat is demanding to go along with you as chaperon for those lovely ladies, but F. Paul Wilson and Michael Palmer are flipping coins over who will watch Lescroat?

BL:  Those guys rock, but absolutely not.  I work alone.

Wise move - I know those guys, and well…

EE:  Most writers I know have a quote or two they keep by their computer.  Do you have one, or do you write your own?  Can we steal them?

BL:  There’s a quote I’ve kept close going back decades, to my years on a Selectric:  "Im ain, mi li?  It’s from the Talmud and translates as - If I am not for me, who is?  And this one from Marcel Duchamp:  "Don’t let yourself become hypnotized by the smiles of yesterday; rather, invent the smiles of tomorrow"

One of my making has been quoted for years:  Don’t give up the quip. (And you can’t imagine how tired I am of going around quoting myself…)

Damn, those are all so good - I’m not sure which one I want to steal!

EE:  Besides writing, Bob - what would you be doing if you weren’t writing?

BL:  I’d be struggling as an actor instead of struggling as an author.

I doubt it would be much of a struggle!  You have a knack for making dreams happen.

EE:  "Write what you know" is what new writers are always told - so I’m wondering here, Bob - (and it’s been rumored) - if those letters between Marilyn & Elvis in your debut book - THE ELVIS AND MARILYN AFFAIR - were really letters Marilyn sent to you.  I think it’s time we knew the real skinny on this.

BL:  Get real, my darling.  If that first novel had been titled THE BOB AND MARILYN AFFAIR. you really think it would have found a publisher?  However, I do remember bumping into Marilyn once and for some reason was immediately struck by thoughts of the Hollywood Foreign Press awards  banquet.

Uh, I think I’ll pass on this one too. 

EE:  As a seasoned and popular panelist - we’d all like to know who would be your ideal panel mates at the next con?

BL:  Any on a long list of those whose talent I admire and opinions I respect, who welcome opportunity to educate and inform an audience based on their practiced knowledge and experience, especially the authors with a natural, spontaneous wit, able to spice their serious observations with a bit of humor.  Happily, they outnumber the authors who hijack a panel and use it to promote themselves and their latest book exclusively, motormouths too self-absorbing to realize the good will and sales their showboating is likely to cost them.

Yep - I’ve seen a few of those hijackers…and I don’t buy their books.  And - you’ll never see them here at OTB.

EE:  What advice - if any - would you like to offer writers these days?  I don’t mean just new writers - all of us.

BL:  Hmmm. I suppose something along the lines of "Don’t be discouraged."  For new writers, it’s by those rejection letters from agents and editors.  For published authors outside the safety zone of the NY Times bestseller list, it’s the sense of gloom and doom caused by corporate mergers, a shrinking market place, indie bookstores going out of business, and, of course, the fear of falling off the mid-list as the mid-list shrinks into memory.  I believe resiliency is the key to success and survival.  I also believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows.  And to all of us, I say - nay, I sing (everybody join in!):  When you’re down and out, lift up your head and shout, "There’s gonna be a great day!"

Great advice, Bob.  I wonder how many terrific books are still languishing in a box somewhere because rejections from agents and editors were just too much to take.  One should remember the number of rejections The Godfather and Catch-22 encountered.

EE:  You and Sandra are having six guests for dinner.  Who are they - and what will you serve?

BL:  Since our dining room table can seat twelve guests, we’ll go with some of the usual crowd: Gershwin, Jolson, Merman, Berle, Eddie Robinson, Hitchcock, Wilder, Hemingway, Truffault, Lennon, Audrey Hepburn, and reserve one place for you, dear Elaine.

The dinner, as prepared by our Chef Sandra:  Assorted cheese and crackers; a salad of mixed baby greens with balsamic vinaigrette dressing; Cornish game hens with Dijon walnut sauce served on wild rice; baby artichokes; lemon gelato and cookies for dessert - coffee and appropriate dinner and dessert wines.

Moi?  I’m invited too?  With that bunch?  My heart is jumping here.  Can I sit next to Eddie Robinson (I can talk art) and Berle (maybe he could help me develop a sense of humor) - and oh, Audrey Hepburn?  Maybe I should just help Sandra?  I mean, that’s an awesome group, Bob.

EE:  Which best selling book do you wish you’d written?  Just PLEASE don’t say that DVC book!  Ah, hell - go ahead if you must.

BL:  Ragtime by E.L.Doctorow.  Talk about storytelling at it’s finest and making every word count.  If you were asking for a list, I know I’d include Gatsby, just to give me some credibility, and something by Hemingway and a couple by Ira Levin, and, oh, yeah - Catch 22, and I suppose The Catcher In The Rye (or J.D., if he reads this, will never speak to me again), and Time and Again, and early Harold Robbins (Never Love A Stranger, A Stone for Danny Fisher), and Robert Traver (Anatomy of a Murder) and Evan Hunter/Ed McBain and Joe Wambaugh, and who or what am I forgetting?  Yikes!  Ray Bradbury! Philip Roth!  Oh, and Freddy the Pig by Walter R. Brooks…DVC?  Nope.  Haven’t read it…

Ragtime! Absolutely!  Oh, J.D. said he might drop in-he’s not mad at you,okay?  And as far as Robbins goes - I’ve always felt he was a master.

EE:  We’ve had some pretty interesting Walter Mitty dreams offered here at On The Bubble, Bob - what’s yours?

BL:  I’ll level with you…My dream was to write a novel and get it published.  I got lucky and pulled it off.  Other than that, it’s been to write a play and get it performed.  I’m sort of on that road now.  "Transcript", a one-act I wrote a few months ago during a breather from the novels and the short stories, is on tap to be staged during the International Mystery Writers Festival at RiverPark Center in Owensboro, KY - June 12-17.  (Subtle how I worked in the plug, eh, Elaine?)

Congrats on the play!  And Bob? You don’t have to be subtle here - this is about you…so thanks for letting us know what else you’re up to. 

EE:  You and I have seen a lot of changes lo these past decades in Bookville - what trend or which writer stands out in your mind?

BL:  Judge Traver for sure.  With Anatomy of a Murder, the novel I credit with inspiring lawyers to leave the courtroom where they belong and invade the wunnerful-wunnerful world of fiction.  Joe Wambaugh, of course, brought realism to the ranks of fictional cops and perhaps single-handedly created a breed of writers who’ve been following his lead ever since.

A trend that stands out in my mind?  The rise of the small press, where new homes and hopes have opened up for both new and established writers.

Couldn’t agree more… And yes - a round of applause for small presses!

EE:  Other than your own - which series protag do you most identify with?

RL: According to a just-this-minute tour of authors and titles on my bookshelves, hunting for an answer:  Nobody.  (I’d love to say Sherlock Holmes, but I still haven’t figured out why that damned dog didn’t bark.)

Maybe someone out there can tell us why the dog didn’t bark?

EE:  Your favorite non-writing quote?

BL:  "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart."  Anne Frank

Lovely - thank you for reminding us.

EE:  How would you like to be remembered?

BL:  Fondly

Count on it.

EE:  What writer or book has influenced you the most?

BL:  The Kinsey Report

I wasn’t ready for that, Bob…but, uh…what the hell, huh?

EE:  Are the rumors true that you were the one who killed Paul Guyot’s blog - INK SLINGER - and do you have plans to convince him to leave Murderati???!!!!

BL:  First, understand I was among the first to pronounce his name correctly (it rhymes with Gaul) - and yes, ‘mdear, I plead guilty.  I screamed at him for wasting his time and considerable talent blogging, using his blog as his time-crunching excuse for not writing the novel he wanted desperately to write.  So, Paul - quit the blog - and the rest - as they don’t say isn’t history.  Not yet, anyway…  (Paul, you reading this?  Paul?)

Okay, just wait a minute here… We’re all for Paul working on his novel…but we ain’t letting him leave Murderati!  So - as much as I love you, Bob - knock it off, okay? 

Meanwhile, you won’t catch me blogging.  What I have to say, I say on (wait for it) (here it comes) (another subtle plug) - my website:  http://www.robertslevinson.com   And, in response to invitations to Q & A visits on wonderful blogs like yours, sweet Elaine…

All of us at Murderati appreciate your compliment - and want you back again.  So consider this an open invitation.

Okay, are we done?  Is it a wrap?  If so, thanks for inviting me; thanks to all who’ve read down to here; and please join me in pausing for a moment in fond memory of the indomitable Barbara Seranella.

A wonderful exit from a terrific guy…

By the way - In case some of you didn’t know -Judy taught at the University of San Franciso in their MFA in Writing program for nearly a dozen years.  And…ta da…she will be resuming her fiction classes ( 8 sessions) in March at Book Passages (independent book store in Corte Madera, California) in March.  If you live nearby or in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would like to learn from one of the best - give Judy an email at:  Judygilly@aol.com

Now come and chat with us - Judy will be watching - so remember what I said - she’s earned the break, so be nice, okay?

GILLIAN ROBERTS   http://www.gillianroberts.com

EE:  So, Judy - at what point in your day do you find it difficult to remember who you are?  I mean, you’ve got Judy (Jude on occasion), Gillian, Amanda, Emma and Billie - and heaven only knows who the hell else is lurking around.  Whew!  Did you ever see that great Joanne Woodward movie - "The Three Faces of Eve"?  Joanne only had to contend with three faces - you’ve got five!

GR,etc:  Dear heart, I don’t know quite how to say this, but…Amanda, Emma and Billie are…fictional.  That is: not real.  (Are you okay?  Did I break it to you too abruptly?)  It doesn’t seem fair to count them as ‘me’.  I have enough problems being two-faces as Gillian and Judy!

I’m okay…really.  I’m over it.  If you wanna stick with just two, that’s okay with me - but look at all the fun you’ve had being so many great dames!

EE:  Many writers I know have quotes - or inspirational reminders nearby as they work.  Do you have one?  Care to share?

GR,etc:  For many years, I had the following taped to my computer:  "Don’t Write it Right.  Write it Down."  I can’t remember whose wise saying it was, but I still love it as a way to face the terrors - and maintain my usual low standards.  (These days, I have a little golden milagro of a stack of books pasted to my compute screen.  You never know…)

Oh, will you listen to her?  Low standards?  Ha!  I should have such low standards!

EE:  What is the most important thing you tell your writing students?  Give us something we can all hang our hat on.

GR,etc:  Do it.  Don’t talk about doing it, don’t plan to do it: do it.  And then do it again.  Writing is a lifelong apprenticship - begin it now.  (But that’s two things.  Or three…)

Great advice.  No, the BEST advice.  How many of us are guilty of that before we sat down and bit the bullet?  Any of our readers care to tell us their tale of ‘I’ll-do-it-when-I-have-time-itis’?

EE:  Okay, Judy - let’s hear who you’d love to have all to yourself in a softly-lit corner of the bar next month at LCC?

GR,etc:   I promised the person I wouldn’t say.  I want to see your look of surprise when you find us in that dark corner…

Oh, you little devil, you - you’ve got Redford showing up,huh?  I know he’s your neighbor in Tiburon.  Thought I was living in a cave up here in the Northwest, huh?  Ohhh…I’m so excited!  I better rebook that facial I cancelled.  I’ll just stop by to say hello, that’s all.  I promise.  Sorta.

EE:  Rumor has it that all those trips you take to Guatemala are to finalize the decorating details for the rehab spa you’ve established for writers who can’t stay off the internet and continuously miss their deadlines.  Now, we don’t expect you to name names…but I have it on good authority that your twenty room casitas (with private bath) are booked up until 2010.

GR,etc:  Your authorities aren’t so good, cookie.  I told you when you tried to register that we’re booked until 2017!

Note:  I kidded Judy about the trips she and her husband take to Guatemala on purpose.  But here - in her words - is the real reason.  I wanted everyone to know about this wonderful and selfless act.  I should think a round of applause in in order, don’t you?

GR,etc:  Of course, in truth, it’s my husband who’s been there a kazillion times, translating for a group of volunteer doctors.  I have no skills.  I don’t mind taking credit for his good works, though.

It takes few skills, Judy - to be a giving person…and you have them in spades.

EE:  Okay, here’s a tough one for you:  What would you do if you weren’t writing?  Other than join the Peace Corps.

GR,etc:  Unable to drop the writerly habit of peeking behind (metaphorical) curtains, needing to unearth (fictional) people’s embarrassing secrets - I’d undoubtedly annoy the hell out of everybody I met until somebody had me arrested for trespassing.

Oh, I love that answer!  Between all of us writers - we could sure as hell populate the jails!

EE:  Writers like to say they lie and get paid for it.  I know I do.  So, what about you, Judy?  When do you find lying acceptable?  Okay, how’s little white lies then?

GR,etc:  My sad secret is that I have real trouble lying in real life, so I do try to avoid it.  But small evasions of unnecessary truths: ("What a beautiful baby!"  "No, you don’t look fat,"  "This is the best book I’ve ever read!" - that final one is to be said to me by kind people) - are always in season.

Ahem.  So you really didn’t mean it when you told me I didn’t look fat?   

EE:  Mysteryville is abuzz with talk that many of your English teacher fans are up in arms over Amanda Pepper taking leave.  I’m also hearing rumors that the plan a march in San Francisco next week and are heading for Tiburon.  I guess you’ll be out of town?

GR,etc:  Yup.  Casita #5, Antiqua, Guatemala.

Want company?  I could handle a few days off…

EE:  Okay, Judy - let’s get serious here.  Which living person do you most admire?  Besides me, that is.

GR,etc:  Really, really seriously?  Right now: Nancy Pelosi, for being all the things she is, has done, and represents - but also, all the voters who put her in position to be Speaker of the House.

Admirable choice.  She’s the epitome of ‘You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby’.

EE:  Time for the Walter Mitty Dream, kiddo.  Tell us yours.

GR,etc:  I hate to be sappy but - to me, the best part about being a writer of fiction is the chance to be all different sorts of people and to live many lives.  Before I settled into writing, I thought about being a lawyer (so I’ve written/become one), a psychologist (so I’ve written/become one) and always wanted to be taller, thinner, younger, braver and smarter - so I’ve written that character, too.  And of course I’ve wanted to avenge wrongs and take revenge from time to time.  That’s the real perk of being a mystery writer, even though of all of my victims, only two were "real" people.  Poor Mr. Mitty needed a computer in which to live out his dreams and sometimes get royalty checks for them, too.

Not sappy at all.  A reason - I think - many writers would identify with…  I know I do.  And I’ve killed off a few dastardly antiques dealers I knew in real life.  And I’m not sorry either.

EE:  We all have favorite books we revisit - which book do you find you read again and again and again?

GR,etc:  This is really embarrassing.  I’m sure real writers have a lodestone book, and I’ve tried and tried to think of one myself.  But aside from reference books, or re-reading classics as research while I was writing the Amanda Pepper books, I can’t think of any I intentionally re-read.  Could this be related to the fact that I’m a compulsive book-buyer with no desire to be cured, so there are close to 1,000 waiting-to-be read books in the house?

Possibly.

EE:  So now that we know Amanda is retiring - what’s up next?

GR,etc: For both of us, new adventures.  She’ll have to tell you about hers.  As for me, I’m working on a historical novel set in Colonial Mexico during the Inquisition.  I can’t seem to get away from murder, but apparently being garroted and/or burned at the stake doesn’t need ’solving’.  So Gillian might also be taking a vacation on the Riveria or wherever she’s been while I wrote all those mysteries for her, and this might be a Judy book.  I honestly don’t know, and that’s scary.  But that’s probably what makes it an adventure.

And one we’ll all be waiting for!

My thanks to Judy for visiting with us - for willing to play with Evil E - but most of all - for being one of the truly lovely women I’ve been priviledged to know in Mysteryville.

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Hope to see you next week when Bob Levinson takes the plunge.  Oh, what an interview that’s gonna be.