Courage
When I was in college, a writing professor once told me, "Don't look to politicians for the big answers. Look to writers."
That resonated with me, given my devotion to writers and interest in writing and, like most things that are "self-evident," I was surprised this view wasn't shared by everyone. As many of you know, I live and work (both my jobs) in the D.C. region, and this is a region filled with people who have been intrinsically connected to some politician - either through job, societal cause, friendship, or a mix of those things. And, while I don't necessarily consider politicians personal heroes, many here do. They look to them for the big answers. For inspiration. For courage.
So the attack on the Capitol last week was painful for those of us who live here. Not only because this was happening in our backyard, but because the people threatened (the politicians, their staffs, the media, and so many more) were, in many cases, friends.
For us, it felt intimately violent.
Maybe it felt that way for a lot of you. After all, the Capitol area of D.C. is sort of America's backyard. And, like a classic American backyard, it's reputedly a place for safety and familiarity. For family.
These are, as always seems to be in this country, perilous times. It's easy to feel scared - this violence likely will not affect you, but you'll see it. And, through seeing it, a part of you will be injured.
And, of course, for some of you (particularly my friends and readers in the categories mentioned above - politicians, staff, media), there's the chance that the violence will physically visit you. And the scarring will seem unable to be removed (those scars will remain, but their pain doesn't need to retain permanence).
Given all this, I was struck by the politicians last Wednesday who, after suffering a terrorist attack, returned to the congressional chambers and proceeded with their legislative business that evening. We've all experienced violence. We understand how it changes us, the lasting impact because of its particular mix of rage and surprise.
What those politicians did that evening is likely to be unremarked, given the disparity of views in that room, and the nefarious reasons some of them remained. But there were also good men and women there, doing their vocation in spite of what happened, determined to do their work because of what happened. They give me courage that, as long as you have a vision, you will find a way forward.
When we walk toward our future, our steps are certain.
Take courage.
Yo, I have nothing to mention here. The attack on the Capitol spurred me to write something, and I hate getting personal on social media. Thus, this intermediate edition of my newsletter. But nothing, book-wise, has come up for me to blab about. But, still, buy my book so I can keep publishing them?
But, in non-book news, the Virtual Noir at the Bar series is returning for 2021! And I need your help in polishing it up for this new year. I'm going to send out a short survey soon to N@B attendees this past year. If you'd like to be involved in helping us fine-tune the event, send me a reply to this newsletter and I'll add you to the list. It'll be a short, four-question survey and, if you complete it, you're eligible for a $25 gift card to One More Page Books!
And, speaking of events, check out the two events below. We NEED something to relax us, right? And I think these events will be fun enough to give you a few moments of reprieve.
In Conversation with Hannah Mary McKinnon
I talked about this last newsletter, but I just loved Sister Dear. Hannah Mary McKinnon and I have become good friends and I'm fascinated to ask her about her writing process, publishing experience...and then find ways to send the conversation sideways and embarrass her. SHOULD BE FUN. And it's free! Join us on Thursday night at 7 PM ET by signing up HERE.
Craft Chat
Zach Powers is a force in D.C. writing and I'm honored to talk craft with him on behalf of the Bethesda Writers Center. We'll be talking about our books, writing, and telling profane jokes. This Friday, 5 PM ET. Also free! Register HERE.
Sherry Knowlton is one of those writers I've known for years, so far back that I'm not sure when we actually met? Sherry, do you remember? Why am I asking here, she can't actually answer this question. But it was either at one of the conventions for Bouchercon or a Sisters in Crime meeting or Malice Domestic and then, as writers always do when we meet other writers, I stalked her online and discovered her award-winning Alexa Williams series. And I'm excited to feature her in my "Two Authors You Should Read" series.
And a writer Sherry recommends you should read? Michael Niemann.
My recommendation is the Valentin Vermeulen thriller series by Michael Niemann. The flawed main character, an investigator with the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, has a job that suggests glorified accountant, yet Vermeulen manages to land in tight spots and dangerous situations all over the globe. The critics rave about the series, so no surprise that book four, Illegal Holdings, won the 2019 Silver Falchion Award for Best Thriller. In his latest, Percentages of Guilt, Niemann skillfully weaves threads of past and present into a compelling story as Vermeulen returns to his former home of Antwerp to answer questions about his role in an old criminal investigation and finds himself caught between three powerful men in a no-win situation. If you like reluctant action heroes with analytical skills and a proclivity for dangerous situations, you'll enjoy the entire Valentin Vermeulen series.
To find more information about each writer, click on the images above.
It's contest time! The monthly contest winner wins copies of the books listed in my "Two Writers You Should Read" segment. So, for this month, the winner of Dead on the Delta and Percentages of Guilt is:
buster.r__m@_____.com
Congrats! Check your e-mail for a separate note from me, and happy reading!
I had a short story published this month in Tough Magazine! Very exciting, since I don't tend to write that much short fiction. Most of my short fiction is written for performance, usually at a Noir at the Bar, which doesn't always translate into something that works for a print pub. But I really liked this one, adapted it from a spoken piece, and I'm psyched that Tough Magazine accepted it.
It's about a man who watches porn while wearing a horsehead mask. It's called "The Myth of the Centaur" and you can read it HERE.
I also wrote a column for the Independent. It's about self-publishing, and the industry's refusal to take it seriously. I don't self-publish but I'm interested in all things writing and publishing, so I asked Matt Iden and Dharma Kelleher (two writers familiar with both self and traditional publishing) to contribute to it. And you can read it HERE.
Until next time, stay safe. Much love to all of you, and Happy Reading!