Politically correct or not, I love the artwork on old paperbacks, magazine covers, and dust jackets depicting barely clad babes. I go as far as to collect them. And I find I’m not alone, by a long shot. I belong to flickr, the website for sharing photos. But besides pictures, there’s an underground section filled … Read more
Popular soft boiled mystery author, Nancy Martin, has some wise words to impart to those who are interested in the world of writing, and being published. I was especially interested in how she was afraid to learn about the craft of writing for fear it may quash her creativity. I honestly think this way about … Read more
Why collect books? Why indeed. I asked myself the same question in the bathtub, snapping the binding of the latest Sue Grafton. I love to read but why bother to keep the book (just more clutter) let alone get a signature, put mylar on the dust jacket and place it it on a book shelf? The … Read more
To inscribe, or not to inscribe, that is the question. Whether tis’ n0bler to splatter your name indecipherably across the page, or to write a heartfelt little ditty. . . In days long ago, mystery authors did not sign as many books as they do today. The publishers didn’t demand they be their own publicists … Read more
Sisters in Crime, a group dedicated to women writers of crime fiction, took a survey of those who purchase books. One librarian and author found some interesting and to her, surprising answers. In particular, younger, college age people prefer ‘real’ books to e-books. Not something most would think is true. Brick and Mortar bookstores are … Read more
It wasn’t until I started at the second mystery bookshop, that I learned how important a signed book is. The first store I worked in, Foul Play, although delightful, was small and predominately paperbacks. An author signing his or her book, never occurred to me. Not until a local author dropped by and asked if … Read more
Murder by the Book BREAKING NEWS! It’s official: Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark will be doing an evening event at MBTB on Monday, May 2, at 6:30 pm, and a luncheon event at The Briar Club on Tuesday, May 3, at 11:30 am!!! If you’re not familiar with Murder By The Book, it’s … Read more
One of the gravy parts of my tenure managing mystery bookshops, was meeting and greeting authors. Established, brand new, legends, ego maniacs, and future friends. Granted, I worked in arguably the greatest city in the world (I take that line from the David Letterman show) and therefore had more opportunity to meet authors. In a … Read more
