Jeffrey Marks on Erle Stanley Gardner

Today, it’s my great pleasure to have as a guest on this here blog author Jeffrey Marks. As you’ll see from this post, he’s been extremely busy. Puts me to shame. And check out his bio — cowabunga!

Anyhow, this post is about the amazing Erle Stanley Gardner, who really puts me to shame for sure. So … take it away, Jeffrey!

What a month! I had originally just planned to talk about my biography of Erle Stanley Gardner in this column, but of course, the best laid plans and all that. Since setting up the tour, I’ve learned that I’ll be doing a biography of Ellery Queen after this as well as learning that a new edition of Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel will be out this winter too.

Where I need to find my inspiration is from Gardner himself, who often wrote 3000 words day in and day out for months. As someone who had only mastered two-digit typing, he frequently had cuts and callouses on his finger pads from the constant pecking on the keys. But that didn’t stop him from continuing.

He found one of the secretaries, Jean Bethell, at his law firm to help type for him. She would stay up with him every evening as he dictated the latest stories for the pulps. She was an apt typist and she could keep up with the constant flow of words. He didn’t bother with punctuation, making the secretary’s task all that much harder, putting in the proper commas and periods.

Gardner produced a pulp story every three days and kept all of them in the mail. Just the paperwork alone of keeping track of possibly 100 manuscripts would be daunting, but he managed with help from Jean. It’s no wonder that she was the model for Della Street (or the second Mrs. Gardner.) The files were donated to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, so it’s still possible to see his bookkeeping methods.

In a good month, he would produce 100,000 words, which resulted for a lifetime total of words nearly 50 million written words. Needless to say, now that he dictated, the finger pads healed but he struggled with voice problems. The constant speaking that came from hours of dictating took a toll on his voice, leaving him at times unable to speak.

The results: over 650 novellas and 140 books. And here I am stressing about 3 books at once. Sigh. Even working on that many books at once caused issues for him. He was forever doing edits with the copyeditor while writing something new. If a novel were to be serialized the entire production schedule might need to be altered to move that book’s release to a date after the serialization. Oh to have such problems.

Unfortunately, the type of books I write cannot be written quite so quickly. Biographies require the author to check each fact and look under every rock to discover the truth. But it’s still a goal that puts NANOWRIMO to shame! However, I have written over 450 pages for this book, and it continues to grow. So maybe Erle Stanley Gardner has been helping with this biography.

***

Jeffrey Marks is a long-time mystery fan and freelancer.  After numerous mystery author profiles, he chose to chronicle the short but full life of mystery writer Craig Rice.

That biography (Who Was That Lady?) encouraged him to write mystery fiction. His works include Atomic Renaissance: Women Mystery Writers of the 1940s/1950s, and a biography of mystery author and critic Anthony Boucher entitled Anthony Boucher. It has been nominated for an Agatha and fittingly, won an Anthony. He is currently completing a biography of Erle Stanley Gardner.

He is the long-time moderator of MurderMustAdvertise, an on-line discussion group dedicated to book marketing and public relations. He is the author of Intent to Sell: Marketing the Genre Novel, the only how-to book for promoting genre fiction.

His work has won a number of awards including the Barnes and Noble Prize and he was nominated for a Maxwell award (DWAA), an Edgar (MWA), three Agathas (Malice Domestic), two Macavity awards, and three Anthony awards (Bouchercon).

 

About the Charity for the Launch of ‘Riptide’

As I explained in my last post about the launch for my next novel RIPTIDE, I’m going to make a charitable donation, based upon the Amazon ranking achieved (regardless of whether it’s on Amazon.com or Amazon UK, OK? ).

And the charity I chose was the Dalai Lama’s Mind & Life Institute, for reasons I promised to explain in this here post. So I am.

I learned about the Institute from reading a book my brother gave me. Yes, he’s on Twitter! And I can’t thank him enough for giving me this book.

The book is called TRAIN YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN by Sharon Begley.

In it, I learned all about the Institute and the Dalai Lama’s interest in neurological science.

Well, my reading got me to thinking. Could the Institute’s research be of any use in solving the puzzle of my problem or anyone else who suffers dystonia due to brain trauma? #dystonia

Because it is unusual and Western medicine doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere very fast.

I even wrote this post about it years and years ago on another blog, and even found out wa-a-a-y after the fact that I got a comment that I ignored to which I failed to reply. However, I have replied like an idiot and apologized for being so retarded tardy in getting back to the commenter. #EpicFail

Okay, so here’s my hope. Since the Institute is actively researching neurological conditions, including stroke, Parkinson’s and so on, I’m hoping they’ll eventually start looking into dystonia, too.

I even contacted them by email (years ago). They hadn’t heard of dystonia. Very discouraging. *sigh*

I think if I could get one wish it would be to meet the Dalai Lama and inform him of this problem. I would love to know what the participants at the upcoming symposium have to say about it.

And I may be the world’s worst blogger an idiot awkward at times, but I think I can do better than this.

Coming soon: a fascinating guest post about Perry Mason’s creator. And you know how I love Perry Mason. Awesome!

 

About the Book Launch for ‘Riptide’

Well, now that my next novel RIPTIDE has a cover, the only thing I’m waiting for is the Spanish text to get the okay, so I can get the file formatted and set the book’s release date, etc., etc. But these things are out of my hands, of course. They’ll happen when they happen, right?

But … since February is creeping up like a cheap pair of drawers, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you about the launch.

Basically, it’s going to work similarly to the one I did for LEAST WANTED, as described here.

Thing is that was a print book launch that took place over the course of one day. This launch will take place over the course of one week and involve a drawing for giveaways based on how high RIPTIDE ranks.

Plus there will be a charity tie-in, based upon the Amazon ranking achieved.

But wait! There’s even more!

I’m going to make this apply to the Amazon ranking, whether it be on Amazon.com or Amazon UK. How about that?

And I’m going to give away my books, both e and print to readers here in the US and across the pond, who enter their names into a random drawing. What do you think of them apples?

Ha ha ha … sorry, I couldn’t resist.

As to the charity, I’ve picked the Dalai Lama’s Mind & Life Institute. There are particular reasons I picked that group, which I will explain in my next post.

In the meantime, rest assured. The book is coming. I just don’t have an exact date. Yet.

Esta Susana en casa?

Si, esta con una amiga.

Donde esta? En la sala?

No, en la cocina.

Now, how hard was that?

PS: Sorry I’m too stupid to figure out how to make the upside-down question marks or accent marks, if any accents are required. That’s why I need a translator. For these teeny little things, that smarter people who know Spanish will ream me out for if I don’t catch them. Ay caramba! (sp?)

 

A Few Quick Uplifting Words

While I’m waiting for the final copyedited version of RIPTIDE to get the green light, in large part due to the Spanish text, I thought I’d share a few uplifting bits of information with you.

And the first one is this article about how publishers are less enthusiastic about ereaders increasing reading.

I realize that sounds a bit twisted, but here’s what I think. All you have to do is read the actual article (and I quote):

Even though eReader sales are skyrocketing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that more people will be reading. According to a new report from Forrester Research and Digital Book World, publishers aren’t as enthusiastic about eReading this year as they were last year.

The report interviewed publishers who represent 74% of all U.S. publishing revenues. When asked if readers will be better off, only 61% of respondents said that they will be, down from 74% in the 2010 study. When asked if “more people will read books than did before,” in 2011, only 60% thought so, down from 66% in 2010. And when asked if readers would read more books than before only 47% of respondents agreed, down from 66% in 2010.

Commenting on the research, book industry expert Mike Shatzkin told Digital Book World: “In the short run, digital is likely to increase book consumption for two simple reasons: It’s easier to get them and it’s easier to have them with you at any particular time.”

Well, I have loads of paperback books I’ve bought that I haven’t yet read, too.

So, far as I’m concerned, this is good news for authors and readers. Because, after spending money on a device that makes it easier to buy books and have them with you at anytime, it hardly seems likely to increase consumption of ebooks only in the short run, does it?

But what do I know? I’m no expert. Ha ha ha … experts are so retarded weird interesting sometimes.

Furthermore, here’s why I don’t believe in writing novels by committee.

And here’s a really awesome post from The Better Man Project.

Okay, I can’t resist. Here’s a peek at the cover of RIPTIDE. We might make a few teeny tiny changes, but basically, this is it. Voila!

 

Spreading the Early Word About ‘Riptide’

Hi there! Just so I’m clear, this post has nothing to do with a TV show called Riptide, which I never even knew existed until I searched Google Images and found the picture of the three nerds guys you see above. Isn’t that interesting?

This post is to let you (yes, you reading this here blog ) know about the awesome early good reviews and endorsements that have come in for my upcoming new release, RIPTIDE.

This novel is, of course, the third in the Sam McRae mystery series. So it’ll be a real, actual series. Hurray!

So … here are some of the great things people have been saying writing about the book:

“A fast-paced, compelling crime novel that leaves the reader as buzzed and breathless as the Running of the Bulls.”
– Benjamin Sobieck, author of Cleansing Eden

“Full of tension and suspense from cover-to-cover, Riptide is a cracking good read.”
– Leighton Gage, author of A Vine in the Blood

“… a fast, smooth read, chock full of tension with an action payoff.”
– Frank Zafiro, author of Waist Deep and the River City Crime series

Really nice stuff! But check out this amazing blurb and brief summary of the book, all in one. Zounds!

“Vacation, a time to put your feet up and relax, unless, of course your name is Sam McRae. Step back in time to the year 2006. The place is Ocean City, Maryland, a summertime paradise replete with sun, sea, sand, and … murder. Thus begins this gritty tale and McRae’s attempt to clear a dear friend, who has been charged with the heinous crime. Our hero must bring to bear all of her considerable investigative skills as she unwinds this tightly drawn mystery, which is sure to have you hooked until the satisfying end.”
– Lawrence Kelter, bestselling author of The Stephanie Chalice Mystery Series

Whoa! Thank you one and all for your kind words! Details about the launch and upcoming ebook giveaways are coming soon. The cover is in the works, which I hope to post on this here blog in the not too distant future.

And I can assure you, Justin Bieber will not be on it. LOL!

While I’m at it, here’s a little number all about the importance of good word of mouth that’ll get your blood pumping. Ha ha ha …

PS: I nearly forgot to mention this interesting little item about Apple I ran across today. Hmm …

 

 

Why I Love to Blog (Updated)

As anyone who’s reads this blog knows, it’s only one of five blogs that I maintain, which I realize is slightly insane crazy weird unusual, okay?

Blogging is epublishing in its most grassroots form. And I’ve started each of my blogs for a specific purpose.

For instance, I started this blog for the purpose of marketing and promoting my books.

However, a blog isn’t an island and neither am I. My blog isn’t a fortress guarded by walls, in which no other subjects may leak through. So when I hear of other relevant awesome/crappy information or others’ happiness, I like to share.

So … may I direct your attention to author CJ West and his 2012 peace plan? Isn’t that awesome?

Plus Dale T. Phillips is/has been really busy at work last year and will be this year. Apparently. Whoa! Best of luck, Dale!

And while I have your attention, a great big congrats to Louise Phillips! Yes, dreams can come true.

Furthermore Geraldine Evans has a new book out and you can read an excerpt right here! Awesome!!!

There have so many great things going on, it’s nearly impossible to list all the awesomeness.

But I’ve really enjoyed reading the following posts, in no particular order: Mariam Kobras, Timothy Hallinan, D.B Grady and Zoe Winters.

While I’m at it, allow me to introduce novelist and indie filmmaker Elijah Joon, who’s very happy according to this post.

I would be most remiss if I didn’t mention Elijah, since I’m venturing into screenwriting now.

Lastly, but certainly not leastly, there’s always something awesome going on at Derek Haines‘ blog, aka, The Vandal.

So … on that note, let’s end things with a really snappy tune.

Ah ha ha ha … had you going, didn’t I? Sorry, but I really like the Sex Pistols, and I am a hardboiled mystery writer, after all.

And I never even knew about that whole incident with the band until it came up while I was answering the trivia questions on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, where Paul Downie posted (to quote his words) a bit of “mindless pop.” Which is to say, a less bleak more appropriate tune that got my toes a tapping.

PS: Here’s a blog I just learned about that everyone should read. Really!

And here’s a post from that blog that I really, really loved! :

UPDATE: I almost forgot one of the most awesome things I’ve run across on the Internet recently. For all you Doctor Who fans out there, just so you know, look what author now has a great big TARDIS in her backyard! OMFG!

And that’s the cookie jar I got for my birthday last year. Isn’t that awesome?

 

 

All the Nitty Gritty Details

Yeah, in the final analysis, that’s what it comes down to with my latest novel. How thoroughly have you proofread the copy? How well was the book edited? Is the formatting up to snuff? Etc., etc., blah, blah, blah …

Plus, now that I’ve made the decision to pursue screenwriting and attend the indie filmmaking seminar next month, I thought I would direct your attention to a post I wrote that provided various online screenwriting resources. Just a random selection to start off with, if you’re interested.

So I’m nearly done with the itty bitty nitty gritty details of the copyediting. (Boy, is that hard to write with a gimpy freaking tired hand!) Quick! Cue the laugh track!

Wow! I always loved The Wire, but somehow it’s even better more interesting with a laugh track.

And I’ll be posting the cover art and details about the book launch for RIPTIDE as soon as possible. I’m working on an Amazon launch both here in the U.S. and in the U.K. Now how about that?

I’ll be doing some ebook giveaways beforehand. So check this blog for updates. I’ll be posting about that in the next few weeks.

There will also be a random drawing for ebook and print book giveaways, which will take place if RIPTIDE reaches certain milestone rankings.

These are all nitty gritty details, which I will organize and spell out a bit closer to the actual launch date in February.

Admittedly, it feels kind of insane weird retarded odd bizarre strange for a crippled gimpy disadvantaged retarded stupid slightly overwhelmed novelist (self-published, no less) to foray into screenwriting and indie filmmaking, i.e., brand new territory, right now.

However, Paul Downie posted this really awesome video called The Crazy Ones narrated by Steve Jobs in the comments to this post.

Now, that served as a reminder of why I was doing the whole thing. Let me tell you.

Because, unfortunately, we don’t really have all the time in the world.

PS: Happy birthday to my sister, who’s not a whale! LOL And she is way funnier than Dave Barry.

 

While I’m Waiting …

Okay … so I’ve finished the copyediting on RIPTIDE. Mostly. Except for the Spanish phrases, which I’m checking on with a native speaker. And a few other details. Nasty details. No worries, right? Forget I mentioned wrote about them, okay?

Now, I’m waiting with baited bated breath on pins and needles for the cover art to be finalized! I’ve seen preliminary covers and they look mighty promising, but we’re not quite there yet.

Meanwhile, here’s a great rule for storytellers from Paul Downie. And I quote from his blog: Robert Holmes First Law for Deranged 51st Century Villains: “Never Give a Simple Order when you get the chance for a full-on Rant … ”

LOL! Great scene from Doctor Who. With Tom Baker, one of my favorite doctors ever, ever!

And, BTW, you know the indie film seminar I contemplated taking? Well, I’m going for it!

Now, let’s not get too carried away. I doubt that I’ll end up being a great big director/producer/genius like this guy. Ha ha ha …

But, if I’m really lucky, maybe I could film a detective story with a PI as awesome as this guy played by an actor whose memoirs were recently published.

Because I love Rockfish Rockford.

And he has some of the craziest most interesting friends.

But his dad is was such a cool guy.

Hurray for James Garner! You are awesome.

Cherokee Productions/NBC/ Universal TV/The Kobal Collection

And not just playing Rockford, either.

 

Contemplating Opportunities

When you come to a fork in the road, take it! — Yogi Berra

Hi there! This is going to sound completely retarded weird, coming from a gimpy disadvantaged writer. However, I’ve been considering taking a new direction with my writing.

You know that screenplay I’m always nattering on blogging about? Well … it turns out there’s going to be a weekend seminar coming up next month in DC sponsored by Women in Film and Video. A respected group of professionals in the business. Now how about that?

Keep in mind, I’ve written a screenplay and have a couple of ideas for others, if I devote the time and energy. And I wrote this column long ago and it was my very first column ever on my website. Now how about that?

And I need to decide fast, because space is limited, etc., etc.

Of course, I’m doing this right when I’m getting ready to launch my new novel and while writing the next and thinking about revising other unpublished work. Ha ha ha …

Clearly, something’s got to give. Maybe. Or maybe I have it within me to do this. One day at a time, one step at a time.

I’ll let you know what I decide, but I’m leaning strongly toward going for it.

BTW, here’s a great article from the Washington Post magazine about realizing one’s potential.

Plus, the magazine has an article that serves as a reminder that strokes can totally suck. And have an even worse effect than mine had on me.

PS: Hurray for Kathy Griffin! A total inspiration. Kathy, you are awesome.

PPS: If I could just reduce myself to a cultural stereotype, perhaps I could go viral, too. Ha ha ha …

For what it’s worth, Sam will never say anything like this to her best friend Jamila in my books, okay?

You can tell how much I love political correctness, right? Ha ha ha …

 

The Techno-Idiot’s Guide to Fun

Hi there! I’m currently in the midst of yanking my hair out by the roots with my one good hand learning how to use the latest version of Word on my new computer, while going over the copyediting for RIPTIDE. Big fun!

So … while I’m waiting for my technical assistance on the latest horrible crisis irritating matter snafu, I thought I might fill you in on some of the ridiculous retarded outrageous unusual search terms people have been using to find my blog.

They include (and I’m not making any of these up):

get your head our of your ass
thank god i’m not you
sad retarded person
my sisters a whale
before i get too drunk wishing
medieval whale

Now, what do you think of that?

What’s even more interesting is that over at this blog someone used a really interesting set of search terms to find it. Terms that seem way more appropriate for this blog, actually. To wit: I’m going to stab you so much

Whoa! Now … what do you make of that?

BTW, here’s a poor little robot, who’s also having a bad day technical problems (via Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, of course ).

But, you know, there’s nothing like taking a walk with your husband (which I did) to clear your mind of woes and make you feel a bit happier about life on earth.

Plus, thank goodness for Tim Berners-Lee and the Internet. Because this post by Seth Godin reminded me I needed to seize the day. Before I become worm food.

Furthermore, I’m now following someone called adventures on Twitter, because I’m interested in adventures. Do check the bio. It’s most intriguing. So is the blog, which is obviously written by someone with two good hands who likes to write. Ha ha ha …

Finally, I just picked up a follower called Do No Harm, which intrigued me. It’s part of the Hypocratic (sp?) Oath, of course. Doctors are to do no harm to patients.

Well, if you read this blog, you know my situation. I’m just a half-gimp with dystonia, pecking out novels and the occasional short story. Blogging as fast as I can. And trying desperately not to let that situation get me down. In fact, I’ve found so little relief from Western medicine that I’m trying to supplement it with acupuncture, in a last ditch attempt to keep from completely falling to pieces my condition manageable. (sp?)

Um, cue the laugh track?

Well … that was … different, wasn’t it? I was laughing, but then wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry or what. But then I feel that way a lot, so maybe it’s perfect. Or not. I don’t know.

Anyway, I noticed that Do No Harm, aka Cliff Bacchus MD, says in his Twitter bio: “I practice conventional, alternative, and anti-aging medicine in the Bahamas. I recently authored Do No Harm – a medical thriller.”

And here’s his blog.

Best of luck to you, Dr. Bacchus! And to all of us!