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Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book

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Today my post is up over at The Thrill Begins as part of our Spring series: Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book. Mine is less practical advice and more about your mindset when writing.

I know there’s a lot of craziness and panic going on around all of us right now with COVID-19. It’s a very scary time and we all are unsure what’s going to happen next.

I’ve canceled Left Coast Crime which I was greatly looking forward to. It’s so unfortunate that many writers had to do the same. I know it takes a lot of work to put on a conference. Many book / literary festivals and conferences are canceling as well.

Meanwhile, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy and watch the news 24/7. But it’s important to remember to check out now and then. Turn off the TV and don’t look at social media. Regroup, refresh, and revive.

Which is how I came up with my column today over at The Thrill Begins.

Three Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Wrote a Book: Writer Intentions

The Thrill Begins “Promoting Your Book” series with Liz Donatelli

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Today my interview with Liz Donatelli, the events coordinator for Creating Conversations, is up on The Thrill Begins. It’s part of our “Promoting Your Book” series in which each week we discuss different ways to promote your book. Liz has some great advice for authors, including get to know your local booksellers! Shop at your local store! As a former bookseller for Creating Conversations, I can’t reiterate this enough.

Check it out here:

BOLO Books Reviews MURDER-A-GO-GO’S

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BOLO Books takes a look at Murder-A-Go-Go’s and includes my story “Fading Fast” as one of his favorites.

“Sarah M. Chen also provides a timely story that will stick with readers long after the final word. ”

I was inspired to write this story after I read about a young couple who sought revenge against a man who abused her. The justice system failed her as it does for so many victims of sexual assault and abuse.

I’m so excited for this collection to come out and it’s only in one more week! Edited by Holly West and includes such talented authors like Lori Rader-Day, Hilary Davidson, and Patricia Abbott. With a foreword by Jane Wiedlin herself!

Click on the cover to pre-order!

Off the Cuff with Dietrich Kalteis

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Vancouver crime fiction author Dietrich Kalteis hosts me over at his blog Off the Cuff today. He’s the talented author of Triggerfish, House of Blazes, and Zero Avenue. We were both in Short Stack Books’ 80’s anthology Fast Women and Neon Lights.  I first met him at a Noir at the Bar here in L.A. a couple years ago and enjoyed meeting a fellow Canadian (I was born in Vancouver and most of my mom’s family lives there). Plus he’s a super cool dude.

Check out the interview! Dietrich Kalteis: Off the Cuff

The Advocates: Maddie Margarita

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Today’s my first post as an official member of Murderers’ Row over at The Thrill Begins. And I can’t think of a better way to kick it off than paying tribute to someone who has done so much for the crime fiction community. The Advocates series is a wonderful feature where each of us write about someone who has supported or championed writers whether it’s bookstore owners, bloggers, or organizations.

For my piece, I chose Maddie Margarita, the hard-working host and producer of Lit Up! OC. Find out why: The Advocates: Maddie Margarita

THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD makes BOLO Books’ 2018 Top Reads

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So excited to see BOLO Books come out with their Top Reads of 2018. It’s always a treat to see which books make Kristopher’s list. I always learn of must-read books so it’s great for holiday shopping (for myself too!).  But it was even more special to see The Night of the Flood as Top Anthology of the Year. Thank you, BOLO Books!

One Bite at a Time interview with Dana King and E.A. Aymar

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I’m up live today talking about, what else? THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD of course! Its big release date is less than two weeks away and I’m thrilled with the amount of buzz it’s generating already. I guess it helps to pester people to interview us. 🙂

Seriously, though, everyone has been so generous with the interviews and guest blogs about our upcoming anthology. Not only with Ed and I but the other contributors as well. We’re everywhere!

So if you want to check out the latest interview about how we all collaborated, our editorial process, and why Pennsylvania was chosen for the setting, be sure to go on over to author Dana King’s blog, One Bite at a Time. And I guarantee, at the very least, you’ll appreciate the photos. I know I did.

Ink-Quisitions with Jesse Rawlins

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I’m up today chatting with Jesse Rawlins over at Story & Grit. Jesse is launching a new feature called Ink-Quisitions where she interviews various crime fiction authors. And I’m her first victim! It was a lot of fun as we discussed FINN, my contribution to the Johnny Cash collection, “Missouri Waltz,” and my favorite South Bay eats.

Check it out!

 

Check out Greg Levin’s Scrawl Space

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I’m up today at author Greg Levin’s blog Scrawl Space where he lists Five Under-the-Radar Authors of Fun, Gritty Fiction You Need to Read. It’s an honor to be listed alongside Mike McCrary, Jen Conley, and Eryk Pruitt. Their work I’m already familiar with and wholeheartedly agree with Greg on this. Now I need to check out Scott Kelly as well!

Thanks, Greg, for the shoutout! He also gives some love to the upcoming THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD that I co-edited with E.A. Aymar.

FIVE UNDER-THE-RADAR AUTHORS OF FUN, GRITTY FICTION YOU NEED TO READ!

Book Bites Interview with author Steph Post

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I’m up today on Steph Post’s blog where she features mini interviews with authors. It’s called Book Bites: Short and Sweet Interview for Readers on the Go. I answer 5 questions and if you’re curious what research didn’t make it into FINN, come check it out!

And if you’re looking for a great Southern crime fiction noir, check out Steph’s latest release, WALK IN THE FIRE. Just got my copy and I can’t wait to dig into it.

BOOK BITES – Thank you, Steph!

There’s also a nice mention of THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD!