I hate plots. Why do I need a plot, anyway? I have 300 pages of all these great scenes with all these grand characters, and then I have to sit down and do a rewrite that makes sure it all makes sense. Because a mystery novel kind of needs to make sense. Mainstream fiction can…
Read MoreThe continuing adventures of two faithful Friends of Russell, who recently followed that great lady’s footsteps through the south of England. ******* The lasting impression I have about that very wet day traipsing up and down the streets of Oxford was how close together all the colleges stood. You would go past one doorway after…
Read MoreIt’s Indie Week–spread the word, and let me know if your favorite Indie bookstore is doing something fun. Send us pictures, and we’ll post them! As for other Good Causes, I apologize again for the delays and problems some of you have had with the Heifer International prizes that came (or, should have come) with…
Read MoreThe Bodelian Library is a must for anyone who is devoted to the Mary Russell mysteries, and traveling with Merrily, the former head librarian at Brown University, opens doors that might otherwise be barred. She knew the current librarian of the Bodley back in the day, and it only took an email to arrange a…
Read MoreTwo of the long-time Friends of Russell are on a tour of the British Isles, and have sent messages and photos (and, I admit, have assisted Russell herself in the posting of Twitter photos.) Please click on each photo below to enlarge. Here’s Alice: ****** Two Devoted Fans Russellian Pilgrimage The Adventures of Alice and…
Read MoreA trio of tidbits. First, Mary Russell has learned how to post photographs on Twitter. That lady, 109 years old and she’s ahead of me. Next, there is a new LRK interview for your ears to enjoy, with the delightful Barbara Gray in Cincinnati, here. And last, if you have yet to buy that man…
Read MoreHey Brits, on the first of September, you’ll have your very own Language of Bees–and shortly thereafter, a tour: That’s right, the pub date is 1 September, and although we’re setting up events now, I can say that I’ll be at the Reading Festival of Crime on Sept 12, talking about Murder in Mind with…
Read MoreThe California Crime Writers Conference began life as “No Crime Unpublished,” a writing conference run by the Southern California chapter of Sisters in Crime. Which excellent organization you should join instantly, by the way, if you haven’t already, for their general helpfulness, intelligence, and positive energy. And no, you don’t have to be published to join,…
Read MoreSometimes, life is hard and all you can do is bleed. My friend Ayelet Waldman has a new book out that fills me with awe, that a person can feel so free about showing her wounds to the world. The title of her book, Bad Mother, embraces a criticism and turns it on its head,…
Read MoreI still can’t believe you guys contributed $10,000 to Heifer through the Team LRK page, and wanted to say, Thank you, again, for your support of this great organization. And for those of you who found $60 a bit steep but would still really like one of those booklets on beekeeping by Sherlock Holmes, we’re…
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