Okay, I did a little two-step for the letter E. The only author I know whose last name begins with E from my blogging files is one who isn’t writing so much anymore. I know I could have featured one of the well known writers such as Nicholas Evans or Janet Evanovich, but I’d really rather talk about authors I’ve connected with personally (face-to-face or online).
So I chose an author whose first name begins with E. You may know her already.
Featured Author: Elizabeth Spann Craig
I think I met Elizabeth during a Dani Greer online class on blog book tours. Over the years since, I’ve read several of her cozy mysteries, sampling each of her three series, and enjoyed every one I’ve read (the Myrtle Clover mysteries, the Memphis Barbeque mysteries–writing as Riley Adams–and the Southern Quilting mysteries).
This North Caroline author doesn’t just hide away in her office and write. She has an extremely helpful blog which focuses on mystery writing. And Writers Knowledge Base, a search engine for writers, was born from Elizabeth’s helpful hints on Twitter. You can find her on Facebook as well.
Knowing all that, don’t you wonder if Elizabeth ever sleeps?
Featured Book: Ex-Kop by Warren Hammond
I read from so many genres, but have a special liking for sci fi. And if the sci fi novel is also a dark mystery or cop story, that’s even better.
Ex-Kop is the second book in a series created by Colorado author Warren Hammond. The three books out so far are Kop, Ex-Kop, and Kop Killer. The main character, Juno, is an cop with a shady past. If you like sci fi and sci fi thrillers, I highly recommend this series.
P.S. I plucked this cover graphic from Warren’s website, so I hope he doesn’t mind. It’s a fine illustration of the grim and gritty world in which Juno lives.
Word of the Day: Entertainment
I picked this word because it describes what I want my novels to be for the reader. I don’t have a big message, don’t want to change the world, and I certainly don’t want to tell anyone how to live or write or behave. I simply want to entertain.
When I want to be entertained, I read books (lots of books, all kinds of books). I like everything from financial thrillers to humor. From YA dystopian/sci fi to cozy mysteries. I also read a lot of nonfiction–history, finance, economics, political science, sociology–although it has been awhile since I picked up anything too weighty (not counting the hardcover of Stephen King’s Under the Dome which was very heavy fiction).
I also like movies and television, musical comedy on stage, music concerts like the various tenors or the Beach Boys, and social media.
How about you? What are your favorite things to do for entertainment? And if you say running five miles early in the morning or digging post holes for a new fence, I will not believe you.
Instead of responding to the rest of the comments that were posted since Saturday, I’ll make visits to all your posts my priority for this afternoon. Thanks to everyone for stopping by. The A to Z Challenge is turning out to be even more fun than usual this year.
Beach Boys Concerts!! That takes me back. I think the last time I saw them was in London in the early 80s. I remember that they had us (the audience) singing the ‘gotta keep those lovin’ good vibrations happening with her” near the end of the song for about five minutes before they finally wound it up!
The story of the 1976 concert in Milwaukee I’ll keep for another time. 🙂
Jemima
#TeamDamyanti
Blogging from Alpha to Zulu in April
But I do like running-
I actually started laughing trying to type that. I may enjoy being active but I certainly do not like running or digging. I enjoy writing (poetry, stories, blogging) and I enjoy music (though I’m sure my neighbors wish we had sound proof walls). I love traveling and just being able to do things. I enjoy puzzles that make me think, but aren’t ridiculously difficult and make me feel dumb if I don’t get it within two seconds. Above on, I enjoy doing things I know will make other people happy because that makes me happy. To me, nothing feels better than knowing I changed somebody’s day for the better.
(Oops. I wasn’t expecting the sap. I blame an extremely emotional weekend. Sorry for the sap!)
Patricia, Elizabeth was a great choice for your E author. I’m in awe of all that she does.
I haven’t read Ex-Kop, so you’ve added another book to my ever-growing list of TBR.
For me lately, I’d say my entertainment comes from reading and listening to books. You can travel to so many places through books. Fun post.
Thank you so much for featuring Elizabeth and entertaining is what I strive to do as well.
Have fun for the rest of the Challenge.
Visiting from A-Z 2014
I love to read, and I like to read across genres, too. If the story sounds good, I’ll usually give it a go. I like movies and some TV, too. Also, walking on the beach. 🙂
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Minion, Capt. Alex’s Ninja Minion Army
The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge
You have a wealth of interests. I do, too. I like movies and live performances, and I read a variety of books. Cozy mysteries are a favorite and Elizabeth’s blog, Mystery Writing is Murder was one of the first blogs I followed and read regularly. I don’t as much, now, because I read SO MANY, but I still love her words of wisdom and have a few of her books, too.
Play off the Page
Hi Patricia – Elizabeth is a fun entertaining author, while her site has a wealth of information, as does her blog … we’re lucky to be around her.
Entertainment – I love going to the cinema to see ‘good’ films and to exhibitions and museums and talks .. but I don’t do as much as I’d like ..
Cheers – I don’t dig mines, or put fence posts up .. but I’d like to garden again sometime .. need the garden! I know yours is fruitful .. Hilary
I learn so much from your blog. Thanks for introducing me to Elizabeth. Reading is one of my favorite entertainments when I am well. Since I’ve been sick I haven’t felt much like reading. I hope that will change as I get better. TV has been my main entertainment while I’ve been sick. Unfortunately good shows on TV are limited. Have a good day.
Irish, watching kids can be very entertaining at certain ages, even when they get to be teenagers. 😀
Hi Dean! For some letter it’s hard to pick because I have so many to choose from. Tune in tomorrow because I have two authors for the price of one.
I enjoy 4 mile runs and digging coal mines in the morning. (That you’ve got to believe.) I so enjoy the outstanding cast of authors you have connected with. Such a treasure of talent and knowledge!
An awesome cover on Ex-Kop indeed.
I don’t know…I’ve gotten a lot of satisfaction out of the manual labor of digging a few holes, post or otherwise. As for entertainment, observing my children has proven to be fairly entertaining lately. 😉
Hi everyone,
I took a night off last night and watched “The Dallas Buyers Club.” Might have been a poor choice for “entertainment,” but it was a fascinating story about FDA drug trials, HIV/AIDS, and a whole culture of survival in spite of complicated drug approval and availability laws. It was sad.
Thanks for this introduction to Elizabeth.
I’m going to check out Warren’s book. I most read for entertainment.
Books have always been my go to entertainment, but yesterday I got to see The Winter Soldier. A man’s movie for sure, but fun!
Pat – Oh, I’m so glad you’ve chosen Elizabeth! She is so very talented and I like all three of her series.
As for entertainment…Hmm…I do like digging post holes. How’d you know? 😉 In all seriousness, I agree that entertainment value can be a real ‘pull’ for the reader. There are plenty of readers who simply want to escape for a while. That’s part of why Shakespeare wrote his plays.
Elizabeth is awesome!! So incredibly smart. And such a great attitude. She’s the biggest name author I know and yet still gracious enough to visit my blog.