Saturday Writing Essential: Lucky Thirteen?

Hello, writers!

Have you ever written a book based on a dream?

For the past few weeks, I've been digging around for the subject of my next book, the thirteenth. On a whim, I decided to temporarily depart from my two mystery series and try a standalone book. Maybe a suspense? Maybe a psychological thriller with a touch of the supernatural? I hadn't decided yet, though I was dabbling in ideas foreign to an inveterate mystery author. 

Last weekend I woke with strong memories of a vibrant dream. It haunted me. It amused me. And I couldn't stop thinking about it.

It was the kind of dream I often experience when I've been able to sleep in. Usually these just-before-I-wake dreams are vivid and wild, full of color. Whoever claims men don't dream in color hasn't met me. I always dream in color!

This dream fell into that category, and it featured a bird I've named, "Ruby." I've looked her up on the net, and it appears she is a ringtailed parakeet. But she's an impossible color - a beautiful combination of rose and tangerine. A flaming orange mixture with soft feathers who snuggles into your neck and is most affectionate. Doesn't she sound cool?

I've never owned a bird, mind you. Never knew anyone who had a pet bird. My life's always been full of horses, dogs, and cats. Oh, and kids. Lots of animals and kids. (see below) ;o) Plenty to keep us busy. But for some reason, my mind clamped onto this bird image and featured her in such a strong way that she's gonna be the star of my next book.

So far, I've written a chapter and a half of The Aviary (working title). My critique buddies have helped me hone it a bit and it's starting to take shape. I've begun to know my new characters. Joe Hollister - an obsessive 40 year old pet store owner who adores his prized bird, Ruby, with a passion usually reserved for people. Marcella Hollister - his petite wife who puts up with her husband's obsessions with good humor, and a little bit of jealousy. Thelma, his mother-in-law, the cantakerous thorn in his side who just moved in with them and who doles out money from her ex-husband's secret stash with unwelcome advice. And of course, Ruby, Joe's affectionate prized parakeet who watches the action from her cage with calm, and who will likely be the source of a great deal of action and chase scenes.

I need to learn more about birds, of course. And bird shows. And prices of rare birds. All of it. And I need to figure out what's going to happen next. I have some vague ideas of the rare bird being stolen, some possible kidnappings going down, lots of great chase scenes taking place in the Adirondack mountains, and hopefully some amazing twists and turns. I don't know what they're going to be yet. LOL. Sometimes the stories just come out. And sometimes they're planned. Who knows where this will go??

I'd love to hear about stories you've written based on dreams. Or your own bird experiences! Teach me about these lovely creatures, if you have the inclination.

Also - may I ask a favor? My third book, Tremolo, is up for voting in the Preditors & Editors reader's poll If you have time, I would so appreciate a vote here:

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelmys.shtml 

Just scroll down to Tremolo, select it, and enter your name/email. They won't abuse your email address, it's a wonderful site dedicated to protecting writers from scams, etc.  And if you want to follow the polls, click here and scroll down to the Novel:mystery category.

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/tally.html

Thanks in advance. I'm hoping to spread the word about LeGarde Mysteries one reader at a time, and your vote will help. This morning Tremolo was in eight place - perhaps we can make it climb the ladder? ;o)

And if you're interested, there's a new interview that Mayra Calvani (a wonderful writer on Gather) has posted as part of the Virtual Book Tour for Tremolo: cry of the loon. I've reposted it below, for fun. Thanks, Mayra, for your support. ;o)

Remember, take pleasure in the little things, and write like the wind!

                                                                                                                    Aaron

P.S. I know these images have little to do with my subject matter today, but I didn't have any bird photos, and since I talked about lots of color, I figured perhaps that featuring some of my more colorful photos my tie in to the dream segment!

:

Interview with Aaron Paul Lazar by Mayra Calvani 

Welcome!  It's nice to have you here. Why don't you start by telling us a bit about your book, and what inspired you to write such a story?

Thank you, Mayra. It's a pleasure to be here. I'd love to tell you about Tremolo and the inspiration behind it. Here's a blurb that describes this coming-of-age mystery featuring young Gus LeGarde:

"Tremolo: cry of the loon, takes place in the summer of 1964, when Beatlemania hits the States, and the world mourns the loss of JFK. For eleven-year-old Gus LeGarde, the powerful events that rocked the nation serve as a backdrop for the most challenging summer of his life.

After Gus and his best friends capsize their boat at his grandparents' lakeside camp, they witness a drunk chasing a girl through the foggy Maine woods. She's scared. She's hurt. And she disappears.

The camp is thrown into turmoil as the frantic search for Sharon begins. Reports of stolen relics arise, including a church bell cast by Paul Revere. When Gus and his friends stumble on a scepter that may be part of the spoils, they become targets for the evil lurking around the lake. Will they find Sharon before the villain does? And how can Gus-armed only with a big heart, a motorboat, and a nosy beagle-survive the menacing attacks on his life?"

I wrote Tremolo for myself, first of all, and intended it to be the "quintessential joyful shout of childhood," so-to-speak. I know that sounds strange and possibly selfish, but I was compelled to write it. My summers in Maine were so magical, so precious, that I needed to capture each and every memory. The drive was strong - impossible to ignore.

It just so happened that I'd already referred to these magical summers in my first two books in the adult Gus LeGarde series, so Gus fit right into the camp. I loved picturing him as a young boy with Elsbeth (his future wife) and Siegfried (before his debilitating accident). What fun it was to introduce Gus's parents and grandparents, who are distant memories in Double Forte' and Upstaged. And being able to present Elsbeth as a living, breathing girl, rather than a mournful memory, was most satisfying.

How would you describe your creative process while writing this novel? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline? How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the first draft of Tremolo in about three months, working about two hours per day. Years later, I did add a chapter or two in during revisions, but mostly the edits were writing style changes and tips I'd picked up since writing the draft. It just poured out of me, no outline was written, nor did I have a list of events that would happen in upcoming chapters. I had vague ideas of themes that would come into play-such as meeting a mysterious famous figure, Gus's first crush, the blueberry scene, the missing girl, etc. But I hadn't put it together in any logical form. It just tumbled out, as most of my twelve books have done.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?

Once in a while I get stuck on a scene. It just doesn't seem to come as freely as it should. One thing that doesn't work is to just sit and stare at the screen! That's useless, in my case. So I snap my laptop shut and let my brain recharge. I stop what I'm doing and go about living life for a while. I take long walks, play with my grandkids, visit friends, cook great feasts, take photos, and garden. After a few days I usually find the creative juices rejuvenated and the ideas spring forth.

How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?

This is a tough question. It all depends on what intended market for which one writes. If you want to be successful financially, independently able to support yourself on your writings, and known globally, you need a hell of an agent and a big publisher with deep pockets. Of course, on top of that, you need to write a book that will sell hundreds of thousands and propel you to the top of your field, lots of luck, and good timing. If you're happy with moderate sales and local success, you will do well with a small press or independent publisher. And if you just want to hold your book in your hand and have it available for friends, family, or a narrow niche market, you can do well with a POD publisher. I'm quite happy right now with Twilight Times Books - it's an excellent traditional press with a great reputation and a dynamic owner.

What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you?

I've done well with local book clubs, book sales events (like at local wineries!), word of mouth, and Internet efforts. I love Gather.com, and have earned many wonderful readers on that site. I do blog (though not at regularly as I should - www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com) and have an extensive list of email recipients who receive the LeGarde newsletter. (If anyone's interested in receiving it, please email me at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com)

What is your favorite book of all time? Why?

I know it sounds like a copout, but I really have too many from which to choose. Some of my all time favorites include works by John D. McDonald, James Patterson, Dick Francis, Clive Cussler, Laurie King, Lillian Jackson Braun, Rex Stout, Peter Mayle, Tony Hillerman, Dean Koontz, SW Vaughn, Lesia Valentine, Marta Stephens, Patry Francis, Beryl Singleton Bissell, Bob Burdick, and Lad Moore. Recently I've thoroughly enjoyed Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series. What I love about all of these writers is their ability to transport me to their worlds - seamlessly. I love mysteries most of all, and find them most satisfying when they're done well.

I can tell you my favorite movie of all time, however... without a doubt, it's "To Kill a Mockingbird!"

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

Indeed, I do! Folks may stop by at http://www.legardemysteries.com/ to learn about the nine LeGarde mysteries that are in various stages of publishing. Also, they may visit http://www.mooremysteries.com/ to get to know Sam Moore and the three green marble mysteries that have been completed so far.

Do you have another novel in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects.

Double Forté is a chilling mystery set in the Genesee Valley in Upstate NY. When Gus discovers a child shackled to a bedpost in a remote cabin, an ex-cop gone bad terrorizes his family from the wintry woods. Packed with memorable characters, hair-raising chase scenes, and touching family moments, it's a solid page-turner. ISBN: 9781413728385 Available Now

Upstaged, features a disturbed stage mother, a deviant predator, and a twisted saboteur who lurks backstage, terrorizing the drama club with deadly, psychotic games. Lush, vibrant, and delicious. A feast for the senses that will leave you breathless!  ISBN: 9781413772586Available Now

Tremolo: cry of the loon, the prequel toDouble Forté, features eleven-year-old Gus, Elsbeth, and Siegfried in a stirring and nostalgic trip back to the summer of 1964. Gus's first crush, the potential birth of a new sibling, a murderous lakeside camper, and a mysterious high profile guest vie for top billing. ISBN: 1933353082Available Now

Mazurka, a contemporary mystery set against the dazzling backdrop of Europe, follows newlyweds Gus and Camille LeGarde as they chase down a family secret with the potential to change history. When Gus' brother-in-law is framed for the murder of a Nazi, the couple is plunged into a cat-and-mouse game where the stakes are lethal and the future of Europe hangs in the balance. June, 2008

Firesong: an unholy grave, pits Gus and Camille against drug lords with a backdrop of a tornado, forest fire, collapsing salt mine, and the discovery of a fantastic local link to the Underground Railroad. The entire town is threatened as Gus and Camille unravel the truth behind reprehensible dealings in their country church and the scandal of a missing town supervisor.

Virtuoso spirits Gus into the world of art forgeries and teenage traumas. A deadly but talented tenor takes the family to New York City for a near-death escape at the Met and a chase through Central Park. In this story, Gus reconnects with an old friend who shares a stunning secret as he struggles to recover from the loss of a long time companion. Gus and Camille discover a tie to the past via his great, great aunt, Emma Cunningham.

Portamento takes place in 1969 when Elsbeth and Gus were students at the New England Conservatory. White slave rings, an engaging flower child, the Boston Rock scene, and the titillating reckless abandon of the sixties set the stage for Gus's sudden need to grow up fast for the sake of his grief-stricken father and impending fatherhood.

Counterpoint showcases Gus's friend, Officer Joe Russell, and the return of Camille's abusive ex-husband, Greg. As Joe slowly loses his mind, Greg slithers back into Camille's life, absconding with daughter, Shelby. Gus needs Joe's help to rescue his newly adopted daughter and struggles to save both from fates most deadly.

In Lady Blues: forget-me-not, Gus LeGarde unravels twin mysteries of an abused Korean seamstress and a 1940s jazz ingénue whose pianist lover disappeared overseas on the same night Glen Miller's plane was lost in English Channel. Gus helps an Alzheimer's patient reclaim his identity, while dodging a drug company who will silence any witness to keep the truth of their breakthrough Alzheimer's treatment under wraps.

Introducing Moore Mysteries:

In Healey's Cave, sixty-two-year old retired family doctor Sam Moore still mourns the loss of his little brother, who disappeared  fifty years ago. While working in his garden, he discovers a marble that glows green and warms to his touch. Sam is whisked back and forth through time as he untangles the mystery of Billy's disappearance. With the support of his wife, Rachel, who suffers from MS, he fights to prevent the murder of his grandson by a serial killer who has engaged in ghastly murders for five decades. 2008

In One Potato, Blue Potato something is seriously wrong when the Moore's daughter Beth goes missing. Meanwhile, a bomb explodes in the back of Yasir Khoury's Dry Cleaners, escalating fears of terrorism and anti-Iraqi bigotry. As Sam fights the tide that threatens to sweep his daughter away, the green marble thrusts him between past and present, revealing a shocking link between Beth and the terrorists.

For Keeps: In the third Sam Moore mystery, Sam's old girlfriend shows up dead, inciting suspicions about his involvement and the coroner, a med school colleague whose husband is about to leave her, reveals she has a crush on Sam. When she is murdered in her own morgue, Sam is once again in the hot seat. A member of Sam's own family is brutally killed, and he is locked in a psyche ward until he reconnects with his talisman, the green marble. His goal: to change time, and bring his loved one back to life.

Thanks for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here!

Thank you, Mayra, for the invitation. It was an honor!