Starr A.'s Comments
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Jan 10, 2009 | rating: 9.2 | comments: 43
Starr A. Jan 10, 2009, 10:32am EST
Hi Kathryn, thanks for the great review! I'm thrilled that you liked it. There's plenty of intrigue and laughs, too, but hey, if you like the sexy parts, I think I stuck enough in there to satisfy! And for those who liked it, there'll be a second novel out later this year. This is a fun job!
Jul 17, 2008 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 171
Starr A. Jul 18, 2008, 11:19am EDT
Congratulations, Judi! I'm so happy for you! Much deserved. And one more thing to celebrate at conference.
Apr 23, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 11
Starr A. May 13, 2008, 1:33am EDT
Hi Meredith! I came by to see if the book was out yet; guess I'll be making a trip to Borders soon! I can't wait to read it.

I've also found music inspiring, even though I revert to total silence when I write. Music can get me in the mood. I hope you're finding time to write a second novel. Or third?

I see Pocket gave you a title change, too. ("Trust Me" became "Lie to Me"; close, no?)
May 8, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 106
Starr A. May 9, 2008, 4:27pm EDT
Oh, thank you, Jamie! Some good laughs before I have to go to work. I had no idea we looked so cute! Like furry little piggies.
May 8, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 88
Starr A. May 9, 2008, 2:30pm EDT
Hi, Lisa! It's hard to jump in when I can't stay long. Writing is suddenly a "job", to go with the other one I already had. Doesn't leave much time left over. But I'll try!

I have to second that comment on finding an agent. Same with editors. LOTS of luck involved in finding the right person at the right time. Took me years to get lucky. My advice is the same old trite stuff you've heard before: don't quit. That's the only sure way to not get published.
May 8, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 88
Starr A. May 9, 2008, 2:21pm EDT
Happy birthday Wombats!! I came in at the middle, ran into unexpected success, and nearly disappeared. But I lurk when I can!

Thanks to the dedicated support from Wombats, my FCR entry got incredible comments and attracted the right attention. "Trust Me" became "Lie to Me" in the hands of Pocket Books, and will be out in Dec. Plus my agent just negotiated a deal on Book #2. Which means I'm hard at work on Book #3 - all because of the FCR contest and the support I received here.

I can't believe how many talented writers I've run into here. I expect to stock my bookshelves with lots of Wombat books.

Wish I could hang out more, I miss your furry faces. But remember, I'm watching you!
Nov 20, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 16
Starr A. Mar 27, 2008, 10:10am EDT
LIE TO ME is scheduled to be a Dec. release. Watch for advance reviews and interviews on Gather!
Jan 4, 2008 | rating: 9.8 | comments: 128
Starr A. Jan 4, 2008, 1:37am EST
Loved that punch line!
Dec 31, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 427
Starr A. Dec 31, 2007, 4:53pm EST
Jerrica, I wish I'd met you sooner, so I could have done the smart thing and given my mom the edited version!
Dec 31, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 427
Starr A. Dec 31, 2007, 3:14pm EST
Oh, nice.
Dec 31, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 427
Starr A. Dec 31, 2007, 3:14pm EST
Stubborn !%$#& Gather is not acknowleging my post.

To repreat: Nice article, Jamie. I get the idea you're happy about this...

Hi, Brenda!
Dec 31, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 427
Starr A. Dec 31, 2007, 3:11pm EST
Very nice article, Jamie. I get the idea you're happy about this...

Hi Brenda!
Dec 31, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 427
Starr A. Dec 31, 2007, 2:24pm EST
Hey, Jamie, congrats again! I'm joining you in your happy dance. Get that lucky kid out of bed so he can dance with you. And you're allowed to take the day off.

The End is great, even when followed by the beginning of another. Recently, my End was followed by revisions on a second, followed by edits of the first, to be followed by another beginning. But for a few days, I am allowing myself a break. My goal for 2008 is to write a third novel and submit to agent and editor.

So many Wombats deserve to be published this year, I can't count them all. Keep writing and submitting, this is a great reservoir of talent. And enter contests -- it works!

I'm getting nervous about FCC and I'm not even in it. But I'm pulling for Wombats.
Dec 13, 2007 | rating: 9.6 | comments: 301
Starr A. Dec 28, 2007, 1:14am EST
I still think this is a great concept that sets up a good mystery. Pacing is perfect. I like having a woman sheriff, and would like to hear more internal dialog from her. The confident-but-dumb deputy should inspire a few caustic remarks, at least. We can guess what she thinks of him and of the suspects, but I'd like to hear her say it so I don't have to guess. The dialog feels real, just needs some thoughts from the POV character inserted here and there.

I'm more than happy to leave my 10, Dale. Good luck!
Dec 7, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 6
Starr A. Dec 21, 2007, 1:24am EST
Hey, aren't you the smart one? Thanks for this.
Dec 13, 2007 | rating: 9.4 | comments: 163
Starr A. Dec 15, 2007, 2:59pm EST
Your writing flows with a natural rhythm, very nice. Like everyone else, I like your dialog. And having that moment of birth between moments of horrific murder and fear was a nice breathing space, and a chance to see another side of our main characters. I'm enjoying your unique voice. I have to say the hearse wasn't a surprise -- we still have a body to dispose of, right? -- but the style was. There must be a reason...
Dec 12, 2007 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 247
Starr A. Dec 15, 2007, 12:58pm EST
Amie, I loved your first chapter and I think this one is even better. Tommie's fear and grief are strong, and I love how she admits to a guilty attraction to Jaxson. Good details about her having to strip down for pictures, and her refusal to take everything off, because even she doesn't see herself naked. (Now, if this were a romance, that would lend an ironic touch to her jumping into bed later with Jaxson. Of course, they sometimes have romance in mysteries... )

Strong characters and a good murder mystery, and the hook at the end of the chapter has me irritated that I can't keep reading. Seems like I'm giving out too many 10's in this contest, but you deserve one!
Dec 12, 2007 | rating: 9.8 | comments: 181
Starr A. Dec 15, 2007, 3:13am EST
Oooh, Jake is so smooth and so BAD. And now he has begun toying with Grace. She is in so much trouble!

"He'd gone to a lot of effort to find me" -- this gave me chills! I love that Grace is so smart, and has such a smart adversary. I think you gave her good motivation, and plenty of reason to be scared.

No nits, it's a great chapter. Good luck!
Dec 12, 2007 | rating: 9.3 | comments: 80
Starr A. Dec 14, 2007, 10:32am EST
Ricky, you just confirmed my impressions from your first chapter, that this is a terrific story and will move on to the last round. Love the hardboiled PI (the Bogie comparison rings true for me) with the strong morals and smart mouth. We just know that's going to get him in even more trouble than it already has. Maybe you've sucked me into this story too well, because I didn't see the problems that Jimmy (above) had with it. Billy was a bit chatty, but I thought it fit his educated, urbane image (not your average hoodlum, Billy) and the "I don't like being set up" paragraphs were probably necessary so people don't beat you up about not giving Fick enough motivation for stepping into the middle of things. Am I just blind to these nits because I love the tone and the story? Could be. But I honestly don't see any problems here. Count me as Fick fan.
Dec 12, 2007 | rating: 9.8 | comments: 145
Starr A. Dec 13, 2007, 8:05pm EST
Hi Laz, you're right where I knew I'd find you, in Round 2. As expected, Chapter 2 is as much fun as Chapter 1. Deena is vibrant, and comes to life with everything she says. As a romance writer, I admit I loved her quiet, "Aren't we buff?" comment, but most of the time she's perceptive, intuitive, and bold, and apparently a step ahead of Dan. But now you've given us a glimpse of the more mature, intelligent Dan with his education, experience, and the way he takes offense at Max's sexist comments. Lots of potential between Dan and Deena! And his mother's connection to the people involved is just another fascinating layer in the mystery. I love the dry, quiet humor in this story, and I expect to see it in the final round. Best of luck!
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Starr A.
SE Michigan
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