How to Bake a Murder Was a Pleasure to Read

Now that I'm part of the older generation, I find it difficult to discover books containing heroines with whom I can relate. Many books seem to be about younger people. 

However,  I did stumble upon a great cozy mystery called How to Bake a Murder by K.J. Emrick. In it, the older heroine is actually depicted as savvy and kindhearted, not a feeble woman who does dumb things. 

If you'd like to read my review, you can find it at this link.

This ebook is available on Amazon and worth checking out.

Morgan Mandel

http://www.morganmandel.com

Binge Watching and Binge Reading

I started binge watching TV, when I noticed some of the stations, such as ION, TNT, and others devoted entire days to certain programs, or at least showed one or two episodes each day in a row until the series was completed, such as House, and Judging Amy.

Turns out I found binge-watching so satisfying, I've graduated to borrowing television DVDs from the library, such as  Homeland, The Mentalist, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.. That works even better for me, since usually only a few commercials appear on the lead disc of a series. Last December, I was lucky enough to get a free trial offer for Showtime and I binge watched the entire season of Homeland, which had just been completed. I'm dying to see the new episodes when the series starts up again, but will now need to decide whether to get a subscription to Showtime or wait for the DVD. I'll be more fortunate with Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., since they're on NBC, a major network. I've digressed a bit here. Anyway, I've heard I'm not the only binge watcher. 

This TV binge-watching of mine reminds me there are also a ton of binge readers. I'd often heard readers like nothing more than to follow a series by a favorite author, and now I better understand that preference. 

For authors, I'm offering some suggestions on how to create a series to hook binge readers: 

1. Use the same character in each book.
2. Create a collection or anthology using the same theme as presented in the lead book, as I've done in my Always Young series. I confess to not completing the third of the series, but one of these days it will be ready. I've been sidetracked by a good twin, bad twin book I'd started ages ago and begs to be done first.
   
3. Use a certain locale in each book, as I've used in my so-far two book Deerview series, which I might later expand.
   
4. Do a spin off by turning a minor character in one book into a major in another, as I've done in my short Perfect Match series.
   

What about you? Do you binge watch or binge read? Do you like to write or read a book series? If you're an author with a series, please share a link to the first of your series and offer a few sentences about the character or premise.

Catch all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries and romances at

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Check out Morgan's mystery website at:

http://morgandoesmystery.com 

Connect with Morgan on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter:@MorganMandel 

It Will Be Done!

I'm at least two-thirds through with my work in progress, called Awake, but life intrusions keep getting in my way.

Hopefully, my good twin, bad twin thriller will be available some time this summer. I'll need to squeeze in my writing time in between visits to Wisconsin, where the hubby fishes and I go on long walks with Buster, our energetic Miniature Pinscher.

Anyway, above is the proposed cover for the book which I'm determined to get finished!

Find excerpts and buy links to all of Morgan's
books at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com 

Amazon Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel 

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Dedicated Websites

For some time, I've owned the website, MorganMandel.com. That site includes descriptions of all of my books and where to get them, along with a bit more information about the blogs I participate in. Since I write in more than one genre, having it all in one place might be a turn-off for some readers. I also own a blog, with excerpts of all of my books, at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

In a way it might seem overkill, yet, I decided that genre specific websites could attract those who don't want to waste time perusing books in a genre they don't care for. When I was mulling over the thought, I was working on another romance book, so  Morgan Does Chick Lit was born. 

Recently, I switched gears and am working on Awake, a good twin/bad twin thriller. Coincidentally, Wix.com happened to be having a sale. Always one to take advantage of bargains, I leapt at the opportunity of adding another website, this one for mystery/thriller readers, called Morgan Does Mystery.  

I hope to soon include the finished version of Awake on the mystery website. For inspiration, I devised the cover below. Now I have to finish the book. 

You're welcome to stop by any of my sites and learn something about me and my books.

Morgan Mandel

Also Find All of Morgan Mandel's books at

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Favorite Premises

Lately I've been working on a good twin/bad twin thriller. For some odd reason, I've always been attracted to books about twins. It's a mystery why, since I'm not a twin and don't personally know any of them.

I also enjoy mysteries containing a romantic element, whether great or small.

Cozies are also high on my list of must read mysteries, since they often contain likable characters, and non-threatening settings.

Being an animal lover myself, adding a dog or cat to a mystery heightens my interest in that book.

Buster Kegan, Our adopted son

Maybe one of these days I'll even include a miniature pinscher, such as my present dog, Buster, in one of my books.

What about you? What draws you into a mystery or, for that matter, any genre?

Catch all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries and
romances on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel 

Excerpts & Links to her books are at:
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel
Twitter: @MorganMandel

Ten Ways to Use Reviews to Advantage

Reviews are a great help to an author. Yes, bad ones really smart, but if they're constructive, they can still lead us in the right direction.

And, the good ones, well, those not only make us feel good, encourage us to keep writing when the going gets tough, but are also great fodder for promotions.

Some ways to use a good review, or even part of a not-so-good review:

1. Pluck a short phrase from a review and place it on Twitter, along with your book link, and a copy of the book cover. Add a few hashtags where they may apply, such as #amwriting, or #mystery, or #thriller, #review, etc.

2. Place the review link on your Timeline at Facebook. If you're lucky, at least a few of your followers will see it. Facebook has become stingy about sharing links, but even if one or two people notice, the ball can still get rolling.

3. Share the review on any groups you belong to at Facebook. Again, if you're lucky, some of the others who are also posting promotions at the groups will notice yours.

4. Try not to be too pushy, but casually mention your new review with the link at one or two of your Yahoo groups, if you belong to any.

5. Post the review at Goodreads. I confess to not paying attention to Goodreads as much as I should. I really need to follow this advice.

6. Place the link and a teaser from the review on your website.

7. Make a Review Board on Pinterest and add our review links there, or use a different board for each of your books, and put the review link on the appropriate board. If you want, you could do both.

8. Include part of the review in a blog.

9. Remember, if you're doing a special promotion, many promotional sites require at least 4 stars or more. That's your goal.

10. Post a review of a book you liked. Maybe, later that author will reciprocate after reading one of your books. Since Amazon is a little strict about buddy authors doing reviews, I don't mention I'm an author in my review profile, and my reviews have so far not been taken down.

Can you think of any other ways to use reviews to advantage?

Find all of Morgan's books at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts are at:
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

I Will Follow You

Lately, my work in progress gets sidetracked by the pressures of social media. It can be a blessing or a curse.

The latest case was, after a long stretch, I vowed to bite the bullet and get caught up on all the Pinterest members who followed me, whom I hadn't followed back. I'd put them into one of my e-mail folders to get to when I had time.

Yesterday, I decided to make the time and tackle the Pinterest folder. Turned out there were over 150 members tucked inside. What was especially daunting was I couldn't seem to figure out any other way to follow them without clicking on the link to the Profile, clicking the Follow button, then clicking the IE button to close the tab, then go back and delete the actual Yahoo message. It took quite some time, but I was determined, and got through the entire bunch!

I don't know if it's because I followed so many yesterday, but today, I already found 7 more followers greeting me. I decided to follow them right away, instead of putting them in a folder, which would only grow. I sincerely hope I don't get that many each day!

It's hard to keep up, but I know Pinterest is a great promotional tool for getting the word out on blogs, book covers, book releases, or for just getting a brand known. Because of its great potential, I'm determined to keep my presence there.

Still, it's not easy. Anyone else have a hard time keeping up?

For those who wish to visit my Pinterest page, Here's the link:
 https://www.pinterest.com/morganmandel/

If you feel the urge to follow me there, or at any of my other sites, don't be surprised if I follow you back!

Find all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries & romances
at her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/morganmandel/

Twitter: @MorganMandel

The Mystery of the Unknown Soldiers

As I attended the annual Memorial Day ceremony today and listened to the reading of the names of area soldiers who died this past year, I couldn't help thinking of mysteries solved and unsolved. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice, yet their identities are still unknown.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore-the-Cemetery/Tomb-of-the-Unknown-Soldier

It's a shame these Unknown Soldiers can't be individually recognized for their gift to us.

Without them, we would not enjoy the precious freedoms we enjoy today.

Find Morgan Mandel's mysteries & romances at:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

What's Your Sort of Sleuth?

I've recently been reading a cozy, or cosy, as the English would say. The main character is quite engaging, but does some odd things. She jumps to wild conclusions, and goes around asking bold questions of suspects who could be the actual killer. However, the author's humorous voice shines through, making me want to read more, despite the character's silliness.

At the other side of the spectrum are the super clever sleuth characters who make a habit of analyzing everything to the last detail, and the author takes pains to share that knowledge as well. I find those characters boring. I read for pleasure, and don't want to go through brain gyrations. However, I realize many readers enjoy actually enjoy brain workouts, and more power to them.

My ideal sleuth is a person of loyalty, humor, and common sense, thrown into a strange or deadly situation. That person may not even consider herself or himself a sleuth, but just wants answers to a problem, or a way to solve a crisis. That's why I enjoy reading books by Mary Higgins Clark and the late Dick Francis.

What sort of sleuth do you like?

Find Morgan Mandel's mysteries
and romances at her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/MorganMandel

Book excerpts at:
http://www.morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

When Reality and Fiction Collide

Since this is a mystery blog, I won't go into too many details about my current work in progress, called Hailey's Chance.

However, there's one thing that really struck me that I'd like to share. Last Thursday, rough weather was predicted for Illinois, with thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes. That morning, alternating periods of calm, then downpours, occurred. One particularly loud boom startled me, and I never did find out exactly where the lightning had hit.

The DH and I had scheduled the cable guy to come out, and we were concerned he wouldn't be able to complete the job. It turned out he managed to dodge the next upcoming storm, which was a good thing, since he had to get up on the pole as part of the installation.

As predicted, the break in the action, along with the rising temperature, instead of being a good thing, turned deadly, creating a perfect method for tornadoes to develop. Our village was spared, but an especially horrible one struck in a small Illinois town called Fairdale.

By coincidence, the fictional town of Deerview, Wisconsin, in Hailey's Chance is hit by a tornado, which impacted the lives of its residents.

It's one thing to write about fictional characters in a fictional town experiencing a tragedy, but when a tornado becomes an actuality, such as the case in Fairdale, it's very eerie.

On the positive side, it's heartening to learn that, just as in my book, the Fairdale neighbors and relatives are helping each other get back on their feet. Also, caring outsiders are pitching in. Already, much progress is being made. It's good to know the true American spirit is still alive and flourishing.

Find all of Morgan Mandel's books at
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Check Out My Guest, Janet Elizabeth Lynn's Crepes Suzette Mystery, Her Recipe Book, & Bonus Recipe

I'm very happy to welcome my guest, Janet Lynn, today. Check out her fabulously cute mystery & recipe book to go with it - Morgan Mandel

Janet Elizabeth Lynn was born in Queens, New York and raised in Long Island, until she was 12 years old. Her family escaped the freezing winters and hurricanes for the warmth and casual lifestyle of Southern California.

 
She always wanted to write so made it a quest to write a novel. Ten years later, with much blood and sweat, her first murder mystery novel was published in 2011.

  She's traveled to the far reached of the planet for work and for pleasure, collecting wonderful memories, newfound friends and a large basket of shampoo and conditioner samples from hotels.

Website: www.janetlynnauthor.com

And, here's what Janet has to say about her delicious mystery:


 The Novel and Me The idea for Crepes Suzette-a cozy mystery, came to me many years ago. While I was attending college I had a roommate who was searching for her biological family. She was unfortunate to have had a difficult childhood with her adoptive parents but fortunate to have found a wonderful relationship with her biological mother. She was in the process of finding her biological father when we graduated and went our separate ways. I hope she was successful.

  
In case you're wondering, I name all my cozy mysteries after my favorite desserts: Eggnog, Crepes Suzette and Charlotte Russe. Hey, given the choice...why not?
 
     Crêpes Suzette is a French dessert consisting of a crêpe with caramelized sugar and butter, tangerine or orange flavoring and, topped with liqueur served flambé.

     There are several stories of origin of the dish. One story claims Crêpes Suzette was named in honor of a French actress Suzanne Reichnberg (1853-1924) who worked under the name of Suzette. In 1897 she was appearing in the play, Comédie Francaise in the role of a maid. During the program, she served crêpes on stage. Monsieur Joseph, owner of a restaurant providing the crêpes, decided to flambé the thin pancakes to attract the audience’s attention and keep the food warm for the actors eating them. Hence the name Crêpe Suzette.

Crepes Suzette-A Cozy Mystery By Janet Elizabeth Lynn 
   Wrigley Rose, 25, editor of the Uptown Bulletin, decides to take life more seriously and makes positive life affirmations. With the encouragement of her two best girlfriends, she ventures in search of her biological parents and a husband to begin a family of her own.  She discovers that her positive life affirmations work. She finds three great, but different guys to possibly settle down with, plus, she finds a lead in her search for her birth parents.

  The community has always loved her witty and humorous column. But suddenly, a slander lawsuit is slapped on her and the paper. When the three guys she thought she couldn’t live without and her job become tenuous, her life takes drastic turns she never could have imagined. Especially when she discovers mysterious information about her family. Wrigley is thrown into uncharted waters and life threatening danger.

Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B008IX6104
Website:  www.janetlynnauthor.com

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fa5_slznoA

Janet Tells Us About Her Recipe Book:

I wrote this Cookbook of recipes from Crepes Suzette, my cozy mystery. Many reader requested recipes for the food cooked, served and enjoyed by the characters in my novel. Enjoy!
Buy Link: http://amzn.com/B00DBHI3B2

 

 

 CREPES  SUZETTE RECIPE

4 eggs, well beaten

1 cup milk
1 cup sifted all purpose flour
1 Tblsp brandy
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
Melted butter
Suzette Sauce

Mix well, add ingredients except Suzette Sauce. Let stand in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. When thicker than heavy cream, add a little or milk. Heat a 7 or 8 inch skillet and brush with melted butter. Put in 1 generous tablespoons of batter working quickly, tip and tilt the pan so that the batter flows evenly over the bottom. Cook quickly. As soon as the pancake browns on one side, turn quickly and brown the other side. Proceed until all of the batter is used. Reheat the Suzette Sauce. Makes 32 crepes.
 
Suzette Sauce
Cream 1 cup unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Add grated rinds of 1 small orange and 1 lemon and ¼ cup of sugar. Melt in top pan of chafing dish over direct heat. Add juice of 1 orange and heat to reduce mixture to half.  Add 2 oz. (1/4 cup) each of brandy and Curacao or Cointreau and 1 oz (2 tablespoons) Kirsch. Ignite with a match. Then add the crepes, one at a time. Bathe each in the sauce, fold in quarters, and put to one side of the pan. When all are ready to serve, sprinkle with a little sugar, pour on about 2 oz of brandy and ignite.

Find Janet Elizabeth Lynn At:

Website: www.janetlynnauthor.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/janet.lynn.5477 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanetLynn4

Blog: http://janetelizabethlynnauthor.blogspot.com/

e-mail: janet_lynn51@yahoo.com

Linked In: 

https://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=nav_responsive_tab_home

 PLEASE WELCOME JANET ELIZABETH LYNN TO MAKE MINE MYSTERY BY LEAVING A COMMENT.

Remember the Weather

Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in writing a novel, I almost forget what season it's in, or what the weather's supposed to be like. Somewhere along the way, my plot reminds me to figure that out. If I haven't included a locale, that's a necessity. Weather is not the same everywhere.

Today, every radio and television broadcast warns that the Northeast portion of the United States is bracing for a humongous snowstorm, which could dump 2-3 feet of snow that way. Fortunately, here in Illinois, we're only expecting about one inch of snow.

Weather can and should play a role in our novels. Characters live in a world, which in many ways is governed by weather and seasons. That's not to say weather completely controls humans, but it can play a huge part in their behavior and day-to-day activities.

For some reason, fuses are shorter in the hot months, and more fights and murders occur. I'm not sure why tempers flare then, but suspect it may be a physiological phenomenon. Even if that weren't so, keep in mind it's easier to get around and do nefarious things when there's no snow, ice, or cold blocking the way.

Of course, cold, snowy winters also have their advantages. Nefarious happenings can go unnoticed when no one else is around. People like to hunker down in their homes then and not venture out unless necessary, or if attacked by a case of cabin fever. Also, snowbanks can be handy spots to hide bodies, not to be discovered until after a thaw.

http://amzn.com/B002PDOPPG

In my romantic suspense, Killer Career, a snowstorm brings the heroine and hero closer together romantically, after they work in tandem to clear her driveway. The weather also furthers the mystery plot. When the neighbor comes over to ask if they've seen her dog, they search the lady's yard, and at first are hindered because snow has obliterated the paw prints.

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2

In my sweet romance, Christmas Carol, a snowstorm brings about a chance meeting between a waitress and a big-time author in a small town.

What other examples can you think of where weather plays a role in a novel?

 

Morgan Mandel writes mysteries, thrillers and romances. You can find her at:
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/MorganMandel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel
Twitter: @MorganMandel

 

CHRISTMAS CAROL Is FREE Thru Dec 24!!!

I know everyone's busy at this time of year, but if you'd like to get into the Christmas spirit, you can still download my book called CHRISTMAS CAROL for FREE through Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

WHAT CHRISTMAS CAROL IS ABOUT:

A stranded big time author learns the meaning of life and love from a small town waitress named Christmas Carol.

Blake Dugan's car gets smashed in a snowstorm and he's stranded in a small town. At first, he's annoyed by the tone-deaf singing of a local waitress. That's before he learns the terrible secret compelling her to try and forget the unforgettable.

Can he help her forget? When his car’s ready, should he go, or should he stay?

http://amzn.com/B00R20N0B2 

As you can guess, this book is not really a mystery, although it does contain a slightly mysterious element. Since this is the Christmas Season, I'm bending the rules, in order to share my Christmas book contribution.

Merry Christmas!!!

Find Morgan Mandel's books at http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Beware the Fall - A Great Season for Mystery and Mayhem

The leaves are falling off trees in rapid numbers. As soon as a lawn is cleared, more leaves magically reappear. Next week, the clocks will be turned back an hour, and it will get dark sooner. Those happenings, and many others, lend themselves to mysteries.

So easy to bury a body in the woods, where the leaves will cover the ground, as if the dirt was never broken. So easy to lurk somewhere in the dark, and create mayhem on unsuspecting victims.

Lest I forget - Friday is also Halloween. Seeing grown people wearing costumes that day or around that day will not seem unusual. Who could tell if any of them are up to no-good?

If you haven't already done so, consider the Fall in your setting for a mystery. Or, maybe you've already thought of that!

Find all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries & romances
at her Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts at http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Spoiled

With well intentions, I created a monster. It started innocently enough. I felt sorry for my dog, Rascal, who would eye my people food longingly. Since she's getting older, I thought she may as well live it up, and enjoy what I denied her before. I started slipping scraps into her bowl, along with the dog food. Unfortunately, the result is she's become very picky and won't eat her dog food unless something for people is mixed in with it. And, even then, she's become picky. Only certain kinds of people food meet her qualifications. However, when she's happy with what I've provided, she grunts with pleasure and snarfs it down, like she can't get enough of it.

I couldn't help relating her experience to mine when it comes to books, especially on kindle. Before, when I picked up a book and it didn't meet my expectations right away, I was content to keep reading and wait for at least one good part to turn up. Sometimes, I would read an entire book, not because it was so great, but only because I'd started it and felt obligated to finish it.

Now, I expect the good part to start right from the beginning, and it has to keep being good until the end, or I'll start another book instead. If the next doesn't work immediately, I'll start yet another, until I find one to my liking.

I'm afraid, like Rascal, I've become spoiled. With the proliferation of books available, either free or at reasonable prices for my kindle, it's so very easy for me to be picky.

I suspect a lot more readers have become as spoiled as I am. Are you?

See Morgan Mandel's books on her Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts & buy links at Morgan's Book Links Blog:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/morgan.mandel

Twitter:@MorganMandel 

Some Mystery Kind of Pics

Back from the NorthWoods vacation. Power was out for a day here due to a fast storm, so I'm way behind getting everything accomplished. 

Today, I'll leave you with a few Wisconsin pictures to put you in the mood for mystery reading or writing.

Find Morgan Mandel's mysteries and
romances at her Amazon Author Page,
http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel
and at her excerpt blog, Morgan's Book Links
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com
Twitter: @MorganMandel

Kindle Unlimited

Rumor has it that Kindle Unlimited is really taking off. It's an Amazon program where readers can download as many books as they wish at $9.99 per month, in increments at ten at a time. Once a book over the limit is returned, the reader can pick another.

This program is a boon for voracious readers, and appears to be a boon for authors in the KDP Select program, in which authors agree to make certain books available for ninety days exclusively at Amazon, and to lend out books to Amazon Unlimited and Amazon Prime members. Lent books net the author a share of the monthly pot, which usually turns out to be a little over $2 each.

Now, that may not be a blessing for authors with books selling for $4.99 or so, but, since my highest priced books are $2.99, and the lowest one is 99 cents, I'd gladly accept the $2+ amount, with the advantage of more downloads.

So far, I've noticed an uptake in book loans for Her Handyman and A Perfect Angel, which I've been promoting a lot on Twitter lately, and I plan to start promoting my other books more.

If you're a reader, Do any of you belong to Kindle Unlimited? If you're an author, have you also noticed an uptake in book loans? 

All of my books, except for Two Wrongs, which is at multiple venues, are available to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime members, and can be found at my Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel.

Find Excerpts of Morgan's romances, mysteries and thrillers at Morgan's Book Links:

http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Walking In Mud

As so often happens, I receive my writing inspiration during the morning walk with my dog, Rascal.

The same happened today when Rascal decided to make a detour into what yesterday had been dry dirt, but had overnight turned into mud. I could have tightened her leash and kept her away, but didn't wish to spoil her walking pleasure. I knew once she walked on the grass and sidewalk, her paws would probably come clean, and if worse came to worse, I could wipe them off on the way into the kitchen.

That little detour in more than one way reminded me of mysteries where characters figuratively walk in the mud and most often come out unscathed.

Why do they do it? Here are some reasons I've come up:

1. Curiosity - Something deadly or out of the ordinary happens and the character's mind is not set to rest until the riddle is solved.
2. Necessity - Something dire is likely to occur unless the character faces fears and obstacles and overcomes them.
3. A desire to do good - The welfare of one or more others is at stake, prompting a noble character to brave dangers. 
4. Escapism - A desire to live someone else's life for a short while, and be brave or cowardly, without suffering the consequences.

On a side note - I was employed as a legal secretary when I wrote Killer Career, the story of a lawyer who gave up her practice to become a writer, a decision which turned unexpectedly dangerous. Later, I realized the book had been inspired by my frustration at seeing no way out of the security of my longstanding job. For a while, I could live the life of someone who did escape, faced the consequences, and was able to defeat them. 

Walking in mud can also apply to mystery/thriller readers who bond with fictional characters, experience their trials, yet can breathe a sigh of relief and wipe off their feet, so to speak, after all is right again in the make-believe world.

Can you think of other instances where walking in mud might apply? Or, maybe you'd just like to comment on one of my examples.

Find all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries, thrillers &

romances at her Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel 

Excerpts are all at: http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Twitter: @MorganMandel

 http://amzn.com/B002PDOPPG

Gremlins?

This morning, when I turned on my computer, everything looked strangely huge. The icons were larger than normal, as well as the fonts. I right clicked on the desktop and saw the setting for the icons was small. What was going on?

About to panic and call Dell technical support, I decided to first do a restart. To my relief, everything returned to normal. Just in case a virus or adware had attacked, I ran Malware Bytes and the computer came out clean.

Apparently, somewhere along the line my mouse had stumbled into the wrong path and made the phenomenon happen. Not surprising, since that sort of thing bumbling happens quite often and I just click off what comes up and ignore it. Still, I was a bit concerned, wondering what had occurred. Had I hit some kind of shortcut key by mistake?

Since Google is my friend, I did a Google search. The solution was to right click on the mouse, choose resolution and make sure the resolution was at the highest setting. Well, I'd almost gotten it right by clicking the icons setting, but that would only have changed the icon appearance, not everything.

Somehow, going on my merry way, I'd changed the resolution setting and not paid attention. At least now I know what happened and how to fix it if it happens again.

What about you? Has anything strange happened with your computer, and how did you fix it?

Find all of Morgan Mandel's mysteries, thrillers,
and romances at her Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

Excerpts from all of Morgan's books are at:
http://morgansbooklinks.blogspot.com

Twitter: @MorganMandel

Is Flawed Okay?

I've been to countless critiques of my own writing and that of  others. Almost all concurred that book heroes and heroines must seem heroic. An obvious approach is to present a character with sterling qualities..

Another, which takes more effort, is to present a character with major flaws, but offer redeeming qualities which will make that character sympathetic, a/k/a heroic. That's when some authors include a pet in the picture. If a mean person loves a dog or cat, that person can't be all bad, right? 

http://amzn.com/B00IPIGGMK

In the case of Cornelia (Clyde) Shaw of Social Death: A Clyde Shaw Mystery, by Tatiana Boncompagni, at first, I was  taken aback by Clyde's predilections toward alcohol and sex, and almost put the book down. Not exactly my type of heroine. 

However, I became drawn not only to her struggle to do right and overcome her past, but also to the suspense and central mystery of the story.

I couldn't stop reading.

Surprisingly, I could bond with Clyde, despite her faults. Not only that, I hated to see the book end.

What about you? Do you like squeaky clean characters, or prefer flaws? What kind of faults would turn you off and make you stop reading?

Find Morgan Mandel's Mysteries & Romances

on her Amazon Author Page at

http://www.amazon.com/author/morganmandel

For more, check out http://morgansbloglinks.blogspot.com

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Twitter: @MorganMandel