Elmore Leonard Died Today

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it." --Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

Elmore Leonard died today at his home in Bloomfield Township, Mich. He was 87  He had suffered a stroke recently.  In my opinion, Leonard was one of the best writers of dialogue. His dialogue is so real, street-smart, down and dirty. He’s very talented. His writing over the years has covered various genres: westerns, crime novels, thrillers, mysteries, short stories and screenplays.

He was recipient of the 2008 F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Award; and the American chapter of PEN honored Leonard with a lifetime achievement award in 2009, and stated that his books “are not only classics of the crime genre, but some of the best writing of the last half-century.”

 In 2012, Leonard published his 45th novel, “Raylan,” with the television series in mind.  Leonard was working on his 46th novel, “Blue Dreams,” at the time he was stricken in early August.  “He was pretty excited about it,” his son,  Peter Leonard said. “He came over three times for dinner the week before the stroke, he was telling me about the story: how he had changed it, how he was going to bring the character Raylan Givens (from the Leonard-derived TV series “Justified”) into it. We would tell each other what we’d worked on that day. I will miss that, and him.”

Several movies have been based on Elmore Leonard’s books, including “Hombre” (starring Paul Newman), “Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight” and “Jackie Brown,” based on “Rum Punch.”

I wrote a blog in June 2009 about my meeting him several years ago.  I found him to be very nice, modest, and friendly.  I also posted video of an interview by Michael Brown. 

You can also read more about him in today's New York Times .

Elvis

Elvis Presley, 1935-1977

Do you recall what you were doing when you heard that Elvis had died on this day, August 16, 36 years ago?  

One of my favorite Elvis songs.  

Linda 

My Cat, Max and His Toys

I wish the pet toy manufacturers would make cat toys that not only will a cat like, but ones that will not be eaten right away.  Today I gave my cat Max a toy:  a stuffed blue bird with feathers and fuzz.  Well, this evening he brought the blue bird to me and dropped it at my feet, now minus the feathers and fuzz, which he ate.  Many times his mice have ended up tailless.  The best toy for him is the small soft rubber balls.  He loves playing with them and we often have a game of kickball.  And one rolling around the bathtub is fun.  He used to fetch and bring them back to me in his mouth but doesn’t do that very often now that he is older.  I look at all the cat toys and none inspire me to buy.  Can’t the toy makers have more imagination??  Or is my cat just too intelligent and easily becomes bored.  Someone suggested the laser light and he just looks at me holding it like I’m nuts!  He doesn’t find it entertaining at all. He has more fun knocking my wireless mouse onto the carpet when he wants me to stop working! 

Does your cat have a favorite toy?

Max is a Seal Point, Mitted, Rag Doll 

~Linda 

Where Do Our Characters in Our Novels Come From?

“O inspiration, from where do you come?

Tell me your secret, why so mum?

Did I write these words upon the page?

Or was it with help from a wise old sage?”

–Linda Pendleton, author

  

I’m often asked how I get my ideas for my characters in my novels.  I suppose I could say, “I have no idea, they just show up.”  And they do, sometimes out of the blue, or in a dream.  Also they could often be a conglomerate of specific, numerous, and complex personality traits we have observed in others, some good, some not so good.  After all, no one is perfect, even the good guys.

I recall writing a manuscript years back, my first or second one, when I was about four or five chapters into it.  I awakened one night with a new male character in my head.  I got out of bed and went to find my pen and legal pad.  In those days I wrote longhand, and then used a manual typewriter.    (Eh gads, white-out and carbon, and many retypes!)    

I wrote a description of a young man in his mid-twenties.  He was dark, Italian, and good looking.  But he had a thin scar across the side of his face.  I had no idea why a scar would be marring his good looks, but I did not question it.  I gave him the scar on the side of his face, which went from the outer edge of his eyebrow and down across his cheek to his jaw line. 

As I continued writing the novel I was to discover, several chapters later, why he had the scar on his face.  While a young teenager in Sicily, he had been abused and lashed by an older man who was a blacksmith and farrier.  The man had snapped a horse whip resulting in the searing cut to his face.   And the blacksmith was again in his life in those later chapters.  

I was surprised when the reason for the scar came about, as I had no conscious idea of why I “saw” him with the scar when he first came into my mind that night.  But that is the fun of writing.  Many times our characters write our stories if we step back and stay out of the way.   

The question a lot of people ask me is if I put people I know in my books.  The answer would be no.  The character or characters I create within my own mind and who find their way onto the pages of my books may be nothing more than a spark of creation from my own view of life, or from pieces of others who may have come in and out of my life, whether it be in a passing glance, a momentary speck of passion, an irritation, a voice, a song, a smile, a frown, or even a single word.

Life itself presents challenges, drama, pain, joy, grief, wonder, and more, and a successful novelist is called upon to examine and develop deeper insights into the moving forces that power creativity. Writing is an art, and it is up to the artist to produce a living image of reality.  The author is in charge of his or her own fictional world, and that fictional world needs to be understandable, coherent, and credible.

Although writing can be a lonely process, the writer and the characters he or she creates, are right there, alive and growing through the pages of the novel.  And it is the author’s hope that readers will get to know the characters and enjoy their roles within the story.

~Linda 

"How Many Times ....???"

"How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?" ...

From Bill Moyers:

In February, David and Francine Wheeler, the parents of a child killed in the Sandy Hook tragedy, joined notable musicians including Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary and the folk singer Dar Williams to perform a concert for the community. The Wheelers and Yarrow joined Bill on Moyers & Company to discuss the path forward for gun control advocates and the power of music to bring about both healing and social change.

Yarrow said the concert was about “restoring the heart and soul of a caring community....

Read more here:

The Decline of Newspapers

Yesterday, I received a daily newspaper from a good size city, one I used to subscribe to 6-8 years ago   The first thing I noticed was the smaller thickness.  So I read it.  Or I should say, read some.  I felt like the paper was dirty...not the content but the actual feel of the paper.  I’m used to handling good quality paper in my office, such as smooth Hammermill Laser 24 lb.  (nice and smooth).  But the content of the newspaper seemed to be a lot of advertisement, and much of the actual news was news I had already read on the Internet, even the local area news.  I was surprised to see obits taking up two pages with photos.  I skipped the comics as I always have. So it soon went into my trash can.  I see why cancelling that subscription years back was a good idea. Times have changed, and I realize it may not be good for everyone, especially for those in the newspaper industry, but it is moving forward with new technology.    

~Linda 

Limb Loss Awareness Month, Show Your Mettle...

Limb Loss Awareness Month...

Every day, 500 people loss a limb.  On December 7, 2007, I was one of those people.  Due to an infection in my foot and having peripheral artery disease, of which I was unaware, I had an amputation below my left knee after undergoing leg bypass surgery two weeks before in hopes of saving my leg.  I knew going into the bypass surgery there was only a 20 percent chance of saving my leg, according to my wonderful surgeon.  I spent 99 days in a skilled nursing hospital.  Well worth it. (well worth it except for the food there)  :-)

While I was there, I kidded with the therapists that I was going to write a murder mystery about who killed the chef.  The bad guy had to be one of the patients, no doubt.  :-)  

Here is a photo of my leg.  April is Limb Loss Awareness Month, and today, April 27, is Show Your Mettle Day.  And the Boston Marathon Bombings have brought amputations suffered by 14 of the victims into the news.  In my photo of my leg, my titanium post is covered by the sock but my “Mettle” is there as is the carbon foot.   

Just this week, I received a new foot, an award-winning Echelon prosthetic foot with biomimetic design which simulates natural ankle motion.  It gives hydraulic ankle control on ramps and stairs. It has an instant impact on postural symmetry, easing abnormal pressures at interface and other joints and promotes stability and confidence on rough and sloping surfaces and gives excellent energy response at all times.  This is the first time I have had a movable ankle in any of my prosthetic legs. 

I’ve had this foot since Wednesday of this week, and although it weighs a little more than my previous feet,  I believe I’m really going to like it.  Because I wear my prosthetic leg for 16 hours a day, my muscles and gait will need to adjust some, but already I have worked out twice without any discomfort, and I’m finding that it feels so much like a real ankle.   One thing that many do not realize, that using a prosthetic for a below the knee amputation, takes a third more energy to walk.  And of course full leg amputations use even more energy.   

So for anyone having to go through an amputation, I suggest getting all the physical therapy you can, even way beyond what most insurance companies will cover.  I had 14 months of physical therapy and gait training and it so happened my insurance covered it all.  It is important to have a excellent relationship with your prosthetist and insist on a good fit!  I’ve lost count of the test sockets and final sockets I’ve had over the past five years.  But what I do know, bad fits can cause lots of problems, including skin problems. 

Phantom pain at times can be difficult.  I well remember the nights that the phantom pain would wake me from a sound sleep.  Thankfully it never lasted more than 5 minutes or so.  I still have it occasionally but not to any extreme.  Cellular memory is fascinating--My foot and toes are still there. :-)

I see, in watching the Boston amputees, that they will get through this before long, and return to a normal life  with little restriction.  They have courage, and determination, and that is what it takes to heal.  As Joseph Campbell wrote:  “We must be willing to get rid of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

If anyone would like to help the Boston amputees you can donate individually via http://www.gofundme.com/BelieveinBoston/

Author Interviews

Many of you may enjoy reading or listening to author interviews as much as I enjoy them.  I also like doing interviews of authors.  You can read some of those here on My Drops of Ink Blog, and on this website of mine:  Bunch of Ebooks, Interview Page

You might also like the web radio live interviews (and archived) at Authors on the Air, with Pam Stack.  

This upcoming week she will be interviewing one of my favorite people, best-selling author, Andrew E. Kaufman.  Andrew began not very long ago with the self-publication of his first book, and soon with his second book, he became one of the top Amazon best-selling authors.    You can read my early interview with him here on my Interview Page.  Check Authors on the Air for the time of Kaufman's interview.  

I believe you will enjoy the other successful authors I have interviewed, both fiction and nonfiction authors.  .  Jon Guenther has recently signed a publishing deal for his upcoming suspense novel, Finding Faith; and Bill Craig has a new deal for his Joe Collins mystery.  Author Rod Pennington has done extremely well with his self-published The Fourth Awakening Series, staying in the top numbers in the U.S. and the UK. 

~Linda 

 

Don Pendleton's Joe Copp Private Eye Novels

Reduced prices on Don Pendleton's Joe Copp Private Eye Series of  6 novels at Kindle. Now $2.99 each. First published in Hardcover by Donald I. Fine, with editions in paperback, and in print and Kindle by Pendleton Artists. 

Two Book Boxed Set, Copp for Hire and Copp on Fire at Kindle, $5.99.

 Amazon 

Amazon and Goodreads' Marriage

I knew as soon as I saw the announcement that Amazon bought Goodreads, the slams against Amazon would begin. Today I received an email from the Authors Guild in which Scott Turow, current President of the Guild, stated: “Amazon's acquisition of Goodreads is a textbook example of how modern Internet monopolies can be built. The key is to eliminate or absorb competitors before they pose a serious threat. With its 16 million subscribers, Goodreads could easily have become a competing on-line bookseller, or played a role in directing buyers to a site other than Amazon. Instead, Amazon has scuttled that potential and also squelched what was fast becoming the go-to venue for on-line reviews, attracting far more attention than Amazon for those seeking independent assessment and discussion of books. As those in advertising have long known, the key to driving sales is controlling information."

I believe Amazon will make Goodreads better. Otis and Elizabeth have come a long ways with Goodreads in a fairly short time, but I do believe Goodreads will be easier to move about the site with a little help from Amazon. And for authors, who have had trouble adding the Amazon books at Goodreads lately, will be happy to have this change.

I have been a member of the Guild since 1990 and my late husband was a member since 1972. I did not renew my membership this past November because of the constant attacks the Guild has made on Amazon in recent years.

I admire Jeff Bezos and how he has built Amazon, not only to author satisfaction but to customer satisfaction. Amazon has given independent authors great opportunities. The publishers, authors, the Guild, again complaining are usually the same ones who complained and put down those of us who made business decisions to go with ebooks, and take control of our works. I love Amazon!

Even though a number of my books and my husband’s books are at B&N, and other retailers, none come close to matching the sales through Amazon.

And I buy all my books at Amazon, and have for many years now, along with just about any household items I may need. If you’re treated right, customers stay with the company. That’s called Success!

~Linda

Don Pendleton's The Guns of Terra 10 Book Trailer

Knowing Abraham Lincoln: Writings Of and About Our Sixteenth President

 Just in time for Abraham Lincoln's Birthday, available in Print and in Amazon Kindle.

Abraham Lincoln has had a place in U. S. history unparalleled by all other presidents, not only for the position he held during a very difficult time but for his dedication and determination to return the country to unity and to dissolve slavery.  He would forever change the history of our country, and even today has influenced politics.

In this look at Lincoln through the eyes of those who knew him, and through his own writings, a unique and fuller portrait of the man emerges, somewhat different than the usual comments one reads about him.  He was intuitive and held a belief that he had  always been guided by a “higher power,” and that it was his destiny to lead the country through turmoil and challenges of the Civil War.  He had an interest in spirit communication and mediums, and was considered by many to be a Spiritualist, and credible reports included herein, verify that.

This book gives fresh insight into our greatest president, revealing his compassion, humor, honesty, and wisdom. 

~Linda 

Our President, Barack Obama

“For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law – for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.

“That is our generation’s task – to make these words, these rights, these values – of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – real for every American.” –President Barack Obama, Inauguration Speech, January 21, 2013

If you missed seeing his Inaugural address, you may read the text here

~Linda 

Don Pendleton's Science Fiction Collection, Box Set, Kindle

Three Complete Books: Don Pendleton’s The Guns of Terra 10; The Godmakers; The Olympians; now presented in One Boxed Set. 

THE GUNS OF TERRA 10

Earth is being invaded by treacherous aliens and Terra 10, the earth’s only hope, is in the enemy’s power!

Zach Whaleman, the Gunner of Terra 10, was moving fast, out into the darkness. A long-dormant instinct had arisen in response to his urgent need, a very human and entirely “natural” response of a life-mechanism in a survival situation. He had a weapon now! Let them catch him. Let them. He would kill them! He would do everything he had to do to save the super-secrets of Terra 10. 

THE GODMAKERS

A fantastic adventure into cosmic consciousness and the unknown... 

The United States government’s executive intelligence gathering agency, the Inter-agency Intelligence Group, has largely supplanted the clumsy machinery of the CIA as a direct tool of the U.S. President. Patrick Honor, a top member of the Intelligence Group, is the one skilled enough to find answers to mysterious events taking place, in which the number 9 has significance. Members of a top secret psychic investigative team, the PPS, Psychic Power Sources, are in harm’s way, as is the President.

Patrick Honor believes there is a Rogue God. Is he right? Do the answers to the mystery have anything to do with sex being taboo down through the ages? Who is Octavia? Will answers be found in the symbolism of the Nines? Can Patrick Honor insure the safety of the President while unraveling the psychic events—all before it is too late for humanity?

THE OLYMPIANS

Was the United States headed to a coup attempt?! 

Political newspaper reporter, Richard Hunter, is questioning the upcoming presidential election and the in¬sufferable Electoral College, wondering if, for all these years, had it been some grand political game? Was billionaire Brian Donaldson buying the votes of the Electoral College? Did he believe himself to be an Olympian and hide away on a mountain top in Wyoming, while manipulating the election for his own gain?

Could Richard Hunter stop a coup, or was he ignoring the dangers to the country while enjoying the social and sexual activities of this isolated “Olympian” group. Who would end up in the White House as president of the United States of America, and with the power to change the world—for better—or for worse?

Don Pendleton’s Science Fiction novels were originally published in 1969 and 1970. Don Pendleton was creator of the long-running action/adventure series, Mack Bolan, The Executioner; Joe Copp Private Eye Series; Ashton Ford Psychic Detective Series; and other fiction and nonfiction books.

Buy now, Gift now, Borrow if Amazon Prime Member.   

~Linda 

Dream! Susan Boyle

Dreams!  I just bought a few songs from the new Susan Boyle album, Standing Ovation, and the songs are very good.  In fact The Music of the Night, with Michael Crawford is great!  But what brings me a smile are the songs she does with Donny Osmond—All I Ask of You and This is the Moment.  And he’s good.  I recall an early interview with Susan soon after being on Britain’s Got Talent and her blushing talk of her “crush” on Donny.  Wow, dreams do come true...I’m happy for her success.  Great talent that could have stayed hidden away, never to be discovered.  I applaud her courage to come out with it!   I’ll always recall the look on the face of Simon Cowell, the female judge, and the audience.  And I have to say, my own surprise.  Classic!  

The Return of Don Pendleton's Science Fiction Classics

Don Pendleton’s Classic Science Fiction in print again.  Available at Amazon and for Kindle.

Its been a number of years since the three books were in print, so I am happy to bring them to readers.  Some of may have read them before, but I would guess the books will be new for most of you.  Enjoy!   

The Guns of Terra 10:  A Space Opera originally published in 1970.

The Godmakers:  Fantastic adventure into cosmic consciousness and the unknown....originally published in 1970 under pseudonym Dan Britain, soon after by Don Pendleton. 

The Olympians:  Science fiction alternative history...first published in 1969.

~Linda 

Our President!

I am so happy!  Congratulations!  

Honoring My Mother's Political Choice

Four years ago this week, my mother, Rosary, took a felt pen and made this shirt.  She was not an active political person, and surprised us with her support of our now President. She gave out Halloween candy wearing her shirt.  She died 5 months ago, in June 2012, at the age of 93, (would have  been 94 in Aug)., and I am honoring her by posting this photo of her support of President Obama.  She would again be supporting him because of what he stands for, Women's rights, gay rights, ObamaCare, and maintaining S.S. and Medicare.  And oh, yes, she loved his family and his compassion.  She was in the hospital 4 times the last year of her life, two surgeries, one for kidney stone, one for gallbladder removal.  Each time she was given good care, skilled nursing, physical therapy at home, and was able to maintain an independent life-style until her final two days of life.  Her heart gave out.  Widowed for more than 32 years, and because all her savings had given out a couple of years ago, I supplemented her monthly S.S. income to some extent, but Medicare and AARP paid fully for her medical expenses, and Medicare Part D, helped greatly with her medications.  As much as I miss her, I am so grateful she was able to maintain an independent living situation, because that had been my worry, financially, for a year or two.  There was not money for assisted living at the price tag of $3500 to $4000 a month.  No, she would have had to go on state assistance, and who knows what nursing home conditions.  So if you are undecided about your vote, think carefully about your future needs or those of your family, no matter your age.   

Rex Stout, Author

“I never make up characters, I never contrive them, I know damn well that if I bring someone into a story—I don’t care if it’s just a man carrying a ladder—unless I’m interested in him then the reader can’t be.  So if I’m tempted to make up a character just to save time I wait till I get there and let him make up his mind what he’s like.  Now that sounds funny; impossible even.  But any half-ways decent storyteller knows that as far as possible you let the characters make the decisions.” 

–Rex Stout, American Author (1886-1975), Creator of Nero Wolfe Series, From Rex Stout, A Majesty’s Life by John McAleer.

How true his words are, and how fun when our characters write their story.

Rex Stout had an amazing long life, 89 years, a fifth-generation Quaker, a scholar, mathematical prodigy, founded the ETS, the Education Thrift Services, the bank savings program for school children, political activist for many causes, including racial tolerance, authors rights, and of course, a best selling author for many years. I recommend finding a copy of the 600 page award winning scholarly biography by John McAleer, published in 1977, new edition, 2002. 

And he is my 7th cousin:  We share grandparent ancestors, Richard Stout and Penelope (Van Princin) Stout.

Rex Stout

~Linda 

Don Pendleton's The Godmakers

Don Pendleton's The Godmakers, is now in Print and Kindle at Amazon

Originally published in 1970, under the name Dan Britain, and then under Don Pendleton.  I'm pleased to bring Don's Science Fiction back.  

~Linda