Palin, Censorship & The Frailty of Flesh

What do reviews have to do with Palin's question about banning books? Have we considered that any attempt to influence reviews (keep people from writing negative ones) is just another form of censorship? And what's the early word on the new book?

Oh, plus a contest.

James Crumley

Sad news that came to us this morning.

A BoucherContest

Ever wanted to go out for lunch with your favourite author? I'm having a contest and will take the winner out to lunch on the Saturday of Bouchercon. Full details here.

US Politics - Need I say more?

Well, I have said more. If willing to take a whole day to cull links and post video and go at it point by point, I could have a post ten times the length, but the point isn't what I think of the candidates.

The point is making sure every person who can vote takes enough time to make an informed decision and cast their vote. I think we can all agree the stakes have never been higher.

Flash Fiction Contest

The Carnival of the Criminal Minds is having a flash fiction contest. Check out the latest installment for the details.

And if you'd like a taste of one verdict of Dennis Lehane's THE GIVEN DAY (with no spoilers) you can find it here, with a link to the full review if you'd like the detailed assessment.

Carnival & News

The Carnival of the Criminal Minds is back in town, and all I can say is, welcome to my world.*

I've been working on updating my website, and as a result I've completed a newsletter. It officially catches people up on what's been going on with me, with some real talk about family and daily life, and what's coming up in the weeks ahead (more specifics later).


* No, I'm not hosting it, but I don't have to wait for the Carnival for this.

Politics, Politics

I'm still on hiatus of sorts, but some political decisions deserve commentary. And this one has a direct potential bearing on authors and the book industry.

Warning: my tongue is in my cheek for the first bit.

A Change of Direction...

...is in the works. To find out a bit more background, head over to the relocated blog.

Setting The Record Straight

Harrogate. Monoculture. Absurd thinking and a reason to, again, visit Observations From The Balcony.

Reviewed and Reviewing

A few authors have weighed in with opinions on WHAT BURNS WITHIN. Meanwhile, I've seen the third weak movie of summer. Star Wars: Clone Wars hovers somewhere between a C-and a D+ and I've tried to explain why it wasn't that great without giving away major spoilers.

Does Art Speak? And To What?

If a country's performance at the Olympics is a question of national pride, then what of its art? What does the art of any nation say to you? While Canadians have finally ended a medal drought at the summer Olympics, the expectations on the athletes have been high, while we still don't provide much funding to our athletes. This got me thinking... what of our art, then? What does a country's art say about them to the world? And how do publishers adjust expectations when overall booksales are down?

If anyone has answers or thoughts, I'm all ears.

Applying Logic To The Absurd

What do the experience of finding my book in a used book store, Adrian McKinty and divorce have to do with the often irrational behaviour of people? I've tried to make sense of it all, but perhaps it's most appropriate if the post isn't entirely logical....

Linktastic

Set aside all the arguments about the merit of online reviews, blogs, forums and web content in general - the reality is, this is the future. As more and more print publications cut review sections only recognizing print sources of content will mean overlooking the majority of sources of valid reviews, articles, stories and content worthy of note.

Brian Lindenmuth has decided to do regular posts highlighting some of the best crime fiction content on the web, and sifting from a number of blogs, forums and websites. He debuts with a daily miscellany of links.

Forgotten Book Friday

Brian has the posts that have been e-mailed in and will be doing a round-up later, including links to all posts made. Here's my contribution to the latest installment in Patti Abbott's wonderful series.

When Religious Nutcases Come Out To Play

It's all David Terrenoire's fault. Well, okay, partially Charlie Stella's too. But mostly, it's the fault of a religious nutcase who's prompted a tirade on my blog.

And just remember, Ms Phelps-Roper, if you don't like what I have to say, I have two words for you (in the spirit of Bill Hicks):

Forgive me.

What Do Obama, A TIME TO KILL,

the Highway of Tears and the death of a seven-year-old girl have to do with THE FRAILTY OF FLESH? They're all colliding in my thoughts this week, and I've tried to make sense of it all... although really, I don't know how anyone makes sense of the murder of a child.

Might Be Stretching To Say Good Things Come In Threes

What do Brian, Mulder and Hitler have in common? They've all captured my interest in some fashion today, and that's all I'm saying here. More elsewhere.

Why Mystery Is The Most Popular Genre

Brian Lindenmuth has a theory, and it's worth checking out, so for now I'm bypassing my relocated blog altogether and sending you in his direction.

Where To Spend Your Movie Money

I saw two movies recently, The X-Files: I Want To Believe, and The Mummy. One I saw for free, the other I paid to see, and I'd only recommend spending money on one of them. For more, go to the new blog.

More Awards To Debate!

Yes, the winners are in for the annual Stella Awards. What does that have to do with blog links? I'm sure my warped mind is the only one forming a link... I hope.