I love stumbling on obscure older books that still resonate. The 1962 Philip K. Dick novel, The Man in the High Castle, is one I enjoyed reading. Very different from the TV series, but still provocative. The 1933 novel Gabriel over the White House is another "what if" story I'd like to read. It imagines what would happen if an American president decided to become a dictator. The author, Thomas Tweed, was a not very successful British politician and wrote the book on a whim.
I had an "aha!" moment when I read this Psychology Today explanation of why mystery stories are so popular:
Our brains are wired for curiosity. When we sense something unknown or ambiguous, our cognitive faculties kick into high gear, seeking resolution. This phenomenon is driven by the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine when we solve problems or make discoveries.
Mystery stories, whether classic whodunits or thrilling crime novels, tap into this neurological reward system. They create a sense of suspense, compelling us to assemble puzzle pieces and anticipate the resolution. When we finally reach that “aha!” moment, the brain experiences a surge of satisfaction, reinforcing our love for unraveling mysteries.
Seen at the Clark Library, L.A.: a conversation fan, the early 19th century equivalent of a cheat sheet or Google search. The topic covered in the pretty prompt bubbles was "the new Paris."
@TassieTTiger Thanks so much! Hope it continues to engross. I'm sending the newsletter with your interview tomorrow, BTW. With any luck, it won't end up in your spam folder.
Devils in Paradise: Explosions, car chases, spies in kitten heels, detectives in kitten heels, romance, puppies, cats, betrayal and yes, murder! This mystery has everything!
Ebook on sale for only .99 c/p, May 17-23.
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A friend gifted me with one of these literal pocket books, published by Field Notes. The 5.5 inch x 3.75 inch books were designed to fit into the pockets of WWII military uniforms. According to Field Notes, between 1943 and 1945, the U.S. government distributed 120 million books, representing a wide range of genres, fostering an appreciation for culture, history and creativity. My, how times (and reading formats) have changed.
Route 66, which pops up in my 1940s mystery series, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. During its mid-century heyday, many motels sprang up along the route, from Missouri to California. 2026 is also the 80th anniversary of the Nat King Cole hit "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." The Rolling Stones covered the song on their first album (1964).
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Two-day sale on now! April 22 and 23. Books 1 and 2 of my Comfort & Co. mystery series are FREE on Amazon. Thanks for reading!
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@TassieTTiger Thanks, Alan! My Holand publication is Devils in Paradise. If you're able to post on the Amazon UK site, that would be marvelous. I can only post on Amazon US. If you have a specific book you'd like me to read, please let me know
In times of turmoil and stress, they answer the call. They're Kittens in a Basket! All natural, no additives, no attitude. At 3.5 months, Reggie (l) and Poppy (r) already know how to work the camera, Poppy especially.
A just-released Pew Research poll reveals that Americans are still reading books! Well, 38% do, sometimes. Other results: print books are overwhelmingly favored over digital and audiobooks (surprise), women read more than men (no surprise). Book clubs are not popular with anyone anymore (sort of a surprise?).
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Believe it or not, L.A. has a huuuge book festival every year. Lots of great authors and, of course, celebrities hawking their tell-alls and children's picture books (what's with that phenomenon?). And, in Booth 360, Teal Section, there's me and a half-dozen other Mystery Writers of America, SoCal chapter authors, meekly trying to sell our books. For one hour. I'll be there the 18th, 10 AM. Stop by for your free bookmarks!
Writers' scam alert! If you receive an email that starts "I’m Emily, Author Relations Coordinator at Speak Up Talk Radio. Our podcast audience includes readers and writers who enjoy [fill in the genre and subgenre] making your work a strong fit for our platform," don't be fooled. Speak Up Talk Radio is legit, but according to the company's rep, they don't send emails like this, and there's no one named Emily in their employ.
"Helped to identify killers."
Today's #history article pick from Damn History, a free newsletter for readers/writers of #popularhistory. Congrats to writer @ADPrice14 & @AspectsHistory!
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