I get asked a lot about the pros and cons of joining International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. Here’s my two cents about the benefits of each organization, so you can decide which is right for you. ITW * Founded by published authors for published authors. They attempted to be another fan organization, but it didn’t work (IMO.) They are now expanding more into the unpublished author realm, and I think that will be far more successful. They promote the thriller genre, and specifically thriller AUTHORS. * Approximately 1,000 members. 80+% are published authors (print published only.) Only… Read More

On Tuesday I’m leaving for New York and Thrillerfest. I’m bringing my oldest two kids (13 and 15) and my mom. They’re returning to California the following Sunday, and I’m heading first to Boston to sign and have fun with my friend Hank Phillipi Ryan (details below) and then going to RWA in Washington DC. It seemed asinine to fly 3,000 back home then turn around and fly back to the east coast. Though, financially, it’s about the same for two extra nights in a hotel and cross-country air fare. But it would probably kill me. I’m turning forty this… Read More

It’s that time of the year. Publishers start thinking about cover concepts 8-10 months out from publication. Though my second book of my FBI Trilogy was just released on Tuesday (FATAL SECRETS–an RT Book Review Top Pick!), and the next is still two months out, we’re talking about how to package my Seven Deadly Sins series. Packaging is not easy. While there are lots of reasons why books sell (or not), packaging is certainly one of the most important. What’s in a book “package?” The obvious include the cover itself–arguably the most important part of the overall package–and the back… Read More

It’s that time of the year. Publishers start thinking about cover concepts 8-10 months out from publication. Though my second book of my FBI Trilogy was just released on Tuesday (FATAL SECRETS–an RT Book Review Top Pick!), and the next is still two months out, we’re talking about how to package my Seven Deadly Sins series. Packaging is not easy. While there are lots of reasons why books sell (or not), packaging is certainly one of the most important. What’s in a book “package?” The obvious include the cover itself–arguably the most important part of the overall package–and the back… Read More

Our MSW sister Toni told me I HAD to watch CASTLE, so I bought it on iTunes and watched the first five episodes in two nights. As far as I know, there’s only 10 . . . I don’t know when, or if, there will be more. Matt from TV Guide says it will be back . . . but ABC has yet to announce it officially. No major spoilers, but some general commentary. CASTLE has a great premise and strong acting. I adore Nathan Fillion (Malcolm in FIREFLY, a brilliant show that was killed by the station that moved… Read More