Or, to be exact, a life of crime reading, all of which began several years ago. Up until then, I would say I read a mixed bag and cross section of genre. And, up until then, I was probably reading close to 80% speculative fiction. I say speculative because at one point I moved from almost exclusively reading SF through most of my teen years, to reading some fantasy, a little paranormal, and some supernatural. I never really took to horror, in the same way I strongly dislike ‘horror‘ movies. It always boils down to violence, and I’m just not interest.

Which makes it all the more odd that I eventually wandered into reading crime fiction. But then again, crime fiction is an umbrella term I think we all use to cover quite a cross section of tropes that fit neatly, and some not so neatly, under that umbrella.

We’re all familiar with the whodunnit, courtroom drama, murder-mystery, suspense, cozy mysteries, police procedurals, detective stories, and, of late, forensics and psychological thrillers, which, yes, I also include under the umbrella. The latter are usually quite different to the modern thriller which, these days, tends to be about someone from an alphabet organisation (CIA/NSA/MI6/FBI), running around the planet trying to stop international criminals, terrorists, or organised crime and the like.

I don’t remember exactly which book started it all, that kind of recall escapes me these days. I just know that I picked up several more titles all considered ‘crime fiction,’ one of those was a Louise Penny novel from her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache stories: Bury Your Dead. It just happened to be on the shelf and caught my eye, and I saw it was set here, in Québec City. How could I not read it?

From there on in, I was hooked. Hooked on Louise Penny, the fictional village of Three Pines, and more, crime fiction at large.

If you haven’t read any Louise Penny, may I humbly suggest you do, but don’t start as I did, with what I think is book six. Start with book one, Still Life, and work your way through. The character development in this series is excellent, and unlike any other series I’ve ever read.

And you? What recommendations do you have for me, and what are your favourite genres.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Is it time to hibernate?

As I didn't have a post for today, I thought I would do something book related! And, of course, if you would like to do your own version of this, steal away.

WHO — Name an author you would love to have a 'One to One' with.

It would have to be Louise Penny. I was lucky enough to see her at a book signing last year, here locally. And got my obligatory 3 seconds with her as she wrote me a personal message in the book I was buying: GLASS HOUSES. But I would love to sit down with her and do a full-on interview at length, over coffee and cakes at the Bistro.

WHAT — What genre do you most gravitate to?

It use to be always science fiction but then, over the last couple of years, I turned to a life of crime … crime fiction reading, that is. I love me a good mystery, police procedural, or a good spy thriller these days. The Cold War is definitely not over yet.

WHERE — Where do you prefer to read?

Anywhere. But as a preference, I guess I would have to go with the couch in the lounge, for comfort's sake. You know, with the blanket and a cup of Earl Grey tea, hot.

WHEN — What time of day do you prefer to read?

As above, my answer would have to be, anytime. Anytime I can squeeze in a few minutes, especially when reading a really good book. I don't want to be away from it for any length of time. And yes, I read on the porcelain throne (don't you?)

WHY — Why is your favourite book your favourite book?

Eh, maybe as a child or teenager, I had one book I would call my fav. But now, I would say any book with well-conceived characters, well-written snappy dialogue, and a clever plot will be my fav book while reading it. I want to be amazed, wowed and wooed! I know, I don't ask a lot do I?

BONUS — How do you go about selecting what you will read next?

Gee, really? Okay … By tarot cards, at midnight, under a Gibbous moon, having sacrificed my lunch on an altar made of polished pebbles from a beach off the coast of Goa, while dress as a Goth, with black-eye make-up, smelling of hibiscus flower with water collected at dawn's first light, from an island in the Caribbean in a conch seashell handed down from mother to daughter … what, no, seriously … wait … where are you going, there's more … come back!

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

David asked → Do you tell people you blog?

What a great question. And, the answer is, everyone and no one. In that If someone actually asks then yes I tell them I blog and, again, if they ask, will tell them how to find me. But it’s not often anyone outside my close inner circle will ask. And those inside the circle know I blog but, as far as I know, none of those people have ever visited or, if they have (and read the post of the day or even more) have said anything to me to the effect. 

Like most answering this question, it’s not that I’m secretive, or hiding my blog, everyone I know online (via Mastodon) knows who I am (online) and where to find my blog. Hell, a lot of them even subscribe to my feed and follow along and chat about this or that post or whatever’s caught their attention. 

But it’s true, like many, I don’t go around with a loudspeaker hailing my blog or posts, or hand out business cards with my blog address on loudly proclaiming this is where to find me. Like the blogging of me is a business. Believe me, it ain’t. But we’re a funny old bunch aren’t we. We love it when someone stops by and reads, and even chats about a post, but we’re not exactly touting for business hawking our posts to more than a small handful of fellow bloggers on our preferred social site, Mastodon. 

I think it’s all about being quietly social about our blogs, our posts, and ultimately, ourselves; we’re talking to like minded people who stop on by the community Water Cooler, as it were, throughout the day to chat. 

It’s public but also, it’s our safe space. 

And you, who knows that you blog?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

What the writer says, and what the editor thinks:

This is just a Beta Release — It's haemorrhaging errors

I fixed chapter 23 — the remaining 72 chapters are, however, crap

I'll just kill off this character — procrastinating, has no idea how to proceed

And a time machine appeared in the middle of the kitchen — is addicted to contrived situations

This is just a temporary solution — she's killed off yet another character

I'll finish the edits by Monday — a decade from now

There's no way I can estimate that — they will finish the first draft possibly this century

What's a run-on sentence? — shoots self in head

Twenty random things to know about me:

1. I once met Winston Churchill. I was six years old.

2. I’m one of six siblings.

3. I’ve travelled to over 37 countries.

4. I had afternoon tea with the chimps at London zoo.

5. I once jumped out of a helicopter.

6. I also jumped off a cliff … in Norway.

7. I’ve been on TV, three times.

8. I was in a movie.

9. An author named a character after me.

10. I’m ambidextrous.

11. I can write backwards with my right hand.

12. I can whistle.

13. I’m also partially deaf.

14. I studied science, then joined the military, then moved into publishing.

15. I love to swim, but won’t swim in the sea.

16. Flowers are a passion of mine.

17. So is photography.

18. I’ve experienced an earthquake, saw a tidal wave, and lived through a 165 mile an hour typhoon.

19. I love ice cream but I’m lactose intolerant so can’t eat it.

20. I consider myself an introverted extrovert.

I enjoyed reading Herman’s blog post this morning talking about how he became A Day Person¹. Which, of course, got me thinking about what kind of person I am. I’ve never been a night owl like my OH who, if given a chance, often stays up till 1 or 2 am. Me? I’m ready for bed at around 10 pm and, for the most part, like to be in bed by at least 10:30pm.

Though, as I said, with the OH being a night owl, that can sometimes be awkward. But the reason I love to go to bed early is plain and simple, the fact I usually wake anywhere between 4:30am and 6:30am. More often or not, it’s the birds chirruping outside that’s my alarm clock telling me dawn is fast approaching if not, already dawning.

It’s been this way since the summer of 2016, after my brain fart, when I was housebound for over 4 months, I was sleeping and resting a lot during the day which, of course, meant I was waking early. This cycle, once started, soon became the norm. Not that I wanted to wake at that ungodly hour or even get up. But slowly, realising it was my “secret” time of day, leaving the OH fast asleep (and usually snoring) I could go make myself a brew, maybe read a little snuggled up on the couch, and even, open the curtains part way and watch the day slowly begin along with the noisy sparrows who make no bones about getting up early enough to catch the first worm.

Who am I to say what’s early? 

So, ten years into this getting up early lark, it’s my routine. Like Herman say, the morning is ours to do with as we please. To take our time, to focus in on certain tasks or, to just wake up slowly with the day and enjoy being in the moment. I feel I enjoy my waking hours more and certainly get more out of them as well, as a result.

And you, are you a morning person up with the birds, or a night owl prowling the dark hours?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

1. Herman being Herman Martinus, Bear Blog’s developer.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish, which is now being hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.

The rules are simple:

• Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want.

• Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to That Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.

• Add your name to the Linky widget on that day’s post so that everyone can check out other bloggers’ lists.

• Or if you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

This week’s topic is Book Titles That Describe Me/My Life.

1. A Twist of the Knife by Becky Masterman — Someone who I considered a good friend, even a best friend at one time, took it upon themselves to take a knife, figuratively, and stab me in the back to a couple of others who, at one time, I considered friends. Sad to think that this has probably happen to more than me over the years. I will never understand these people or their motivation.

2. 2nd Chance by James Patterson — I got a second chance in 2016 when I survived a brain fart. I've tried to live each and every day in the moment ever since.

3. Force of Nature by Jane Harper — as a child, my mother often referred to me as a force of nature, unstoppable. I just kept running till the battery ran out.

4. The Informationist by Taylor Stevens — yep, this is definitely me, always collection useless and not so useless facts, data, and information about anything that interests me. I'm a knowledge sponge.

5. Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny — I'm sure I speak for many at this moment in time and history when I say I feel like I'm currently living in the Kingdom of the Blind; surrounded by people who refuse to see the truth of what's going on in the world at large. [see also: All The Devils Are Here by Louise Penny.]

6. The Lost Man by Jane Harper — I sadly lost contact with someone I considered my soulmate after leaving the military, way back when. He will always be, to me, The Lost Man. I truly wish I knew what happened to him in the intervening years since.

7. Silent Scream by Angela Marsons — So many times over the years, I have wanted to say something to someone but, at the last minute, had to bite my tongue least I say something out of hand. And, as a consequence, silently screamed to myself in utter frustration because of the situation. I'm sure we've all done this at some point in our lives.

8. The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett — despite everything going on in life, I've always felt when I'm out in nature far away from the madding crowd and civilisation, I've been able to see the colour of magic in nature in the harmony that surrounds me. You either know what I'm talking about or you don't.

9. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll — yes, at times I've felt like I fell down the rabbit hole chasing the White Rabbit for answers, and ended up in Wonderland. A confusing place I never felt I fit in.

10. The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein — as a kid, I had this notion that a door in a walled garden was the door that always lead into summer. I'm sure it had something to do with where we lived at the time, near a large estate with a walled garden, where we used to sneak into the orchard to steal apples.

And you, what books made it onto your list this week?

It’s raining. A soft drizzle. Gentle in its insistence. Coming straight down. It’s been raining since the wee small hours. I awoke at around 1:30 am this morning to hear its soft plink plink against the window. There was something rhythmic in its random symphony. So subtle it lulled me quietly back to sleep only to wake me again later, at around 5:30ish.

I think it was lonely, wanted conversation. It had been quietly calling to anyone who would listen, ‘hey there, hey there, hey there…’ I spent a few more minutes listening but again, it lulled me back to sleep. A wonderful, dream-free sleep.

And now? Sitting here, once again, it’s mesmerising me, gently lulling me to drift off into a tumble of random thoughts thinking of the ethereal world just beyond ours. Of fairies and gnomes, pixies and sprites. The curtain of rain a thin gossamer divide between two worlds that, if I look hard enough, I’ll see them, there. Waiting. 

Maybe it’s not the rain calling me but the Fay world beyond. Beckoning me to come play. I think I can see the sun shining out the corner of my eye … just beyond the veil.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

As a huge fan of all things space, and as someone who’s followed everything NASA has done since day one (yes, I am that old) I just had to up my game with my desktop image and went with what seems to be a popular choice among aficionados, Earth as shot as seen from the far side of the moon, taken by the Artemis II crew.

Honestly, it’s a stunning shot of our humble planet, our home and tiny blue/green marble, the only home we will ever know or have. 

There are other images available from NASA.

Sometime I think that everything I ever learnt about how to write, I learnt from reading Ursula K. Le Guin novels [with humble apologies to my favourite English teacher]. Even now, I still find myself reaching for one of Le Guin's works, not just for that spark of inspiration, but to remind myself on the how. How did she write this scene, capture that character, make it all work?

And just to interject here, Le Guin also wrote some edifying articles and posts. One need only look at her, "On Rules of Writing, or, Riffing on Rechy" to get a taste of her knowledge, wit, and insight. Certainly, you can't do any worse than reading through her articles on writing, especially, and specifically, "What Makes A Story?"

"I define story as a narrative of events (external or psychological) which moves through time or implies the passage of time, and which involves change.

I define plot as a form of story which uses action as its mode usually in the form of conflict, and which closely and intricately connects one act to another, usually through a causal chain, ending in a climax.

Climax is one kind of pleasure; plot is one kind of story. A strong, shapely plot is a pleasure in itself. It can be reused generation after generation. It provides an armature for narrative that beginning writers may find invaluable."

My research isn't just confined to Mme. Le Guin. I also find myself referring to other SF luminaries such as Heinlein, Asimov, Clarke and Herbert. They each have added to my knowledge, and to stretching my horizons well beyond Earth's gravity well, and aided me in building my language of description. While I hope I've learned my lessons, I'm not naive enough to simply think I can stop learning. On the contrary, I know I will never—as a writer never mind as a human being—stop learning.

Not until, that is, they nail the coffin lid down and tell me to shut up already!

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Sylvia has challenged us to write 5 silly things about ourselves and, well, having been commanded by the Queen of the Netherlands herself, how can I refuse? So, here goes nothing.

1. I will only sleep with two (2) feather pillows. Nothing else and nothing less. Yes, I am the Princess and the damn pea.

2. I have very specific cups for very specific drinks. My tea must be served in one of my Royal Worcestershire Wrendale designed mugs.

3. I love eating oranges but someone else must peel or cut them.

4. I can sleep anywhere at any time of day or night. All hell could be breaking loose and I’d sleep through it. 

5. I love egg salad sandwiches done how my mother did them when I was a child. A soft boiled egg chopped finely in a mug with butter, mayo, and shredded white bread. 

And you, dear reader, care to share 5 silly things with us all?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Quebeckers love to drive on the wrong side of the road in a perverse game of chicken.

Quebeckers think that the large red hexagonal Arret stop signs are optional.

Quebeckers don't stop at a four-way crossroad, they roll through to the other side in some perverse slo-mo.

Quebeckers think their car indicator lights are just Christmas decorations.

Quebeckers think an orange traffic light means slam your foot on the accelerator. 

Quebeckers think it's okay to turn right on a red light, even when the sign say it's illegal.

Quebeckers have forgotten the words for 'please' and 'thank you'.

Quebeckers don't know how to say, excuse me.

Quebeckers like to walk 2, 3 and sometimes, 4 abreast on a pavement.

Quebeckers do not like to give way on a pavement. 

Quebeckers love to jay-walk.

Quebeckers live very short lives.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish, which is now being hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.

The rules are simple:

• Each Tuesday, Jana assigns a new topic. Create your own list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want.

• Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to That Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.

• Add your name to the Linky widget on that day’s post so that everyone can check out other bloggers’ lists.

• Or if you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

This week’s topic is Buzzwords or Phrases That Make Me Want to Read (or Avoid) a Book.

Makes Me Want To Read A Book

1. Pirates: From an early age of reading I've always had a thing for pirates, whether they're raiding the high seas, or doing the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs. I love me a good book about pirates.

2. Found Family: Who doesn't love a story that includes found family? I just finished reading the first book in Robert Jackson Bennett's the Founders trilogy, FOUNDRYSIDE, which included the protagonist, Sancia eventually finding her tribe.

3. Tense Psychological Thriller: If done well, this beats out so many other genre hands down. Especially if it involves spies.

4. Slow-Burn: I'm up for this each and every time, whatever the circumstances or genre.

5. Small Town Mystery: I love cosy mysteries in general and yes, small town Agatha Christie style murder-mysteries in particular.

Makes Me Want To Avoid A Book

1. Enemies to Lovers: Is there anything more manufactured than this trope? One that is severely over used IMHO.

2. Heart Wrenching: An over-used phrase. Is every romance to be heart wrenching, I mean, seriously?

3. Insta Love: I cannot stand this trope. Give me slow-burn every time.

4. Love Triangle: Another over used trope especially in romance. Give it a rest.

5. For Fans Of: Rarely is a book described this way actually aimed at Fans Of a certain author or genre.

6. Unreliable Narrators: Again, another over used trope.