I realized earlier that it's been a while since I posted anything. A lot has happened lately. "Vanishing Act" is now available in paperback, which just doubles my pleasure, seeing the two Jamie Richmond novels in print. After all the time and energy, the sweat, the creativity and the countless revisions, to be able to hold your own book in your hands is an incredible kick. And it just makes me more determined to keep writing.
Last month, I was saddened to learn that one of my writing heroes had passed away. Elmore Leonard was in his eighties and he was still writing. This guy did for crime what Stephen King does for horror. I had the great pleasure of meeting him twice years ago. His whole attitude about writing just encouraged me to keep going. More than a few of his novels ended up as movies as well, the best of which (in my eyes) was "Get Shorty". I still think that was the movie that reignited John Travolta's career.
Leonard was a Michigan guy, who still wrote out his drafts on a legal pad before pounding away at his typewriter. He had a way with dialogue and a penchant for strong, determined women. I like to think his efforts were part of the inspiration for Jamie Richmond. A collection of his novels are on the shelf, right above this computer. If you've never read any of his work, I'd encourage you to give him a try.
