Comments on Pens Fatales: Graham's Army of Musii

Graham, great tip about those photos for settings ...

2010-04-25T05:31:17.164-07:00

Graham, great tip about those photos for settings and back stories. I use photos for my characters and take photos of potential settings I've been to, but this just opens up all kinds of possibilities. Seems obvious too. I'm just slow catching on...

Graham-- Thanks for visiting the Pens. Loved the b...

2010-01-25T09:11:17.688-08:00

Graham--
Thanks for visiting the Pens. Loved the broken bridge...I could spend hours thinking about the people who can longer cross it. I was planning on buying your book before Barbara *encouraged* us to do so (thanks to Sophie for the rec!) Can't wait to read it. :)

PCN's not kidding G - that's the highest c...

2010-01-23T08:34:13.064-08:00

PCN's not kidding G - that's the highest compliment she gives. I've never heard of her wanting to push someone down the stairs twice!!

Let me get this straight, Graham: You studied aero...

2010-01-22T23:39:03.682-08:00

Let me get this straight, Graham: You studied aeronautics, fly planes, practiced law and now write books? I'm pushing you down the stairs and then dragging you back up to do it again. (It's a compliment; ask Sophie).

Congrats on Black Rain. I'll read it because it sounds good and I don't want to be shot by Barbara.

Hi Juliette, Hi Gigi: Thanks for having me on. In...

2010-01-22T16:18:23.208-08:00

Hi Juliette, Hi Gigi:

Thanks for having me on. Indianapolis was a fun conference, I cannot believe it was three months ago. One more training session and I think Steve would have had it. :)

I remember hearing about this book in Indianapolis...

2010-01-22T14:12:44.975-08:00

I remember hearing about this book in Indianapolis -- so glad I'll finally be able to read it now!

Hi Graham, thanks for stopping by with the Pens! ...

2010-01-22T13:43:48.264-08:00

Hi Graham, thanks for stopping by with the Pens! I'll never forget sitting around a table in Indianapolis with all of the men trying to strike a pose that rivals your book-jacket photo...for which there is no rival, of course. I think Steve Hockensmith tried to get it just right, but it didn't quite work...
Um, I'll do what Ms. Poelle says, too, and buy the darned book. Looking forward to it!
--Julie

Hi Rachel - I hope you like it. Your profile said...

2010-01-22T10:22:35.882-08:00

Hi Rachel - I hope you like it. Your profile said you answer 911 calls as a part time thing. That sounds so cool, you must be pretty calm in a crisis. I'm guessing you could also weave some of the craziness you've heard into your books.

Hey Brad - how's it going? You know, that s...

2010-01-22T10:15:16.420-08:00

Hey Brad - how's it going?

You know, that stare is easy to recreate, just be kind of tired and aggravated and make the sun is in your eyes.

Hope all is well.

Hey Mysti - Great Point. I never thought about ...

2010-01-22T10:10:54.205-08:00

Hey Mysti - Great Point.

I never thought about it before but there is not one scene in Black Rain where Danielle is hanging out with another female. In the sequel that I'm working on there's a great scene where she is arguing with a female doctor in an ER in Mexico, but it is all confrontation, no bonding. Hmmm... you must be on to something.

Hey Martha, good question. The funny thing is; I ...

2010-01-22T10:01:53.623-08:00

Hey Martha, good question. The funny thing is; I didn't really know she was the MC until an editor I met at a conference started talking about "why" she was in fact the hero. My initial thought was this would be a group effort - several MC's - kind of like the TV show Lost. Who's the MC there? Jack? Sawyer? Kate? But as it turned out in Black Rain, Danielle had the longest journey to make, so she did become the (Main) MC.

Graham -- Looking forward to BLACK RAIN. Since I...

2010-01-22T10:00:53.579-08:00

Graham -- Looking forward to BLACK RAIN.

Since I've posted a comment, am I now entered in the contest where the winner gets that squinty eyed stare-down you used in that author photo? Cuz that'd be totally awesome.

(Just kidding. Good luck with everything).

Sean - I'm glad you mentioned music - absolute...

2010-01-22T09:54:29.337-08:00

Sean - I'm glad you mentioned music - absolutely! Music, especially soundtracks or new age or anything without lyrics can do wonders for me. Damn good point. (And thanks for the compliment - the picture is better than the reality but I'll take it anyday.)

I always do what Barbara says, life is just easier...

2010-01-22T09:53:54.787-08:00

I always do what Barbara says, life is just easier that way ;)

Looking forward to reading Black Rain!

I think the only truly tricky part of writing the other gender is scenes of two or more alone together. In my case, I couldn't write guys hanging with guys (though two guys in love with each other was convincing, I guess relationships can be the same kind of tough for all?), and would imagine most guys having trouble getting girls hanging with girls right.

but now I'll just shut up and read the book to find out!

Thanks for dropping in!!!

I LOVE that the MC is a get-it-right gal. Can'...

2010-01-22T08:39:41.424-08:00

I LOVE that the MC is a get-it-right gal. Can't wait to read it!

My muse carries a shotgun and a fifth of Jack. GO ...

2010-01-22T06:56:21.035-08:00

My muse carries a shotgun and a fifth of Jack. GO BUY BLACK RAIN ON TUESDAY OR MY MUSE WILL GET VEEEEERY ANGRY.

We bitches do get things done! We're high fun...

2010-01-22T06:47:09.006-08:00

We bitches do get things done! We're high functioning individuals. I gotta ask - given the obvious that you're endowed with male traits - what mused you make your MC a female?

Black Rain sounds awesome. I totally agree with yo...

2010-01-22T02:05:04.812-08:00

Black Rain sounds awesome. I totally agree with you on the character and place musii (music is also big for me) The internet has been such a game changer in terms easy access to info for research and inspiration, especially for settings. You are fortunate to have a good novel, and (machismo being supressed)good looks. Best of luck, and great post.