Guest post by Rob Brunet

Rob Brunet writes stories that find humour in the dark, the twisted, and the criminal. He’s the author of Stinking Rich, and if you haven’t read his debut novel, you’re missing out. His short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Thuglit, Shotgun Honey, Out of the Gutter, Noir Nation, Crimespree Magazine, and Exiles: An Outsider Anthology, among others.

Rob’s also a digital media producer who is prone to overindulge in travel — especially where dirt roads are involved — and he’ll will never pass up a chance to swap tales by a bonfire.

And he's here this week answering the question: Do you have any tricks/advice/hacks/best practices for effective video conferencing? 

by Rob 

It seems almost funny to be writing about video conferencing at a time when we’re finally able to get back face-to-face. Has anyone else noticed how hugs are bigger and longer than ever now? But, Zooming is gonna be part of life from here on in, and that’s probably a good thing for a host of reasons.

I’ve been lucky to avoid most of the online calamities recounted the last year and a half — though I was on one call where a fresh-from-the-shower husband made an unexpected appearance — but by now we all know most of the faux-pas of video meetings, and now that we’re allowed back outside, we probably don’t need to be reminded to put our pants on anyway.

Apart from regular bi-weekly or monthly family calls — why weren’t we always doing that?— and cocktails with friends who live across the country and around the world, most of my Zooming has been with my co-host Hope Thompson on Noir at the Virtual Bar Toronto and giving my online novel writing classes through George Brown College. Both were among my favourite pre-Covid activities, and both made a happy transition on line. In fact, regarding the classes, I doubt I would return to in-person delivery, but more on that later.

I say Zooming because that’s the platform I like working with. I’m sure there are better, and depending on your requirements, I’d encourage you to check them out. Better yet, talk directly to someone hosting on a platform you’re curious about and hear what they have to say. For me, the decision was simple. After a career in tech, I knew the easiest platform to use is whichever one most of your audience is already familiar with. Less headaches for the host. 

Similarly, to get people out, tried and true email works well for us, from a MailChimp platform. We also let people know on Facebook, but the email list is the best producer, as it is for our live in-bar events.

For the first couple virtual Noir at the Bars, we did dry-runs and had things scripted out tightly. Especially with two hosts, making the delivery appear casual (as befits a Noir at the Bar) means practice and preparation. We got it down smooth enough that I was able to co-host from Thailand, for which the only hitch was forgoing a shot of Maker’s Mark, given the time difference. Irish coffee made up for that.

I’ve always considered live reading to be a performance art. I think that’s even more important on line, both in terms of my own work and when inviting people to read for us. It takes a particularly strong reader to hold audience attention on line. As much as I find casual works best for me, don’t let the comfort of your living room lull you into a lacklustre delivery. This isn’t the time for a fireside story. I find myself using more hand gestures than I usually would, and like that I can see them reflected on-screen while I do. 

I like to read with a typist’s stand holding my pages beside my screen. Some people read from the screen itself. Both help build better eye contact than looking down into your book. I guess the point is, it ain’t radio. 

We added Q+As to our format, which isn’t something we do live in the bar. We wanted to create an opportunity for people to mingle a bit at the end of show, much as they would in-person. Most of our audience stay on line the extra 20 minutes or so. All-in, our run-times are about 75-90 minutes.

A much longer format is my 3-hour classes, which went on line mid-semester in March 2020. I want to mention them because the experience I’ve had underlines one good thing the pandemic has brought us.

The first thing I noticed was that the quieter students would provide longer, more in-depth comments than they would be able to deliver in-person. That brings up the quality of the learning for everyone. But there’s more.

When I taught in-person, I found that by about halfway through the 12-week course, people would start seriously opening up and our WIP discussions unearthed personal stories from both writers and those providing critiques. With online, that happens by the second Zoom session. People discuss their sexuality, family trauma, huge life choices — whatever drives them, or does the opposite. They go further, sooner, and share back and forth in ways that I feel must be brought on by a combination of being comfortable in their homes during class, and knowing that while they have the mic, they have the full attention of their peers. When the focus is on writing as close to the truth as one can, it’s pure gold. And for me, it means I’ll likely continue to teach online. Never mind that I can appear from the comfort of my own home, or wherever I may find myself.

So even as we take Noir back to the bar, knowing this virtual business is here to stay doesn’t bother me at all.

Many thanks to Rob Brunet for taking part in Criminal Minds, and if you’d like to find out more about virtual Noir at the Bar Toronto, click the link here.

Bring out your read

How do you decide what to read? Word of mouth? Reviews? Browsing in bookstores? Etc. And what’s the most important factor in your decision?

by Dietrich

All of those ways work for me: word of mouth, reviews and browsing the bookstores. When I find an author’s work that engages me, then I check for a backlist. And I keep them in mind for future works. I have a growing list of favorite authors, and I always look forward to what they’ve got coming next. Authors like Don Winslow, George Pelecanos, James Ellroy and James Lee Burke top my list. And there are those authors who aren’t around anymore, and I’m still going through and catching up with their backlists, authors like Donald E. Westlake, Robert B. Parker and George V. Higgins. And there are some authors who I like to reread, like James Crumley, Charles Willeford, and Elmore Leonard.

Sometimes a friend recommends a book because they know the type of book I like. And I also like to stop in at one of my favorite indie bookstores, pick up something that catches my eye and read the first few pages. Often I can pick a winner from the first few paragraphs. If the author’s voice works for me, then that usually does the trick. We’re lucky to have some great indie bookstores in Vancouver, and the folks behind the counters often make some great recommendations too. Most libraries have a ‘librarians picks’ section, and I often browse titles that I might otherwise pass up. Best-seller lists and award winning-books can also get my attention. I also like to listen to author's read their work at events like a Noir at the Bar, book launches and writers festivals.

There are reviewers and bloggers whose opinions I respect. Col’s Criminal Library on the net is a good source. Colman Keane’s tastes run much in the same direction as my own, so when he gives a book four or five stars, I take his word for it. Of course, there are the daily newspapers that feature book reviews, and sites like Goodreads, LibraryThing, Bookish, Kirkus, Book Riot, to name a few. And there are blog sites like this one, and my fellow criminal minds often recommend (as well as write) some great books.

I can also be swayed by a blurb on the back of a book jacket, although, let’s face it, no publisher’s going to put a bad review or blurb on the back cover.

Titles and cover designs often catch my eye. And that can get me picking a book off the shelf too. Of course, from there it’s up to the opening pages.

My lockdown life

"Describe your lockdown life. Has it had any unexpected sweet spots in it? And what are you most looking forward to doing again afterwards?”

by Dietrich

Well, for a writer who sits at a desk at home and spends a lot of time in a make-believe world, not that much has changed on that note. Probably the greatest challenge these days is staying positive and keeping focused. 

Of course, outside of my little writing world, so much is different right now: no hugs, no handshakes, no contact. And praying for the health and safety of all those around us. Wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance is the order of the day. While many businesses are closed, the ones that aren’t generally require customers to stand in line on marked spots several feet from the next spot, all to get into a place that only allows a handful of people at a time.

What am I most looking forward to doing after lockdown? Well, I’m looking forward to hugs and handshakes, and no more masks and line-ups. Then I’d like to pick up on some travel plans that I was getting my head around before ‘lockdown.’ First off, I’d like to get in a fall trip down the coast to California, something that’s become an annual thing for my wife and me. I’m also looking forward to walking into some of my favorite indie book stores and sticking my nose into some new arrivals. And I’m sure looking forward to going on some very long walks. 

I had to pull the plug on a Noir at the Bar event here in Vancouver earlier this month. We had a great line-up set and everything was in place, and it was the first time that there hasn’t been a spring noir event in Vancouver in seven years. I do have a fall event in the works, and I’m certainly looking forward to that.

I’m also thinking of new ways to promote my upcoming book Cradle of the Deep, which comes out at the beginning of November. At this point I don’t know how much will be blog tour versus actual tour. I love taking part in book readings and events, so I’ve got my fingers crossed. If it isn’t possible, then I’ll have to find some different ways to promote it via social media, blogs, podcasts and through my website. 

Have there been some sweet spots? Well, I have found more time for reading (except for the news), and I’ve been listening to more Audiobooks. I’ve also caught up on a few series and some films I’ve wanted to watch.

So, while I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to keep writing through these times, it sure will be nice for all of us when times take a turn and this pandemic and lockdown are behind us.

On the horizon …

What are your new year’s resolutions? (Give us both writing and others if you have them)

by Dietrich

I’m not in the habit of making resolutions for the new year. I’m not into predictions, and once again I didn’t take part in the icy Polar Bear Swim to celebrate the new year. Nothing wrong with any of that, and I suppose if I did make resolutions, I‘d likely break them all anyway. But, I do make plans, and I do have plenty to look forward to in the coming year. 

Over the coming weeks I’ll be working with my editor and tackling final edits for my upcoming book. This one’s called Cradle of the Deep, a crime novel set on the west coast, starting in Vancouver and ending up in Alaska. It’s set in present-time and involves a couple running away from the woman’s gangster ex. It will be out in the fall. 

I’ve got another standalone project that I’m halfway through. It’s set here in Vancouver in present time as well, and involves a runaway teen, an old man, a pair of casino thieves, and one killer motor home. I’m not absolutely sure of the title yet so I won’t mention it here. This one will become my tenth and should be out the following year.

Being an avid reader, I’m excited about new books by some of my favorite authors, as well as some who I’ve been meaning to read. And there are classics by long-time favorites that I’d like to catch up on, and some others that I’d like to reread. So, the stack of books is forever growing.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, there’s always something exciting coming our way. There are plenty of concerts and shows scheduled, as well as our wine and craft beer festivals, the international film festival, a jazz festival, a folk festival, the Celebration of Light fireworks, Bard on the Beach, and lots more.

There are writer events and festivals that I’ll be attending, and for our local crime fiction fans, I’ll be organizing two Noir at the Bar events at the usual haunt, the Shebeen down in Gastown, one on May 6th, and the other on November 4th. Both promise an exciting line-up of authors reading from their latest works.

And here at Criminal Minds, I’m looking forward to answering questions along with our fine family of authors. 

And over on my blog Off the Cuff, I’ll be chatting with some prominent authors about what they’re working on. You can find it at: dietrichkalteis.blogspot.com

As I play music when I write, I’m constantly adding new albums to the collection, and there are some great ones coming out, and that’s something else I have to look forward to. 

Then there are new films being released, as well as some series that I’ve become addicted to: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Schitt’s Creek, White Gold, and Better Call Saul, all of which are getting set for new seasons. 

Aside from all that, I’m planning to do some traveling. My wife and I migrate like geese in the fall, heading to California every year. On top of that, I’m looking forward to flying to Germany later this year.

There you have it: no resolutions, but some plans and plenty to look forward to. And for everybody out there, I wish you all the very best for the coming year.

Networking or not working?

by Dietrich

What an appropriate and timely question by Jim as Bouchercon happened this past week in Dallas. Just coming off a book tour for my latest, I’m sorry that I missed the conference this year. From the photos and comments I’ve seen so far it looked like a good one. Guess I’ll have to content myself with having attended Left Coast Crime held here in Vancouver earlier this year. Great panels, a lot of readers and writers, and best of all, the organizers let me put together the Noir at the Bar which turned out to be a total blast. Like all the conferences I’ve attended it was awesome, although I’m still kicking myself for missing out on the Criminal Minds lunch which included eight of our own Criminal Minds as well a few alumnus.

LCC Noir at the Bar Blake Crouch, Hilary Davidson, Rob Hart, Sam Wiebe, Frank Zafiro, SJ Rozan, Thomas Pluck, Kellye Garrett, Vicki Delany, Lisa Brackmann, Robin Burcell and me.

Now, to the question: As far as networking, I admit I never think of going to a conference in those terms. For me, it’s a party, a chance to connect with some old friends and maybe meet some new ones. 

Once checked in, I start running into people wearing those lanyards in the halls, restaurants, cafes, on the street, at the various panel discussions, and at the ever popular watering holes. So, if attending a conference is networking, then I guess, like a lot of other writers and readers attending, I’ve been working and putting in some serious overtime.

Writers, readers, agents, editors and publishers: throw a scotch on the rocks at the conference bar and you’re bound to hit one. So, if you’re new or just introverted and haven’t been yet, but you want to connect with writers and readers or get in front of somebody on the publishing side of things, there’s no better way to do it. And if you’re just there to party, that’s hard to beat, too.

One tip, if you’re new to it and you’ve got a book out, have an elevator pitch ready. There’s nothing worse (personal experience) than being asked what your book’s about, and standing there going “uh, well, uh …” looking like a deer in the headlights.

Sure, there are other ways to network: social media, writer events, reading groups, associations like Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Canada, Thriller Writers of America. And there are writers’ festivals and events available in just about every city.

Okay, so I didn’t get to Bouchercon this year, but as I mentioned, I did just return from what’s turned into an annual book tour down the coast to California, filled with reading events, a Noir at the Bar, and a two-day writers’ workshop. And I guess as well as catching up with old friends and making some new ones, each event was a new opportunity to network. I even got to ride in a police car – in the front seat this time, doing some research for a story I’ve got percolating. 

And now that I’m back on home turf, I should mention the next Noir at the Bar here in Vancouver is tonight at our usual haunt, the Shebeen Whiskey House. If you’re in town, you can see from the poster, we’ve got an excellent line-up of authors eager to network and read from their latest; it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss.

Taking care of business

If you could be really good at one part of the business side of your career, what would it be? (Being a better speaker? Being better at organizing your events? Being a promotion god?)

by Dietrich

I try to stay open to ways of improving on the business side of things. When some new way comes along I may want to try it or find out more, but sometimes it just comes down to a question of balancing time for all the other things, like the writing.

It’s good to get out there and participate in reading events, and it’s important to get the rhythm of what I’m going to read. So, I usually read the chapter aloud a few times ahead of time, that way I won’t stumble over my own words. The idea is to sound like I’m telling it rather than just reading it off the page. I’ve heard Canadian author William Deverell a number of times, and he’s a master at engaging an audience and telling the story instead of just reading it off the page. 

As far as promoting myself, I wish I knew the secret, if there is one. I think the best way is to just write the best book I can and gain readers that way, ones who hopefully will like the book enough to look forward to the next one and recommend my books to friends in person and online.

When a new book comes out, there’s the book launch, interviews, a book tour and/or a blog tour, usually all of these. And my publisher ECW Press plays a large part here, making arrangements and connections, as well as getting the ARCs out for potential reviews.

It’s a good idea to sound like I know what my book is about. When somebody asks, I’ve got a short synopsis in my head, a kind of elevator pitch. There’s nothing worse than standing like a deer in headlights when someone asks, “So, what’s your book about?” And the first word out of my mouth is, “Uhh …”

For promotional items, I keep it simple and go with bookmarks for each new title. I pass them out at events, books stores and conferences. Who doesn’t love a bookmark? I’ve considered other kinds of loot, but let’s face it, I can’t bribe somebody to read my book. At every writers’ conference there’s a table scattered end to end with authors’ promotional items from bookmarks, pens, buttons, notepads, pamphlets, business cards and more. Does any of it work, especially when you consider the cost? 

I post upcoming events and any news on my social media pages, as well on my website. The trick is to update the website like clockwork, like every week or more or anytime I have something new to add. And I write here and at my own blog, Off the Cuff.

Networking through writing organizations and taking part in festivals and conferences is a great way to promote and meet others in the business of writing. Conferences and festivals also attract many readers, plus they offer a chance to catch up with friends I’ve made along the way, ones I don’t get to see often enough.

As well as other writing events, I organize Noir at the Bar here in Vancouver, including the one for Left Coast Crime here this past March. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest and would like to come and check it out, the next one happens here on May 1st.

And speaking of self promotion …

Coming October 15, 2019

Sonny and Clara Myers struggle on their Kansas farm in the late 1930s, a time the Lord gave up on. The land’s gone dry, barren and worthless. And the bankers, greedy and hungry, make life even more impossible, squeezing farmers out of their homes. The couple can wither along with the land, or surrender to the bankers and hightail it to California like most of the other farmers. But Sonny comes up with a way for them to stay on their land and prosper while giving the banks a taste of their own misery.

Over the Moon

What do you remember about the first time you read your crime fiction work in progress or finished novel/short story to an audience?

by Dietrich

Before my first novel Ride the Lightning came out, I was over the moon. I signed a three-book deal with ECW Press and I got a chance to go to my first Bouchercon in September 2013, traveling by car from Toronto to Albany with one of my favorite Canadian authors, John McFetridge. And I met so many great authors while I was there, like 7 Criminal Minds’ own Cathy Ace and Robin Spano. 

E.R Brown, Linda L. Richards, me,
Robin Spano, Owen Laukkanen
(missing: Sam Wiebe)
at Vancouver's first Noir at the Bar, 2014.

Before the release of my book, scheduled for the following April, I went to a reading event in West Vancouver featuring E.R. Brown. I wanted to see how it was done, and I listened as Eric read excerpts from his rocking novel Almost Legal and spoke to the packed room about the writing process. He set the bar pretty high and I learned a lot. 

A couple weeks later I went to another authors’ event at the Vancouver Public Library, listening to Andrew Piper, Deryn Collier and Sean Slater read from recent works, and I came away with more ideas on how it was done. 

So, I felt more or less ready; now all I needed was an event where I could read. I had met Peter Rozovsky at Bouchercon, and he had talked about Noir at the Bar and that sounded perfect for the kind of stories I was writing. 

Vancouver hadn’t had a Noir at the Bar event before, and although I’d never read my work to an audience, I thought why not organize one. So, I called on fellow Vancouverite Robin Spano, along with Eric Brown and I had my first two authors. Robin suggested Owen Laukkanen and Linda L. Richards. And Eric had introduced me to Sam Wiebe at the Arthur Ellis Announcement event that year. And just like that, Vancouver had its first Noir at the Bar line-up.

The amazing Shebeen Whisky House in Gastown hosted us, as they have ever since. And we have been very fortunate to have the support of White Dwarf Books/DeadWrite Books who have come out and taken care of book sales every time since that first event. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Jill and Walter. Vancouver is truly blessed to be home to this wonderful bookstore. 

So, along with organizing the event, I rehearsed the chapter I would read until I felt I wasn’t going to stumble all over it. I didn’t want to get in my own way and ruin the rhythm of the words. And sure, the nerves were there, but nothing a pint of Guinness wouldn’t cure. Plus, the place was pretty dark, and when I stepped to the mic, I had a book to hide behind. 

That evening drew a good crowd, and when it was over I just wanted to do it again. 

This marks the start of the sixth year of Noir at the Bar events in Vancouver. So, if you’re in the area for our first one on May 1st, please come and check it out, and if you’re an author with a new mystery or crime novel coming out and would like to take part in a future event, please drop me a line at my website.

And if you’re planning to attend Left Coast Crime in Vancouver, make plans for the special Noir at the Bar on Thursday, March 28th at 7:30 PM. 

One word at a time

What advice would you offer a new writer wanting to get their first novel published in today’s highly competitive publishing environment?

by Dietrich

We all have different habits and routines that help get it done. If you’re new to writing, it may help to read a couple of how-to books like Stephen King’s On Writing, or Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing. And listen to those who have been at it for a while. Check out associations like The Author’s Guild, Mystery Writers of America, Crime Writers of Canada. Some offer directories, workshops, seminars, events and conferences where you can connect with your tribe.  

Listening to writers at talks and panel discussions can be a big help. Most of the writers I’ve met along the way are generous with helpful advice and support, willing to share their experiences and point a new writer in the right direction. Then take everything you hear and adapt what works best for you.

Look up writer events like ’Noir at the Bar’ in your town, find out who organizes them and try and get in the lineup. It’s a chance to read your work in front of other writers and a receptive crowd.

Be patient. Don’t be anxious to get a story published before it’s time. Write for the simple joy of getting lost in the worlds and characters you create. Write as often as you can, develop a voice and a style that just flows out of you. Get lost in it, block out the real world and all the white noise. Find your way into it every time you sit down to write.

“Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish. Lose track of the 400 pages and write just one page for each day. It helps.” — John Steinbeck

“If I started to wait for moments of inspiration, I would never finish a book. Inspiration for me comes from a regular effort.” — Mario Vargas Llosa

When you have a first draft complete, step back from it. Take a break, and then look at it with fresh eyes. This way it’s easier to spot things that need to be reworked, parts that should come out, or something new you want to include.

Read what inspires you to write. Read a lot.

“You cannot hope to sweep someone else away by the force of your writing until it has been done to you.” — Stephen King

Avoid all things negative. Anything that drags you down will mess up the creative flow, get you second-guessing yourself and keep you from writing at your best.

“Every great or even every very good writer makes the world over according to his own specifications. It’s akin to style, what I’m talking about, but it isn’t style alone. It is the writer’s particular and unmistakable signature on everything he writes. It is his world and no other. This is one of the things that distinguishes one writer from another. Not talent. There’s plenty of that around. But a writer who has some special way of looking at things and who gives artistic expression to that way of looking: that writer may be around for a time.” — Raymond Carver

Don’t submit a story until it’s really ready. Don’t rush because you’re dying to get something into print. It’s more important to find your voice and work on a style all your own. Polish your story and make it as tight as you can before letting anybody see it.

Don’t try to write a best seller. You can’t force something like that, plus there’s no magic formula to writing one. Don’t try to sound like anybody else, just write from the heart and put out the best book you can. Write it for yourself.

Making money and spending time

Authors are increasingly expected to shoulder the time and expense of book marketing and promotion. When was/is enough finally enough? Where do you draw the line and why?

by Dietrich Kalteis

The way I see it, promotion is part of effective marketing. Along with the marketing efforts that my publisher puts in, there are the promotional things I do: speaking engagements, writer events, interviews, podcasts, book launches and tours. Updating my website, writing blogs, soliciting reviews and keeping a presence on social media are all part of it. I haven’t tried book marketing services so I won’t talk about them. And I haven’t tried building a list for newsletters, but I think it could be a good way to update and inform readers. Paul D. Marks has a good one that he sends out regularly.

Attending crime fiction conventions and festivals can be costly, but what a great way to network with writers and readers alike. It’s always fun chatting with readers of the genre, and what a fun and supportive bunch those who write about the most heinous things can be. 

Sometimes it’s hit or miss, and the efforts to promote a book don’t pay off like expected. I’ve taken part in some successful book events with great turnouts, but it’s often hard to predict the outcome. Last year I traveled with a carload of author buddies to a reading engagement several hours away, and when we arrived there were more authors than audience. Okay, we didn’t sign a lot of books that day, but we had a great road trip and a lot of fun, and if there’s ever a chance to do it again, sign me up. 

While some things should be obvious — begging readers and stalking agents is out. And nobody needs to tell me to avoid those marketing gimmicks like websites where, for just a few dollars, somebody will sing praises about my book while hula hooping in pasties and a G-string. Other things may be less obvious, like checking that a book’s metadata is right. It’s what internet search engines use to list entries. 

Where do I draw the line on marketing and promotion? That’s easy. It’s not just about making money, but of spending time. If too much of my focus is on marketing and promoting then who’s writing the books? So, while I do my bit, I avoid becoming distracted by anything that keeps me from writing. And that’s the best effort of all, writing a book worth marketing and promoting, earning some good reviews, building a body of work and gaining an audience. 

And while we’re on the subject of marketing and promotion, I’ll mention the German version of The Deadbeat Club, called Shootout, will be out on May 7th through Suhrkamp, translated by Susanna Mende. Also, my sixth novel Poughkeepsie Shuffle will be released September 11th by ECW Press. Then I’ve got a short story called “Bottom Dollar” in Vancouver Noir, a crime anthology by Akashic Books, edited by Sam Wiebe and coming November 1st. Oh, and if you’re in the Vancouver area, our next Noir at the Bar has a great lineup of authors and is set for May 2nd.

What to read next?

by Dietrich Kalteis

READING: How do you pick what book/s you’re going to read? Is it the cover? Awards it’s won. The author. Genre? Word of mouth? Reviews (pro and customer)? Someone you know? Anything else?

When I walk into a bookstore, it’s the book’s cover that first grabs me. I was in the graphics industry for a long time, so I’m a sucker for good cover designs. But what tops the design, is who wrote the book. When the next Carl Hiaasen, James Ellroy or Don Winslow hits the shelves, I’ll be at the book store, and it doesn’t matter much what the cover looks like.

Sometimes I pick a book on the recommendation of friends and fellow writers, those who like the same kind of books. Then there are the folks at my local indie book shop. It’s not that I have anything against the big box stores, I just like to walk into my local store where I know the people working there, and they know the kind of books I like. Here in Vancouver we’re lucky to have shops like White Dwarf/Dead Write Books, Book Warehouse, Pulpfiction Books and 32 Books. It’s one of my favorite things to do – walk in, pick up one that catches my eye and check it out.

Sam Wiebe, Walter Sinclair and me at White Dwarf/Dead Write Books.

Awards and nominations are wonderful for the author. They get the writer some deserved attention, especially when that author keeps winning them. And that can make me curious about an author’s work.

Sometimes it’s my mood. When my days are busy, I might opt for a quick, light read, perhaps a Robert B. Parker novel I haven’t read yet. Or something funny by Carl Hiaasen or Terry Fallis. Other times I might go for a classic I’ve been meaning to reread, maybe Ken Kesey or John Steinbeck. Other times I go for something new, somebody I haven’t read before. Or I pick one that I’ve been meaning to read, like Sam Wiebe’s Invisible Dead which I’m reading now. And once in a while I feel like reading a novel in German. Since there are more books than there is time to read them, I try to be choosy about what I read. If a book doesn’t light me up in the opening pages, I’ll put it back on the shelf, and look for something else.

I love a good crime novel, but I like to read outside the genre too. And I’ll read just about anything if the author’s got a strong voice. I just finished Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk — what an awesome voice, and the kind of book that leaves me looking forward to reading more of his work.

Sometimes a review gets me curious about a book. I follow the reviewers who lean towards the kind of books I like. For crime fiction reviews online there’s Col’s Criminal Library, Crime Fiction Lover, Detectives Beyond Borders, The House of Crime and Mystery, the Interrogation Room and  Crimespree Magazine. And many dailies run regular book reviews and there review publications like Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Bloomsbury and more.

Sometimes I learn about a new author at a book event. Events like Noir at the Bar, an author’s book launch, panel discussions at conferences and readings at festivals are good ways to get to know an author’s work. And they are great ways to get a signed copy and an opportunity to meet the author. I’m reading Red Snow by Michael Slade who I was lucky to have read at our latest Vancouver Noir at the Bar. When I’m traveling to festivals or conferences I’ve had to learn to refrain from stuffing my suitcase with books till it feels full of cinder blocks. Not to mention, that leads to shelves full of books waiting to be read at home, but I intend to read them all – one book at a time.