The Hallo-wiener

Shari Randall's recent post on Writers Who Kill introduced me to a wonderful children's book by Dav Pilkey. The Hallo-wiener is about a dachshund named Oscar who attends obedience school and looks forward to having a fun costume for Halloween. Unfortunately, his mother, who calls him her "little Vienna sausage" makes him a hot dog bun with mustard on top. This outfit meets with derision from his classmates. At first, Oscar is downcast, but when he has the chance to save the day, with the help of his costume, he becomes the hero. Thanks, Shari, for this great howliday read!  

A Scary Good Time!

Lori and Scott Stepp

My friends Lori and Scott Stepp, with family and volunteers, operate the three spooky attractions of The Dark Knight's Terror Trail: an outdoor trail, a traditional indoor haunted house, and an expanded indoor/outdoor Zombie Zone. All the scares and thrills take place in one location, the Stepps' entertainment facility called The Castle. Game nights, parties, receptions, and summer camps are held there during the rest of the year, but in October, it is transformed into the ultimate Halloween experience. Visitors are welcome at any or all attractions on one or multiple nights through November 1. Treat yourself to the tricks!

MWA University Atlanta

This weekend, I attended the Mystery Writers of America University held in Atlanta, Georgia. The excellent program offered a wonderful group of speakers who took writers through the process of creating a mystery story from idea (Stacey Allen) to plot (Laura DiSilverio) to setting and description (Richie Narvaez) to character (Carolyn Haines) to revision (Hallie Ephron) to how to cope with the writing life (Hank Phillippi Ryan). The audience included beginning as well as established writers, all seeking inspiration and advice to help them prosper in their work. Thanks to MWA, Margery Flax, and Beth Terrell for this terrific event.

Congratulations to E.B. Davis and Shari Randall!

E.B. Davis

Congratulations to two fellow bloggers on Writers Who Kill who have short stories in and are celebrating the launch of the anthology Homicidal Holidays this weekend.

E.B. Davis, who asked me to join WWK, has been my online critique partner since I joined the Guppies. Her story, "Compromised Circumstances," involves college roommates dealing with diplomatic immunity for a crime that occurs on President's Day 1979 near Washington, D.C.

Shari Randall

Shari Randall, a writer and librarian, has modern-day teenaged library volunteers resolving a 1970s crime from clues from donated library books and recycled vintage clothes. Both stories make for excellent anytime reading.

New Homicidal Holidays Anthology

The Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime is releasing its sixth anthology, Homicidal Holidays, featuring stories by: Barb Goffman, Rosemary and Larry Mild, E. B. Davis, Shaun Taylor Bevins, Cathy Wiley, Art Taylor, Shari Randall, Meg Opperman, Carla Coupe, Timothy Bentler-Jungr, Linda Lombardi, Debbi Mack, Clyde Linsley, and Donna Andrews. While President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Talk Like a Pirate Day are covered, a majority of the stories are about Halloween or Christmas. The launch will take place on October 11 at One More Page Books & Morein Arlington, Virginia. Available now on Amazon. Best wishes for holiday reading!