Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Have Read, Reading or Will Read

I grew up a hardboiled kid reading Chandler, Hammett, and Parker. Now I spend most days on the range writing western fiction. Point being, I've never read a romance novel but had no qualms about picking up Unladylike Pursuits by Alyssa Goodnight. I've said before a good story is a good story regardless of whether it's about worms on Terpsichore (there's some BTAP foreshadowing) or early 19th century romance. What jumped out at me with Ms. Goodnight's book were the rich descriptions and the ease of the storytelling. My first romance perhaps, but not the last.

Fellow-blogger friends Alec Cizak and Brian Drake have books out. I haven't read either yet, but I'm looking forward to both. Also, a few of you may have missed the latest Charlie Byrne grind. Head over to ATON to check it out.

Super duper congrats to Paul Brazill for being included in The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime.

Also, another friendly reminder about the second issue of NEEDLE mag which happens to have a story of mine, "The Sins of Maynard Shipley."

14 comments:

Ron Scheer said...

Maybe you've got a ranch romance in you somewhere...

David Cranmer said...

Ha. Now there's an idea.

pattinase (abbott) said...

I ordered NEEDLE last week and am waiting.

Alec Cizak said...

If you like Raymond Chandler, you'll dig "Manifesto Destination." I was definitely in that frame of mind when I wrote it.

David Cranmer said...

Patt, Same here.

Alec, Sounds like my kinda sin. As soon as I get a Kindle signal, I will order.

Redbush said...

I like a good mystery novel. Those sound interesting!

Alyssa Goodnight said...

I agree with Ron--I bet you do have a ranch romance in you! Maybe a Doris Day character... :)

Thanks for the flattering words!

David Cranmer said...

Redbush, These guys are very good. I haven't been disappointed yet.

Alyssa, I don't see ranch romances in my immmediate future but never say never right? Hey, how far are you along with your second novel?

Brian Drake said...

David, Ever trying writing a romance? I did. I wanted to cash in on the Harlequin Intrigue line. I read parts of some of their books, but couldn't finish any because they're utter garbage, then tried to write my own and failed miserably. Tweaked just right it could be a decent thriller, however... But you have my respect for wading through any kind of romance!

David Cranmer said...

Brian, I grew up watching old movies and what is GONE WITH THE WIND and CASABLANCA but romances wrapped in intrigue. And like I said, a good book is a good book and the descriptions and emphasis spent on character devlopment in the one I read will help my own stories.

Alyssa Goodnight said...

I'm done with it, David! Working on #3.

David Cranmer said...

Muy bien!

Paul D Brazill said...

Thanks for the mention David. Catching up on stuff now. I'll be over here more often now that I'm back in Poland.

David Cranmer said...

It just ain't the same without you, Paul.