UPDATE: March 31 Cover Reveal on Facebook for DARK PARADISE: An Anthology

A long time coming, our anthology of 17 Hawaiian mystery short stories has been in the planning stages for two years. On Monday, April 3, Friday, March 31 we will hold a "Cover Reveal" on our Facebook page for DARK PARADISE Mysteries in the Land of Aloha.
(The Facebook page DARK PARADISE goes live on March 31, 2017)

Plan to visit with us on Facebook, Friday, March 31. Along with the cover reveal, we will share some of the short story plotlines, details about the authors, and tidbits of writing information we've picked up along the way. We'll even hold a book giveaway.

The anthology, with a Foreword by author Toby Neal, will be released in trade book and ebook formats at Amazon. Each of the 17 mystery short stories is set in Hawai'i and all offer unique perspectives about living in Paradise (spoiler: it's not all rainbows and Mai Tais.)

 

 

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Each participant blogging  for the cover reveal will reveal a tidbit about their short story . . . without giving away the plot. You can visit each site listed below to get a sneak peek at what is lurking behind the fabulous DARK PARADISE cover!

 

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Gail's tidbit of information about Controlling Destiny, a mystery short story set in Hawai'i:

Freelance Reporter Cacao Janus knows few people choose to be homeless.

After the tragic death of a middle-aged woman living on the street,

Cacao decides to dig into the victim's background for answers.

The truth, as it unfolds, isn't pretty.

This is the third Cacao Janus mystery short story I've written for anthologies:

MYSTERY IN PARADISE 13 Tales of Suspense: Chinatown Conundrum

PARADISE PASSION MURDER: Crime of Dispassion

DARK PARADISE Mysteries in the Land of Aloha: Controlling Destiny

With this trilogy of short stories published, I will begin editing the first draft of the Cacao Janus novel, which I wrote during National Novel Writing Month in November 2013. The setting of the novel, as in the short stories, is Hawai'i.

 

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List of participants' websites:

 

Gail M Baugniet http://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com

Laurie Hanan http://www.lauriehanan.space/blog/

David W. Jones http://dancingtreefrog.com/

D.V. Whytes http://www.whyteontherock.info/

Toby Neal https://www.facebook.com/LeiCrimeSeries/

Lizbeth Hartz https://www.authorlizbethhartz.com/blog/

D.S. Scott https://www.facebook.com/Sulfur-Silk-D-S-Scott-Writer-616324408427998/

A.J. Llewellyn http://www.ajllewellyn.com/site/blog/

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#AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal for 2017 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Compiling 30 blog posts for the 30 #AtoZChallenge days of April, 2017 takes stamina and a desire for serious goal-setting. Thanks to Arlee Bird and Alex J. Cavanaugh, I've been able to sustain my interest in maintaining a blog site over the years. The April boost gives me energy for the 12 months to follow.

The theme I chose for this year is "Food For Thought." This way I can mention food (a main pastime for me, not to eat but to think about!) and to work in a thought about writing when appropriate. As I eat very little meat, and never the red kind, my thoughts usually focus on fresh fruits, bean-based meals, and quick snacks. So posting in April will have the added challenge for me of choosing foods that generate interesting and thought-provoking topics. Whether I succeed or not, April will be fun-filled as I travel from blog to blog, enjoying the entertainment of every other blogger's theme choice.

 

I'll be relaxing in a corner of my lanai, with a refreshing drink,
as I compile my #AtoZ posts for April, 2017

Look forward to visiting your blog very soon, and often!

 

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#IWSG The Tribulations of a Neurotic Writer! #WriterWednesday

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post.
http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world! Our Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG

Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG are Tamara Narayan, Patsy Collins, M.J. Fifield, and Nicohle Christopherson!

For the first two months of 2017, my life felt a bit out of whack. After writing the first draft of my next mystery novel during NaNoWriMo 2016, I turned to a project of publishing an anthology of mystery short stories set in Hawai'i by 17 authors. This isn't my first go-around. I knew upfront the tribulations of such a project, but part of the appeal is overcoming obstacles to reach the ultimate goal. December also marked the end of my four years as president of our local Sisters in Crime chapter. Adjusting to the change didn't come easy for me. While passing the torch of responsibility was a relief, I wasn't yet ready to let go of the reins. My plan for March is to begin moving forward and focusing more on personal projects.

#IWSG March 1 Question: 

Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?

I wrote a short story several years ago based on family information about the disappearance of a relative. No one ever discovered what happened to the person, so I had carte blanche on the plotline. While I was fairly satisfied with the results, my critics found too many faults.

Over the years, I've attempted to rewrite the story several times but to no avail. The only problem is, I really, really want this story to work. One day, I expect to dig it out, rewrite it, and have everything fall into place.

Is this wishful thinking on my part?

Should I give it up as a lost cause?

 

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