My Time Writing Down the Bones with Natalie Goldberg, Part 2, by Diane Bator

 

Book 2, Dead Man's Doll

Since starting the virtual Writing Down the Bones course with Natalie Goldberg, I find myself slowing down. Feeling the snow on my face as I did with my kids when they were young. Laughing when I find fluffy, white turkey feathers that have made their way from the costume hanging in the upper lobby at work on my desk a floor below.

I find myself taking 10 minutes to myself a couple times a day to write. My topics? The walk I took to the coffee shop one day in the wind and finding a clean, crisp twenty dollar bill that hadn't blown away yet on the sidewalk. The taste of the Americano I bought and how I loathed that taste for years even though I'd always loved the comforting scent. To write about the puffy flakes of snow falling or the icy pellets tapping on the glass to be let in.

I find that I'm focusing on details more lately where before I mostly focused on the dialogue in my books. Even while editing my latest work in progress, All That Shimmers, I've added more details than in any of my previous books.

So far, I've finished the first three out of four sections in the course. I've also read three of Natalie's writing books and was able to join in a Zoom call with my mentor herself! I swear I barely listened to the first few minutes, I was just in awe by the experience. She was gracious enough to answer questions from the group for the entire hour.

Which of her books have I read so far?

• Writing Down the Bones
• Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life
• Thunder & Lightning: Cracking Open the Writer's Craft

If you're looking for a little inspiration to improve your own writing, I'd highly recommend any of them. Just as they helped with my upcoming book, All That Shimmers, Glitter Bay Book 3 that comes out in May. Watch for the new cover next month!

You can find my work at https://bwlpublishing.ca/bator-diane/

Happy Reading. Happy Writing!

Diane

    

Book 1 Drop Dead Cowboy

 

Big News in the Sugarwood Mysteries Series by Diane Bator

 

Sugarwood Mysteries has 

a NEW LOOK and a NEW BOOK!!

Audra Clemmings loves Halloween. At least until she sees the display of voodoo dolls in the shop next door that resembles nearly everyone in Sugarwood, Ontario--including her.

Then there's the matter of the dead cowboy on the bench in front of her shop Stitch'n'Time...

A few great reviews:

"After reading the first book in the Sugarwood Mysteries, I became hooked on the characters, genre, and author. Ms. Bator penned a goodie in this murder mystery. Characters Audra Clemmings and Merilee Rutherford (best friends) hang in there together, always having each other’s backs through some terrorizing moments. Between the two of these women, figuring out the ‘who done it’ kept them guessing while wrapping the reader around their conjectures and info gathering. I enjoyed these women, completely enamored in their thought process. I adore cozy mysteries, and Ms. Bator just became one of my favorite authors of this genre." - Susan

"This is not your Wild West Cowboy story. No, this is contemporary and takes place in a small town. Yes, one of the shopkeepers in the charming downtown area is on the trail to find out whodunit. Lots of humor and speculation on who killed the cowboy and why, so I was not sure who the murderer was until the end of the book. Ms. Bator's description of the locations and the quirky fun characters engage readers in this well-written cozy mystery. Yes, I recommend the book to cozy mystery lovers." - Janet Glaser

"All the characters were well-crafted. One of my favorites is Miss Lavinia. She describes them so vividly it's as if you actually know them, great job.
Clemmings definitely has her hands full. However, in the end, she prevails. If you enjoy reading a really good cozy mystery then this is the book for you.
It has surprises, it's captivating, and keeps you wondering until the very end." - Digiecard

BWL Publishing Website:  http://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

AND THE NEW BOOK...

Christmas blooms in Sugarwood in the form of a brightly lit tree in town square, colourful ornaments, and a snowstorm. It’s just Audra Clemmings’ luck that she literally stumbles over the local butcher in Miss Lavinia’s shop. Then a witch doctor arrives in town. Can Audra solve the mystery before the killer turns their sights on her?

Here's a little snippet!

 As I grabbed my red parka from the closet, I smiled. The colour never failed to give me a lift, so I paired it with my favourite red hat and black gloves. I left Drake home to babysit Rex who, as predicted, fell asleep on the bed and still hadn’t returned to the couch. I was at the deli before I realized I could’ve taken the key and the car and then he’d be stuck there. Darn it! I was such a creature of habit.

At nine o’clock on the dot, I set a large black coffee on Officer Grant’s desk and asked, “Did you find out who owns that token?”

He scratched the stubble on his chin as he reached for the cup.

I moved it out of his reach. “Not so fast. I want answers.”

“And I want coffee,” he said, meeting my gaze. “If you think we’re at an impasse, keep in mind I’m the one with the gun and the handcuffs.”

“Good thing I’m not wearing my pajamas then.” The words sounded better in my head than they did aloud.

A nearby officer smirked.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, Jacobs,” Officer Grant snapped. “Last time I arrested her, she was wearing her pajamas out in public.”

Handing him the coffee before he bit anyone, I decided to consider it my good deed for the day. I sat across from him and asked, “So?”

He sipped the coffee. “Needs cream.”

“You’re welcome.” 

Dead Man's Doll Coming October 2022 

from BWL Publishing: http://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

To request additional review copies or an interview with Diane Bator, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.    

We look forward to the coverage!

What is a Virtual Writing Conference like? by Diane Bator

 

It's November and I am wading into working on a new book during National Novel Writing Month aka Nanowrimo! This year, I'm working on the second book in my Sugarwood Mysteries - tentatively titled Dead Man's Doll. If you haven't checked out Audra & Drake in book one, now would be a good time! Click on the book cover or here to purchase.

I had the honor during the weekend of October 22-24, to be a moderator and participant in the York Writers Conference held on Zoom and hosted by the Writing Community of York Region (WCYR). If you've never done an entire weekend on Zoom before, I recommend stocking up on essentials—coffee. tea, and water were mandatory for most of us—and remembering to take breaks to stretch and see daylight.

We had many volunteers who’d worked hard to bring in amazing guest speakers, organize meet and greets and breakout room activities, as well as set up a virtual bookstore and SWAG bag. While the initial organizational meetings were a bit daunting, the work we put in made for a weekend with few snags.

We started off Friday evening with an Opening Address by Canadian satirist and author Terry Fallis, who is the award-winning author of eight national bestsellers published by McClelland & Stewart (M&S). Terry spoke about how writers need to not sell themselves short. We are recording history and life for future generations. After a virtual Meet & Greet cocktail party, we broke for the night.

Saturday morning we came back fresh to hear the energetic Sacha Black speak about “Villains & Heroes” and how to make both more realistic and engaging for readers. Based in the UK, Sacha is the author of several books on writing.

We were all eager to learn more about “Agents & Publishers” and Rob Firing of Transatlantic Agency did not disappoint. He spoke about why writers need agents and his work as an agent for both non-fiction authors and speakers.

Andrew Pyper’s inspiring Keynote speech was about an f word we all know well:  Failure. No one is immune, not even award-winning authors! He reminded us that it is “not only important to endure failure but to look forward to more.”

Michelle Fox spoke to the group about the ins and outs of “Digital Marketing.” She covered a lot of information about marketing, software and apps, cross promotion, and paid ads.

Next up was Maria Mutch who discussed “Short Stories” and what makes a good story as well as potential problems. We did a great exercise on observation and what we noticed in a photograph she shared.

Saturday evening, we held an Open Mic session where anyone had the opportunity to read 2-3 minutes of poetry or one of their books. I was thrilled to be asked to have two wonderful writers read a scene from a play I’ve been working on called Secrets That Haunt Them. It was a great motivator to get back to work on finishing it. Several writers read their works, including one lady who used a piece she wrote in the Short Story session earlier that afternoon.

Sunday morning began with Ruth Walker’s session on “Personal Papers.” If you have ever wondered what to do with those ticket stubs, post-it notes, and old journals, this was a great discussion for brainstorming ways to implement them in your prose, non-fiction, and poetry.

Patti M Hall led a great session called “Memoir Mastermind,” which I was frustrated to have to miss most of when my Internet went down. Fortunately, I made it for the last half hour in time to catch some great nuggets in the Q & A, particularly about whether to name people in your memoir and how to capture those thoughts and memories.

Lunch Break – Breakout rooms dealing with what makes a great Opening Sentence. It was fun to talk about the benefits of a strong first line with a small group and even came up with a few of our own.

Derek Newman-Stille led an animated discussion on “Speculative Disability,” which brought up some really great questions regarding creating characters who are disabled and their purpose in the story. I think aside from Andrew Pyper’s speech, this was one of sessions I found the most impactful and eye-opening. For any writer wanting to add a disabled person into their story, it was a good moment to sit back and ask some pointed questions about their motive.

Last lecture of the weekend was J.M. Tibbott’s discussion of “Self-Editing.” She covered a great deal of information, most of which I was familiar with, but I still made a lot of great notes! A good refresher on the process of self-editing never hurts!

After a hearty round of thank yous to volunteers, speakers, moderators, and so on, I turned off my computer and made dinner. Staring at a Zoom screen for the entire weekend was a bit tiring, but I came away with some new insights and ready to dig into my next novel once more. It was wonderful to spend so much time dedicated to something I have a passion for as well as meeting some amazing new-to-me writers.

 Thanks for joining me!

For more information on the Writers Community of York Region and our conference, please go to WCYR. Our next conference is already in the works for 2023!

Happy November,

Diane Bator

Voodoo Dolls in Small Town Ontario by Diane Bator

Who would have thought you would see Voodoo Dolls in the window of a shop in small town Ontario, Canada? Audra Clemmings certainly didn't! Part of my inspiration for the voodoo dolls in Miss Lavinia's shop window was helping out with a Haunted Dojo every year while I worked at a karate school (something that still might appear in my Gilda Wright Mystery series!) A bigger part of my inspiration was a trip to New Orleans this past Christmas.
Part of me wished I'd bought one to bring home.
The rest of me was scared to!

When Audra discovers voodoo dolls in the window of Miss Lavinia's shop near Halloween, she isn't too concerned. Until she finds one in a box of Halloween decorations that looks just like her father. A quick trip to Miss Lavinia's shop, reveals a perfectly innocent explanation. Miss Lavinia is a natural healer and uses them to continue healing her patients long after they have left her shop.
Audra is satisfied with that explanation until one of those patients is found dead...

My attempt at making string voodoo dolls with keychains attached! 

Not all voodoo dolls are used for evil or black magic. Most rituals are intended for the well-being of the intended person. Miss Lavinia uses voodoo dolls as a medium for prayers and healing. She added items of her patients clothing and hair when she could obtain them and used anointing oils such as lavender and eucalyptus among others to enhance the power of her healing and send a clear message. 

Although voodoo dolls can be energized to create malice and ill-will, doing bad only gives bad results. It can also lead to depression, conflicts, and bad luck for the user. So far, that hasn't happened in my Sugarwood Mystery series, but who knows?

Outline for a fabric voodoo doll...or chalk outline depending on how you look at things!

Just as in all forms of ritual, some healers use different colors of dolls to obtain different results:

     White – positive, purification, or healing.

     Black – can be used to dispel negative energy or summon it.

     Yellow – for success and confidence.

     Purple – for the spirit realm, balance, or mental exploration

     Red – for love, attraction, or power.

     Green – for growth, wealth, money, and fertility.

     Blue – for love and peace.

I guess my little red and blue voodoo doll is all about the love and peace. Maybe I'll hang him up near my computer as a good omen. Since the other one is currently unadorned, I'll have to find some string for him soon.
Or keep him as a Mummy. LOL!

Have a safe and happy October!

Diane Bator

Drop Dead Cowboy and other Diane Bator mysteries!

Writing a Series - or a Series of Series by Diane Bator

I wrote this article for the June Sisters in Crime Newsletter and thought I'd expand on it a little and share!

I didn’t start off with a plan to write one series, let alone four so far. My first novel, The Bookstore Lady, began as a stand alone book, but when I pitched it to my agent at the time, she asked me to give her some ideas for two to three other books that she could submit to publishers. Just in case. I had to think fast and write some blurbs for what later became my four book Wild Blue Mystery series.

What I love about writing a mystery series is that I am able to push characters further in each novel and give them even more depth, including the minor characters. As they go through mystery after mystery, they grow as they move forward while they reveal a bit more backstory. I’ve written books where I’ve had readers ask what happens to their favourite characters next, writing a series gives them the opportunity to find out. If they don’t like what happens, they don’t hesitate to give feedback.

I have learned a few tricks to help me keep things straight, which evolve as I go. Since I’m a tactile person who prefers paper to e-book, I keep a binder as well as a file in my computer where I keep specific information about my series.

·       A series summary that includes titles and blurbs for each book. Once they’re published, I also keep ISBN numbers, images of the cover, and any other information I will need.

·       A list of all characters including the protagonist, villain, secondary characters, and suspects. I make a new, updated one for each book. These include name, age, hair colour, eye colour, occupation, height, weight, birthdates—all of those little things that we can easily forget, particularly for minor characters.

·      A list of settings that includes descriptions and names of locations, character homes and places they hang out like coffee shops, restaurants, and police stations for mysteries.

·       Images from websites of characters, settings, paint colours, news stories, and links that I find interesting or important to my story or research.

As far as having one main protagonist for an entire series, I end up following my character's lead. In my Wild Blue Mysteries, it seems to be couples that take front and center. Katie and Danny, Christina and Leo, and so on. For my Gilda Wright Mysteries, every book is in Gilda's POV. It's her life story and she gains more strength book by book. My newest series, Sugarwood Mysteries, will be Audra Clemmings' perspective. Unless I get overtaken by another character.
My Glitter Bay mysteries have taken me by surprise. Where my plan was for the books to be in Laken's POV, her sister Sage has shanghaied the second book and wants to tell her own story. Since she's been keeping me awake at nights to do so, I'll go with it. I kind of like where it's going.
 When it comes to ending a series, I’m not so sure I can follow in Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton’s footsteps and write over twenty books in one series. I think at some point I’ll need to end one series to focus on others or I'm worried I'll get tired of one set of characters and feel the need to find a happy ending for them.
How am I going to do that?
I’ll have to get back to you when I figure it out!

Diane Bator

https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

http://penspaintsandpaper.com

http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

This is a Pandemic, Not a Writing Retreat by Diane Bator

Yay! My new Sugarwood Mystery book came out June 1st! (Click on the cover to order Drop Dead Cowboy!)

On June 10, I was supposed to be taking my oldest son Nick, who is turning 25 this month, out to Alberta and B.C. to spend time with my brother Darryl, who is turning 50. Pretty memorable milestones but we won't be celebrating the way we wanted to be. This year, I will have to send them both love from a distance. Of course we planned to see other family and drive through the Rockies from Edson to Osoyoos, but that will have to wait.

There are so many things we haven't been able to do over the past several months. Of all the things I've really noticed is that my creative process took a holiday for the first seven weeks. Hearing those great words "this is a pandemic, not a writing retreat" helped. As much as we're isolated and some of us alone (except for a couple of cats who are starting to get on my nerves!) we're all dealing with the same situation.

What does my creative process look like right now?

Since I struggled to write for so many weeks, I turned to a previous addiction. Counted Cross Stitch. I've done many over the years until my kids got older and I focused my time on writing more than other pursuits. This one is called Sandcastle Dreams and it was kind of fun to take pictures every time I worked on it and share them on Instagram. No one else knew what the picture would look like, which made it even more fun.

  

Lucky for me, I have another one squirreled away and will start that one soon.

As for writing, I've been working from home since mid-March so my days begin with a few phone calls and emails as well as a daily Zoom chat. After that, I started off staring at the walls feeling numb. Once the wave of numbness passed, I began to listen to writing and other videos. It gave me a sense of camaraderie to hear how other authors and playwrights felt the same way. Slowly, I regained my sense of self.

I discovered I can attend virtual meetings that I could never attend in person due to scheduling. I am even attending a Left Coast Crime event this Saturday that I wouldn't have attended. Though I talked to other writers and listened to their stories, I just couldn't get back to writing my own.

Then I took a bath.

Suddenly, this character took over the second book in my Glitter Bay series and I couldn't stop her! She wasn't my original main character, Laken, but her sister Sage who has become my protagonist for All that Shines. Within two weeks, I'm on Chapter 7 and still going.

Since my routine has been altered, I've decided to make my time work for me without putting as much pressure on myself as I used do. I get up when the cats tell me it's time to get out of bed--usually by seven o'clock--then have coffee and breakfast while they go back to sleep. I do my work in the morning while my older cat, part Siamese, walks around me meowing because he wants my full attention, or to go outside, or a treat...  After lunch, if it's not nearly 40 degrees Celsius and my shoes won't melt on the sidewalk, I'll take a brisk walk before I sit down to write, listen to a lecture or two, read a book, or work on my website or the newsletter I'm struggling to set up.

Currently, I'm reading before bed every night to take my mind off the day's events. I have a huge stack of books from writers I've met and work with so reviews are due when I'm done each one. That's not a bad thing. In times like these, we all need to help each other and give each other what support we can.

How are you all faring?
Are you reading, writing, or have you found other creative outlets to keep your hands busy?
I'd love to hear about it.
Whatever you're doing, stay out of trouble and have fun!

Diane Bator
https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

http://penspaintsandpaper.com

http://dbator.blogspot.ca/