PSWA Newsletter-September 2016

PSWA Newsletter
September 2016

 CONTENTS:

• PSWA BOARD RECONFIGURED
• PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
• A JOB WELL DONE
• NOW WHAT?
• “ON THE ROAD AGAIN…” Safe Driving Habits (part 1)
• AN EASY WAY TO GET FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
• ORGANZING A BLOG TOUR
• A REVIEW OF CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO ARMED DEFENSE
• MEMBER NEWS

PSWA BOARD RECONFIGURED

After 11 years as PSWA president, Marilyn Olsen is stepping down this month and will be succeeded by current board vice president, Michelle Perin, who for several years has managed the association’s writing competition.

Marilyn will remain on the board as vice president and will become writing competition chair.  Mike Black will continue as conference program chair, Nancy Farrar will continue as Treasurer and Marilyn Meredith, as newsletter editor.  Tim Dees will also remain on the board and will facilitate the AV portion of the conference as well as maintain the organization’s electronic equipment.  The board will be selecting a new secretary, a post held for many years by Keith Bettinger.

The Board is pleased to welcome two new members:  Mysti Berry and John Shembra.

Mysti holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco as well as a professional Certificate from the UCLA Screenwriting Program and has served on the Board of Sisters in Crime Northern California.  All of this year’s conference attendees gave high marks to the writing clinic created and hosted by Mysti and Mike Black as well as her excellent role as moderator of several panels. Mysti’s short story, “The Johnny Depp Kickline of Doom” was published in the June 2016 issue of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and she is currently working on the first in a series about a fraud investigator who stumbles across missing casino millions and murder.

John Shembra has been a member of PSWA for many years. A Vietnam veteran and combat MP, he retired in 2001 after 30 years as a Pleasant Hill Police officer and now is an instructor in at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department’s Emergency Vehicle Operations Course as well as a prolific writer whose books include, MP, A Novel of Vietnam, Retribution, Diplomatic Immunity and Sin Eater.

We greatly look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm Mysti and John will bring to your board.

Major tasks for the coming year will involve improving and updating the website as well as planning an even better conference for 2017.

If you have any ideas for ways your organization can better serve its members, we are always open to suggestion.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello fellow PSWA members. Many of you know me but let me tell you a bit more about myself. I am a Navy brat. I’m also a Navy veteran. At 17 I signed my name (actually my mom had to because I couldn’t legally enter a binding contract because I was a minor) and spent 4 years shipboard. I love the ocean and all bodies of water actually. I spent most of my time floating around the west coast. After the military, I moved to Phoenix and joined the police department. In 2008, I finally came back to Oregon where I was born and most of my family resides. I have two sons, Marc who will be 21 next month and Dean who will be 16. Many of you have met Dean at the conference. In 2010, I earned my Masters in Criminology & Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. In 2012, I joined South Lane County Fire & Rescue, a combination fire department responsible for 300 square miles of fire coverage and 800 square miles of medical coverage. The two cities we cover, Cottage Grove and Creswell have a combined population of about 15,000 people. We are certified to do both structural and wildland firefighting as we have a lot of urban-wildand interface. I earned my Firefighter I certification, then went back to school to get my EMT certification. I’m working on my Firefighter II task-book. Although I am technically a volunteer, I work 24 hour shifts alongside my career counterparts. Let me tell you, it is a real challenge for this confirmed bachelorette to try and sleep in a dorm full of snoring, farting men. We all get along and they’ve learned not to talk to me before I’ve ingested my first cup of coffee in the morning. I’ve continued writing in the public safety genre exploring new non-fiction opportunities such as writing for Survivor’s Edge and Tactical Knives, as well as, doing some corporate projects.

For the last ten years, I have been a proud member of the PSWA. I remember going to my first conference in 2006. I had just left my job as a 911 Dispatcher and moved up to Lake Linden, Michigan (my parents were there at the time having retired from their last duty station in da nort’) to pursue my dream of writing full-time. I found the PSWA on-line, discovered the upcoming conference and knew that if I wanted to take my writing career seriously I needed to gain some contacts, get a support group and network. When I got to Las Vegas that first year, I realized I gained all of that and more with this wonderful group of people. I pitched a column about communications to Tim Dees who was the editor-in-chief of Officer.com at the time. He told me to send him six months worth of ideas and a bit more about my background. I have been writing that column every month since then. In the last decade, I have grown as a writer with hundreds of credits to my name, a story in two anthologies and am in the process of writing my first book-length work. In the organization, I took over the annual writing contest, became the Contest Chair, and joined the Board eager to help make the PSWA the best it could be and make sure that we continue to offer the same support to others that was offered to me. Last year I took over as Vice-President.

Now I come to you, the members and backbone of this amazing organization, with a humble and grateful heart, an eye towards improvement and a head full of ideas. With fire and grit, I’m taking over the position of President from Marilyn O. who has led the PSWA for years with class, poise and energy. She will always be the Queen.  I am more of a Xena, Warrior Princess-type. Hear me roar.

As many of you are aware, we are in the process of making numerous positive changes within the organization. We have asked Mysti Berry and John Schembra to join the Board. Welcome! At our last meeting, we also outlined all the different areas of the PSWA and what we can do to make each area better. Our main goal is to offer the most valuable organization to you our members. We will continue to focus on being inclusive and welcoming, putting on the friendliest, most valuable conference we can, offering a writing contest allowing you to become an Award-Winning author and just being a great organization with fabulous people. We are always open to feedback so if you have ideas you want to have considered, let me know. I hope to carry the torch proudly and represent the best of the PSWA. Thank you for this opportunity, keep writing and stay safe.

Michelle J.G. Perin, MS, Firefighter I/EMT

A JOB WELL DONE

Our eleventh annual PSWA Conference last July 14^th through the 17^th went off flawlessly and got overwhelmingly positive reviews from those who attended. That’s not to say that there weren’t a few behind the scenes glitches, but those were handled with aplomb by our excellent conference organizers. My hat goes off to our alpha geek, Tim Dees, who worked tirelessly to keep the tech stuff going. Tim also prepared all of our visual stuff for the conference and the presentations. Another thanks goes to our Las Vegas ground team, Jack Miller, Scott Decker, and Ron Corbin, who not only acted as the board’s representatives in dealing with the hotel, the Las Vegas tourism center, Houdini Press, and a host of others, but did a lot of extra work as well assisting both Nancy Farrar and myself with bulletproofing the essentials in Vegas. A special thanks to both Jack and Ron who graciously allowed books and conference material to be sent to their homes. (I gave each of these fine gentlemen a special Superman pin that was affixed to their badge holders in recognition of their “superhuman” efforts.) Former PSWA Secretary, Keith Bettinger, was recognized for his long service to the organization in a brief ceremony, and he was given a well-deserved life membership award. We also did moments of silence for our fallen brothers in law enforcement from Dallas and Baton Rouge.

Each of our presenters this time was outstanding. Mysti Berry led off with her excellent and informative session on “Writing Effective Dialogue.” Scott Decker gave us an exciting and excellent insider’s view of the Anthrax Attack Incident, and provided a one-of-a-kind perspective of someone who was involved in the investigation. Doug Wyllie, editor of PoliceOne, provided an excellent program of how to write non-fiction articles for the web, and Larry and Lorna Collins did their well-known, “Writing the Perfect Pitch” presentation on Sunday morning.

Additionally, we had a variety of great panels, which were informative and entertaining, and led by skilled moderators who kept things on track. This was the first year we offered a pre-conference writer’s workshop, which was taught by Mysti Berry, Marilyn Meredith, and me. We were able to cover some of the writing techniques we have found successful, and also offered personal, one-on-one critiques of submitted manuscripts.

Our Saturday night presentation of the old time radio play, “Ellery Queen and the Mystery of the Murdered Ship,” was performed to hilarious perfection by our group of PSWA players. Steve Scarborough, who also helped me with the rewriting of the play, reprised his starring role as Ellery Queen. Joe Haggerty once again played Sgt. Velie, and Bob Haig did another crucial role as the unnamed Government Man. First time players, John Wills played Inspector Queen, and Elena Hartwell assumed the role of Ellery’s affectionate and starry-eyed secretary, Vickie Porter. We also had some fine character based performances by our own Queen, Marilyn Olsen, as a Southern Belle, Mrs. Brown, and Barbara Hodges as Mrs. Smith, a widow who was lamenting her late husband, “Dick.” Rabbi Ilene Schneider turned in a convincing performance as “Reverend Jones,” and Bob Doerr played it cool as the villainous Mr. Green. Tim Dees provided some excellent sound effects, as well as an old Bromo Seltzer commercial that had the announcer, me, chugging along.

The final event of the conference was the awards ceremony announcing the winners of the PSWA Writing Contest. Gorgeous Michelle Perin made the announcements and handed out the awards. A special thanks to Gloria Casale, who stepped in to be our official conference photographer when Sam Bradley had a conflict that prevented her from attending. I’d also like to thank Mr. Geno Munari, who not only appeared on our publisher’s panel, but did all the printing of the conference booklets gratis. Special thanks also to Austin Camacho, who was also on the publishers’ panel, and to Marilyn Meredith, who stepped in to represent Oak Tree Press when illness prevented Ms. Billie Johnson from attending. Best wishes to Billie on a speedy recovery.

We were on our way to a record number of new attendees this year, when unfortunate illnesses and medical issues, as well as sudden family concerns, caused an unexpected number of cancellations. Despite all of that, the “Lucky Eleven” PSWA Conference was one of the best ever. We’ve already reserved the block of rooms at the Orleans for next year’s conference, which will be held from July 13th to the 16th, 2017. Believe me, we’re already working to make it even more spectacular than the past one. Get ready to make your reservations soon.

Take care,
Michael A. Black

NOW WHAT?

Now what? Indeed!

There are numerous options for authors today to get their books in print, but many people have a room full of good-looking printed books they wrote and wonder, “What do I do now?”

From traditional publishing, self-publishing, independent publishing, and university presses to e-books, it’s important that you be sure your publisher will pay attention to your requests and needs, that they offer the expertise and experience to help you publish your book the way you want. However, it is also essential for you as an author to realize that publishing is only the beginning. You need an aggressive and comprehensive marketing plan incorporating traditional and social-media options and opportunities.

Who is going to read your book? Who will buy it?  Oh yes, of course some friends and family.  All traditional and self-publishers will tell you, “You need to market your book. YOU need to promote it, tell your story and create a buzz about it.”

I know you’re a writer. You’re a creative person. You really don’t want to do this. However, more and more, it’s a proven fact that writers do have to promote their books.    No matter how wonderful, interesting, compelling your book might be you still have to let the reading world know it exists. Ask any publisher or literary agent, and they will agree with me. Unless you market your book, chances are it will fall through the cracks of literary chaos.

Following are a very few of the many options now available. Good luck!

Marketing Options/Opportunities for Authors
Initial Concepts for “Creating A Buzz”

Traditional Marketing Actions

Author Book Launch

•  Schedule book launch event, time/place and details
• Develop invitation list, sign-in sheet, have books on-hand to sell
• Send releases to media, announce on website and e-mail personal contacts

 Author Public Relations Actions

• Develop “Pitch” letters for speaking opportunities
• Develop press release to get calendar listings for signings and speaking dates
• Submit online calendar listings on websites in target market
• Issue press release for story pitches and review requests
• Arrange to speak at target-appropriate conferences
• Develop an “eye-catching” sell-sheet with your book cover, about your book and author. Great to add to online pitches media/publisher pitches

 On-Line and Social Media Actions (Just a few ideas)

Be sure to have some Book Swag (bookmarks, cards, flyers, pens, even t-shirts, etc.)

Goodreads Giveaway Programs

USA Book Awards

Kirkus Reviews

You can pay for a Kirkus review through their Indie program. Information about Indie reviews can all be found here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie/about/

There are many more to explore and consider.

Facebook Author Fan Pages; Post with Boosts

Costs vary. Can spend $5 per day or $100 for United States and any other country author wants to reach. Can be very effective in building social-media and website traffic. By the way South America countries provide huge responses.

Posts can include: Reviews, announcements, new books, links to book chapters, event dates, press releases, etc.

Blog Tours

If you can’t do your own I really liked In-tribute Blog Tours. Nicole was very helpful and responsive and I think that’s important with anyone we work with. www.tributebooksreviews.blogspot.com/

–M. Glenda Rosen (Marcia G.Rosen)
Author, Mystery Series, “Dying To Be Beautiful”
“Eliminate The MindBlocks and RoadBlocks to Success”

“On the Road Again…”

Safe Driving Habits (part 1)

Currently employed as a vehicle shuttler for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, I drive the streets and freeways of the Vegas area at least 19 hours a week, and that doesn’t count personal driving. And this being a city of many relocated residents and nearly 40 million visitors each year, I see the full gamut of driving attitudes and skills (or lack thereof) from all over the globe. So I’d like to share with you some things I’ve learned over half a century of driving many different kinds of vehicles…from compacts to commercial trucks.

Maybe you are the “World’s Best Driver,” but if nothing else, there might be one or two techniques that I can share, and which you can apply in your driving skills that will make your driving a little more pleasurable…and safer.

For a little credibility, I have been driving for fifty-five years without a traffic violation. I have been the primary teacher for my three kids and numerous grandkids when they got their first driving permits. I was also a high school drivers-ed teacher. The two non-injury accidents that I have been involved in, were both here in Las Vegas while I was stopped at a red light. The first time, two other vehicles collided and one side-swiped my truck. The second was when a DUI driver ran into the rear of my truck. (I think that I will quit stopping for red lights.)

3 Basic Causes to an Accident

Accidents are attributed to a lot of things: speed, DUI, following to close, inattention, distractions, running stop signs or red lights, unsafe lane changes or merging into traffic, etc. However, all of these things can basically be covered in a simple little catchphrase that’s easy to remember. It’s also one that you need to emphasize to your new teenage driver that just got their driver’s permit.

• Hands off the wheel,
• Eyes off the road,
• Mind off the driving.

Any one of these has the potential to cause an accident, but adding the second and/or third tremendously enhances the danger odds of injury or fatalities from a car crash. Some common examples of each of these that I see every day are:

• Hands off the wheel…putting on your makeup, eyelashes, or lipstick; a Big Mac in one hand and a Big Gulp in the other.
• Eyes off the road…tuning the radio; setting or re-calculating the GPS; turning around to yell at the kids who are fussing and fighting in the back seat, or attending to a fussy baby.
• Mind off the driving… You can see how these examples above also become a distraction that easily blend into this risk category. But there’s also a million other personal and work-related issues that causes one’s mind to wonder and lose focus on the task of driving.

So, can you tell me, what is the one common activity that most people are guilty doing and that encompasses all three of these risks at the same time? That’s right…TEXTING! But as a result of that law, guess what has happened? States that have made texting while driving illegal have actually created more propensity for people to get into accidents. That’s because people used to hold their cell phones above the steering wheel with some semblance of using their hands to steer and a little easier to keep their eyes on the road. Now since you can get a ticket with using a cell phone, drivers still do so but try to hide it from the police and they text with their phones in their laps, causing their eyes to shift down and away from watching traffic.

Mirror Adjustment

One thing that most drivers are deeply concerned with is “blind spots”; missing a motorcycle driver, another car, or a child or person to the rear and side of them. Here’s the best way to adjust both side mirrors and the rear view mirror to help eliminate this problem.

While sitting upright and comfortably in the driver’s seat, adjust the rear view mirror so that you can basically see the entire rear window. Adjust the mirror’s height so that minimal headliner and the back window ledge is seen.

Now lean a few inches to your left, almost placing your head against the driver’s door window. Adjust the left side mirror so that the left edge of your car just disappears from view. Now lean to the right about the same distance and adjust the right side mirror in the same manner. Properly set, this should allow a car that begins to pass you on either side to disappear from your rear view mirror and become visible in your left or right side mirror respectively.

In coming months, I will continue this safe driving discussion on:

• Creating a Bubble of Safety & 12-Second Rule
• Backing Into a Parking Lane
• SMOG (changing lanes)
• Stopping in Traffic
• Hand Positioning on Steering Wheel
• Getting Stopped by the Police
• 65 mph vs. 80 mph
• Finding Your Parked Car with the Key Fob

Until the next time, Stay Safe!

Ron Corbin
www.rcorbinsecurityauthor.com

 AN EASY WAY TO GET FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

At the PSWA conference, I had a few people ask me the same two questions. First, they wanted to know how I got over 100,000 followers on Facebook. Secondly, people wanted to know how many hours a day I spend on social media because my page is always so active.

The short answer to both questions was, I automated my social media.

There are only so many hours in the day for working, writing, gym, and when possible sleep. So to create time I started looking at scheduling programs that automate posts going out on Facebook.

There are many automation services out there, and I have tried about a dozen. The two, in my experience, that are most worth it are Hootsuite and MeetEdger.

Hootsuite was one of the first automation systems I used, and somewhat still use. The best part of Hootsuite is it is free. They have paid plans, but the free one will do well for many.

When using Hootsuite, you get to schedule individual posts for up to a month out. Meaning every few weeks, you need to take a few hours to generate a calendar of posts.

MeetEdgar is what I currently use and love. Edger allows you to build a schedule template. On specific days at set times a type of post is sent out.

For example, every weekday at 11 AM I post an inspirational quote, at 3 PM on Mondays, Wednesday, and Friday a funny photo goes out. I have a template on Edgar that sends out five posts each day to my social media.

Edgar then also allows you to build a library of content. I currently have over 90 quotes, 120 funny photos along with other content in my library. Anytime I stumble on something new it takes me less than a minute to add it to the library.

So when I am working, sleeping, or taking my kids to the park posts are going out on social media. I can market myself 24/7 even when I am getting my much-coveted sleep.

There is a downside. Edgar costs $45 a month. For me, it is worth for others it might not be an expense they can justify.

• You can find
  Hootsuite – https://hootsuite.com/plans/free
• MeetEdgar – https://meetedgar.com/

–RJ Beam

ORGANIZING A BLOG TOUR

This is a good time to write about a blog tour because I’m getting ready to embark upon one on September 3^rd for my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery.  My first host is PSWA member, John Wills. John has hosted me several times on his blog. http://jwillsbooks.com/blog-posts/

My first topic is about having two different publishers.

I started planning this particular tour a long time ago—when I knew Seldom Traveled would be published in mid-August. Because pub dates are never totally accurate, I decoded the tour would begin in September.

The next chore was finding all the hosts and settling on the dates. Some bloggers confine guests to certain days, so that has to be worked around. For me, it’s important to find bloggers who know what they are doing—believe me, not everyone does—and I also want those who are interested in mysteries and mystery writers.

Once I had the calendar lined up, it was time to write the posts for each blog. Some had given me topics for others I was on my own. Besides the topic at the end I included links including a buy link, a book blurb, and a short bio, I needed to send a .jpg photo of the book cover and one of me (I tried to send a different shot for each blog), and in some cases a photo pertinent to the blog topic.) This takes a lot of time—so I started right away.

Now, that the time is upon us for the tour, it’s up to me to promote where I am each day. I begin by making sure the post is actually up. Sometimes it’s not which means I have to email the host with a reminder.

On the day of the post, and a couple of days after, it’s important that I keep checking for comments and respond to them. And also to keep track of the names of those who comment, because I have a contest going. To see what it is, check out the tour.

Here are the first few stops after I visit John Wills:

September 4, https://auntiemwrites.com/ Fiction Too Close to Fact

September 5, http://maggieking.com/blog/ How Does a Mountain Setting Define Character?

September 6, http://thoniehevron.wordpress.com/ How Real Life Propelled me Into Fiction

September 7, https://bookbrowsing.wordpress.com/about/ Promotion Over the Years

September 8, https://mmgornell.wordpress.com/ Deputy Tempe Crabtree’s Back Story

On each blog at the bottom is a link for the next day’s blog.

If you’d like, follow along, and see how it’s done, and if you’d like to do one. I’d love to host you on my personal blog: http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

–Marilyn Meredith

REVIEW OF CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO ARMED DEFENSE

Kevin Davis has authored an impressive manual for citizen gun owners.

Citizen’s Guide To Armed Defense has a plethora of information that, quite frankly, even cops will want to read. With a surge in gun ownership the past couple of years, there’s a need for quality instruction together with associated reading for people to maintain as a reference.

Inasmuch as no national or state standards exist for permitting concealed or open carry, books like Kevin’s are necessary to educate and inform those wanting to arm themselves. Some states require both classroom and range, while others only have applicants attend instruction in a classroom or online. Regardless, one day of instruction is hardly adequate to train someone to properly carry and discharge a firearm. Moreover, not requiring range time as part of the permit process is questionable at best.

Citizen’s Guide enumerates responsibilities armed citizens have, vis-a-vis the 2^nd Amendment. Most importantly, the author emphasizes that citizens must know the law, be slow to anger, and conservative in their willingness to display or threaten with firearms, be prepared for police response, be educated about legal rights and the criminal justice process—particularly, liabilities, financially, politically, and more.

The author discusses, “The Reasonable Person Doctrine,” which essentially asks the question, “Would a reasonable person under the same circumstances, knowing what you knew at the time, likely have used deadly force in self defense?” And of course the bottom line is convincing each member of the jury that they each would have taken the same action. Davis reinforces his teaching points with case studies and law, as well as quotes from eminent trainers such as Mas Ayoob.

Chapter Four is an invaluable section dealing with the most common situations armed citizens find themselves confronting, e.g., a stranger firing at you, a family member, or someone else; a stranger attacking you with a knife or edged weapon; and incidents such as burglary. Kevin explains each scenario and defines courses of action within the law. This section also looks at stand your ground laws, which are recognized by 33 states.

Another chapter in this valuable book is dedicated to tactics. The author discusses things such as ambushes, particularly, clerks working alone in late night convenience stores. Davis references Gavin DeBecker’s book, The Gift of Fear, which reminds us to pay attention to “gut feelings.” Of course tactics mean nothing without the proper firearm, and Davis devotes time to this important topic the average citizen is most often confused about. He discusses semi-autos vs. revolvers, caliber and ammunition, and some myths about stopping power of certain rounds.

Cover and concealment are terms often misunderstood by the public. That said, the author gives a detailed explanation of both, and provides photos demonstrating each position. He also delves into shooting from and into vehicles, and the efficacy of handgun and rifle rounds—something cops should probably read.

Perhaps the most important part of Chapter Five: Tactics, is the dynamic of movement and how it affects shooting accuracy. Most CCW classes that include range time cover familiarization only. There is a static firing line (understandably) as well as static targets. However, as cops know, the real world is far from static. Bad guys are moving and so are we. Therefore, that perfect stance, grip, breathing, sight alignment and sight picture, and trigger squeeze are hardly perfect when the sh** hits the fan. Citizens need to know how to best operate their weapon when movement is involved. Kevin does a good job of explaining and providing case studies as examples.

Another important chapter in Citizen’s Guide is, “The Armed Citizen’s Response To The Active Killer.” This section lists a number of active shooter tragedies from past years, and perhaps how the outcomes may have differed if an armed citizen had intervened. The author points out that, “. . . when pressed by an armed response the killer often took his own life, thus ending his continued killing.” He then provides case studies proving the assertion and fact.

Cited in the book is a 2013 study by Texas State University which researched active shooter incidents from 2000-20013. Some of their findings:

• There were 84 active shooter events
• Business locations (37%), followed by schools (34%) were favored targets
• Pistols were used in 60% of cases, followed by rifles, 27%
• Attackers carried multiple weapons in 41% of attacks
• Attacks ended before police arrived 49% of the time

Davis points out that the armed citizen is not expected to hunt down active shooters, however, being armed and trained puts them at a distinct advantage over those unarmed. He advises some tactics when confronted by an active killer:

• Understand the killer wants nothing but a high body count
• The killer wants to go out in a blaze of gory
• They don’t want a fight
• The killer(s) are counting on their victims being compliant
• You must act aggressively and decisively
• Be aware of the possibility of multiple suspects

The above are but a few of the points Davis offers, and I might add that police officers should be aware of these points as well.

Citizens Guide To Armed Defense is a well thought out, well researched, and expertly written book for those willing to shoulder the responsibility of exercising their 2^nd Amendment right. It’s a great reference book that should be on any armed individual’s bookshelf. Violence in our society is becoming ubiquitous and commonplace. The police, more often than not, will not arrive in time to prevent someone from robbing or assaulting you—it’s up to you to defend yourself.

–Review by John M. Wills

MEMBER NEWS

John M. Wills has a new book coming soon called The Storm. Anna is struck by lightning while jogging. She lies in the hospital unidentified and in a coma before her husband locates her. When she finally awakens, she has no memory of her life with her husband, Mark. Anna suspected Mark may have been having an affair. She recorded her thoughts in a journal. On the day she was injured, she had planned to confront Mark about her suspicions. Mark, however, discovers his wife’s journal and hides it while she is hospitalized. Anna’s memory slowly returns in bits and pieces, but Mark is uncertain as to whether or not he should confess or wait and see if his wife’s memory includes her journal.

 

 

Seldom Traveled is the latest in Marilyn Meredith’s Tempe Crabtree mystery series. Blurb: The tranquility of the mountain community of Bear Creek is disrupted by a runaway fugitive, a vicious murderer, and a raging forest fire. Deputy Tempe Crabtree is threatened by all three.

Available in all the usual places, and directly from the publisher at: http://mundania.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to PSWA member William Fleming!

1OTH ANNUAL NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Local Author receives national recognition from the 10th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards!

BOSTON — The 10th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards recognized Code Black by William Fleming and Joe Peters in the category of “Crime Fiction” as a winner in this year’s competition.

This prestigious National award is open to all English language books in print from small, medium, university, self and independently publishers.

The National Indie Excellence Awards exists to help establish independent publishing as a strong and proud facet of the publishing industry. Recognizing authors that put their heart and soul into their work, the NIEA is proud to be a champion of self-publishers and small and independent presses that go the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. Established in 2007, the NIEA competition is judged by independent experts from all aspects of the indie book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters.

Winners and finalists are determined based on ‘overall excellence of presentation in addition to the writing.’

Code Black is a crime fiction novel about an apparent terrorist strike one of Boston’s MBTA transit stations during the famed St. Patrick’s Day parade. The onslaught of federal and state officials turns the city into a chaotic police state. Only a veteran transit cop, jaded by his memories of growing up in the shadows of Boston’s forced busing and desegregation, knows the truth: The enemy is not some international terrorist cell but the politics and hubris that continually pit the haves and have­-nots against each other in one of the country’s oldest and most ­congested cities. Code Black delves into the many contradictions that shape Boston: wealth and poverty, liberal and conservative, academia and workin­g-class, and even black and white. Recipient of third place in the 2015 Public Safety Writer’s Association contest, Code Black is an historical fiction thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

We are proud to announce the winners & finalists whose books truly embody the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you all for your fine work, said NIEA Award sponsor, Ellen Reid, President & CEO.