Hannibal Jones stars in “The Gift of Murder,” in one of 19 great stories featuring Christmas crimes, Chanukah homicide, Kwanzaa killings, and some stories that combine all three! This is truly inspired short fiction from the likes of Agatha and Anthony award nominee Elizabeth Zelvin, Anthony Award winner Bill Crider, and Kris Neri (Agatha, Anthony and Macavity Award nominee.) Learn more on my main blog, Another Writer’s Life.

I signed a lot of books and made a bunch of new friends in the last few days.  During the 3-day weekend the Borders chain welcomed me in Silver Spring and Waldorf, MD, and Manassas, VA.  I want to thank all those managers for making me feel welcome, for promoting me to their customers, and most of all for ordering my novels! 

 Also last week, our pet Princess the Wonder Cat received her first fan letter.  It came from a miniature long-haired dachshund named Princess Primrose.  Princess said her mum met me at Borders in Manassas Saturday.  Our Princess was so excited that she insisted that my lovely wife (and webmaster) Denise build her a web page where she can show off her new friend’s photos.  She hopes other mystery loving pets will send their pictures in as well.

Just a reminder that today my book signing is at Borders, 8518 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD from 2 pm to 6 pm.

TOMORROW I head back to the big Borders at 11270 Bulloch Dr, ManassasVA.  Just two miles from historic Bull Run Battlefield, this store offers a real literary getaway with enjoyable atmosphere.  That book signing, starts at 1 pm and ends at 5 pm

This will be a big Borders Superstore weekend for me, on local tour for Russian Roulette.  On Friday, I introduce the book to my friends in Historic Downtown Silver Spring from 2 pm to 6 pm.  That Borders is at 8518 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD.

Over the weekend I had another chat about the inconsistent rules of our language.  For example, if a person who plays the piano is called a pianist, why isn’t a person who drives a race car called a racist?  And I’ve wondered about occasional tables.  What are they the rest of the time?

I got a mention last week on the Criminal Brief blog, along with the 18 other authors from across the U.S. and Canada who donated short stories to this year’s mystery anthology for the Toys for Tots Foundation. The book, “The Gift of Murder,” contains nineteen stories of crimes occurring during Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa, and some of the stories even combine all three holidays. All profits go to the Toys for Tots Foundation and there is no worthier cause. Rather than give you a big long pitch for owning a copy, I’ll ask you to Read the Criminal Brief blog!

I like to direct you to sources of great reading.  To my surprise, this time that means pointing you to Politics Daily.com.

The real news is that thriller author extraordinaire James Grady is back.  Don’t know Grady’s work?  Well, his very first novel, “Six Days of the Condor” set the bar high for spy stories with a realistic feel, and the Robert Redford film adaptation did the same for spy movies. 

 Grady has turned out several great books and scripts since then including a few about a Washington DC private eye named John Rankin who could give Hannibal Jones a run for his money.  But he’s been out of the limelight for a while and is booming back in 21^st Century style.

 Starting on Today politicsdaily.com will be posting a serial novella from Grady called “WHAT’S GOING ON.”  Every day a new episode will appear on the site for 9 straight days.  The story follows the adventures of a team of ex-offender peacemakers working in the streets of D.C.  It’s the kind of thing Grady does best and I can’t wait to start reading it!  This link will take you straight to the story.

 It’s always both fun and rewarding to support the Washington D.C. Branch of theNational League of American Pen Women.  I spent much of Saturday at their third annual September Sale.  Yes, I signed a handful of novels, but I also spent time with some artists and writers I both like and respect, and explored the Charles Sumner Museum for the first time.  If you’re in the DC area, you should check it out.  It’s practically across the street from the National Geographic Museum, another overlooked treasure.

 Earlier in the week I had a wonderful radio interview on American Heroes Radio.  Most of the show was an hour-long chat with the host about book marketing, but I really enjoyed the military news segments too, including reports from the places our troops are deployed to overseas.  If you are an author looking for some selling tips you should listen to my interview.  If you have any interest in contemporary military matters, you’ll enjoy this show every week.

Saturday the Washington D.C. Branch of theNational League of American Pen Women sponsors its third annual September Sale, and I’ll be signing my novels there.  This free event features a wide array of arts.  So aside from my books you’ll find silk, glass, and juried artists, jewelers, other authors, musicians and more.  A percentage of all sales will go to the Pen Arts Building Fund to help restore the historical headquarters of the League as well as the D.C. Branch itself.  So come join the oldest women’s artists group and pick up some prized books and artwork at the Charles Sumner Museum, 1201 17th St, NW. in Washington DC.    Sale hours are 10-4 p.m. and admission is free.

I like to share reviews of my work, especially from my newer fans.  Today I’d like to introduce you to Marcus McMahon.

I met Marcus at the Borders in Springfield Mall.  He was shopping with his wife and two kids but stopped long enough to pick up a copy of Russian Roulette.  He recently sent me an e-mail filled with compliments for the book and promises to read the rest of the series.  I know people with families only have a limited amount of free time so I am always flattered when someone spends some of that time with Hannibal Jones.  For that reason, I’ve made Marcus’ comments the featured review on my web site.

And DON’T FORGET to catch my interview on American Heroes Radio tonight at 8 pm.  Listen and call in with your questions! - http://www.hitechcj.com/americanheroesradio/successfully_marketing_your_novel.html