2005 Blogs of Zoë Sharp - Author of the Charlie Fox Series

Weekend, 24-25 December 2005

Well, it's Christmas Eve as I write this and although we have no snow this year we're just about sorted and ready to enjoy the festive season.

It's a time for looking both forwards and back. This year's had its highs and lows, but I think it's come out as a good year on the whole. The launch of First Drop in the US, a great US tour, getting together with old friends and making new ones in the mystery book world, Road Kill coming out in the UK. And we finally finished building our house.

And 2006 will, I hope, be even better. I'm getting on with Second Shot, the next Charlie Fox book, which is progressing slowly but getting there. The follow-up Charlie Fox book is already planned, with a plot involving Charlie's orthopaedic surgeon father coming under threat. Considering he's always been highly disapproving of his daughter's choice of profession − not to mention her taste in men − there should be some sparks flying with that one.

And I'll be starting a new series, too, written in the third person with completely new characters and a very different feel to it. Ideas for that keep floating to the top of my mind at odd moments and I have to stop what I'm doing and jot them down before they drift away. It's really beginning to take shape now.

So, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Lucky 2006!

Weekend, 17-18 December 2005

Well, next week it will be Christmas. Where did this year go? The end of the year always brings 'Best Of' lists and I was lucky enough for First Drop to make it onto Crimespree magazine's 'Favorite Book of the Year' list for 2005. Very nice to be in such illustrious company! A big thanks to Jon and Ruth Jordan who run Crimespree, two of the most enthusiastic and generous people in the US mystery scene.

My new Charlie Fox book finally seems to be picking up a bit of momentum. One of the challenges has been writing the character of Ella, who is a four-year-old child and daughter of the woman Charlie's tasked to protect. Striking the right balance between making her too sickly sweet, and making her into a complete brat, has been a tricky one. I think I rather like her, but it will be interesting to see what readers make of her.

The writing has been hampered slightly this week by still having one finger that doesn't do quite what I tell it. (Accident with a chop saw while finishing off building a staircase in our new home, just in case you didn't see last week's blog.) I've been a touch-typist for years, so it feels very odd to not to be able to type without thinking about what I'm doing with my hands. How on earth my fellow crime writer, Lee Goldberg, managed when he had both arms in plaster for months, I have no idea!

Weekend, 10-11 December 2005

Well, this week has proved the plus side to being a writer. Nothing is ever wasted. No experience, however strange, or horrible, has to be thrown away without extracting something of value.

Take today, for instance. There was I, using a chop saw to cut some fillet pieces out of a rather nice strip of ash to fit between the spindles of a staircase (as you do . . .) I've been using that chop saw on a regular basis over the last three years while we've been building our house. I've used it to cut flooring, skirting board, internal wall timbers, you name it. I'm very aware that it has forty very sharp teeth on the ten-inch blade, which spins at 4500rpm, and that keeping my fingers out of the way of it is probably a Good Idea.

But this morning I somewhat carelessly started the saw going before I'd lifted the blade completely away from the piece of ash. The teeth bit immediately, the wood kicked back and splintered, and bounced my hand into the path of the blade. Just a passing touch, but enough to put a bit of a hole in the front and back of my left index finger.

Now, I've seen all those real-life TV shows − When DIY Goes Bad − and I know it could have been a lot worse. Still, we always keep a well-stocked first-aid box, and my anti-tetanus is up to date, so I cleaned it up, Steri-Stripped both sides of the cuts back together − which is all they would have done if I'd gone to the local Casualty Department − and taped a dressing over the lot. I don't think I've done any nerve damage and I'll give it a couple of days to knit before I have another look.

But while I was leaking blood into the sink I found myself analysing the sequence of events. What had hurt, when it stopped and when it started again. I found myself thinking. 'Hm, I must remember this. This might come in handy . . .' As I said, nothing is ever wasted. Makes it very difficult to type, though!

Weekend, 3-4 December 2005

Did my radio interview on Monday with WKCT in Bowling Green, Kentucky (see last week's blog). One of the interesting questions was: what do you learn each time you write a book? It's not one that I've ever been asked before and when you're being interviewed live you don't have much time to come up with a really intelligent answer. But it is a good question, and it got me thinking long after the interview was over.

What do I learn? More about the characters, for a start. Whenever you're doing a series of novels with the same main character and regulars who keep popping up, they become more familiar as the series goes on. In the latest Charlie Fox novel, Road Kill, for instance, it was the first opportunity I'd really had to show what was happening inside the mind of Charlie's troubled boss, Sean Meyer. He's spent much of the previous novels being pretty invincible, so it was nice to be able to show he wasn't as infallible − or as cold-blooded − as he has been to date.

The difficulty can be, knowing what to leave out about regular characters. How much do you explain again at the start of each book, and how much do you assume people already know? People frequently come across a series in the middle and then, if they like the characters and the style, they go back and look for earlier books in the series. I'm always very careful not to give away vital elements of the plot of what's gone before, but you have to give a certain amount of background each time, otherwise new readers would be confused. I always try and include a different snippet of Charlie's back story in each book, so you build up a more complete picture without, hopefully, getting bored because you've heard it all before.

Then it's up to you, the readers, to tell me if I'm getting the balance right. So please do − email away!

Weekend, 26-27 November 2005

We've been watching the weather this week, expecting snow at any moment. But, unusually, Devon and Cornwall − way down in the southwest corner of the British Isles − have been hit before the wilds of Cumbria up here in the northwest, where we've had largely clear skies, although it's been well below freezing most nights.

I've had a break from the next Charlie Fox book, Second Shot, this week, working on a short story instead. I don't do very many short stories, so this has been a bit of a change. I've also been planning my next book − not something I was consciously going to do, but when ideas arrive for bits of the plot, or specific scenes, you have to make a note of them while they're still fresh.

Had the first review in for Road Kill as well − from Sharon Wheeler at Reviewing The Evidence. Always a relief when the first one comes in and they like the book. I also heard from a friend who emailed to say his father had just read the book and couldn't put it down. I knew putting Superglue on the pages was a good idea . . .

I don't know why it always comes as such a surprise when people say they've enjoyed my books. It drives my poor Better Half mad. Still, I tell him, it's better than being big-headed, isn't it?

I'm still getting a lot of follow-up from my signing tour in America in September and on Monday (November 28) I've a radio interview to do with WKCT station in Kentucky. This will be in the important drive-time slot at 4.20 pm CST. Next week, I should also be back hard at work on Second Shot. The time just seems to be shooting by and before we know it, it'll be Christmas!

Weekend, 19-20 November 2005

The English Lake District has been cold this week. It was five degrees below freezing in my garden at 7am this morning and the frost never lifted all day. It's days like this when it's nice to be sitting inside at my desk, working on the next Charlie Fox novel, Second Shot. Charlie's in Boston, USA, at the present stage of the book and the snow is thick on the ground, so having it cold at home really gets me into the swing of things.

Although I've spent a lot of time in New England in the past, when you come to write the detail, there always seem to be things that you can't remember. Fortunately, we have a friend, Lucette, who lives on the outskirts of the city and who I can email queries to. If any other Bostonians want to volunteer bits of info on their city, I'd love to hear from you. I plan another visit there before the final draft of the new book is finished, just to cover the same ground and do a final check on the facts.

This week I also heard from Marcia, my US editor at St Martin's Press, to say she really likes the first sample I sent her, which is always a relief. All I have to do now is finish it . . .

Competition Winners

The Charlie Fox competition to win signed copies of Road Kill closed last Monday and two winners were drawn at random. Congratulations to Sue W from Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, here in England; and to John W P, Jnr, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA. Click here to see the answers.

I have emailed both the winners to let them know they've been successful. John replied that he never normally wins anything but he was now intending to go straight out and buy a lottery ticket, just to see if his run of luck continues. Remember me if you win big, John, won't you?

Weekend, 12-13 November 2005

Another week rushes past so fast I swear I heard the sonic boom as it went zooming by! It's been a busy one, with a soggy trip to Co Durham for the day job at the weekend, then to London on Monday and Tuesday for this year's CWA Dagger awards luncheon in the genteel surroundings of the King George III Room at The Brewery on Chiswell Street. A good event and nice to be able to chat over lunch to my editor from my literary agent's, Gregory & Company, about my new Charlie Fox book for St Martin's Minotaur, Second Shot, due out in 2006.

I did a couple of signings for Road Kill this week as well − one at Murder One and another at Goldsboro Books, both in London. Goldsboro in particular had quite a stack of hardbacks for me to scribble in and said they'd need me to sign more next time I was in town. That's always music to any writer's ears, I can tell you!

It's always a pleasure to hear from readers and I was delighted to receive an email this week from Fannie Narte, a lady who came to a joint signing I did at Barnes & Noble in Frisco, Texas in September, with fellow American crime writer, Harry Hunsicker. She writes:

'Your book, First Drop, is well-written, a page turner, compelling and addictive. I couldn't put it down. I would never have picked First Drop if I saw it for sale because I don't usually purchase crime thriller novels. However, I do enjoy watching films of that type. Your book has converted a non-fiction reader like me into a fiction reader who will be more open to exploring more fiction novels. Balance is good. Thanks for a thrilling experience with First Drop. I know I will enjoy your other books. Continued success in your writing. Sincerely, a converted fiction reader, Fannie Narte.' Thank you, Fannie!

Competition − now closed!

The Charlie Fox competition to win signed copies of Road Kill is now closed. The winners and answers will be published in my weekend blog on this page, 19-20 November. Click here to see the questions.

Weekend, 5-6 November 2005

Road Kill, fifth book in the Charlie Fox series, has been extremely well received by loyal fans and new readers. Thank you to all those who have sent emails of approval. Many of you commented favourably on the fact that Charlie has renewed her intimate contact with her troubled boss, Sean, as she tries to work out who wants her dead. And it seems that the only way to find out is to take part in a reckless bike trip that will leave a trail of bodies halfway across Ireland . . .

You can get signed copies of the new book from any bookseller on my Where to Buy page. And if you'd like any of my books personalised, do contact Barbara Dowson at The Old Bookshop in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. Books make great presents − and Christmas is fast approaching . . .

Competition − final week!

I'm offering signed and dedicated copies of Road Kill to the first two winners of my Charlie Fox competition. Just answer five teaser questions (the answers are all in my website) and email me your entry. The competition closes on Monday, 14 November 2005.

Thank you for all your entries so far. Click here to see the questions. Good luck!

Weekend, 29-30 October 2005

This week saw the launch of Road Kill, fifth book in the Charlie Fox series. In it, Charlie is caught up with a group of bikers taking part in illegal road races, who may be responsible for the fatal accident involving one of her closest friends. Despite her misgivings, she is forced to rely on the support of her troubled boss, Sean, as she tries to work out who wants her dead. And it seems that the only way to find out is to take part in a reckless road trip that will leave a trail of bodies halfway across Ireland . . .

If, like most people, you like your books signed, you can get these from any bookseller on my Where to Buy page. But if you'd like any of my books personalised, do contact Barbara Dowson at The Old Bookshop in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria. Books make great presents − and Christmas is only eight weeks away . . .

Competition!

Click here to see the questions. Good luck!

Weekend, 22-23 October 2005

The most exciting time for any writer has to be the launch of their latest book. After many, many months of writing and re-writing, editing, revision − sometimes despair − the manuscript slowly metamorphoses into what you hope will be a beautiful butterfly. The dedication has been written, thanks offered to those who contributed their expertise and those who suffered along the way. Then, once the book has been 'put to bed', there is the long, long wait until the courier finally arrives with the advance copies. Now, what will the critics say? How will fans and new readers react?

This week sees the launch of Road Kill, fifth book in the Charlie Fox series, set in the English Lake District and in Ireland − north and south of the border. In it, Charlie is caught up with a group of bikers taking part in illegal road races, who may be responsible for the fatal accident involving one of her closest friends. Despite her misgivings, she is forced to rely on the support of her troubled boss, Sean, as she tries to work out who wants her dead. And it seems that the only way to find out is to take part in a reckless road trip that will leave a trail of bodies halfway across Ireland . . .

Competition!

Click here to see the questions. Good luck!

Weekend, 15-16 October 2005

It's been a case of one step forward, two steps back with my next Charlie Fox book this week. Sometimes it comes easy and sometimes you have to wrestle with it to get it to come at all. It looks like next week's day job photographic trip to Belgium has been postponed to November, so that's one thing less to think about.

Still, there were some high points. I had a lovely email from Ken Bruen, whom I met at Bouchercon in Chicago in September. I had dropped him a line admiring his unique pared-to-the-bone, almost poetic style. A charming Irish writer, Ken's only just beginning to get the acclaim he deserves for his hard-edged Jack Taylor crime novels.

Our American friend, Judy Bobalik, forwarded a review of First Drop on the Killer Books website, which is organised by the 60-strong Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (IMBA). And Ross, the ever helpful and enthusiastic husband of fellow mystery author, Julia Spencer-Fleming, emailed to tell me that First Drop is on the IMBA bestseller list for September.

On this side of the water, I have a Mystery Women event next month at Borders bookshop in York at 6pm on Thursday, November 3 with Jane Finnis, Christine Poulson and Danuta Reah. Also a LadyKillers event on November 5 at Peterborough Library. Plus, of course, Road Kill's official publication date on October 27. Meanwhile, back to work . . .

Weekend, 8-9 October 2005

Well, another week has whistled past. One of those where I seem to have been very busy but accomplished surprisingly little. Part of the blame for this goes to the fact that I’m the Press Officer for the Crime Writers’ Association and it’s coming up for Dagger time of year. Every year, the CWA gives out its coveted Daggers in various different categories − best first novel, best historical, best thriller, leading up to the Gold for non-fiction and the Gold and Silver for fiction.

The shortlists went out last Monday and caused instant controversy. For a start, as soon as the lists began appearing on the web, people immediately pointed out that one of the shortlisted authors for the John Creasey Memorial Dagger − which is for debut novels − had several previously published novels in the 1990s and so was ineligible. A flurry of emails to confirm this later and the original shortlist of five names is down to four.

This is a great shame, not only for the author involved, who must have been deeply disappointed to have been nominated for an award and then had the entry withdrawn, but also for whichever unknown authors were on the judges’ longlist, but didn’t quite make the final cut. Just to be shortlisted in today’s overcrowded fiction market is an achievement.

Apparently, I made the longlist for the Dagger in the Library − chosen by librarians based on feedback from borrowers on a body of work rather than a single title. With just four Charlie Fox books out so far − Road Kill will hit the shelves on October 27 − I was delighted and very flattered to be considered at all.

Weekend, 1-2 October 2005

It is always a pleasure to do library events. It’s a privilege to have an opportunity to talk to keen readers in a friendly group, with the help and encouragement of knowledgeable library staff. Last week, the LadyKillers toured the Walsall area of the West Midlands and were warmly received at four such meetings, spread over a couple of days. We even sold some books, which is always a bonus!

It is particularly rewarding to answer questions from would-be writers – how do we plan our writing time? how do we create characters? where do we get ideas for plots? All of us who are lucky enough to be published have gone through those same thought processes and it is good to encourage the next generation of writers.

We are very fortunate in this country to have the lending library system (although we notice computers taking up more and more floor space these days!). My own local library in Lancaster, on the edge of the Lake District, has been very supportive of my writing career and one of the library staff – Andrew Till – even ended up as an FBI agent in First Drop.

My exhaustive (and exhausting) US tour now seems like a distant memory – I have caught up on the backlog and settled down to my routine of grinding out and polishing my daily quota of words. Next big event is the launch of my new Charlie Fox book, Road Kill, which hits the bookshops on 27 October. Watch this space!

Weekend, 24-25 September 2005

Suddenly the tour of the US for the launch of First Drop at the beginning of this month seems like a long way away. We've only been home a few days and are still trying to wade through the hundreds of emails and piles of snail-mail that turned up while we were away.

And then there's the day job to catch up on. Looks like we have a quick trip to Belgium to organise next month. And we really should look at going back across the Atlantic to Boston sometime in November. And, somewhere in the middle of all this, I really ought to be writing the next Charlie Fox book . . .

I did manage to make some progress on the new book while we were away, though. Just not enough of it! I've given myself a week to get back into the right time zone and get the backlog of work out of the way, and then I have to dive in to the thick of it again. I'm much better writing as continuously as possible. It flows better and I have to spend less time going back and rereading what I've already written before I can go forwards.

Next week (Wednesday and Thursday) I have four library events in the Midlands to do as part of the LadyKillers group − Lesley Horton, Priscilla Masters and Danuta Reah. As long as I remember that UK and US readers have to be approached in a very different way, I'll be fine. You have to be a little more aggressive at events in America in order to be heard. Try that at home and people tend to back away nervously. I'll let you know if I get the balance right.

Zoë Sharp

My Home Blogs, 2005