Too much fun!
I created my own special-interest group on Linked-In on Monday (5/5) and it was approved today! So, if you're a Derek Hart fan and you want to add the logo to your list of groups, just click on this link http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/100411/04AAC568EAFE and it will take you right where you need to go. Now I'm assuming you're already registered on Linked-In, because if you're not, you should be.
I'm really excited about this nifty little networking tool, because it's associated with Linked-In, one of the fastest growing social networking sites around. I'm also thrilled by the potential of attracting new readers, because curious people might investigate what the Derek Hart Readers Group is all about. If they click on the website link, their questions should be answered.
Anyway, it was fun to create and has been even more fun to watch people sign up. I can't wait to watch the group grow!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
May 4, 1955 at 6:31 PM, Central Time
It's my birthday, so instead of writing stuff on my blog, website, and the 15,000 social networking sites I belong to, I'm going to work on one of my novels. I haven't decided which one, but I've been away from the writing experience for too long and I miss it. I'm also going to hang out with my son and play Xbox, after I call my parents.
For dinner we're going to savor homemade garlic/herb wings, with tons of blue cheese dip. Oh, and don't forget the grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes and cold beer. Sounds delicious!
Heart healthy?
Not!
Hey, it's my birthday.
For dinner we're going to savor homemade garlic/herb wings, with tons of blue cheese dip. Oh, and don't forget the grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes and cold beer. Sounds delicious!
Heart healthy?
Not!
Hey, it's my birthday.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Doug Cummings - "Sometimes secrets are the real crime!"
Chicago.
It's my kind of town.
There's nothing quite like it and no place comes close. To those of you who have never been there, it's impossible to explain. There's something about the lake, I think. Lake Michigan has some kind of mystical and magical impact on anyone who lives within 50 miles of Chicago, whether they want to admit it or not.
Doug Cummings http://www.dougmcummings.com used to thrill Chicago radio listeners with his dynamic and factual crime reporting at WMAQ and then WGN, chasing spectacular fires, shattering car crashes, and horrible murders. One day, Doug decided he would rather pursue his lifelong passion of writing and started turning out some of the most realistic mystery novels to come out of Chicago.
Doug's first novel, Deader by the Lake, (I love that title), which introduced his main character, Reno McCarthy, was an instant critical success, widely acclaimed by anyone who read it. Doug's next book, Every Secret Crime, has just been released to scores of expectant fans and mystery readers.
So, if you enjoy mysteries that are hard-hitting and wonderfully packed with caustic wit, or you love books set in the vibrant and unique city of Chicago, you've just got to read novels written by Doug Cummings. You will not only be on the edge of your seat, you'll swear you're driving down Lake Shore Drive at 2:00 in the morning in the rain. His books are that good.
It's my kind of town.
There's nothing quite like it and no place comes close. To those of you who have never been there, it's impossible to explain. There's something about the lake, I think. Lake Michigan has some kind of mystical and magical impact on anyone who lives within 50 miles of Chicago, whether they want to admit it or not.
Doug Cummings http://www.dougmcummings.com used to thrill Chicago radio listeners with his dynamic and factual crime reporting at WMAQ and then WGN, chasing spectacular fires, shattering car crashes, and horrible murders. One day, Doug decided he would rather pursue his lifelong passion of writing and started turning out some of the most realistic mystery novels to come out of Chicago.
Doug's first novel, Deader by the Lake, (I love that title), which introduced his main character, Reno McCarthy, was an instant critical success, widely acclaimed by anyone who read it. Doug's next book, Every Secret Crime, has just been released to scores of expectant fans and mystery readers.
So, if you enjoy mysteries that are hard-hitting and wonderfully packed with caustic wit, or you love books set in the vibrant and unique city of Chicago, you've just got to read novels written by Doug Cummings. You will not only be on the edge of your seat, you'll swear you're driving down Lake Shore Drive at 2:00 in the morning in the rain. His books are that good.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Linda Mickey - Not Your Typical Mystery Writer
Now I am NOT the typical mystery reader. Sure, I've read my share of Agatha Christie, a few Rex Stouts, and even less Dick Francis. I enjoyed every book I've read, but I guess the genre just isn't my thing.
However, there's one exception. For me, Linda Mickey http://www.lindamickey.com/ writes really appealing mysteries, because her main character, Kyle Shannon, is very realistic. Not your typical sleuth in any manner, Kyle tries to go about her normal life. She is intelligent and hard working, but seems to stumble upon, and while she's at it, solve a few murders now and again.
Linda Mickey's ongoing series, which includes Greased Wheels, Defective Goods, and the latest - Horse Power, while very entertaining and believable, they're also fun to read. These books are the kind you sit down with a glass of wine or hot cup of tea/coffee, let the cat or dog curl up nearby, and you get away from it all for awhile. When you get to the last page and the crime has been solved, with no loose strings, by the way, you have a wonderful sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
So, I highly recommend such entertainment. You must give Linda Mickey a spin, because you'll start clambering for her to write more Kyle Shannon books!
However, there's one exception. For me, Linda Mickey http://www.lindamickey.com/ writes really appealing mysteries, because her main character, Kyle Shannon, is very realistic. Not your typical sleuth in any manner, Kyle tries to go about her normal life. She is intelligent and hard working, but seems to stumble upon, and while she's at it, solve a few murders now and again.
Linda Mickey's ongoing series, which includes Greased Wheels, Defective Goods, and the latest - Horse Power, while very entertaining and believable, they're also fun to read. These books are the kind you sit down with a glass of wine or hot cup of tea/coffee, let the cat or dog curl up nearby, and you get away from it all for awhile. When you get to the last page and the crime has been solved, with no loose strings, by the way, you have a wonderful sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
So, I highly recommend such entertainment. You must give Linda Mickey a spin, because you'll start clambering for her to write more Kyle Shannon books!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
David M. Burke - Artist and Author
"Burke" is the name he prefers. I have known him for over 12 years now and he is both a talented artist and a vibrant historical author. Besides being very adept with a myriad of skills, he has done the cover art for all 17 Derek Hart novels. It goes without saying that I have come to trust his judgment, but you would get quite a kick out of our meetings, when Burke and I discuss each impending book's cover. It's a form of verbal tug of war, with lots of laughter in between, but always satisfying in the end. There are usually a few rough drafts before we come to agreement, but it's a delight to go through the process.
However, Burke is also a dynamic historical author. His Images of America - Warm Springs www.arcadiapublishing.com is simply a fascinating look at Warm Springs, Georgia, which earned significance, because of a famous resident and visitor. FDR built his Little White House in Warm Springs and the historical implications were both monumental and heart warming. David captures this relationship in his choice of photographs and the in-depth research invested in such a work of love.
David Burke is currently employed at the Little White House as a ranger and lives in nearby Pine Mountain, so he intimately knows his subject matter. You can feel it as you read his book. Burke was also instrumental in helping me conduct my research for my WWII historical thriller, A Favor for FDR.
"The Spirit of Warm Springs” is what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as the peaceful atmosphere and healing qualities he found along the slopes of Georgia’s Pine Mountain. But long before FDR, the warm springs attracted people. Legend has it the Creek Indians used them for healing. European settlers used them as a revenue source. In the 1800s, the springs became a resort area, and the village of Warm Springs, Georgia, was founded. Rail brought visitors to this farming community for decades until travelers sought different destinations. By the 1920s, Warm Springs began slipping into the Great Depression. Destiny intervened when Franklin Roosevelt arrived in Warm Springs seeking a cure for his polio. After his first visit, he was able to move his leg. The news drew others afflicted with polio. Warm Springs provided FDR with hope. He returned the gift through New Deal programs and the March of Dimes while restoring hope in America. The waters are still used for healing, the town of Warm Springs thrives, and FDR’s Little White House is a memorial to “the foremost statesman and political leader” of the 20th century.
If you are a Franklin Delano Roosevelt fan or are interested in Georgia history or the significance of this location as it shaped FDR's view of the world, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It's a masterpiece of subtle and emotionally moving history.
It's also an honor to know the author.
However, Burke is also a dynamic historical author. His Images of America - Warm Springs www.arcadiapublishing.com is simply a fascinating look at Warm Springs, Georgia, which earned significance, because of a famous resident and visitor. FDR built his Little White House in Warm Springs and the historical implications were both monumental and heart warming. David captures this relationship in his choice of photographs and the in-depth research invested in such a work of love.
David Burke is currently employed at the Little White House as a ranger and lives in nearby Pine Mountain, so he intimately knows his subject matter. You can feel it as you read his book. Burke was also instrumental in helping me conduct my research for my WWII historical thriller, A Favor for FDR.
"The Spirit of Warm Springs” is what Franklin D. Roosevelt described as the peaceful atmosphere and healing qualities he found along the slopes of Georgia’s Pine Mountain. But long before FDR, the warm springs attracted people. Legend has it the Creek Indians used them for healing. European settlers used them as a revenue source. In the 1800s, the springs became a resort area, and the village of Warm Springs, Georgia, was founded. Rail brought visitors to this farming community for decades until travelers sought different destinations. By the 1920s, Warm Springs began slipping into the Great Depression. Destiny intervened when Franklin Roosevelt arrived in Warm Springs seeking a cure for his polio. After his first visit, he was able to move his leg. The news drew others afflicted with polio. Warm Springs provided FDR with hope. He returned the gift through New Deal programs and the March of Dimes while restoring hope in America. The waters are still used for healing, the town of Warm Springs thrives, and FDR’s Little White House is a memorial to “the foremost statesman and political leader” of the 20th century.
If you are a Franklin Delano Roosevelt fan or are interested in Georgia history or the significance of this location as it shaped FDR's view of the world, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It's a masterpiece of subtle and emotionally moving history.
It's also an honor to know the author.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Highlighted Fellow Author - Tony Eldridge
For the next 3 to 5 blogs, I'm going to highlight some fellow authors that I think my readers should investigate. Now it's just my opinion, mind you, but these authors have real talent and their books need the recognition.
First on my list is Tony Eldridge and his action/adventure novel The Samson Effect - http://www.samsoneffect.com/index.html
I'm biased, of course, because Tony writes in the same genre as I, but there's more to it than that!
For instance, check this out.
The Samson Effect is a “first class thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure.”
- Clive Cussler
Now I don't know about you, but I'd give my left arm (I've gotta keep my right arm for writing), to get a review like that from Clive Cussler, perhaps the greatest action/adventure author ever.
So, if you trust my recommendations, pick up a copy of The Samson Effect soon. I don't want to spoil the plot or lead the witness. What I can tell you is, you won't regret it!
First on my list is Tony Eldridge and his action/adventure novel The Samson Effect - http://www.samsoneffect.com/index.html
I'm biased, of course, because Tony writes in the same genre as I, but there's more to it than that!
For instance, check this out.
The Samson Effect is a “first class thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure.”
- Clive Cussler
Now I don't know about you, but I'd give my left arm (I've gotta keep my right arm for writing), to get a review like that from Clive Cussler, perhaps the greatest action/adventure author ever.
So, if you trust my recommendations, pick up a copy of The Samson Effect soon. I don't want to spoil the plot or lead the witness. What I can tell you is, you won't regret it!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Simple Ways to Show You Care
Regardless of your political affiliation or your opinion concerning the war in Iraq, today's post is about two simple ways you can support our men and women in the armed forces.
1) Books for Soldiers http://booksforsoldiers.com/ is a great site dedicated to providing reading material for our troops overseas. Life can be pretty boring while on duty and reading a good book can break the monotony. If you've got some paperbacks laying around, please donate them to this worthy cause.
2) If you use True Lemon, True Lime or True Orange, please take this opportunity to encourage a friend/family member to register for free samples. They are still donating 10 packets to Operation Gratitude for every new registration and they've almost reached their goal of donating 1,000,000 packets for Operation Gratitude's Patriot Drive in May.
Operation Gratitude is sending 50,000 care packages to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and True Lemon wants to make sure each of those care packages has 20 packets of True Lemon included so they can add True Lemon to their water also.
http://www.truelemon.com/sample.html is the link for your free samples. It's a great way to flavor water.
"My husband is on a tour of duty in Iraq and he always complained about the taste of water until I started sending him True Lemon and True Lime," said Emily Barone, wife of one of our brave soldiers. "Having True Lemon and True Lime really helps him to get the water he needs and so this program is special not only to the troops but to their families too."
"It means a lot for our troops to get these care packages and know so many people have not forgotten them. The True Lemon samples are going to be a great addition to our care packages, and we've really appreciated the generous support of all the True Lemon customers who participated in this packet drive," said Carolyn Blashek, founder and president of Operation Gratitude.
CLICK HERE TO HELP SEND 1,000,000 PACKETS OF FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMON TASTE TO OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN!
Click here to learn more about Operation Gratitude and the great work they do supporting our troops!
Thanks for participating in either of these programs. It means a lot to our Americans in uniform.
1) Books for Soldiers http://booksforsoldiers.com/ is a great site dedicated to providing reading material for our troops overseas. Life can be pretty boring while on duty and reading a good book can break the monotony. If you've got some paperbacks laying around, please donate them to this worthy cause.
2) If you use True Lemon, True Lime or True Orange, please take this opportunity to encourage a friend/family member to register for free samples. They are still donating 10 packets to Operation Gratitude for every new registration and they've almost reached their goal of donating 1,000,000 packets for Operation Gratitude's Patriot Drive in May.
Operation Gratitude is sending 50,000 care packages to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and True Lemon wants to make sure each of those care packages has 20 packets of True Lemon included so they can add True Lemon to their water also.
http://www.truelemon.com/sample.html is the link for your free samples. It's a great way to flavor water.
"My husband is on a tour of duty in Iraq and he always complained about the taste of water until I started sending him True Lemon and True Lime," said Emily Barone, wife of one of our brave soldiers. "Having True Lemon and True Lime really helps him to get the water he needs and so this program is special not only to the troops but to their families too."
"It means a lot for our troops to get these care packages and know so many people have not forgotten them. The True Lemon samples are going to be a great addition to our care packages, and we've really appreciated the generous support of all the True Lemon customers who participated in this packet drive," said Carolyn Blashek, founder and president of Operation Gratitude.
CLICK HERE TO HELP SEND 1,000,000 PACKETS OF FRESH-SQUEEZED LEMON TASTE TO OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN!
Click here to learn more about Operation Gratitude and the great work they do supporting our troops!
Thanks for participating in either of these programs. It means a lot to our Americans in uniform.
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