You've the Right to Six Words - Week 3

June is here and so are the next round-up of six-words from our favorite crime fiction writers.

Memoirist number one just released his newest thriller, DAY ONE, on June 1. Bill Cameron is all about number ones. Actually DAY ONE is Bill's third novel, but he's also had his shorter work published in three anthologies: KILLER YEAR, PORTLAND NOIR, and also due out this month FIRST THRILLS. Anne Frasier said of Bill's writing, "Real is the word that immediately comes to mind when stepping into a world created by the exceptionally talented Bill Cameron. The landscape he illuminates is one we've seen before, but never with such focus or appreciation."

In addition to his writing, Bill plays "staff to a charming yet imperious cat" and his poodle. When he isn't at their beck and call, you might find Bill blogging over at Criminal Minds or chatting on Twitter. Bill and his wife reside in Portland, Oregon, and it's a good idea to test the waters before approaching Bill because

"Oh, I'm in a mood now."

Simon Wood also has a new book out. TERMINATED is Simon's nineth publication, seven novels and two collections of short stories. From his most recent short story collection, ASKING FOR TROUBLE, comes "Protecting the Innocent" which has just earned Simon a Dagger Award nomination from the Crime Writers Association.

Simon is a man who lives to conquer his fears and do what most wouldn't expect. He suffers from dyslexia but is a writer; he fears heights but is a licensed pilot in the United States and the United Kingdom. Simon loves travel and says he won't be happy until he's visited every country on the planet. He's also an avid soccer player. So when he has time for his furry family, too, I don't know. But a long-haired dachshund and four cats depend on Simon and his wife, Julie, for their well-being. That's quite an accomplishment list for a man who started out in engineering!

So how does he sum this all up in six words? With

"Possesses a small talent for disaster."

And rounding out our memoirists this week is Jan Burke. Probably best known for her Irene Kelly series, the Edgar Award-winning novelist also penned FLIGHT, a bit of a spin-off of the Irene Kelly series because it features Irene's husband, a standalone novel, and a collection of short stories.

In addition to her own writing, Jan has worked to help others through her work on the Sister's in Crime guide to getting published, BREAKING AND ENTERING, and the MWA handbook, WRITING MYSTERIES.

Oh, you think that's enough contribution? How about the fact that Jan is the founder of the Crime Lab Project to encourage greater support for forensic science in the United States?

And finally, seeing as our first two authors are dog people, I simply couldn't have the third not be. Jan and her musician husband Tim have two dogs, Cappy and Britches. Based on her memoir, I would have to say that Jan has made the best of all life has thrown at her:

"Great time. Thanks for inviting me."

I'm sure I speak for far more than myself when I say, "so glad you could come, Jan!" And so glad all of the authors today could contribute and be a part of the six-word memoir project this year.





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