It's That Time...Six-Word Memoirs!

Wow! How did it get to be Wednesday again already - and July 1st, too, holy moly. Anyone know where the first half of 2009 went? Well, this is Week 6 of the 6-Word Memoirs for those who are keeping track, and I have another good line-up for you today on the memoirs, so let's get to it.

Next up on our interview recaps is James Fredericks. James is a Fortune 500 executive turned legal thriller writer. He released his debut last year with BROTHER which happens to be about, well, yes, brothers - twin brothers to be exact. James enjoys cooking, traveling, playing the piano and spending time with his family. So his memoir is not really much of a surprise:

His family; his friends; his legacy.

Also from our interview recaps is Jane Cleland, the author of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery Series. This past April saw the release of the fourth book, KILLER KEEPSAKES, in that series about an antiques dealer in New Hampshire. Jane's first book in the series, CONSIGNED TO DEATH, was nominated in the best first novel category for the Agatha, David and Macavity awards. Jane's first short story, "Killing Time," which appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine was an Agatha award finalist this year and is also nominated for the Anthony award. When she's not busy writing about Josie, Jane chairs the Wolfe Pack's literary awards and serves on the board of the New York chapter of Mystery Writers of America. I think I need to find out what her secret is because she says her memoir is:

Striving for clarity changed my life.

So who's new this week, you ask? Well it just so happens that two authors who had releases yesterday agreed to play in our memoir sandbox this week.

Ridley Pearson started his career as a singer/songwriter in an acoustic rock band. And despite the fact that he is now a New York Times Best Selling Novelist, he hasn't given up that music career. He is now a founding member of the Rock Bottom Remainders, an all-authors 60s rock and roll band - do you love that or what?

Ridley was the first American to be awarded the Raymond Chandler Fulbright at Oxford University, a "fellowship that recognizes published writers with emerging reputations." Ridley took advantage of this fellowship to research and outline the second and third books in his Lou Boldt series about a Seattle Homicide Police Sergeant. In addition to the Lou Boldt series, he also writes the Walt Fleming series about an Idaho sheriff and a slew of stand alone novels for adult readers. But that's not enough for Ridley Pearson! He also has some children's novels. He collaborated with Dave Barry on a series that explains the beginnings of Peter Pan, and Ridley also has a series called Kingdom Keepers, which is a mystery series set in Disney World.

One of the coolest facts about Ridley Pearson - in my humble opinion, of course: his daughters are named Paige and Storey. I just love that.

So this week, Ridley Pearson released the third book in the Walt Fleming series, KILLER SUMMER. And for Boldt fans, you can catch Lou Boldt in Ridley's short story, "Boldt's Broken Angel", that is part of the KILLER 2: Stories You Just Can't Put Down anthology. For Ridley's young reader fans, PETER AND THE SWORD OF MERCY will be on bookshelves in October. Whew. I guess if you're creating at this rate, your memoir would have to be:

Long days writing. All hours dreaming.

And last but certainly not least, an author who I just recently discovered but who never fails to make me laugh, Toni McGee Causey. And while she may be new to me, Toni is definitely not new to the publishing industry. She started out as a journalist then moved on to editing the BATON ROUGE MAGAZINE and selling to national publications. Since then she has worked successfully at screenwriting and now writing fiction. And hang on to your hats, Toni did her graduate work in Creative Writing and Philosophy. Now there's a dangerous combination for you!

It should come as no surprise that Toni has strong southern influences. She is a native of Louisiana and lives now in Baton Rouge. She also did her graduate work at Louisiana State University.

Yesterday, Toni's second book in her Bobby Faye series, GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS, was released in paperback by St. Martin's Press. This is part of a back-to-back-to-back release this summer. At the beginning of June, the first book in the series, CHARMED AND DANGEROUS, was released in paperback and coming in August will be the third part of this action-packed trilogy, WHEN A MAN LOVES A WEAPON. You just have to know you're going to laugh with titles like that. And you have to know you're going to laugh when the author of those titles has a memoir like this:

Writing? Paid to be crazy? Cool!

If you'd like to check out the beginning of Cajun, eccentric Bobby Faye, you can read the short story, A Failure to Communicate, that Toni published in KILLER YEAR: STORIES TO DIE FOR.

Many, many, many thanks to James, Jane, Ridley and Toni for their willingness to participate in "You Have the Right to Six Words: Six-Word Memoirs from Crime Fiction's Greatest Writers." I had fun with these four excellent crime fiction writers and their memoirs. I hope you did, too. And I hope you'll meet me back here - same time, same place - next week for four more willing participants!

My Top 10 - Well Sort Of...

O.k., I've finished all the books I'm going to fit into 2008, so I'm at the point where I can establish my Top 10 List, er Top 11 List. It was hard, very hard. 2008 was a GREAT reading year for me. I ended up with fantastic recommendations from visitors here, other bloggers, authors, DorothyL. I managed to read or listen on audio book to 110 books by 78 different authors. I narrowed down 110 to a list of 20 that contended for these spots. I decided to help make my list easier to establish, it would be my top 10 CRIME FICTION books, so that eliminated The Book Thief and The Great Santini since they don't fit in the genre. Now I'm down to 18 and I loved them all. They all deserve accolades. And, truth be told, I couldn't actually get down to 10 books. So, I'm going to cheat a little bit. First, I threw in the towel at 11. I simply refuse to cut any more. And with two authors I read more than one book from the series and LOVED each of them. So, I'm grouping those. I know, I know...but since it's my list I can do it. Let's get to this list then:

11. The Crime Writer - Gregg Hurwitz. I'm wondering if this would have been higher on the list if I'd read it later in the year. However, I still can recall the thrill I got from reading it. I haven't connected as well with the other book I've been working on by him, but Crime Writer was a book that got your heart pumping!

10. Brother - James Fredericks. This was Fredericks' debut novel and I think there's going to be more really great stuff coming from him. Another heart-pounding action-packed book with great characters.

9. Angel's Tip - Alafair Burke. I'm slowly discovering more and more female crime fiction novelists that I enjoy, but Alafair is the only one who made the list this year. Ariana Franklin had two in the top 20, but Angel's Tip made the top 10. Ellie Hatcher is definitely one of my favorites and this book is so in tune with current events - "Ripped from the Headlines" dun! dun!


8. The Fourth Watcher - Timothy Hallinan. Since I am such a fan of character, I can't help but have The Fourth Watcher on this list. Tim is one of the masters when it comes to developing character. He makes use of every interaction, every conversation, just every opportunity. The richness of his characters make you want to just step into the book and join them...despite the chase that's going on!


7. One Drop of Blood and K.I.A. - Thomas Holland. I fell in love with Kel McKelvey from the first page of One Drop of Blood. And all the way to the end of the year, K.I.A. still is the book with my favorite ending. I adore Tom Holland's humor and the local color. The authenticity of the forensics mixed with the humanity of the characters is top-notch. I'm definitely ready for more Kel!


6. Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane. I don't know if much more needs to be said! ;) Dennis is just a genius in this genre. This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and it did not take me long to get through this book.

5. A Carrion Death - Michael Stanley. What a debut by this writing team! The setting, the characters, the complex plot. It is an all-around unique, gripping, challenging read.


4. Chasing Darkness - Robert Crais. Elvis rules. Enough said!


3. Envy the Night - Michael Koryta. He continues to improve with each publication, even though Tonight, I Said Goodbye was outstanding. I don't know where he's going to go to top himself now, but I'm not making any bets against him. Michael's characters are so real, the plots are multi-layered and his wit just tops it all off.


2. The Cold Dish - Craig Johnson. Of my 11 authors on this list, 7 were new to me this year. Craig was one of the new ones. And boy am I glad I discovered his work. Walt, Vic, Henry, and Lucien light up the book. Their depth and dimension jut out from the pages hung against a magnificent setting. This book is poetry in action.

1. Tilt-A-Whirl, Mad Mouse, Whack-A-Mole, and Mind Scrambler - Chris Grabenstein. Chris's John Ceepak series was the only series this year that had me reading one book right after the other. I simply did not want to leave the world of John Ceepak and Danny Boyle. The only book I didn't read in 2008 is Hell Hole, the one that was published in 2008 - however! I have it and I will be getting to it soon. I discovered so many great authors and books this year, but the John Ceepak series (in a very tight race with Walt Longmire) is my find of the year. I have truly LOVED reading these books. The experience I have while in the land of Sea Haven - or where ever the duo may be - is what reading is all about for me. These characters, much like Elvis and Joe or Lincoln Perry, knock around inside my head for a long time after I finish reading a book - they become a part of me. And for me, that's the sign of a masterpiece!

I hope your 2008 was as good a reading year as mine was. Here is a blog where some authors, including RC are talking about their top 3 books read this year. Three? Oh, no way could I have just picked three!

I'll be back later this week with my reviews for my last two books of '08 and some thoughts for '09. If I don't see ya before, have a very Happy New Year!

Happy Reading!

Meet New Author James Fredericks!

Not long ago, I was contacted via e-mail by a woman from Bascom Hill Publishing Group. She asked if I would be interested in reading James Fredericks' debut novel Brother. I looked it up, and it sounded like something I might enjoy reading. Plus, as luck would have it, I was in between reading obligations at the time. So, I said "certainly." I was wrong about enjoying it, though. I LOVED it! As I mentioned in my review, it's a fast-paced book; the pages almost turned themselves. I'm telling you, this is a writer to keep your eyes on because he is talented!

Since I loved the book so much, I definitely had to see if James would agree to do an interview with me. He graciously consented, and so now I'm thrilled to share my interview with you. May I introduce to you, Mr. James Fredericks...

Q. You mention on your website that you'd always wanted to write. What fostered that desire for you? Why a legal thriller?

James: Writing for me grew out of my love for reading. I read everything I can get my hands on, from Sci-Fi and Fantasy, to Mysteries, to Thrillers, to Biographies, to Histories. Eventually I realized I wanted to write my own books. I think it all crystallized when I read The World According to Garp by John Irving - although it took a long time to get there!

The novel didn't start out as a legal thriller - it just kind of evolved from a relationship novel and grew as I explored issues of motive and murder.

Q. Do you feel that there is anyone who has influenced your writing style?

James: As I mentioned, I love all kinds of books. I love books that are tightly written, and keep you wanting to turn the pages - Robert Parker does a great job with this - but I also love books that make you want to linger over individual sentences, and paragraphs: books you feel such a great regret when they end, and books you envy other people for having not yet read them. Pat Conroy comes to mind here. I wanted to strike a balance between these two, to create a novel that reads "cleanly" and makes the reader want to turn the pages, while writing in a style that's interesting and enjoyable by itself. Don't know whether I'm there yet, but it's something to strive for!

Note from Jen: uhm, do you think he modeled this answer after my review? Did I not mention all this about his book? If he's not there yet, he's pretty gosh darned close!

Q. You've worked as a "top executive" for some Fortune 500 companies. Did any of your experiences in these positions find their ways into the novel? I wouldn't think that such positions would lend themselves to the knowledge necessary to write Brother. What kind of research, if any, did you have to do?

James: Not really, although I probably understand Ev's world better than the other guys. My circle of friends consists mostly of lawyers, so I've had good second-hand experience over the years in trial and corporate law. In terms of research, I had the great luxury of having the ear and eyes of one of the nation's top trial attorneys, Kenneth Bell, who read early drafts and commented. I spoke with twins who shared their experiences, and with ex-Army guys to gain perspective. The rest of my research was mostly online. The Internet is such a great tool when you're sitting in a coffee shop writing.

Q. Are the characters of Chase or Jared based on any actual people - do either have any of your own characteristics (like did you play the piano or play basketball) - or were they born entirely from your imagination? How about the other "brothers"?

James: The whole notion of a circle of friends comes directly from my own friendships. I have a circle of friends much like Chase does. I tell people at my signings that the friends in the book are younger, better-looking, more talented versions of these friends - although that's not true in all cases! I do know a guy very like Chase, and I've always played the piano. Aside from that, most of the broad descriptions are fictitious, although I've adopted a lot of characteristics, habits, and predilections.

Q. The sympathetic pains between Chase and Jared play a rather significant role in the novel. Is that why you chose to use twins over just plain brothers?

James: No, that came later. I originally didn't have them as part of the book, and an early reader mentioned twins she knew, and how they experienced such pains and feelings. She thought it would make a nice addition to the story line of the brothers, and I agreed. I think she was right - it added a lot to the relationship. I've read a fair number of hackneyed twin stories over the years, and wanted to do something a bit different, where the twin part was somewhat accidental, yet still critical to the story, without being clichèd.

Q. I'm very impressed with the female characters in your novel. I have to admit that I'm turned off by the "damsel in distress" stereotype. And I also dislike female characters that seem more silly than substantive. Reagan has a great balance. She's intelligent and strong, but she isn't an unbelievable superwoman either. Was there an inspiration for Reagan?

James: Thank you, first. Reagan has a lot of the characteristics of my wife. She's a strong, independent woman, who's playful, but smart, supportive but confident, and good looking, too! If anything Reagan is an understated version.

Q. I'm always intrigued by the process authors use to come up with their book titles. And "Brother" obviously has multiple connotations in this novel. Did you originally think, "hey, I want to write a book about brothers" or was this complex idea about a frame-up rolling around in your mind and a brotherhood concept fit well into it?

James: Good question. I had the idea for two different novels - or at least I thought I did. The whole notion of the frame-up came to me as an interesting murder/motive story. Separately I had the notion of writing a relationship novel about the brothers. Eventually I realized it could be a single novel. The title didn't come to me until after I had finished the book. My original working title was The Last Beach Weekend. Then I liked Thicker than Water. Finally I realized there was a good, single-word descriptor that worked, and I fell in love with Brother, and stuck with it, even after my publisher wanted to change it.

Q. You mentioned on your website how Jared kind of forced his way to the forefront as you were writing - he wasn't originally meant to be such a prominent character. So the process must take on a bit of a life of its own, but do you initially try to outline for your writing or have some other structured process? Or do you just let the characters drive the development?

James: I had only a very general outline of the story and of the characters. I fleshed out the characters more as the story grew. I think the story drove the character development more than the other way around. I had very lengthy character descriptions, and sadly left a lot of chapters on the cutting-room floor to make sure the novel moved along.

Q. So, right now you're working on your MFA, obviously doing some promotional work for Brother. You mentioned that another book focused more on Jared may be in the future. Do you have any time for hobbies or other outside interests amidst all this?

James: Some. I think it's important to have a fairly well-rounded life. I never wanted to be the kind of writer that sat and suffered in my attic while churning out pages. I love to cook, enjoy working out, still sit and play the piano, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. And I love to travel, particularly with my wife and children.

Q. Given the fact that Lookout and Garth play such important roles in the book, I'm guessing you're a dog-lover? Do you have a dog?

James: Still looking! We had a great dog that sadly passed away, and we've never found his replacement. I hope, though, that we'll have a new family addition soon (dog, not child!).

Q. The final question I always like to ask in my interviews comes from a book that's out called Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. What would be YOUR six-word memoir?

James: That's a tough one! How about this: His family, his friends; his legacy.

I like it! Thank you so much, Jim, for taking the time to answer my questions! I truly enjoyed your interview, and I look forward to more books in the future. And I especially have to thank James for sending me these AWESOME candid pictures to include with the interview. Don't you think they added a lot? The ones with the beautiful backdrops there are from Italy by the way.

Be sure to check out James' website here to learn more fun stuff about this fascinating author. I know you will be hearing his name a lot in the future!

Happy Reading!

Brother - James Fredericks

Chase Riordan is a former assistant district attorney turned defense attorney who is making a big name for himself - defending murder suspects. When the conclusion of Chase's third murder defense ends with the third defendant being found not guilty, Chase begins to wonder about commonalities between all of these cases. And a fourth suspect shows up on his doorstep asking for his help, but before she can be brought to trial, the charges are dropped and Chase becomes the murder suspect.

As if this wasn't enough for one lifetime, Chase also has a twin brother, Jared, who was in the Army and is now in an Army mental health facility. Each Sunday when Chase goes to visit a practically comatose Jared, he feels that things are not right in this place, and those feelings are reinforced when an old superior of Jared's pays Chase a clandestine visit.

The final element of this book is the circle of friends: Chase and his four closest friends Lionel, Ev, Peter and Randy. They've been friends for the better part of two decades. And Chase's ordeal puts their friendship to the ultimate test.

I have not read a legal thriller this good in years. This is James Fredericks' debut and it is in the vein of early John Grisham. Absolutely OUTSTANDING. This book has lawyers, reporters, the FBI, the Army, and of course political elements. What more could you want from a legal thriller? And while it may seem like a lot for one book, I can tell you that Fredericks did a magnificent job of crafting it altogether so that if any one element was missing, there would be a significant hole in the plot. The book is a long one, and under most circumstances, I would have said maybe Jared's events should have been one book and Chase's another, but the way Fredericks uses the two subplots together is ingenious. And those two subplots together with the circle of friends highlights all the multitude of meanings that the title holds for this book. It is really masterfully written.

And of course you know that I wouldn't rave this much about a book if it didn't have amazing characters. Fredericks subtly develops the characters in this book so that by the last page you know each of them as though you, yourself, were in the "circle." True to the title, the book is primarily a group of male characters. However, the one main female character, Reagan, is a credit to Fredericks. Reagan is a strong character, but not a superwoman. She's intelligent. She's supportive, but not subordinate. And while Fredericks does initially describe her as being very beautiful, he doesn't focus on this quality at all. I also enjoyed his supporting character, Kasey. Another female character who doesn't fall into a stereotype. These two female roles are a credit to Fredericks' ability to craft unique, rich characters.

Fredericks most amazing character work is definitely with Chase and Jared, though. Twins can be a recipe for cliche disaster. And I began to worry about that with this passage:

When Jared had broken his leg falling off a swing at age nine, Chase has been playing basketball in the adjoining playground. As Jared yelled with the impact, Chase stumbled to the ground while going up for a jump shot. Rarely was the connection quite so acute as that, but ever since that day, Jared and Chase had become more and more accustomed to the daily twinges and emotional swings their connection entailed. Over time the two learned to shield themselves from the effects and only the more severe feelings got through: the pains of body and soul.

However, Fredericks uses this tidbit in the most effective way possible. He doesn't abuse it or overuse it. It's in the background and it creates a link for two brothers who, for all intents and purposes, couldn't be more different. I never found it unbelievable at all.

I will add quickly that my favorite characters were Garth and Lookout. So you'll have to read the book to find out who they are! :)

And finally I have to touch on some of the gripping writing style. I was mesmerized reading this passage from a courtroom scene:

There were key moments in every trial, Chase found, when the world came into better focus. It had been the same on the basketball court. A moment came when the world stopped and the texture of the basketball, the lines in the floor, the colors in the crowd, the coordinated movements of his teammates and the opponents, all could be perceived as part of an elaborate mosaic. In court it sometimes came during the questioning of a witness, or after opening arguments. Today it came as the crowd filed out of the courtroom. All of a sudden he could hear every sound clearly - the fabrics moving against skin, the low whispers, the pressing of cell phone buttons, the rubber and leather of footwear padding along the floor. He smelled the tobacco, the perfumes, the aftershaves. He noticed the patterns in the wood grain of the table. Rufus came and sat next to him. Chase could swear he could smell the fear, the anger, the weariness.

This novel has a quick pace, which is natural for a thriller, but the intensity of this passage slows the pace down momentarily and makes you more aware of what's going on all around. It heightens the drama of a murder trial. But most importantly it pulls you, the reader, into the book. You're suddenly sitting in that courtroom seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling. And it's all happening in slow motion so you can turn a 360 degree circle and take it all in. That's the magic of great writing!