Observations from "The Rock Hole"

"The Rock Hole: A Red River Mystery" is a new book written by Reavis Z. Wortham.  I have been looking forward to reading this book for several reasons.  First, I like mysteries.  Second, it takes place in and features Texas and Texas characters.  And finally, it is by a local Texas author.  Let me say I was not disappointed by the book.

One of the things I found interesting about the book is the way the author uses an observer to tell the story.  I know there are other instances where this technique is used, like Dr Watson telling about Sherlock Holmes, but I think the author did a great job using a ten year old boy to tell this story.

You see ... this story takes place around 1964 and there were some familiar things about the story.  I was a boy back then too - just a little younger than Top - the boy who has a part in telling the story.  He had asthma and used an inhaler to take medicine when he had an attack.  There were other familiar things about the story as well - like the time era including mentions of the Vietnam War, the Beatles, the theater, and racial tensions - just to name a few.  There were some things I was introduced to.  I was raised in the city and this basically occurred in the country.  But there were some familiar things about the other characters as well.

Top's grandfather reminded me a little of my mom's dad.  There was a similarity between the two - probably because I had a similar view of my grandfather like Top did of his.  My grandfather was not a part time law man like Top's was but his work ethics, family values, and tolerances of others were very similar.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

"The Rock Hole" Author Signing

I went to the Firewheel Barnes and Noble today.  They had an author signing today - Reavis Wortham is the author of "The Rock Hole: Red River Mystery".  This is the first book and it was released on June 7th of this year according to Amazon.com. 

I talked a little with the author and had him sign a copy of his book.  Reavis told me the manuscript for his next book is due in September.

Relatively recent I have started getting ebooks to read and occassionally get the "real" book when there is not an ebook version.  There are several reasons why I have started getting the ebook.  I guess one of the most important reasons is the convenience.  It is relatively easy to get an ebook, they do not require additional book shelves to store, and I can adjust the size of the font for my comfort level. 

I had intended to get "The Rock Hole" in an ebook version but it is not available in the format yet.  But this brings to mind a question - can you get an author signed ebook?  I do not think this is technically available yet either.  Of course you might ask what is the purpose of a book signing?  Well ... one reason is some people collect signed books.  Another reason is people want to meet and talk to the author.  And of course, the author wants to promote his book.  I am sure there are a number of other reasons as well.  Only one of the three reasons I mentioned above really requires a physical book.

I have read the book and will do a post later about it.  Just to let you know, I enjoyed the book and look forward to more by the author.

Why Blog?

Recently a friend who checks out my blog on a regular basis made a comment to me about not seeing any postings since May.  She told me she knows I must be reading and she checks my blog for new reading ideas.  I admitted I am still reading - I have just been too busy to blog.

So the question is ... Why Blog?

If you are looking for THE REASONS to blog, this is not what you are looking for.  Instead these are reasons I blog - and why I need to get back to it.

One of the reasons I blog is because I read.  I started blogging to record my thoughts about what I read.  Of course there is more to it than that.  Sometimes it may be a way of passing information along to others about reading / writing stuff - like the monthly meetings held by the local Mystery Writers Group.  (Incidentally ... I do not consider myself a writer but my interest is as a reader.)  Sometimes I use my blog to communicate with the writers of the books I read and may have an interview in my blog.

I wish I could say the reason I have not been blogging the past two months was because I was on vacation - I WISH!!!  I have been occupied with work.  You know - WORK - the thing we all must do unless we are independently wealthy.  Unfortunately, work has been occupying my thoughts outside of "normal" hours as well.  I know ... I heard from several sources that I need to shut that stuff off when I leave the office - and I try.  And I realize it affects other parts of my life as well - including blogging.  That is one of the reasons I have NOT been blogging.  My mind has been occupied by work.

That brings me to another reason for me TO BLOG.  Blogging is a way for me to redirect my thoughts - a distraction you might say - just like reading can be.  Although I have been reading, I have not been successfully taking my thoughts away from work.  Blogging about what I read provides me with a way to "get away from work".  The last two months I have not allowed myself to do that. 

Funny thing is ... although I have been so preoccupied with work, this is also a reason why I have not been real efficient in work - I have just been getting by.  If I admit it to myself - and I am - taking the time to "get away from work" should help me be more focused when I am at work.  I feel it will although this blog is mostly about work it is NOT really about work - so I feel good.  In case you are wondering, the thing for me about blogging is the thought it takes to do a post.  That is the reason BLOGGING is good.  Now I just have to make sure I keep up the practice.

Another EXTRA at Dallas MWSWA June 4th Workshop

DALLAS MYSTERY WRITERS

Join us for our June 4th workshop ""Rise out of the Slush Pile" with Steve Miller. Steve is published in multiple genres and also an editor at Lilley Press and MindFlights. When wearing the hat of editor, he slogs through stacks of submissions, which is known in publishing as the "slush pile." He writes a short critique for writers on every manuscript he rejects, and he helps decide which stories to accept. Hear common problems that keep writers from being published, and find out why a few stories with problems do rise above the rest from the slush pile.

The Dallas MWASW group meets the first Saturday of each month at Texas Land & Cattle, 812 South Central Expressway, Richardson , TX 75080 . Meeting time is 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. There is a $5.00 door fee, cash only. All who attend are invited to remain for lunch.

Something extra: Workshop following lunch: Writing 101


Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Fee: $10.00


This workshop will address the needs of our beginner/intermediate writers as well as act as a fundraiser, since the instructor, our very own LaRee Bryant, has generously volunteered her time and experience. This month she will discuss the different types of publishers--from the traditional, to self-publishing and everything in between.



LaRee is the author of 7 historical novels and 2 non-fiction books, and has recently finished the second book in a new cozy mystery series. She's been a writing teacher and professional editor for over 20 years and has served on the boards of several national and local writers' organizations, overseeing committees such as "Agents Standards of Practice" and "Published Authors Network."

Coming SOON - New Mystery Release by Reavis Wortham

I am discovering all types of people can become writers.  Here is a person I know through work - Reavis Wortham - who has written a new mystery book.  He is retiring from his old "job" and will be spending time with his new "job" as a writer. 

Reavis Z. Wortham Web Link.  There is an interesting trailer for the book on this website you ought to check out.

His book - The Rock Hole: A Red River Mystery - is definitely one I am looking forward to reading.  As you may know, I have a particular fondness for certain types of books.

1. Mysteries written by Texas authors.
2. Mysteries located in Texas.
3. Mysteries featuring Texas characters.

Based on these three points, I suspect this book will be one that I really enjoy. 

GOOD LUCK Reavis with your new book and new career (assuming there will be more to follow).

According to Barnes and Noble, the publish date is June 07, 2011.