Friday, July 31, 2009

What makes a good detective in a mystery?

While we are reading "A Little Murder" by Cindy Davis, I thought it appropriate to discuss writing mysteries.

Let's start with the DETECTIVE.

The trick to a good mystery or any novel is to create believable and interesting characters. In the case of a mystery, the detective is the character readers will identify with first and foremost.

Rules for the DETECTIVE:

Curious

We have all heard the saying "show, don't tell"?

The best way to show that the detective in a mystery novel is the curious sort, who HAS to know the answer, put him/her in a job that seems to attract curious types. The obvious examples are private investigator, police detective, and investigative reporter. The not so obvious might be a photo/journalist, a scientist, a researcher, a librarian, or even a computer hacker (my personal favorite). Not only will the readers accept the detective as the sort who will chase down answers, but also these jobs often lead to fascinating plots.

Abilities

Consider your detective's occupation. Will it allow time out to go solve a puzzle? If the detective’s job does not allow for time to unravel the mystery of his best friend’s death then there has to be a credible way to excuse all the time the detective is away from his/her “real” job. Perhaps he/she is on vacation. Maybe the detective is on holiday or a vacation. Keep it real to be believable.

The detective will be in personal danger at some point in the novel and will therefore have to be strong. Showing the detective as regularly performing some physical activity like jogging five miles a day, swimming ten laps in a pool before bedtime, or taking a dance class will give he or she the appearance of being strong.

Why is this necessary?

When the detective faces the danger of having to kick a gun away, fight an armed assailant in frigid water, or wriggle out of constraints it will be easier to believe that he/she is capable of performing such feats.

Remember when you first started writing and one of the first things you did was interview your characters, get to know them in-depth? In a mystery, it is helpful to know the hobbies and skills the detective is involved in and will HELP in solving the mystery. Stamp collecting may not be of much use unless the mystery revolves around the death of a small town stamp collecting storeowner. Is she a computer whiz? Does he teach a psychology class once a week at the community college?

Friends of the detective are also useful. Having a pal on the police force or at the Town Clerk’s office can come in handy. A neighbor who is a lawyer or a computer geek can be of use to a detective at different times.

Bloodhound

There has to be a reason the detective is compelled to find the solution. In police procedurals or private eye novels, this is easy. The detective is hired to do the job. That is not exactly compelling. Perhaps the detective needs the job because she just opened her private investigative firm and wants to prove herself as competent.

One of the best ways to have an amateur sleuth continue the hunt for clues and the answer is to either make him/her a suspect, or have someone he/she care for a suspect. If the police have determined that he must have "dunnit", then no one else is looking for the real culprit. Another effective motive is if the detective or someone he/she cares about is in danger. She has to proceed with the investigation, regardless of the danger.

Intelligent

The detective in a mystery novel, whether amateur or professional cannot bumble his/her way through investigation and just happen upon clues and answers. This character is going to solve a puzzle. It must be believable that he can unravel the mystery.

Tune in tomorrow when we discuss the VILLAIN.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Why I blew off the RWA Conference

As some of you know, I had planned to attend the RWA National Conference in DC this year, but at the last minute changed my mind.

Why?

I had to finish writing book #4 Never Tempt Danger.

Why had?

Two reasons. The first is that I had set a goal for myself, and yes, I am very goal oriented. Hey! I'm a Type A personality. What can I say?

Those of you who write will probably understand the second reason. For those of you who do not write, you may think I am a little off my rocker, and you may be right. Then again, most authors probably are at least a tad off center. :-)

This is what happens to me and is reason number two.

When I get about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way through a story, the next story idea starts pinging me in the head like a pinball bouncing off the maze of obstacles making all kinds of bells go off.

That's not so bad. Noisy, but not too distracting.

It is when the characters for the next book start popping up all over the place that it gets disturbing. All of the sudden instead of typing my hero's name in my WIP, the hero for my next story decides to intrude and I end up typing in his name.

Worse than that is when you are completely exhausted after working a 10 or 12 hour day and you go to crawl in bed and the characters from your next novel flash through your mind and give you an entire scene. You have two choices at this point: You can ignore them and get the very much desired and required sleep you need or you can get up and type the scene up while the picture is vivid and fresh.

I TRIED to ignore them but it did not help. All night long, the images replayed in my mind. With every toss and turn, and fist in the pillow, the dialog and scene perfected itself. By morning, I had gotten no sleep, and the characters (Garrett and Jane), were still in the back of my mind jumping up and down, waving their hands at me for attention.

Basically, I had no choice but to wrap up Never Tempt Danger with its nanorobots.

Why did I tell you all this?

One, so you can see one example of what writers go through when new story ideas start pummeling at you.

Two, is . . . Instead of taking that vacation week off and attending the RWA Conference, I stayed at home on my deck and wrote and wrote and wrote.

Blowing off the conference was completely worth it because I finished novel#4 and found out late last night via email from my editor (who I think is the greatest)that Never Tempt Danger is being contracted for publication by L&L Dreamspell.

YIPPEE!! YEEHAW!! Doing the publication happy dance!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

When you think murder. . .think shower scene

Today is Tuesday and you know what that means. . .time for a writing prompt.

With that in mind, and with the fact that we are reading "A Little Murder" by Cindy Davis, I thought it appropriate to give a prompt that encompasses one of the most famous murder scenes ever.

Do you know what that scene is? What movie I'm talking about?

Yes! "Psycho."

Now, keep that scene in mind and write us a shower scene that hooks the reader and makes us want to read more.

Prompt: She was in the shower. . .

Monday, July 27, 2009

One of those feel good days as an author


This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of signing over 50 books to readers who took the time to send me an email telling me they wanted to read my latest novel, Killer Bunny Hill.

I took pictures of the virtual book signing I did from my living room.

Of course, my kitties, Mischief and Mayhem are avid readers so they had to help.
Mayhem is the beige kitty guarding the postal envelopes.


Mischief is the grayish kitty helping me pick out the bookmarks to put in the envelopes.

Of course, I didn't show you the "real" pictures of them helping me because they would be embarrassed if I showed them fighting over who would do what to help.


This last photo shows you the result of the virtual book signing minus the 9 books I signed for a group of retired ladies in a book club. At that point, I was starving, and had just seen an infomercial for French Toast. I packed up the book club's books and signed them while at my favorite bagel place in Manchester.

The really nice part of sitting at a place like Big Easy Bagel where you are friends with the owners and some of the patrons, when they see you signing books they get just as excited as me and want take one with them.

Lori and Cathy already had a copy of the book. . .that's how I keep myself in bagels. :-) Two of the patrons, one of whom I knew, and another who was on her way to the airport picked up a copy from me. How cool is that?

The best part is that while I sat there eating my egg and cheese sandwich on a wheat bagel, one of the other patrons who had picked up a copy from me the previous week reported that his wife loved Killer Bunny Hill and read it in one day. Now that is the kind of feedback I like to hear!

This evening when I returned home after 10 hours at work, I received emails from several of the readers who received their books today and were all excited to get it. Heck, they even thanked me for the bookmark!

Saturday and today were feel good days for me, an author. Thanks everyone for the smile on my face!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Book-A-Week Challenge reading A Little Murder

This week's Book-A-Week Challenge is reading A Little Murder by Cindy Davis.

Next Sunday, August 2, we will post an interview with Cindy so be sure to read the book and pop over to ask her a question.

To find out more about Cindy and her other books be sure to visit her webstite at http://www.cdavisnh.com/

Buy the book:

B&N
Amazon
L&L Dreamspell

Blurb:

The first in a brand new mystery series set at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH!

When a fishing trip hooks more than a few trout, ER nurse Angie Deacon and her husband find themselves unexpected suspects in a murder investigation.

Who amongst the other five aboard Little One could have had a vendetta against the boat's owner—especially one strong enough to see Nolan Little dead? Will Angie live to regret her decision to aid Nolan's aggrieved wife once she learns the woman harbors secrets of her own?

Untruths aren't the only cause for alarm as the lethal pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place, leaving Angie wondering just exactly how her husband fit into the deadly equation…and if she is next on the killer's list.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Writing prompt full of suspense

Let's talk a little more suspense. Now that we know the difference between mystery and suspense, how do we create suspense?

Use time constraints - A key method to building suspense is through the use of time. The protagonist works against the clock, and the clock works for the villain.

Keep the stakes high - The story must be about a crisis that threatens to rock the foundation of the protagonist’s world, and the hero must be willing to do anything to prevent it from occurring.

Complicate matters - Pile on the problems. Give the protagonist more things to deal with than he/she can possibly handle.

Apply pressure - The protagonist works under what seems to be insurmountable odds. All his/her skills and strengths are stretched to the breaking point in order to save the someone's life, his/her own life, or life as they know it.

Be unpredictable/surprise us - Nothing in life goes according to plan. Make nothing straight-forward for the protagonist. Suspense requires twists and turns.

Now that you have a few tips on how to create suspense, let's write it. Use the tips from above to help you write a paragraph or a page, or whatever comes to mind. Make the reader want more!

Writing Prompt: As the police sirens grew louder, Kate realized they were coming for her.

You learn something new every day

Last night I worked on a blog post for today and when I finished it, I saw this link for post options. I clicked on it. Inside, it revealed the fact that I could set a date and time for the post.

My chin dropped, leaving my mouth open to catch invisible flies, and my eyes bugged out. "No way!"

After putting my eyes back inside my head and calming my excited heartbeat, I set the time for 6:30 this morning then exited the program.

Now, I am waiting with baited breath to see if the post really does show up at 6:30 this morning. Keep your fingers crossed.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Speaking of suspense. . . how does suspense differ from mystery?

In this week's Book-A-Week Challenge we're reading a suspense novel by Carla Neggers.

Speaking of suspense. . . how does suspense differ from mystery?

Have you as a reader wondered this? As a writer I know I sure have! Afterall, is it not my job as an author to know and understand what I am writing so I know who will want to read my book. (shh. . .I think that's called knowing your target market.)

Barbour Publishing gives a pretty clear definition of the two genres. “A Mystery is set up as a maze to be navigated by the protagonist or solver. A Suspense is best represented as a coil that tightens in around the protagonist. A simplified generalization would be to say in a mystery, the protagonist is on the offensive-actively searching and solving, while a suspense puts the protagonist on the defensive-running and evading the villain as time runs out.”

If that's not enough information, I thought I would share my take on the difference between mystery and suspense. Feel free to share your own thoughts.

Mystery:

A mystery contains a puzzle to be solved and may revolve around any crime, not necessarily a murder victim, though a murder victim is common.

A mystery focuses more on the hero/heroine solving the crime.

In a mystery, the reader identifies with the detective (the person solving the mystery).

In a mystery, the protagonist already has the skills he or she needs to solve the puzzle.

A mystery is a puzzle where the answer is hidden until the end with many red herrings along the way.

The reader has to distinguish between real clues and red herrings, and the protagonists solve the problem/crime by the end of the story.

In a mystery, information is withheld.

The hero or heroine in a mystery is looking for suspects.

Readers of mysteries are looking for clues.


Suspense:

Suspense involves a character in peril and has more of an element of danger.

Suspense can have an antagonist who is "out to get" either the hero or heroine and is the one creating the problems. The antagonist may or may not be known until the very end.

In a suspense, the reader identifies with someone at the mercy of others.

Romantic suspense focuses as much (or nearly as much) on the developing romance between the hero and heroine as it does on the suspense plot line where the plot's twists and turns eventually threatens the hero’s/heroine's life.

In suspense, the protagonist learns new skills to survive.

The suspense plot line focuses more on disarming the danger than solving a puzzle.

The suspense novel hero or heroine faces a cycle of distrust.

Suspense is just that . . . Keeps the reader on the edge of the seat.

In suspense novels, information is provided.

The hero or heroine in suspense looks for betrayers.

Readers of suspense are expecting surprises.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

At a yard sale. . .Writing Prompt Tuesday

Tuesday is creative boost day and we have the perfect writing prompt for the summer.

Remember when you were a kid and your mom would drag you around to garage sale or yard sales?

Oh, maybe that was just me.

Dad didn't go on these fun outings so us kids (I have three sisters) would get dragged along to paw through and oo! and ah! at the incredible stuff other people wanted to get rid of.

One day, years later, I went to one on my own and found an old/antique stereo, you know the big wooden kind that played the radio and albums. Remember those?! It was on sale for $10. What a bargain!

Anyway, a good yard sale can always be an interesting place to come up with a good story.

How?

Because as you paw through someone else's stuff you can get an image of the person and craft an interesting tale of who they are and when they used or wore that grat bargain you are about to pay pennies for.

Keep that in mind when you write today's response to the writing prompt.

Prompt: At the yard sale. . .

Book-A-Week Challenge Reading "The Mist" by Carla Neggers



This week's Book-A-Week Challenge is The Mist by Carla Neggers.


Publisher: Mira
Pub. Date: June 2009
ISBN-13: 9780778326243

http://www.carlaneggers.com/


See previous interview with Carla Neggers: http://deniserobbins.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-week-challenge-interview-with.html


Synopsis:

When Lizzie Rush uncovers evidence that thrill-seeking billionaire Norman Estabrook may be at the center of an international criminal network, she finds herself playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Raised in the elite world of her hotelier family, educated in reality by her spy father, Lizzie is the perfect choice to slowly amass information that will take down Estabrook. But no good deed goes unpunished.


Despite Norman's arrest, Lizzie knows she's not safe. Estabrook will stop at nothing to exact revenge against the people who took him down--unless she stops him first. When she learns of a bomb that's about to go off in Boston, her instincts are proven right. But her warning doesn't come quickly enough. One detective is seriously injured in the blast and another, the FBI director's daughter, disappears. Then intelligence officer Will Davenport arrives with a single, simple message: Norman Estabrook is gone.


Lizzie doesn't know how Will found her or whose side he's on, but she does know he can help her prevent the killers from striking again. Now Lizzie--a woman who's spent the past year shrouded in a fog of deception--has no choice but to trust Will, a man who lives by a code of personal honor and answers to no one. At least until the mist clears and the frightening truth is revealed.

Monday, July 20, 2009

What attracts hero to heroine and heroine to hero?

We've all read books that have a little attraction between a guy and a girl or a man and a woman. Heck, even some of the hard core mysteries have a little romance in them, right? They do if real life seeps into the story.

I thought a fun discussion topic would be what attracts a hero to a heroine and what attracts the heroine to the hero.

Is it that the guy can actually match his clothes when he gets dressed in the morning all by himself or that he washed his morning whiskers down the sink?

Is it that the woman doesn't cake her makeup on so she reminds him of his grandmother or that when he asks her what she would like for a dinner out she actually answers him and says chicken wings?

Let's see what everyone has to say. Share your ideas/thoughts in the categories below. Share what you believe or what you've read or written about in books.

Hero to Heroine: (What attracts hero to heroine?)

The way the heroine carries herself when she walks into a room (like she knows what she is doing)
An independent woman who does not rely on the man
Someone who is fun and outgoing
A woman who is not afraid to challenge him
The way her hips sway when she walks
Her smile
Her laugh
Her intelligence and that she's not afraid to show it

Heroine to Hero: (What attracts heroine to hero?)

A guy with a sense of humor
Nice butt in a pair of jeans
His intellect
His crooked grin
That the hero is not an easy catch
The deep sound of his voice

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Nora LeDuc


We are interviewing Nora LeDuc, author of this week's Book-A-Week Challenge novel "Murder Came Calling".

Post your comment or question and Nora will stop in to answer and respond.

Genre: Romance
SubGenre: Mystery
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-437-8
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-438-5
Nora's site: http://www.noraleduc.com/

For those of you who don't know, Nora is a friend of mine and someone who has influenced and helped me with my writing career since I joined the NH Romance Writers of America back in 2003.

Of all the books that Nora has written and there have been many, I believe 7 published at this point, this is my favorite. Why?
Because I love the hero (Sam) and heroine (Annie) in this story. These are two characters that you can't help but fall for.
Okay, enough about what I think. On with the interview!

Interview:

How close is the plot in your current release Murder Came Calling to your own life?

Let’s see. A wealthy, young beautiful woman becomes involved with a sarcastic, heart hardened ex con after her mother is murdered and the heroine fears her father is the killer. Her drug addicted brother keeps disappearing and reappearing, and the police threaten to arrest the hero as they believe he’s a murderer released on a technicality. Well, I have a mother, a father and two brothers. Pretty close!


When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I knew I was an author when I found myself listed on an authors web page between Charlotte Hughes and Janet Evanovich.

What genre are you the most comfortable writing?

I originally hoped to write historical romance and have written and sold three. The idea of women in beautiful dresses with servants and dashing heroes was very alluring. But the downturn in the historical market convinced me to turn elsewhere. Since I love mystery, thrillers, suspense I decided to attempt writing one. It’s been a love match ever since.

What are your current projects?

I have written and sold a book Pick Up Lines for Murder. The date for its release will be announced soon. I’ve another completed a manuscript Love Burns, which is seeking a home and have two other manuscripts in various stages of revision. I also am writing a story about a kidnapped child inspired by Headline News.

If you could spend the day with one writer, who would it be?

Hands down Tina Fey!! I’d love to be her shadow for a day. Here’s a woman who was one of the few female writers on SNL. Now she’s writing and staring on a hit TV show, written a hit movie and won seven gold Emmy statues for 30 Rock. Recently, her show received 22 Emmy nominations! Let me be your gopher, Tina.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

All of my characters have a lesson to learn, which is universal for all of us. In Murder Came Calling although the hero has been set free from prison, he must learn how to open his imprisoned heart. In Love’s Wicked Jewel the hero learns he’s made the wrong choice in taking the diamond. It’s cold and hard while he’s given up the warm and loving heroine for wealth. In my next book Pick Up Lines for Murder, the heroine learns that she’s left behind the nerdy girl in high school and grown into a beautiful, kind woman even the hottest guy from her past can love. All of my characters have lessons in love to learn, which is why there’s romance in each book.

One last question. Were you the model for your cover?

The woman drowning under water? Absolutely. It’s how I look doing my revisions.

For more information about Nora, visit her website at http://www.noraleduc.com

Purchase the book: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=735&zenid=b452d0a8fdb7f26f507b9fd009fd13d2

Friday, July 17, 2009

Free write Friday . . . The wine. . .

Well, Friday has come and I still have a lot of words to write in my WIP to finish it by Sunday. Yes, that is my plan for the whole day today - WRITE!

In the meantime, in honor of the book event I hooked yesterday with Zorvino Vineyards, I thought today's writing prompt would be something to do with the vineyard.

If you have nevere been to a vineyard/winery (my first visit to one was yesterday), you really do have to check it out. In the meantime, checkout Zorvino's website at http://www.zorvino.com. If you go by Zorvino's ask for Tom or Nancy and tell them that Denise Robbins sent you.

Friday's Prompt: The wine. . .

Thursday, July 16, 2009

What do Toadstools have in common with authors?



What do Toadstools have in common with authors?

BOOKS! Toadstool Bookshop sells books and hosts author events. . .and bakes brownies.

(That would be Shirley at the book table)



Last Saturday, Tammy McCracken and Toadstool Bookshop in Milford, NH hosted four New England authors in a group book event. Nora LeDuc (this week's book-a-week challenge author), Diana Rubino, Shirley Howard, and yours truly, Denise Robbins.

(Diana Rubino is on left in green. I'm the funny blonde on the right.)


Why would Tammy and Toadstool Bookshop have a book event with us?

Are you kidding? Because we are all entertaining and fun. Oh, yeah! We also write terrific stories. Plus, I made chocolate lollipops.

(That would be me with Nora LeDuc in front of all those good books.)

For those of you who missed the event, I thought I would share with you some pictures to rub in the good time you missed. :-)

For those of you who missed the event, not to worry, you can still go by the Toadstool Bookshop and get signed copies of our books.

**Photos courtesy of Gina Leuci, romance writer. **

Publishing terms every writer should know

Have you seen acronyms or heard people talking about various things related to publishing and you think, "Huh?"

There are so many terms that we writers need to know. When you first get the contract you are so focused on the "OMG! They want to publish my book!" aspect that you then get this contract you have to read three times minimum and go, "What?"

Well, I thought I would toss out a few publishing terms and their definitions (as I see them) as a sort of dictionary. There are many more! Feel free to post any you think others should be aware of.

Terms:

Advance: The amount the publisher pays up front to an author before the book is published. The advance is an advance on all future earnings.

ARCS: Advance Review Copies. Not the final book, these are advance and unfinalized copies of the book that are sent to reviewers. (This one I had no clue the first time I heard it.)

Blurb: A one or two paragraph description of your book. People often compare a blurb to back cover copy. This is the pitch you use in your query letter as well as the pitch you would use in pitch appointments.

Copy Edits: Edits that focus on the mechanics of your writing. A copy editor typically looks for grammar, punctuation, spelling, typos, and style. (As good as your grammar checker is, it does not beat another person reviewing your work.)

Galleys: Another word for ARCs. Galleys aren’t always bound, but are also sent to reviewers as well as other sources for publicity. Galleys are often a copy of your Page Proofs.

Marketing: Marketing is advertising that is paid for, including ads in magazines, display units in stores, and things like postcards or posters, bookmarks.

Mass Market: Also called “rack size,” these are paperback books originally designed to fit in rotating book racks in non-bookstore outlets. Mass market paperbacks are roughly 4” x 7” in size.

Pitch: Usually verbal, the pitch is your Blurb. It’s a one-paragraph description of your book. It’s what you use to entice readers to read the book and describe the story.

Publicity: Advertising that is free. Publicity includes magazine and newspaper articles, radio and television interviews, and of course Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, and other networking Web sites. (I did not know that publicity meant free - did you?)

Royalties: The percentage of the sales an author receives for each copy of the book sold.

Slush/Slush Pile: Any material sent to an agent or an editor that has not been requested. (Attending conferences will help you not hit the slush pile because you can give pitch sessions and an invitation to send more to an agent/editor.)

Synopsis: A detailed, multipage description of the book that includes all major plot points as well as the conclusion. (Tell your story to an editor or agent in 5 pages or less.)

Tag Line: The one line often used on the front cover of the book to grab a reader’s attention. (Tag lines are fun and painful to write. Imagine telling your story in one line.)

Trade: To make it easy, trade is the shorthand for trade paperback books and is basically any size that is not mass market. Typically they run larger than a mass market edition.

Vanity Press: A publisher that publishes the author’s work at the author’s expense.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Make Lists Wednesday - Hero and Heroine first meet

I saw this book the other day and it was all about lists. I used to be, but not as much anymore, a total freak when it comes to lists. That probably comes with being an A+ type personality or being a Virgo.

Seeing this book had me standing there with a finger pressed to my lips, thinking. "Hm."

Then BAM! An idea popped into my head. Let's make lists of various things about books and writing. This will be another way to share good, interesting, and fun information about our writing.

Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to make a list of. . .are you ready? No, no, really ready?

HA! Okay, we'll start with a very light and I am sure intriguing list.

Post a comment back to this blog post a list of the places your hero and heroine first come together in the books. The point at which the hero and heoine connect and not necessarily physically. Come on, you know darn well that it wasn't a bed. Well, I suppose it could be.

I will start:

Pool when characters on vacation and end up at same place
Hero's doorstep and heroine is wounded
Heroine's house because of a scream and her being hero has to help
Heroine hiding out in hero's cabin (one of my fave)
Bar where police officers hangout

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

In her cat's mouth. . . Writing Prompt Tuesday

Today's creative boost is the writing prompt: In her cat's mouth. . .

I am getting back to my normal schedule of writing prompts of Tuesday and Friday so I can keep up with them. I will finish the ones I missed last week and do this week's when I take a break from my WIP. In the meantime, what you write may give me the boost to write more and faster.

Share your sentence, paragraph, a whole page. Whatever you write post it so others can see the writing mind at work.

Have fun!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Book-A-Week Challenge Reading "Murder Came Calling" by Nora LeDuc



We are reading Murder Came Calling by Nora LeDuc for the Book-A-Week Challenge. On Sunday, July 19, we'll be posting an interview with Nora and she will stop in to answer and respond to any questions or comments you leave behind so don't forget to come back after reading the book.

Genre: Romance
SubGenre: Mystery
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-437-8
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-438-5
Nora's site: http://www.noraleduc.com


For those of you who don't know, Nora is a friend of mine and someone who has influenced and helped me with my writing career since I joined the NH Romance Writers of America back in 2003.

Of all the books that Nora has written and there have been many, I believe 7 published at this point, this is my favorite. Why?
Because I love the hero (Sam) and heroine (Annie) in this story. These are two characters that you can't help but fall for.
Okay, enough about what I think. On with the book information.

Blurb:

When her mother’s body is discovered at a lakeside cove, Annie Townsend can’t avoid the possibility her father may be a murderer. She launches her own investigation and teams up with prison-toughened Sam O’Brien, a man her family loathes.

Caught in a web of her own suspicions and guilt, Annie finds that, even worse, she’s attracted to Sam and must protect herself from a man branded by his past and imprisoned by his hardened heart.

Although he’s long been proved innocent of murder, Sam knows the world shuns and despises him. His attempts to live in peace away from the prying press are doomed. When Annie catapults into his life, he finds the opportunity to prove himself worthy to love again.

Purchase the book: http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=735&zenid=b452d0a8fdb7f26f507b9fd009fd13d2

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Book-A-Week Challenge Interview with author Mark Rosendorf


Today's interview is with Mark Rosendorf, author of The Rasner Effect.

I'd like to thank Mark for giving us an opportunity to read The Rasner Effect as part of the Book-A-Week Challenge and for the interview you are about to read.

Please leave a comment or question and let Mark reply back.

On with the interview. . .

Are the experiences in the novel based on someone you know, or events in your life?

When I’m not writing, I work as a Guidance Counselor for a special needs school. Many of my students have emotional disabilities and anti-social tendencies. Working with them for years, I’ve come to understand the personalities and the thought-process. Many of the characters in The Rasner Effect are based on personality traits I have worked with. And much of the book is shown from the anti-social perspective.


How do you come up with your story ideas and your characters?

I take characteristics of people I know or have known and basically give them a fictional make-over. I exaggerate them, mash them up with other characteristics, insert them into the worlds I’ve created, and voila, I have my character.

One example is the Derrick character in The Rasner Effect, who many readers either love or hate. He is based on one of my best friends. And while my friend is not a killer, drug-user or part of a mercenary organization, he is cocky about his talents and always has his nose in a computer. Just like Derrick.


When do you find you are the most creative or write the most?

My ideas usually hit me at the most inopportune times. In the car, in bed, in the shower. In my head, I suddenly envision the scene and then the wording on paper. The problem is that my ideas work like lightening: one brilliant flash, then it’s gone Afterwards, I can’t recall exactly how I worded it. So I have to keep pen and paper handy, always. I even have a pen and pad hanging just outside my shower on the wall. I’m constantly reaching out the shower door and scribbling. Lucky for me, I’m left-handed since the shower door is on my left side.


Who is your favorite character in the book?

On a quick aside, I’ve found that when readers contact me about The Rasner Effect, they’re all fond of different Rasner Effect characters. Each character is unique and depending on who I’m talking to about the book, their focus can be on any of the characters. Everyone relates to someone in The Rasner Effect.

Personally, I’m partial to Rick Rasner because he’s the one I can relate to the most. Well, to some of his aspects, not so much the psychotic tendencies. At least not to the point I’d act on them.


How did you come up with the title, “The Rasner Effect?”

The original title was “Permanent Solutions” but everyone I pitched it to thought I was talking about a hair product. I went with “The Rasner Effect” because the book is not just about Rick Rasner, but also his effect on the other characters. Even the scenes Rick is not in, the story is still about his influence on the other characters and how his presence has affected them.


Do you have a specific writing style?

I’ve been told that my writing is unique and very different from most books. I’m not really sure what I’m doing that makes it unique, I just try to write as passionately as I can and put as much of me in as I can. I try not to copy other author’s style because I figure it probably won’t work for me, it’s their style.

What I can tell you is that I write entirely from the characters’ perspective. I want the reader to feel the emotion and the drama the character is experiencing with each and every scene.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Comic books. I grew up on Comic books, in fact, they helped improve my reading at a point when I needed the help. I like a story that makes you want to come back for more. And comic books always make you want to come back for more. They’ve made me come back for more since I was eight.

What is your favorite way to take a break from writing?

I’d like to say when I’m not working or writing, I use my time to contemplate the meaning of life, but in truth I’m most likely watching a movie or playing a videogame. I also try to spend an hour every evening in my building’s gym on the elliptical and taking a swim. Oh, and I read, of course.



Who are some of your favorite authors? Have any of them influenced your work?

There are a lot of authors whose work I enjoy. I read Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Douglas Adams and Rob Grant to name a few. Stephen Baxter wrote one of my favorite books, “The Time Ships” which was written as a direct sequel to the original HG Well classic, The Time Machine. In “The Time Ships” Baxter uses small chapters, each one with a cliffhanger leading to the next. With someone who suffers from a short attention span, I liked the small chapters a lot. It influenced me to keep my chapters short. Many readers have told me it’s one of the things they prefer about my writing.



What are your current projects?

I have just submitted the sequel to The Rasner Effect, titled: “Without Hesitation: The Rasner Effect 2.” I expect it to come out around January. I have also recently started work on the third of the series. I have a short story coming out in L&L Dreamspell’s anthology: Cat in the Dreamspell. My entry is titled: “Cat in the cockpit” and it reads very different than The Rasner Effect. It’s more of a campy story with a Twilight Zone-like theme.



What motivated you to write The Rasner Effect?

I’ve always enjoyed action/adventure dealing with government cover-up. I particularly like stories taking everyday people and putting them in extraordinary situations. The Rasner Effect is a composite of this, while incorporating my own experiences as a counselor. There are therapy sessions within the pages of this novel, but also focuses on Rick Rasner’s dealings with the politics of an overbearing boss, something I have also had experience in dealing with in the past.

My goal with The Rasner Effect was to write a novel where everyone can find a character, a scene, a circumstance they could relate to. Based on reviews and reader comments, I believe I’ve succeeded in my goal. The Rasner Effect is a book that is for anyone who fits into one or more of the following four categories:

1) If you’ve ever worked with teenagers individually or in a group.

2) If you’ve ever watched the news and thought to yourself, “I don’t think they’re telling us everything.”

3) If you’ve ever imagined waking up one day and discovering you were someone else…particularly someone who doesn’t follow the “rules.”

4) If you’ve ever worked for a boss you wished would DIE a horrible but deserving death.

If you fit into any of these categories, then The Rasner Effect is for you.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Getting ready for group book signing event


Good Saturday morning!


I'm getting ready for my afternoon book signing of my new techno-romantic thriller, KILLER BUNNY HILL at Toadstool Bookstore in Milford, N.H. today, Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.


It'll be three times the fun when romance authors Denise Robbins, Diana Rubino, and Nora LeDuc pay Toadstool a visit to sign their books and share the craft of writing with you.

I hope to see you there to join in the fun!
Time: Saturday, July 11, 2009 2:00 p.m.
Location: Toadstool Bookstore, 586 Nashua St, Lorden Plaza, Milford, NH 03055
Phone: 603-673-1734

Friday, July 10, 2009

Local author to sign techno-romantic thriller at Toadstool Bookstore



Local author to sign techno-romantic thriller at Toadstool Bookstore



Salem author Denise Robbins is launching the release of her latest techno-romantic thriller Killer Bunny Hill with a book signing at the Toadstool Bookstore in Milford, N.H. on July 11 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.



A software engineering manager by day, Robbins integrates her knowledge of computers and technology into all of her romantic suspense novels.

In Killer Bunny Hill, the plot revolves around the relationship of manmade diamonds, computers and laser weapons, giving readers a glimpse into the breakthrough science of nanotechnology.



“Nanotechnology is fascinating and is going to affect us immensely in the future,” Robbins said. “It is being hailed as one the greatest technological breakthroughs because it touches everything.”



In Killer Bunny Hill, a wrong turn down the Bunny Hill hurls the main character into a chilling race against a killer’s bullet. Robbins uses the majestic New Hampshire mountains as the setting, and incorporates a little known fact of underground tunnels in the plot.

“The New Hampshire mountains are the perfect location to combine beauty, romance and intrigue,” she said. “I can’t imagine a better setting.”


Robbins will be joined by three other authors of various genres at the Toadstool Bookstore. They include Diana Rubino, Shirley Ann Howard, and Nora LeDuc.

Readers can learn more about


Robbins and her other novels at http://www.deniserobbins.com/.




Have you been reading this week's Book-A-Week Challenge is The Rasner Effect by Mark Rosendorf?

I have! I even burnt a grilled cheese sandwich because I got caught up in the story. After reading Mark's suspenseful story don't forget to return here on Sunday, July 12 to see an interview with Mark and post back a comment or question.

Mark is looking forward to hearing from the readers. . .while I am looking forward to asking questions.
Blurb:
Rick Rasner escaped death in a New York City bridge explosion - but he couldn't escape becoming an unwitting participant in a top secret military experiment.
When the Duke Organization, a group of ruthless killers, set off a violent explosion, they wiped out Rick Rasner's life as he knew it.

Many years later, as he still struggled to remember any shred of his former existence, he put a new life together - as a therapist in the Brookhill Children's Psychiatric Residence, a facility for troubled urban teens.

Brookhill's policies, set by head director Katherine Miller, seemed brutal and oppressive. She bullied the therapists too - Rick's meek personality left him incapable of handling her attacks. He developed an unexplainable bond with fifteen-year-old patient Clara Blue - something about her conflicted, volatile personality struck a cord deep inside his psyche. Rick wanted to help her and the other patients, yet met with non-stop opposition from the staff.

The Duke Organization resurfaced, searching for Rick Rasner. When they found him at the Brookhill facility a bloody hostage situation ensued. The lives of both Rick and Clara were about to change - but for the better or worse?

Disgraced mercenary Jake Scarberry was forced out of the witness protection program and back into action - after the Duke Organization. An unpredictable chain of events result between Jake, Rick, and the Duke Organization - and Clara Blue.

This complex psychological suspense/thriller will leave you questioning exactly who to root for in a battle of good versus evil.

Free Write Friday - On the bed. . .

Free Write Friday is another writing prompt day to boost that creativity pent up inside your head. It's an opportunity to take a break from your WIP and let the writing flow. The idea is to have fun!

Friday's prompt: On the bed. . .

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Featured on The Romance Studio

Good morning everyone! Did you see?

See what, Denise?

I'm a featured author with an interview at The Romance Studio.

No!

Yes!

Where can we see it?

Oh! Hehe. You want to read the interview and learn about my latest release Killer Bunny Hill?

Yeah! Duh! Come on! Tell us!

Okay, so some days I'm just silly and all these voices are going off in my head. :-) Please, check out the interview at http://theromancestudio.com/who11.php. It has pictures and everything! Come back here and leave a note telling me what you think.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Killer Bunny Hill on Amazon and Barnes & Noble



May I just say that I am doing the happy dance!!!

Killer Bunny Hill is listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Amazon has the book cover image while B&N does not, but hey! It is there. That makes it real.

Checkout the links:
http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Bunny-Hill-Denise-Robbins/dp/160318130X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247062554&sr=1-1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=killer+bunny+hill&box=killer%20bunny%20hill&pos=-1

And, fingers crossed, I will have books in hand this week. . .just in time for first book event Saturday, July 11 at 2PM at Toadstool Bookshop in Milford, NH.

Yippee!!

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Writing prompt Wednesday is an opportunity to pull yourself away from whatever you are doing, take a quick break, and boost that creativity.

Writing prompt: She screamed. . .

I can think of many different ways for this to go. How will you take it?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Authors - Tell us about your first book contract

Authors - share your first book contract experience!

This is always a fun and interesting moment to share with other authors and readers because there are so many varied answers.

How did you leard about your first book contract? Who notified you?

Where were you when you received the notification?

What did you do the moment you found out about your first book contract? What did you do next?

Who was the first person you told? Why?

How long did it take from the time you submitted your manuscript for the first time to the moment a publisher bought?

She barely had a foot out. . .writing prompt response

I created this prompt based on an incident that happened to me last week. Now, here it is. . .art imitating life.

Prompt: She barely had a foot out . . .

She barely had a foot out the car door when Gina heard a man speak.

“How are you?”

Assuming his question was not meant for her, she ignored the deep voice and kept walking toward the restaurant at a brisk pace.

“How are you?” the man asked again.

Gina glanced back over her shoulder. To her surprise, she realized the tall, gorgeous hunk of a man with cornflower blue eyes was alone and speaking to her. Out of politeness, she answered him. “I’m good. You?”

“Dandy.” He offered her a wide, beaming grin.

She turned back and stepped up onto the sidewalk.

“You work around here?”

Okay, this was getting a little strange. “I work in South Boston.”

“All the way from New Hampshire?”

Her back stiffened, but she continued walking. He knew she was from New Hampshire? That meant he had paid attention to her license plate. “Uh, yeah.”

“That’s a long drive. I work in Quincy.”

Like she cared. Handsome or not, the man gave her the creepy crawlies.

“Here, let me get the door for you?”

He reached in front of her and held the door open.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure for such a beautiful lady.”

Now, she wanted to gag. Instead, she stepped into line behind the other early morning patrons.

“I’m Mac. You are?”
Again, years of well-bred manners took over. She took the hand he offered. “Denise.”

“Do you have a business card?”

“No. . .no.” She faced forward as if reading the menu she knew by heart. “I’m a contractor.”

“I just started a new job too.”

“Congratulations,” she said without looking at him.

“Yeah thanks.” He tapped her on the shoulder.

Gina turned around and tried her best not to show her revulsion.

“Can I get your number?”

“Huh?” She stared at him. Was he kidding?

He reached into his back pocket, pulled out a pen and a stack, not a single sheet of paper, but a stack of little, hand cut pieces of paper.

Holy shit! The man was a freak. Did he chase down unsuspecting women on a daily basis? How many of them were crazy or stupid enough to give it to them?

“Do you know your number at work?”

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t.”

She watched his face crinkle and his mouth turn down then he started to write, chattering away as he scribbled.

“Here are my numbers, both my cell phones, and my email.” He handed her the paper. “Give me a call. I would love to hangout sometime.”

For a second, she stared blankly at the note then with a flat smile on her face, she glanced up and met his blue gaze.

Monday, July 6, 2009

She barely had a foot out . . .Monday's Writing Prompt

Monday's writing prompt should be a swift kick to get your writing started.

Writing prompt: She barely had a foot out . . .

Remember, have fun and grab that reader's attention.

I'll put out out a response post to last Friday's prompt later today.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Two days of sun equals lots of garden work

After nine straight days of work and lots of icky rainy weather, I finally got to play in the sun. Yippee!

You'll notice the picture to the left of my two cats, Mischief and Mayhem. Yup, that's them watching me do all the hard work while they chill out in the window. Lucky little buggers!

But, all the work in the yard was well worth it. After 335 pavers, I have a garden border.
What do you think?

I still have one section around the backside of the old apple tree, but that's it. That's also for another warm weekend. My last yard task for this year is to clean up along my rock wall so I can plant flowers. There is a lot of rock wall. :-)


My neighbor made me the sign in front of the tree that says WELCOME. I'm still waiting on her to paint me a sign that says AUTHOR.



























Book-A-Week-Challenge reading The Rasner Effect


This week's Book-A-Week Challenge is The Rasner Effect by Mark Rosendorf.

After reading Mark's suspenseful story don't forget to return here next Sunday, July 12 to see an interview with Mark and post back a comment or question.

Mark is looking forward to hearing from the readers. . .while I am looking forward to the good book. Enjoy!




Blurb:

Rick Rasner escaped death in a New York City bridge explosion - but he couldn't escape becoming an unwitting participant in a top secret military experiment.

When the Duke Organization, a group of ruthless killers, set off a violent explosion, they wiped out Rick Rasner's life as he knew it.

Many years later, as he still struggled to remember any shred of his former existence, he put a new life together - as a therapist in the Brookhill Children's Psychiatric Residence, a facility for troubled urban teens.

Brookhill's policies, set by head director Katherine Miller, seemed brutal and oppressive. She bullied the therapists too - Rick's meek personality left him incapable of handling her attacks.
He developed an unexplainable bond with fifteen-year-old patient Clara Blue - something about her conflicted, volatile personality struck a cord deep inside his psyche. Rick wanted to help her and the other patients, yet met with non-stop opposition from the staff.

The Duke Organization resurfaced, searching for Rick Rasner. When they found him at the Brookhill facility a bloody hostage situation ensued. The lives of both Rick and Clara were about to change - but for the better or worse?

Disgraced mercenary Jake Scarberry was forced out of the witness protection program and back into action - after the Duke Organization. An unpredictable chain of events result between Jake, Rick, and the Duke Organization - and Clara Blue.

This complex psychological suspense/thriller will leave you questioning exactly who to root for in a battle of good versus evil.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Besides BBQ and fireworks

As part of my July 4 celebration, I not only enjoyed some BBQ and fireworks, I put a border around my garden. At least the front half of it has a border.


I trenched and placed 160 paver stones around my beautiful flowers and it's not done yet.

I still have to add the border around the backside and there are several smaller gardens that I need to border as well.

I believe I will make another trip tomorrow morning to get more stone so I can get it done this weekend.

Now if I can just get the blister on my hand to go away!







Friday, July 3, 2009

The longer she waited. . .

Writing prompt Wednesday was: The longer she waited. . .

My writing prompt response:

The longer she waited the more uneasy she became and the harder it would be.

(I could leave you right there. I would leave you asking why she became more uneasy and what would be harder. I thought about doing just that, but. . .I’m not that evil. Well, okay, I am, but please read on. )



The longer she waited the more nervous she became and the harder it would be. At every passing hour, she felt her courage slipping away. The courage to say goodbye, leave her life, as she knew it behind, and start over. All she had to do was step over the threshold. Biting her thumbnail, she stared at the door, her axis, turning point with a queasiness in the pit of her stomach.

Stephanie glanced at her gold wristwatch. “Well, it’s now or never.”

Taking a deep breath, she pusher herself to her feet, grabbed the keys and glass star off the coffee table, and slid the straps of her purse and backpack over her shoulder. Stephanie glanced around the only home she’d known since childhood one last time then steeled herself and walked to the foyer.

The phone rang.

With her hand on the doorknob, Stephanie contemplated answering the phone then managed to tune it out as she tugged the heavy door open. Sunlight streamed in, offered her a warm welcome. She stepped one foot over the entrance and the little, yellow glass star she believed to be her good luck charm slipped from her arm, hit the Italian marble floor and shattered into a million tiny pieces.

The splintered glass resembled the shards of her life. Tears blurred her vision then slid down her cheek. She glances over her shoulder at the world outside, imagined what her life could be. She looked back into the heart of the house she decorated and remembered how her married life had started out.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled slow and deep then shut the door.

In a Tattoo Parlor. . .

Monday's motivation writing prompt was: In a tattoo parlor . . .

In a tattoo parlor, Bernie glanced around the room at the various blown up pictures of different body parts and the ink-art needled into the skin. On one man’s beefy bicep the artist carved a barbed wire into his arm. Bernie rubbed at the same spot on her own arm as she meandered to the next photograph.

A butterfly of red, yellow, and black adorned the ankle of a woman who posed with what had to be three-inch spiked heels. “Cute,” she murmured and moved on. She shuddered at the next image. It showed a very sharp pointed knife with three drops of red blood dripping from its tip on the inside of a man’s forearm. She wondered if the blood drops signified anything important like one for each kill.

Bernie wrinkled her nose and wandered the room eyeing the other photos. The black bull drew her in. It seemed almost real as if it would jump off the paper. All she had to do was wave a red cape in front of it. The animal’s head came over the man’s shoulder and when she blinked the bull’s dark eye seemed to wink at her. When she realized what hung from the bull’s nose, she gasped and her hand reflexively cupped her left breast in a protective gesture. In the center of the animal’s nose hung a gold ring from the man’s nipple. “Ouch!”

“You can say that again.”

Bernie jumped, spun, and caught off guard took an automatic step back. Her leg bumped into something, she lost her balance, and stumbled, her arms wind milling. If not for the strong hands of the man who had surprised her in the first place, she would have fallen onto her butt. Instead, he gripped her arms and tugged her upright. Her front slammed into his rock hard chest and the air left her lungs.

“You okay, little lady?”

Little lady? She blinked up at him, unable to speak for lack of breath, and swallowed the lump of lust that just lodged in her throat. Sparks of electricity tingled at every point his body made contact with hers.

“You okay?”

His jade eyes twinkled and she would have sworn she saw the corner of his mouth twitch. Bernie cleared her throat. “Fine, thank you.” She attempted to extricate herself from his grasp, but he held firm.

“I’d say better than fine,” he drawled in a smooth bourbon voice as gaze traveled down her body and back up again. “Can I help you?”

“N. . .no thank you,” she told him and managed to disentangle herself. She brushed at her sleeves and skirt smoothing out the material.

“Did you come in for a tattoo?”

Bernie straightened. Her spine snapped taut and her gaze narrowed on the man with the pretty jade eyes. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.” She turned on her heels and went toward the front desk in search of the receptionist or whoever was in charge. She leaned over the counter and did not see anyone in sight. Where could the tattoo artist be?

The man, her savior, her own personal heating blanket, followed her. When he moved behind the desk, her eyes widened. Persistent.

“Do you have an appointment?” he asked, shuffling pages in a book.

He was kidding right? Bernie arched one brow. No way, he didn’t really work there. He. . .dressed too nice, no denim, no Grateful Dead T-shirt. Her gaze drifted from the man’s face to his arms and back up again. He had no tattoos.

“It’s hidden,” he answered her unasked question.

Her lips formed an O, but no sound came out.

“Want to see it?”

He gave her a crooked grin and she shook her head. “Where is the tattoo guy?”

One of his chestnut brows arched. “Honey, you’re looking at him.” He held out a large hand.

“The name is Thor.”

After eyeballing the offered hand for a second, she slipped her nervous palm against his. Thunder struck, heat bolted through her, and her heart felt as if a jolt of electricity hit it. From beneath lowered lashes, she peered up into his jade eyes and her knees buckled.

A week away to Killer Bunny Hill release


For Immediate Release

Local author uses N.H. mountains as setting for romantic thriller
The majestic New Hampshire mountains are the setting for Salem author Denise Robbins’ new romantic thriller Killer Bunny Hill that incorporates the latest technological advances in a page-turning tale of suspense.

Robbins, a software engineering manager by day, integrates her knowledge of computers and technology into all of her romantic suspense novels. In Killer Bunny Hill, the plot revolves around the relationship of manmade diamonds, computers and laser weapons, giving readers a glimpse into the breakthrough science of nanotechnology.

“Nanotechnology is fascinating and is going to affect us immensely in the future,” Robbins said. “It is being hailed as one the greatest technological breakthroughs because it touches everything.”

Robbins also incorporates a little known fact of underground tunnels in New Hampshire in her plot. “The New Hampshire mountains are the perfect location to combine beauty, romance and intrigue,” she said. “I can’t imagine a better setting.”

In Killer Bunny Hill, a wrong turn down the Bunny Hill hurls the main character into a chilling race against a killer’s bullet. The book is set for a July release and can be purchased through the publisher at http://www.lldreamspell.com/KillerBunnyHill.htm.

Robbins is also busy promoting her current release, It Happens in Threes, which involves one of the characters using computers to launder money under the guise of upgrading their network security. Readers can learn more about Robbins and her current and future book releases at www.deniserobbins.com.

Fireworks Friday

Let's end this week before the fourth of July with a bang in Friday's creative writing prompt.

Think Independence Day, picnics, frisbee, beach, and fireworks.

Writing Prompt: When the fireworks. . .


Let us see what your character does. Have fun and Happy 4th!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Today's writing prompt is going to be about emotion, movement and what our heroine sees. Let's see what you come up with.

Prompt: The longer she waited. . .

Looking foward to reading waht you share. Good luck and have fun.

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