Tess Gerritsen and Gerry Boyle - Mysteries, Thrills & Crime Novels

Maine is blessed with probably more writers per capita than most states. If you walk in "downtown" rural Maine, chances are you're literally surrounded by writers.
I wrote about Gerry Boyle previously. He's an outstanding mystery writer who doesn't have the following he deserves. He lives in the next county, I've seen him several times, and he knows I'm a huge fan. In fact, I have every one of his books, all autographed. He made "the drop" to my husband and teased about wearing a trench coat to do so -- my husband met him off Route 17 and picked up autographed copies of his books to complete my Gerry Boyle library. If you haven't read anything of his, I urge you to do so. His site is http://www.gerryboyle.com/. He has two new books from two different series: Damaged Goods is his latest of the Jack McMorrow series -- engaging characters, descriptive passages, excellent dialogue, terrific plots. You can learn a lot about writing by reading any of Gerry Boyle's books. His other recent book is Port City Shakedown, which was very well received. He's an outstanding writer and a super person, and I'm happy to call him a friend. His books Cover Story and Port City Shakedown were excellent and I'm now reading an older one entitled Bloodline.

Tess Gerritsen is another sweetheart who lives nearby. I've seen her at readings a few times as well. She is super-talented: a writer, an accomplished musician and also a medical doctor. Not bad credentials! She now has a TNT show based on her characters Rizzoli and Isles. Check out her blog at http://www.tessgerritsen.com/. People comment and she will often answer if there are questions, as she reads her blog frequently. I was at a book signing at the Owl & the Turtle Bookstore in Camden, Maine, where she announced the Rizzoli and Isles show on TNT; the audience was thrilled for her. Rizzoli and Isles is now playing in France, Sweden and Australia as well as the U.S., and it's going global all the time.

Speaking of thrills, she writes medical mystery/thrillers, which sound a bit unusual and definitely have a different twist and perspective than most authors. Her latest, Ice Cold, is in my bookcase begging to be read, and I have a bunch of her books, all autographed. She hands out promo cards and is a great public speaker. Her books are page-turners and can probably be called mysteries, medical thrillers and crime novels. Harvest was an excellent book. Tess Gerritsen is a writer who keeps getting better and has you hooked before you know it, usually on page 1.

Maine is blessed with many famous authors, and many of you have heard the name Tess Gerritsen. If you like a good story, plot and are into mysteries, her books and Gerry Boyle's books are must-reads.

Writing and Gerry Boyle, Maine Author

Everyone knows about Maine author Stephen King. That he's done well is an understatement, and in Maine, he has a Blvd. named after him in Augusta and has an incredible house in Bangor.
There are, however, other Maine authors who would love that type of recognition, I'm sure.
The first author I'm following and reading avidly is Gerry Boyle : http://www.gerryboyle.com/. He is a mystery writer and has two series -- Jack McMorrow and Brandon Blake. His latest book is Damaged Goods in the McMorrow series, and I'm busy reading Port City Shakedown in the new Brandon Blake series.
Gerry is an incredible writer and person. He will talk to you about writing and go out of his way to make you feel positive about the writing experience.
His mysteries are great learning tools because everything  you wanted to write in a mystery is in there. His characters are real, his dialogue credible and his descriptions are top-notch.
If you want to read something by an author who should be a household name, check out any of Gerry Boyle's books. They're excellent to read and are great to study if you are a writer. Knowing Gerry, he probably had no intention of people studying or dissecting his books, but I hope he does become a household name soon. http://www.gerryboyle.com/. Great writer, and I'm proud to call him a friend.

Next up -- Maine's own Tess Gerritsen.

Writing Gigs - "Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You" - Eleanor Roosevelt

I love the above-listed quote because it has become my mantra as a writer. Every day I find either a new writing site or a new challenge. I've started copy writing, which I never thought I would do, at Textbroker.com. My son would be proud, I'm sure, since that's his forte and his paying job. I've also signed up for Constant Content, which allows you to write articles and have customers bid on them. You can also write articles specifically requested by customers/clients, and it is possible to do that at Textbroker.com after you have written a few articles or copy.
I have to keep a list of the sites I'm writing for, since each requires different passwords and has different IDs. Likewise, I don't want to forget some of the sites that I write for, so I keep a small notebook of the sites I'm actively writing for.
I have two columns on Examiner which I had better get back to, but the changeover to the new Pub Tool has made it a little difficult so I've taken some time off from that. Will probably get back to both columns there this week.
Took a break from Suite101 for awhile but need to get back there too. Helium? Associated Content? Word Clerk? I am allowed to write for them--just never have. Maybe someone can tell ME if those sites are worth it.

If you can suggest a good writing site, please feel free to do so. I'm happy to share my finds. One of them is also http://www.myknowledgepublisher.com/, where I have also been qualified to write legal articles. I love that site and try to write a few articles a day. There are topics on that site other than legal. I think the legal pays the best, but there appear to be a lot of topics there and the copy writers are human and humane.

In the meantime, every day I'm trying something new as a writer. I love the Writing World newsletters I get in my inbox; they contain a wealth of information.

I welcome all suggestions re: writing sites and gigs. Please share your favorite sites.

Incidentally, if you are going to be in Camden, Maine on Sept 9, my favorite mystery author, Gerry Boyle, is going to be at the Camden Public Library at 6:30 p.m. promoting his new book. His site is http://www.gerryboyle.com/. His books are worth studying for crisp, clear writing.

All write,
Ronna