Maine Crime Writers

Books, Books, Books, Books, Books

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Barbara Ross

by Barb, in frigid Portland, Maine

What’s new with me, you ask?

Been a bit busy as a matter of fact.

Yule Log Murder, the collection of three novellas my story, “Logged On,” is in, along with stories by Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis, came out three weeks ago.

Realizing she can’t make a decent Bûche de Noël to save her life, Julia Snowden enlists the help of her eccentric neighbor, Mrs. St. Onge, in hopes of mastering the dessert for Christmas. With everyone in the old woman’s circle missing or deceased, however, it’s up to Julia to stop the deadly tidings before she’s the next Busman’s Harbor resident to meet a not-so-jolly fate.

And Steamed Open, the seventh Maine Clambake Mystery, comes out three weeks from now. I’ve written about all of the eleventy-seven guest blog posts for that happy day.

It’s summertime in Busman’s Harbor, Maine, and the clamming is easy—or it was until a mysterious new neighbor blocks access to the beach, cutting off the Snowden Family Clambake’s supply. Julia Snowden is just one of many townspeople angered by Bartholomew Frick’s decision. But which one of them was angry enough to kill?

Meanwhile, I turned in the copy-edits for Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody on Monday. It came up for pre-order this week as well.

After Jane helps a friend with a sticky personal problem, word starts to spread around her bridge club—and then around all of West Cambridge, Massachusetts—that she’s the go-to girl for situations that need discreet fixing. Soon
she has her first paid assignment—the director of a 55-and-over condo community needs her to de-escalate hostilities among the residents. As Jane discovers after moving in for her undercover assignment, the mature set can be as immature as any high schoolers, and war is breaking out between cliques.

And, last but certainly not least, both a novella, “Hallowed Out,” for Haunted House Murder, and Sealed Off, Maine Clambake eight, are due to my editor February 1.

Meanwhile, of course, Christmas, which is my favorite holiday and therefore cannot be short-changed. Wish me luck!

Posted in Barb's Posts | Tagged Jane Darrowfield, Logged On, maine clambake mysteries, Professional Busybody, Steamed Open, Yule Log Murder | 2 Comments

Snow Days

Posted on November 22, 2018 by jenbloodauthor

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

It’s been an uncharacteristically snowy one here – very snowy, as a matter of fact. We typically don’t see this amount of the white stuff until late December – contrary to popular belief, not every Christmas is a white one in Maine. Weather is a tempestuous business these days, however, so in the grand scheme a foot of packed powder in our driveway is hardly the worst that could happen.

In fact, I found myself quietly enjoying the Rockwellian scene outside my window yesterday. Ben was working from home; Marji the pup was sprawled out under my feet, as is her preference whenever I’m working.

Magnus, meanwhile, had staked his own claim – in this case, in a basket I’d scored at Goodwill for Christmas gifts.

And me? I went a little bit nuts in the domesticity department. By the end of the day, I had used the pressure cooker to do up a pound each of black beans and chick peas (I freeze them, portioned appropriately, in Mason jars to avoid buying canned), cooked up a big batch of vegetable broth (also for freezing), whipped up a batch of body butter, crocheted my first cotton round to use in place of cotton balls, and played several rousing games of tag with Marji in the snow.

All the while, I listened to Barbara Kingsolver and family narrating their audiobook, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. It chronicles a year in the life of the family as they venture away from grocery store-bought, mass-produced foodstuffs in favor of the homegrown variety. Clearly it’s something that strikes a chord with me, since I’m working to do much the same in our own household.

All of this seems particularly relevant this time of year, especially on Thanksgiving. I am grateful to be in a position where I can take time to learn about gardening and canning and freezing, crochet and sewing and soap making. Every day that I’m able to spend in my own home, nourishing myself with silence and fuzzy companionship and a really great-smelling kitchen, makes me that much more aware of just how lucky I am. I think of the thousands upon thousands of people now homeless on the other side of the U.S., and all but lose my breath with gratitude for the roof over my head and the stocked pantry beneath it.

There is a long list of things for me to be grateful for these days. On Tuesday, snow days were at the very top of that list. But there’s also a pup and a cat and a lovely man and his long-haired, lovely son… There are countless things to learn and, at least at this stage of my life, I still seemingly have the capacity to learn some of them. There are words to write – thanks to a recent surgery, my hands are even able to write them again! There is this blog, with articles penned by writers I admire more and more by the day.

Life is good, and for that I am singularly, profoundly thankful. Snow days, it seems, simply force us to slow down, look around, and take a moment to revel in all that we have.

Jen Blood is the USA Today-bestselling author of the Erin Solomon Mysteries and the Flint K-9 Search and Rescue Mysteries. To learn more, visit http://www.jenblood.com.

Posted in Jen's Posts | Tagged gratitude, snow days, Thanksgiving | 2 Comments

Giving Thanks For And About Our Writing Lives

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Brenda Buchanan

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, to celebrate with family and friends the positive events and accomplishments in our lives, the blessings, if you will, that enrich our days.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Maine’s crime writers are much like a family. We spend a lot of time together, cheer each other on, watch each other grow and change book to book to book. Given that, it seems appropriate on this Thanksgiving Eve to go around the virtual table and find out what about our writing lives everyone is grateful for this year.

Kate Flora, this blog’s founder who still does most of the cat-herding around here, says she has much to be grateful for this year:

Kate, rocking her tiara. I realize this photo also was on the blog yesterday, but Kate’s wonderful smile captures the tone of this post, so here it is again.

For the huge honor bestowed on me by the mystery community this year at the New England Crime Bake—a lifetime achievement award and my first tiara. For a publisher who works with me and lets me have a say in my covers. For my fabulous beta readers who catch the missing words, the glitches, the way I can mess up character names, and the tattoo everyone would think was a clue. For getting to be a writer, which is what I used to dream about. For having wonderful friends who reassure me that it is okay, since I’m a writer, to have voices in my head.

KathyLynn Emerson/Kaitlyn Dunnett, who manages the blog’s Weekend Update, released new books this year in two different series. She’s giving thanks this year for two special groups of people in her writing life:

First and foremost, are my readers, especially those who were willing to take a chance on the new series and read both the Liss MacCrimmon books and the first Deadly Edits mystery, CRIME & PUNCTUATION. The second group includes all the terrific people at Kensington who do such a wonderful job of producing and marketing every book. They come up with great cover designs year after year and are always on the alert to find new audiences. The most recent example? OVERKILT was included in the Christmas gift picks newsletter put out by MODERN CAT.

For William Andrews, it’s also all about the readers. He says:

I’m grateful for the folks who find my email on my website and write to tell me how much they enjoy my mysteries and urge me to continue the series. They’re strangers, and I take great satisfaction in knowing they care and take the time to write.

If you’ve been reading Lea Wait’s posts this year, you know she’s been facing big health challenges. But in her characteristic way, Lea is full of positivity this Thanksgiving:

I am thankful for so many people! For my agent and editors who didn’t question extending manuscript deadlines when I was dealing with health issues … for my fellow Maine Crime Writers who volunteered to edit, dropped off food, and provided rides to medical resources … and, most of all, for my readers, who have sent me hundreds of notes, cards, flowers, angels … and thoughts and prayers.

Ed Note: And we are all thankful for you, Lea, for inspiring us with your indominable spirit.

Three (!) regular members of this blog have launched the third books in their respective series in recent weeks, an accomplishment inspires their gratitude this year.

Dick Cass, who just released his third Elder Darrow mystery, BURTON’S SOLO, says:

I’m giving thanks for a new book and the sense that the series is starting to gain momentum with readers; for having a tribe to hang out with, commiserate with, eat and drink with, and generally enjoy; for having, finally, the time to chase my writing down whatever strange paths it wants to lead me.

Maureen Milliken. Doesn’t she look happy?

Maureen Milliken whose fresh-out-of-the-box Bernie O’Dea book is called BAD NEWS TRAVELS FAST, says:

I’m grateful for finally getting my third book done after a long two years that included being unemployed, moving out of my house, and then having to replace most of my furniture, repaint, etc. once I moved back in because of my tenant. I never thought that book was going to get done. I’m grateful it is and I’m back home into what’s finally a relatively comfortable house.

Bruce Coffin, whose third Detective Bryon mystery BEYOND THE TRUTH came out in late October, says:

This year I am most thankful for my supportive wife. All writers know what a crazy business this can be. From those late night out-of-town library appearances, to the many out-of-state conferences, to the weekends locked away in my writing studio, Karen is always there cheering me on. What more could a writer ask for?

Barbara Ross, who will be releasing her seventh Maine Clambake mystery, STEAMED OPEN on December 18 and whose novella LOGGED ON is included in the three-author holiday collection YULE LOG MURDER, says:

I am, more than anything, grateful for my supportive family. When I first started writing, I was squeaking it into my busy schedule, robbing time from the day job or family, foregoing time or money. Even now I’ve missed birthdays to attend Malice, and more recently, family time to attend Crime Bake. I am frequently in “book jail” and no fun for anyone. Yet, my family has never been anything but supportive. My gratitude for this is beyond words.

As for me, Brenda Buchanan, I’m grateful for pie, the breakfast that gets this writer going on cold (okay, or warm) Maine mornings.

Like Kate, I’m grateful for beta readers, the unsung heroes who guide us when we’re too close to our own work to see its flaws.

Like KathyLynn and William, I give thanks to all the readers of my Joe Gale mysteries for their support, feedback and loyalty.

Like Lea and Dick, I am thankful for the precious, vital sustenance that comes from my fellow Maine crime writers, which Dick aptly calls our crazy tribe.

The Maine crime writers who read at last weekend’s Noir @ The Bar at Banded Brewing in Biddeford. Left to right, Gayle Lynds, Maureen Milliken, EJ Fechenda, Bruce Coffin, Sandra Neily, me, Dick Cass, Julia Spencer-Fleming, Barbara Ross, James Hayman, John Shelton and kneeling in front, Joe Souza.

Like Maureen, I’m grateful when I get to the end of a project and can relax at home while gearing up for the next book.

Like Bruce and Barb, I am blessed to have an incredibly supportive spouse and family members and friends who sustain me on the days when the words don’t come easy and the nights run late.

Every single one of us is grateful to the readers of this blog. Whether you read our posts once a day or once a week, whether you comment regularly or once in a blue moon, we appreciate your participation in this community conversation about our work, our lives and our dreams.

Readers: Please let us know in the comments what you’re grateful for this year, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Brenda Buchanan is the author of the Joe Gale Mystery Series, featuring a diehard Maine newspaper reporter who covers the crime and courts beat. Three books—QUICK PIVOT, COVER STORY and TRUTH BEAT—are available everywhere e-books are sold.

Posted in Brenda's Posts, Uncategorized | Tagged books, community, Thanksgiving | 8 Comments

Learning to Wear a Tiara

Posted on November 20, 2018 by mainecrimewriters

Kate Flora: I was never one of those girls who dreamed about being a princess. I didn’tlong for glamour, or jewels, or poofy dresses. People who know me can affirm that I don’t wear makeup, and when I do panels or library talks, I generally appear in something black and rather plain. So what is this about a tiara? It’s a long story that began in my living room.

Last weekend was the New England Crime Bake, our region’s own mystery conference featuring writers, aspiring writers, and readers from all over New England. The Bake, which takes place every November and is now in its seventeenth year, was born in my living room, at a meeting, when I said that I thought we ought to have our own mystery conference, and Al Blanchard, then president of the New England chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and Gin Mackey, then president of our local chapter of Sisters in Crime, stepped forward and said they’d organize one.

Our first conference was a one-day conference at a junior college, with guest of honor Jeremiah Healy. Our second was two days, with Guest of Honor Janet Evanovich, at a school where we discovered, to our misery, that the heat shut off over the weekend. Learning to put on conferences forced us to be innovative and quick on our feet, from having to stand in the bathroom handing out toilet paper from the single large roll we’d managed to score for a reluctant janitor, to four of us who all happened to be wearing leather vests that day stepping in to do an impromptu panel on research when our Boston Police Department forensics expert was called to a crime scene and didn’t appear.

Over the years, guests of honor have included Robert Parker, Tess Gerritsen, Lisa Scottolini, Lee Child, Harlan Coben Sue Grafton, Lisa Gardner, Elizabeth George and this year, Walter Mosley. The conference is kept deliberately small (around 250) and sells out every year. See some great photos of past guests of honor here: http://crimebake.org/about-crime-bake/

DSCN2556 Earlier this year, I got an email from the crime bake committee, informing me that I would be the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for my contributions to the Crime Bake and the mystery community. I was stunned. And thrilled. And abashed and quickly fell into my Eeyore mode. My role is always to support writers and try to create a strong writing community. Like Eeyore, I lower my eyes and murmur, “Thanks for noticing me.”

Of course, I didn’t know what to expect. I would get to sit at the head table with lots of

Lea, Kate & Maureen before the banquet

people I really like and admire, like Sisters in Crime New England chapter president Edith Maxwell and Crime Bake co-chair Michele Dorsey. Like Sisters in Crime national president Sherry Harris and Mystery Writers of American executive director Margery Flax, the Amazing Dru Ann Love, Mo Walsh, And Pompano, and of course the amazing Walter Mosley.

On Saturday afternoon before the banquet, at the urging of an attendee, I decided to get into the spirit of the the thing by crafting a sash for my banquet dress out of crime scene tape. Where to find crime scene tape? In that crowd, it was no problem. I just rummaged around in the box of goodies Sisters in Crime had at their table, and voila! An elegant yellow and black sash was fashioned.

I still didn’t know what to expect, but some of my friends were hinting at the possibility of a tiara. Well. I began to think that that would be fun. I’ll stand up, I’ll get a silly tiara, everyone will clap, and thus will begin, and end, my fifteen minutes of fame. It was far, far more special than that. To my surprise–and tearful delight–three of my good friends got up and made actual speeches about my contributions to the mystery community. My former partner and in the instigator of Level Best Books, Susan Oleksiw, another partner and dear friend Ruth McCarty, and Bruce Coffin, aka “The Tall Guy.”

Do people always say this after a powerful, and positive, emotional moment? It was

Kate Flora, in her well-deserved tiara.

amazing. I was stunned by the speeches and my framed plaque and my bouquet of roses and my engraved fountain pen. And of course. Yes. I got a tiara. And looked out through tear-dimmed eyes at an entire room full of people giving me a standing ovation.

There have been a few moments in life when I thought, happily, “I can die now.” This was one of them. (The last was doing an on-stage interview with Tony Hillerman before 500 people) Of course, having received a Lifetime Achievement Award, I asked the mystery community if this meant I was due to be killed off. But no. There is always more community building to be done. So I will glow with pleasure for a little while, and then get back to work.

I confess, though, that I did wear my tiara to breakfast on Sunday. Why not? One so rarely gets to wear them. As it turns out, tiaras go just fine with jeans.

Posted in Kate's Posts, Uncategorized | Tagged Bruce Coffin, crime writing, Kate Flora, Lifetime Achievement Award, New England Crime Bake, Ruth McCarty, Susan Oleksiw | 18 Comments

Weekend Update: November 17-18, 2018

Posted on November 17, 2018 by kaitlynkathy

Next week at Maine Crime Writers, there will be posts by Joe Souza (Monday) Vaughn Hardacker (Tuesday), Brenda Bruchanan (Wednesday) Jen Blood (Thursday), and Barb Ross (Friday).

In the news department, here’s what’s happening with some of us who blog regularly at Maine Crime Writers:

from Kaitlyn Dunnett: Cover reveal. The book won’t be out until June 0f 2019 but this is what the next entry in the Deadly Edits series featuring book doctor Mikki Lincoln will look like.

An invitation to readers of this blog: Do you have news relating to Maine, Crime, or Writing? We’d love to hear from you. Just comment below to share.

And a reminder: If your library, school, or organization is looking for a speaker, we are often available to talk about the writing process, research, where we get our ideas, and other mysteries of the business. Contact Kate Flora

Posted in Sunday Updates | Tagged Barb Ross, Brenda Buchanan, Jen Blood, Joe Souza, Maine Crime Writers news, Vaughn Hardacker | 1 Comment

The Reformation/Rehabilitation/Regeneration of a Romance Writer

Posted on November 16, 2018 by kaitlynkathy

Today please welcome special guest Maggie Robinson to Maine Crime Writers. Maggie is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adjectives and adverbs as possible doing so. Some twenty historical romances later, she’s decided to try her hand at historical mystery and the result, Nobody’s Sweetheart Now, was published this week by Poisoned Pen Press. A two-time Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice nominee, her books have been translated into French, German, Portuguese, Turkish, Russian, Japanese, Thai, Dutch and Italian. A transplanted New Yorker, she now lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing.

The Reformation/Rehabilitation/Regeneration of a Romance Writer

by Maggie Robinson

I was working on the fourth book of my Cotswold Confidential historical romance series, and it was taking forever. One whole year, only 40,000 words. And those 40,000 words? Pure dreck. The hero was an undercover spy who was presumed dead, his estranged wife both frigid and dyslexic. He tries to woo her pretending to be someone else, and she’s so inane she doesn’t recognize her own husband. Just typing this makes me howl with laughter.

Something had to change. Get me loving writing again. And something that wouldn’t take most of two years to finish. I am a terrible pantser, cannot plot or outline to save my life, so I’d always avoided mysteries, my first reading love. How could I write a mystery, which requires some structure, when I never knew what was going to happen until my fingers hit the keyboard and my brain more or less woke up?

But on the advice of my agent, I decided to try, and I discovered that I did NOT have to know whodunit. I just fixed it so that virtually everybody could have, and decided along the way. Guilty until proven innocent, which has been getting a bad rap lately, but it works for me.

And so, in a mere two and a half months last fall at my desk in Belgrade, I wrote Nobody’s Sweetheart Now, a 1920s-era cozy featuring Lady Adelaide Compton, a widowed marquess’ daughter, Devenand Hunter, an Anglo-Indian detective from Scotland Yard, and…Great War flying ace Major Rupert Compton, Addie’s late and unlamented husband. Yes, a ghost, who must atone for his many sins by doing a few good deeds before he can earn his celestial wings. Something unlocked and the words flowed. The book released on November 13, and so far critics have been kind.

I don’t have the benefit of working in a pharmacy as Agatha Christie did, so if anyone looks at my computer history, they’ll be worried I’m going to poison them. Or join a girl gang like the Forty Elephants, who stuffed fur coats and diamond bracelets into their knickers, robbing homes and stores throughout England. Research has been the most fun, and the Roaring Twenties are rife with plot bunnies. Although off by a decade, watching all those black and white screwball comedies from the 30s came in handy, too.

Each book in the Lady Adelaide series is named for a song popular in the era. The second, Who’s Sorry Now?, comes out next May. I was shocked to realize the song didn’t originate with Connie Francis, but was published in 1923. This really was a golden age in music, delivering standards that hold up perfectly almost a hundred years later. It Had to Be You. Me and My Shadow. Always. Someone to Watch Over Me. Like Rupert!

So, I am embracing a life of crime, finding it much more satisfying to kill off my characters than make them kiss. I have seen the light…or perhaps the dark. In any event, thank you Maine Crime Writers for this opportunity to guest post!

You can read first chapters of all my books at MaggieRobinson.net

[An aside, from Kathy/Kaitlyn: I’ve already read Nobody’s Sweetheart Now and it’s terrific—fast-paced, fun, and funny.]

Posted in Guest Blog | Tagged Ghosts, historical mystery, Maggie Robinson, Maine writer, Nobody's Sweetheart Now | 6 Comments

Seasonal adjustment

Posted on November 14, 2018 by williamdandrews

Is there anything more trite than observations about the changing seasons and how we react to those changes? Poets, composers, and painters have had a field day with that subject, using it to explore attitudes toward life and death, the cycle of the seasons serving as a metaphor for the cycle of life. While I have no profound views to offer, at this time of year I’m unable to resist writing about the shift from fall to winter that is now upon us. I leave it to others to muse on deeper meanings; for me the change is practical.

Full disclosure: winter is my favorite season. I love snow and the activities it makes possible, particularly in my case snowshoeing and downhill skiing. I’m very fond of fall for its foliage, and I’ve learned to tolerate summer because I can bike and boat. I really, really don’t like spring, when the lengthening light triggers my RSAD (reverse seasonal affective disorder). It’s a real disorder, affecting 5% or so of the population, in whom it induces claustrophobia, anxiety, and mild depression. Winter may appeal to me precisely because it’s the opposite of spring: daylight decreases, and sun on snow opens the world and mitigates claustrophobia (okay, there’s such a thing as cabin fever, but an hour or two on snowshoes in the woods easily overcomes that).

As the switch from fall to winter begins, the ritual in our house is called Seasonal Adjustment. Bikes go down to the cellar to enjoy their long winter’s nap; skis and snowshoes come upstairs; parka, gloves, and goggles migrate from a remote closet to the main one. Snow shovels come to the porch, scrapers return to the cars, and snow tires are installed in the one vehicle that lacks AWD. Fire wood is loaded on the porch, handy for frequent restocking beside the stove. 20181112_090606_resized

Seasonal Adjustment is now underway in our house, and in a few days all things winter will replace all things fall and summer. Then the wait will begin for the first serious snow. We’ve had a few inches here and there over the past weeks but not nearly enough to provide the full cover I yearn for. 20160426_120058_resized

When that first serious snow comes my wife and I will head to the trails in the woods above our house with our snowshoes and begin tracing the various routes we favor. 20170316_143036_resized

The beginning of the season is like the ending in April: too much low vegetation will still be uncovered, brooks will not be fully frozen, and trees blown down by the recent winds will block some trails. But we’ll be out there, overcoming those small obstacles so we can once again experience the thrill of silence and bright sunshine on crisp white snow while we watch for the tracks left by deer, moose, foxes, and rabbits. After that great first day on snowshoes, we’ll await the next milestone event: the start of the downhill ski season. We live at Sunday River Ski Area, or more exactly in a small development a half mile from one of the lodges. Although skiing has been going on (and off) for the past few weeks at Sunday River, we wait till serious natural snow joins the manufactured variety and allows access to a few dozen trails. If the past is a guide, we’ll be taking our first runs in early December.

I anticipate all this with the glee children feel as Christmas approaches. Christmas will be great, too, with family and friends gathering for multiple seasonal celebrations. But it’s the snow, the cold temperatures, the bright sunshine that really excite me now as winter approaches. Does this say something about my character? Am I acting out some deep human need to celebrate the cycle of seasons/life? No doubt, but abstract thoughts aren’t really on my mind right now. Summer and fall were fun, and I’m grateful to have had them, but winter is fast approaching. Bring it on!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

NEVER FORGET THOSE WHO SERVED

Posted on November 11, 2018 by Vaughn C. Hardacker

Vaughn Hardacker here: Today, November 11, is special to our veterans. Memorial Day honors all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their life to maintain our way of life. November 11 is Veteran’s Day and it honors all who have served in our country’s military services not just those of us who are combat veterans. Always remember that although many veterans did not serve in a combat zone, all were willing to go if sent.

Pvt V. C. Hardacker June 1966

Those of you who attend the New England Chapter of the MWA and Sisters In Crime CrimeBake Conference may have noted that while I attended the first eleven (serving on the committee for five of them) I have been absent for the past ten. The reason, it falls on Veteran’s Day weekend and as the Commandant of the northernmost Marine Corps League Detachment in the continental United States I have any number of veteran and Marine Corps events (November 10 is the Marine Corps birthday–this is our 243rd year) which I have come to believe are more important than CrimeBake. A few years ago I came across a poem that really hit home with me and I’d like to share it with you. It is titled: A VETERAN DIED TODAY.

Flag Raising, Iwo Jima Island February 1945

A VETERAN DIED TODAY

Anonymous

He was getting old and paunchy, and his health was failing fast.
And he sat around the Legion, telling of his past.
Of the war that he had fought in. Of the deeds he had done.
Of the exploits with his buddies. They were heroes, every one.

Though, sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke.
All his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away.
And the world’s a little poorer, for a Veteran died today.

No, he wasn’t mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way.
And the world won’t note his passing’ though a Veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state.
While thousands note their passing, proclaiming they were great.
The papers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young.
But the passing of a Veteran, goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of this land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise,and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, who in time of war and strife,
Goes off to serve country. And offers up his life.

The politician’s stipend, and the style in which they live.
Are sometimes disproportionate, to the service that they give.
While the ordinary Veteran, who offered up his all
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension small

Its so easy to forget, for it was so long ago.
That our Bobs and Jims went to battle, but we know.
It was not the politician, with his compromise and ploy,
Who won for us this freedom that our citizens enjoy.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand.
Would you really want some cop-out, with his ever waffling hand.
Or would you want a veteran, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and his country and fight until the end?

He’s just a common veteran and his ranks are growing thin.
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, we find the Veteran’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor, while he’s alive to hear the praise.
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days
Perhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say
“Pay honor to this hero, for a Veteran died today”.

Reflections by Lee Teter

Every day I reflect on many of my fellow veterans who are no longer with us. Above the head of my bed is a print of Lee Teter’s painting Reflections and I spend a few moments studying it each day recalling all of my brothers and sisters who gave of themselves so that those who preceded us and those who follow us will be the beneficiaries of the freedoms which many of us take for granted.

In closing, any time that you greet a veteran saying: “Thank you for your service.” Shake their hand, if they are close friends or relatives give them a hug it will tell us that “Thank you for your service,” is more than just impersonal words like “How are you doing.”

Posted in Vaughn's Posts | Tagged Veteran's Day., veterans | 6 Comments

Weekend Update: November 10-11, 2018

Posted on November 10, 2018 by kaitlynkathy

Next week at Maine Crime Writers, there will a special Crime Bake Edition on Monday, followed by posts by Kate Flora (Tuesday), William Andrews (Wednesday) Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson (Thursday), and a guest post from Maggie Robinson (Friday).

In the news department, here’s what’s happening with some of us who blog regularly at Maine Crime Writers:

Lea Wait: Yes, I’ll be one of the Maine Crime Writers at Crime Bake this weekend. I’ll be moderating a panel on writing for “the younger set” on Saturday afternoon. Then, from November 15 through the 18, I’ll be signing my books at Gifts for Giving, a special art and crafts holiday show in Boothbay Harbor. Thursday, November 15 I’ll be there (Studio 53, 53 Townsend Avenue) from 10 am until 5 pm; Friday, November 16, I’ll be there from 4 p.m. until 8 pm (the official opening, with wine and goodies, will be from 5 until 8), Saturday, November 17, I’ll be there from 7am until 5 pm, and Sunday, November 18, from 10 am until 4 pm. If you’re heading for Boothbay, don’t forget that Gardens Aglow, an annual spectacular of lights, will be at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens at night, beginning November 15.

NEWS BULLETIN! At New England Crime Bake this weekend, Kate Flora, the founder of this blog, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of inspirational service to the New England crime writing community A parade of colleagues took to the podium to talk about Kate’s consistent, enthusiastic support of other writers and her sustained work over many years to build a strong, vibrant community. Congratulations, Kate!