Low profile . . . for now 07/07/2011
Add Comment Low profile . . . for now 07/07/2011
Peri has been busy, but it hasn't been dancing. After she returned to North Carolina from her "relaxing" weekend in South Carolina, she had a few weeks of blissful inactivity. She comes back from Myrtle Beach determined to find the right balance in her life, work on her relationship with Phillip and make her cat and dog get along. Those all seem like worthy goals, but you know that trouble is never far from Peri and her friends. When she goes to the "Pig in the Park" barbecue festival, she believes that it will be a fun-filled afternoon, until she finds the body floating in the river. Stay tuned for more about " Crime Festival 02/17/2011
A few weeks ago I spent a rainy Saturday in a delightful manner - with a group of mystery writers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Florida. It's always interesting to listen to authors talk about their books, give advice on publishing, marketing and muse about what the future of the publishing world will be. As the day progressed, several of us began brainstorming unique ways to market our books. Some were good ideas . . . some not so good! However, one idea we tossed around was tying book signings and author events with wineries around the state. As both a wine and book lover, I believe this idea has great merit. I also can see another murder mystery taking place . . . perha Long summer 08/09/2010
I've been working on Peri's next adventure and though it is happening a few short weeks after her "SOS" experiences - the weather will still be hot. It is difficult for me not to be influenced by the outside temperatures while I'm writing. Looking outside the window I can see the grass crisping before my eyes and the leaves on my plants look as if they've been on a starvation diet - no matter how much I water them. After "SOS" - Peri comes back to North Carolina to get in more trouble. It's fall and she is busy getting back in the swing of things after her vacation in North Myrtle Beach. For those of you who have finished reading "SOS" - you know that she doesn't leave NMB empty-handed. I won't say anymore, except to say - she has a few adjustments to make in her life due to "SOS." But, really - anyone who has ever spent time in NMB during the fall migration or the spring safari - knows that life does change after the experience! Looking forward to a book signing at the Wilmington public library this coming Saturday, August 14 from 2 to 4 pm. If you are in the area, come down. At least it will be a cool place to land. Just Thinkin' 05/14/2010
It’s been a few weeks now since the whirlwind of Spring Safari down at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and I think I’m just about rested up now. Book signings went well at Fat Harolds and at Beach Memories. After a couple of signings, I actually ran out of books. Beach Memories ordered more, so if you are down that way, please stop in and get a copy. I have to give a shout out to a supportive fan. Helga, from Silver Springs, Maryland was kind enough to buy several books, bring a friend in to buy a book and she also wrote a wonderful review on Amazon! Thanks so much Helga. After a conversation I had with the ladies working at the Beach Memories store, I want to emphasize that “SOS” (the book) is fiction. However, I did run into a man at Fat Harolds who told me that “if it hadn’t been for the cat, he would have gotten away with it.” Hmmm. . . .something to think about. The warm weather is making all of us think about the beach and how nice it would be to get away again. . . dig our toes in the sand, sip a cool drink and enjoy the ocean breezes. Hopefully soon!   I spent an incredible week at North Myrtle Beach last week during SOS Spring Safari. It was all fun (and I’ll write more about that later) but the Delbert McClinton concert at the House of Blues on Saturday night was spectacular! Thanks to Bill Cox of Monte Carlo Minis of Earl, North Carolina – a long time friend of Mr. McClinton—I had the opportunity to enjoy the concert from a wonderful backstage perch. Keeping me company were two of Bill’s friends - Jeanne Behling-Hook and Jennifer Lowrance from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Delbert is mentioned a couple of times in “SOS” so I wanted him to have a copy of the book. Here’s an excerpt: They were talking about the Delbert McClinton concert at the House of Blues the night before. We flattened ourselves against the wall to fit into the tight space, and listened to them talk. “I saw you up on the stage,” said one woman, as she finished fixing her pants. “You sure gave him a big pair of underpants to sign.” The other woman closed up her lipstick, saying “I just wanted to make sure he had enough room to sign his name.” A third woman emerged from the remaining stall, saying that she had tried to get McClinton to sign her panties one time by throwing them up on stage. “But he didn’t pay any attention, just kept on singing. I sure wish I could have gotten up there on stage with him. How did you manage that?” The three left the bathroom, still talking about Delbert, panties and bras. And on Saturday night Delbert received a number of bras and panties – just like in the book. Mr. McClinton was quite gracious and friendly – taking the time to laugh, joke and even pose for pictures between sets. As nice as he was, I’m thinking that he should have a bigger role in a future book. Maybe the next murder mystery should take place on the Sandy Beaches Cruise. . . Any suggestions? Azalea Festival 04/13/2010
The Azalea Festival Shagging Competition was a blast, but it was also a blur. Okay, we were situated near the wine-tasting table, but I assure you that we did not partake of any alcohol Saturday afternoon. And that was a good thing because by the end of the day I barely even knew my own name, let alone those of my friends. (Apologies again Martha – I know your name is not Margaret!) If I had been drinking wine, who knows what other mistakes I would have made? It was fun seeing all the different people come in to dance, compete or just to watch the competition. And it was especially gratifying to see younger people dancing “The Shag.” One woman told me her son was competing. “He loves shagging and all the music associated with it,” she said. “He thinks my disco music is terrible.” I’m looking forward to SOS – which begins on Thursday. See you there! The Wet Whistle 03/27/2010
Not long ago I had the opportunity to visit some old stomping grounds of mine when I traveled to Randolph County for a book signing. Five years ago (has it really been that long?) I was working at the High Point Enterprise and my beat was Randolph County. My job included some tough duties, such as covering the North Carolina Zoological Park and the Seagrove Pottery Festival. In addition, I reported on the activities of the Archdale and Trinity City Councils, the Randolph County Commissioners, and the Randolph County Board of Education. Covering Randolph County was a joy and I was fortunate enough to make some great friends while I was there. A book signing at the Wet Whistle gave me the chance to visit with old friends and to make some new friends. The Wet Whistle may be small, but it is definitely a “happening” place in Archdale. A wine tasting by Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards and a jewelry show brought in additional people to the book signing. Soon, as is the way in this community, we were all finding connections to each other and laughing like old friends. I think all book signings should be like this and am looking forward to the next one at the Wilmington Azalea Festival. Say what? 03/17/2010
A couple of weeks ago I spent a delightful afternoon at Brunswick Community College with a room full of students. I went to the college for a book signing, but ended up talking about my experiences as a writer and the difficulties in getting published. The students were studying dialogue in their English classes and wanted to know how I created conversations between characters. I told them that my years as a reporter helped me to pick interesting quotes, which in turn has helped me create dialogue. And, I am a shameless eavesdropper. I confessed to it during the afternoon session with the students. I’m always listening to people talk, whether it’s in the line at the post office, the movie theater or anywhere else. My youngest daughter can always tell when I’m listening to someone else’s conversation because my head tilts slightly to one side and I get a look of intense concentration on my face. She used to get annoyed by this behavior, but she has resigned herself to it now. The other day I was in the office of a co-worker while she was finishing up a conversation with a friend. “She’s much better now, though she still is a little snotty nosed,” she said. “But I don’t worry about her – she’s man enough to keep on going.” I’m sure I’ll find a place for that in a future book. My Blog 02/20/2010
I have always loved reading. The first book I read at the age of six was a book about Helen Keller. I taught myself the sign language alphabet in the back of the book, which I still remember to this day. But the most relaxing and fun books to read were the mysteries. I started with the Bobbsey Twins, Trixie Belden, Honey Bunch and Norman, along with some books based on TV characters. First I breezed through the Annette (Funicello) Mysteries, followed by a Patty Duke mystery and I ended with intrigue at the hospital with Dr. Kildare. I soon moved on to the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Before I was a teenager I had zoomed through Earl Stanley Gardner, Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie. I even meandered through a few Sherlock Holmes stories. Over the years I have continued to a variety of books, but I still love to read mystery stories. People often ask me what mystery writers I read and my mind always goes blank. There are so many that I’ve read and enjoyed. I like P.D. James, Elizabeth George and Martha Grimes. I also like Margaret Maron, Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen. My tastes run the gamut. So, my character Periwinkle (Peri) Mason is a nod to one of my favorite lawyers – Perry Mason. And since I was a reporter for almost ten years, it was almost inevitable that Peri would be an investigative reporter. I chose the setting at North Myrtle Beach during the Society of Strander’s (SOS) fall migration because it just seemed like the perfect place for a murder. During a visit down to the event with a friend, I was amazed at all the thousands of people darting in and out of the clubs – all with the sole purpose of dancing the shag and having a good time. As I walked behind Fat Harold’s on that first visit, I glanced down the alley and thought: “This would be a great place to have a murder occur.” And that’s how it all started. Researching and writing SOS was enjoyable. How can you not like going to the beach? And, the shaggers down at North Myrtle Beach converging for their shared passion for dancing were a great inspiration. They are a wonderful group of warm-hearted individuals with a penchant for dancing, listening to good music and visiting with friends. Peri’s first adventure is over, but I am just beginning to have the opportunity to travel to some special places throughout the Carolina’s to share her story. I’ll be back soon to share some of these experiences – from the coast to the foothills. | Barbara Arntsen"SOS" is Peri Mason's first experience with the shagging world. She discovers a body behind Fat Harold's. What was your first experience at SOS? ArchivesJuly 2011 Categories |
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