So, last newsletter I posed the proverbial question: are you
a 'glass-half-full' kind of person or, like me, is your glass not even
half-empty, it's well on the way to running dry?
As a crime writer, it seems only natural that I look at the
dark side of life, but as a human I know I do this to shine a torch in the
shadows and restore order to the world (or at least, that's the excuse I'm
sticking to!)
How about you?
Well, thanks to your overwhelming input, now I know! What an
intriguing bunch you are. I received hundreds of responses from right around
the world and so many of you had such thoughtful insight into why you love
crime books and what your outlook is like. And — here's the bit that surprised
me — so many of you (about 60%) admitted to being empty glassers, like
me. And you're fiercely unapologetic about it!
I also got some interesting reasons why you love and devour
crime novels, including this from an Irish reader who told me the Irish are
naturally both light and dark: "I read crime because I want to know
why we are dark and why crime happens."
Another reader said she believes us half-empty types are
there to "give some color, dimension, and depth to our glass is half
full pollyanna people!"
One half-full respondent told me she reads crime for "the
thrill of the chase" and another because she likes the "happily
ever after" that comes with the final denouement.
Many of you read both 'cozy' and "hard core blood
and guts mysteries", as one reader described it, while another said
she can't read anything too dark or she's up all night (and by the sound of it,
she's in good company).
And I particularly liked this comment from a 'glass is
three-quarters full person': "I read crime because I enjoy a puzzle, I
enjoy the intrigue and it's good to see the bad guy get caught. I do enjoy
humour in my reading so some levity is appreciated."
I hearily agree, which is why I always add a few laughs to
every mystery I write.
Now For the Winner! (Drum roll please…)
This is the fun part (and the hard part for me, because
there were lots of names to pop in the hat this time!) This fortnight's winning
respondent is: Renee*! If you're the winnng Renee, I'll be in touch via
email shortly.
As for the rest of you? A giant THANK YOU for
taking the time to share your thoughts, however dark or light. I do read each
email that comes in, and I value each and every comment. They inform me as a
person and they most definitely inform my writing!
Thanks again, everyone, for taking part and happy (dark
or light) reading.
xo Christina
* Full name has been reserved for privacy reasons
Discount
E-Book Deal (99c Now!)
This week I'm putting my latest e-book, Do Not Go
Gentle, on sale for just 99c, starting from today. It'll be discounted at all
good e-stores for two weeks, or just click on the links, below.
DO NOT GO GENTLE is a fun, fast-paced DIY mystery that
implores the reader to help solve the crime before the victim is dragged,
kicking and screaming, to the light. (She has a dreadful, sinking feeling her
beloved 13-year-old son is the culprit and wants to know for sure before she
heads off to eternity thinking she spawned a killer!)
This lightly written yet deeply moving whodunnit/coming of
age story will be on sale for just two weeks, with the follow-up—Do Not Go
Alone— on the stands in August.
COST: 99c FROM: June 16—June 30
LINKS: @Amazon
@smashwords etc
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