Author Caleb Pirtle III | Just about a year ago, a phenomenal, Texas-based author named Caleb Pirtle III, who I've never met, asked to interview me for his blog. I had won honorable mentions for my books in contests he conducted for the East Texas Writers Guild, and the interview was a gift from him to help me publicize my books. I'm more than slightly embarrassed that he titled the interview "Inside the Literary Mind of Janis Thornton." I didn't know I had a literary mind, but if he says so, I won't argue. He's the judge after all. Anyway, I am grateful to him for picking my book for two awards AND for conducting this interview. (The interview is also available on his website here: https://calebandlindapirtle.com/ |
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You can tell a lot about people by the books that line their shelves. That’s why I’ve always found it fun to know what reference books my writer friends consider must-haves. There are thousands of wonderful books available to help us hone our craft (and I probably own most of them), but … and I speak from experience … if you’re not careful, you’ll get caught up reading about writing rather than actually writing. That said, I want to share with you six books that have helped me to become a better mystery writer.
When I was casting the role of Crystal’s fantasy, movie star lover, Burt Reynolds was hands-down Crystal’s first and only choice. Although I also suggested Tom Selleck and Harrison Ford, she was adamant. It had to be Burt! Burt has only a teeny-tiny part in Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, but you know the adage: There are no small parts; only small actors. Thus … selecting a mega superstar for what is essentially a cameo walk-on opens up an interesting conversation: What do writers consider as they fashion the perfect cast to populate their novel? It’s a law of nature: Once you’re set free of the shackles that bind you to a miserable daily routine, good things start to happen for you. One of the good things that happened for me early last year was an invitation from my friend Chip Mann to work with him and his brother Dan a few hours a week to help them make their dream a reality. They too had broken some shackles by forming their own company, KID DOMINO, and were well on their way to something good — launching Issue 1 of their multi-part graphic novel series, Forgotten City.
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November 2023
2020 - ROAD TRIP with the DEAD
• Sept. 1 - STOP 1: Jesse Worley Osborn, Greentown • Sept. 3 - STOPS 2 & 3: Harry & Nellie Hiatt, Cicero • Sept. 5 - STOP 4: Walker & Enoch McClintock, Strawtown • Sept. 7 - STOP 5: Belle Sheridan Shenkenberger • Sept. 9 - STOP 6: Lt. William Wirt Daugherty • Sept. 11 - STOP 7: Mayor Henry C. Cole • Sept. 13 - STOP 8: Fairy McClain-Miller • Sept. 15 - STOP 9: Grover & Louisa Blake • Sept. 17 - STOP 10: Daniel Snider • Sept. 19 - STOP 11: A.J. Baker • Sept. 21 - STOP 12: Richard Gladden • Sept. 23 - STOP 13: Garnet Ginn • Sept. 25 - STOP 14: Dink Carter & the Agrue Family • Sept. 27 - STOP 15: Dee, Homer & Jesse McClure • Sept. 29 - STOP 16: Nora Coleman & Sepharna Gleason * * * * * * * * * 2019 BLOG TOUR • June 13 — Interview, Diane Ascroft • June 14 – Character Q&A, Defining Ways • June 15 – Author Q&A, MJB Reviewers • June 16 – Character Post, StoreyBook Reviews • June 16 – Author Q&A, A Place In The Spotlight • June 17 – Guest Post, Books Direct • June 18 – Guest Post, Brooke Blogs • June 19 – REVIEW Baroness’ Book Trove • June 21 – Character Post, The Book Diva’s Reads • June 22 – REVIEW, Brianne’s Book Reviews • June 23 – REVIEW, Christa Reads and Writes • June 24 – Character Q&A, A Wytch’s Book Review Blog * * * * * * * * * * 2017 BLOG TOUR • June 19 — Spotlight Celticlady's Reviews • June 20 — Review My Journey Back • June 21 — Spotlight Books, Dreams, Life • June 22 — Interview Annette Drake's Blog • June 23 — Review Back Porchervations • June 24 — Guest Post Island Confidential • June 24 — Guest Post Escape with Dollycas • June 25 — Interview Laura's Interests • June 26 — Interview Pulp and Mystery Shelf • June 26 — Review Caleb & Linda Pirtle • June 27 — Spotlight Socrates' Book Reviews • June 27 — Spotlight Blogger Nicole Reviews • June 28 — Spotlight Celebrating Authors • June 29 — Review Queen of All She Reads • June 30— Interview Teresa Trent Site • July 1 — Guest Post StoreyBook Reviews • July 2 — Interview Deal Sharing Aunt • July 2 — Review Nadaness in Motion • July 4 — Interview Gotta Write Network • July 12 — Review A Holland Reads • July 19 — Guest Post Gotta Write Network |