Moved

I have moved my blog to:

Clay's New Blog

Clay's Copywriting and Public Relations Website

Barbara Parker

Best-selling mystery writer Barbara Parker, 62, has passed away.

Barbara Parker's Sun Sentinel Obituary

Barbara Parker's web site

On the road

Just so folks know...

I will likely be attending the Killer Nashville mystery writer's conference in August.

Not sure yet, but I may try to hit up Bouchercon too. It's the world's largest conference for mystery fans and writers. Since it is in Indianapolis this year, it's a chance to go without too much added travel/hotel expense.

Cormac McCarthy

I've become intrigued by this author.

There are a number of things about him that I find intriguing, but here's the thing. His work is found under "fiction." Not under a specific genre, yet his novels are genre, but they transcend genre.

No Country for Old Men - clearly a mystery/suspense.

The Road - Post Apocalyptic science fiction novel. But very literary.

Blood Meridian - I most recently read this. It's a western.

McCarthy is a great American author. He has earned the greatest awards - including the Pulitzer - which are mostly reserved for non-genre writing. Yet, here he is, experimenting with genre fiction.

He pushes the boundaries and the conventions of the genres to create great American fiction.

You should try him out.

happy birthday!

Great mystery and suspense writer Len Deighton is 80!

Here's an interview.

New writings

Well, now that things are settled, I'm trying to get back to a regular schedule on writing.

I've begun a story which I've titled "The Child."

In my mind, it is post-apocalyptic, so I guess it is sci-fi. Yet, it has elements of classic good versus evil, so maybe it is fantasy or horror.

I don't know. It is a little different from other things I've written.

The big question is this...is the child sent by God? Or is she just a weird kid with a special skill? I'm not even sure the answer, but I like to think it is the first. Only time and fleshing out the story will tell.

King's short stories

Steven King has a new short story collection out.

My PERSONAL experience with King's novels is uneven. That aside, he is without a doubt one the best short story writers ever.

Here's a review:

Little Bites of Horror