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What is your reading comfort zone?
Books that are fiction. Especially magical realism, mysteries, thrillers, and some sci fi. I dislike non-fiction, except biographies. In my book club, I’m only 1 of 3 who like mysteries, and for the general relationship/family books----I fake it during the discussions.
What makes you love a book?
Tension, a slow or fast mystery build up, characterizations that are human, quirky, unpredictable, and funny. If there is a main protagonist who is solving a mystery, they have to be believable along with their reason for being in the middle of everything. Would Miss Marple have been as effective if she stayed inside behind her curtains? Would Poirot have been as memorable if he hadn’t walked like a penguin and been so utterly polite no matter the insults or dead bodies?
Name a case in which hype ruined your reading experience.
This will segue into the next question. I have rarely given bad reviews, but in the case of The Christie Affair, I had to do so. Not because it was poorly written, but because the author drove me crazy. When you are reading a book, a reader generally is taken into the plot by an observer, or a first person narrative, or other point of view. In this book, the first person narrator actually said (dozens of times) things she knew from another character’s thoughts. How could she be in them??? I noticed other reviewers had the same reaction.
How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?
Regarding my review of The Christie Affair, I was irritated with the book, but still gave it 3 stars. Why? Because it did have a good plot and good writing except for the point of view nightmare. It was not what I expected, but that shouldn’t be the basis for a bad review. I assumed it was a reimagining of Agatha Christie’s life. It wasn’t. Not to spoil it for others, but this was more about a theme than Christie.
What distracts you easily when you’re reading?
The cats, all four of them. If I’m reading from a computer screen, it is even more enticing to interrupt me. This can be in the form of nice meowing, scratching my leg, standing in front of the screen, or trying to stand on the keyboard. I’m sure you understand.
How often do you skim a book before reading it?
I rarely will skim a book at first. But if I get nervous about a character surviving as I read, I’ll sometimes verify they are still talking at the end. Just that, just seeing they are still talking so that I do not spoil anything else. The same applies if there is a relationship on the line and if that other character won’t be around, it is nice to know…
To the readers:
What drives you to cross genre books? Are you tired of straight mysteries? Or? In the Celwyn series, it is about 30% adventure, 20% characterizations, 20% mystery, and 30% magical realism/fantasy. I’d love to hear your take on any of the Celwyn books about these percentages, and about what you would like more or less of.
Do you like light fantasy books or more serious ones? The Celwyn series is light on fantasy, heavier on magical realism.
Their private, magically enhanced train, the Elizabeth, is carrying them through the countryside when they witness the purposeful crash of a hot air balloon next to them. Jules Verne emerges from it and joins their party. As they continue east, the danger following the author shadows their train, and the murders begin. When they arrive in Singapore, Captain Nemo uses a unique method to trick Professor Kang into climbing aboard the Nautilus.
Music Shall Untune the Sky is a steampunk fantasy filled with murder, magic, and adventure.
With a sigh, Elizabeth put down her tea. “If I may? I suggest we stay together.” She gestured at the corner of the room. “There is a water closet there. We could all stay in this room.”
“That would be very helpful.” Bartholomew gazed around them. “Jonas could provide food and drink as needed.”
“And blankets.” Kang regarded the sofas they sat on. “These would do as beds. And two of us awake and on guard at all times.”
It appeared they’d formed a plan.
“I need rest now.” The magician felt even more tired because the tension of the moment had eased.
“You look like it,” the automat told him.
A knock sounded, and Captain Nemo preceded Verne into the room.
Kang and the others exchanged a swift look that said, we were listened to.
Celwyn inserted himself in front of the others and faced Captain Nemo.
“Professor Kang would be honored to view your ‘project.’ We prefer to remain here until that occurs.”
Captain Nemo smiled without humor. “For your safety, as you perceive it.”
“Yes,” Kang told him.
Nemo pivoted on his heel with military precision.
“Enjoy my study, as my guests.” He started for the door. “We will arrive at the Nicobar Islands soon.”
“Jules, feel free to remain,” Celwyn purred. “We have questions for you.”
Early work was horror and suspense, later work morphed into a combination of magical realism, mystery and adventure painted with a horrific element as needed.
I’m one of those writers who doesn’t plan ahead, no outlines, no clue, and I sometimes write myself into a corner. Atmospheric music in the background helps. Black by Pearl Jam especially.
More information is available at LouKemp.com. I'd love to hear from you and what you think of Celwyn, Bartholomew, and Professor Xiau Kang. Milestones:
2009 The anthology story Sherlock’s Opera appeared in Seattle Noir, edited by Curt Colbert, Akashic Books. Available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Booklist published a favorable review of my contribution to the anthology.
2010 My story, In Memory of the Sibylline, was accepted into the best-selling MWA anthology Crimes by Moonlight, edited by Charlaine Harris. The immortal magician Celwyn makes his first appearance in print.
2018 The story, The Violins Played before Junstan is published in the MWA anthology Odd Partners, edited by Anne Perry. The Celwyn series begins. Present day My new publisher, 4 Horsemen has reissued book 1 of the Celwyn series: The Violins Played before Junstan. The remaining books in the series; Music Shall Untune the Sky, The Raven and the Pig, The Pirate Danced and the Automat Died, The Wyvern, the Pirate and the Madman will debut, beginning in 2023 -2024. The companion book, Farm Hall, will be reissued in 2023 where readers will see more of Pelaez, another immortal magician and Celwyn's brother. Another companion book, The Sea of the Vanities is due out in 2023.
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