All posts by Toni L. P. Kelner

I humbly accept this part of an award nomination…

Awards, Updates from Toni

Yesterday I got good news from the multi-talented Bill Crider, who published my story “Kids Today” in his anthology Damn Near Dead 2: Live Noir or Die Trying. DND2 has been nominated for a Spinetingler Award for Best Anthology! The Spinetingler’s are given, appropriately enough, by Spinetingler Magazine.

The full list of anthology nominees is:

I’m really delighted to be included on this list, even though my story is only a small slice of DND2. Bill Crider and the late Dave Thompson are the ones who put it together, Ben LeRoy helped shepherd it through the last stages of publication, and of course, there are a whole lot of really excellent contributors. But that’s the good thing about award nominations–the more people who are involved, the more of us who get to be winners!

If you’re interested in voting for any of the Spinetinglers, go check out their site.

Table of Contents for Home Improvement: Undead Edition

Updates from Toni, Writing

I know I posted the contributors for the forthcoming Charlaine Harris-and-me anthology Home Improvement: Undead Edition, but I don’t think I ever put up the final table of contents. So here it is, to tantalize you until our August release date. I’m mean that way. But to keep me from being a total meanie, I’ll add a few hints about the stories and/or authors.

“If I Had a Hammer” by Charlaine Harris
 Yes, it is a Sookie story.

“Wizard Home Security” by Victor Gischler
 At one point, I e-mailed Victor to ask about something, and he responded that Marvel was slamming him with X-Men deadlines. I have been an X-Men fan for years, and I squee-ed as loud as Havok yells when I got that note. (You have to be a fellow X-Men fan to get that reference.)

“Gray” by Patricia Briggs
 Not werewolves or shapeshifters this time–vampires!

“Squatters’ Rights” by Rochelle Krich
 I don’t even know how to describe this one. But it’s delightfully creepy!

“Blood on the Wall” by Heather Graham
Heather gives us nasty murders in New Orleans, cultists, and a PI with strong family feelings.

“The Mansion of Imperatives” by James Grady
 Yes, this is the James Grady who wrote Six Days of the Condor. When I told my father he was going to be in the anthology, he squee-ed. In a manly way, of course.

“The Strength Inside” by Melissa Marr
 Don’t you just hate home owner associations?

“Woolsley’s Kitchen Nightmare” by E. E. Knight
 It’s hard work putting the perfect dining experience together.

“Through This House” by Seanan McGuire
 Yes, it’s a Toby Daye story!

“The Path” by S. J. Rozan
 Nobody writes about China like S.J!

“Rick the Brave” Stacia Kane
 How can a guy named Terrible be such a wonderful character? And Chess is there, too.

“Full-Scale Demolition” Suzanne McLeod
 Suzanne has published three of her amazing Spellcrack books in the UK, but so far only one is out in the US. You’ll want to buy it.

“It’s All in the Rendering” by Simon R. Green
 Some houses have doors on both sides–and some Houses open onto more than one world.

“In Brightest Day” by Toni L.P. Kelner
 In which I exploit the hitherto neglected sub-genre of zombie mysteries.

That’s all you get until August! But unlike most construction projects, this one should be on time.

New Editions

Translations, Updates from Toni

One of the lovely things about writing is when a new edition of my work show up. It always feels like a freebie–I get a new book for my brag shelf without having to do any more work. What’s not to like?

Recently I received editions of two different anthologies. First was the French edition of Crimes by Moonlight, the MWA anthology edited by the astounding Charlaine Harris. It contains my story “Taking the Long View,” or as the French say, “Long terme.”

Interestingly, this is not the cover that showed up on Amazon.co.fr, which is:

I like both, and would be hard-pressed to say which I prefer. Dana Cameron, who has a story in here, too, says she thinks the red-and-white design says vampire, where the one they used says werewolf. I’m just hoping that it says Buy me!

I also got a copy of the large print edition for Death’s Excellent Vacation.

Now to place these with pride on my shelf!

Boskone a Blast

Convention reports

I had a terrific time at Boskone this past weekend, though it was so busy I don’t think I’m completely recovered yet. I had a full schedule!

I started the weekend early, meeting buddies Charlaine Harris and Dana Cameron for lunch on Friday. Much gossip and hilarity ensued, and I’m not saying any more than that. Then I met with Ginjer Buchanan, my editor at both Ace and Berkley Prime Crime, and it was time to plot book plans. I’m not saying any more about that either, at least not yet.

By then the con had officially begun so we all got our registration packets and schedules and went to the Galleria, which is the heart of Boskone.  That’s where I ran into some friends old and new, and just schmoozed. (Including with Jan and Byron, and Paula, and Kate. And Kate, thanks again for the Tilda-esque presents.)

Next I met with Charlaine and Ginjer again for a dinner to celebrate our success with anthologies and to plot our new projects. I’ve already broken that story, that we’re all set for two more anthologies.

Friday night, Boskone had arranged a Fangtasia interactive show, which Charlaine participated in. Some very convincing portrayals of Sookie and other characters from Charlaine’s books, and they served punch that was suspiciously thick and red. I think what tickled me most was realizing that the evil bartender in black was also the friendly instructor from Guard Up!, a fencing school where my daughters have taken classes and where we had Valerie’s last birthday party. It was a different look for him.

After that, I couldn’t resist a brief look at the amazing art show. The artist Guest of Honor was Gregory Manchess, and his work is just amazing. First off, he does pirates, which is a particular weakness of mine. Second, he was exhibiting an astounding version of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and a flying monkey that I adore. It’s on the cover of the book Spectrum 17, and I really really hope he gets prints made of it.

Another artist did these wonderful whimsical pictures of classic Halloween toys, and though I wrote down the name of the artist, I can’t find the slip of paper. (Never fear–I will track him down before Halloween.) And the third was a woman named Donna Lee Young who did these graphic-heaving paintings of happy skeletons and that flowed onto the edges of the  canvas. I know, I’m describing them badly, but they were awesome. And don’t think those were the only wonderful artists showing their work, either.

Saturday was filled with panels–three of ’em!–and lunch with Dana and our pal Beth Krueger and a kaffeeklatsch. Fortunately, I didn’t actually have to drink coffee for the kaffeeklatsch. Instead Charlaine and I visited with a double-table-ful of really nice people.

That night was one of the conventions highlights. Joshua Bilmes, president of the JABberwocky Literary Agency, was celebrating his twenty-fifth year anniversary as an agent. And since he first entered into the world of SF fandom at Boskone, what better place to celebrate? So he took a crew of us to Morton’s Steakhouse to party. The group included Joshua, Ginjer and her husband and fellow editor John Douglas, Charlaine, Peter Brett, Myke Cole, Joshua’s sister Aura (I probably spelled that wrong), a young writer named K.J. from Somerville whose last name I’ve forgotten, and myself. (I may have forgotten someone, and if so, I do apologize.) It was just lovely, and Joshua should be rightfully proud of all the books he’s helped bring to the shelves.

Charlaine and I zipped back to Boskone to attend the awards ceremony, and I was quite touched when I got a shout-out and a round of applause for my efforts in bringing Charlaine to Boskone. Here’s my confession: All I did was send Charlaine one e-mail. That’s it. But they can’t take the shout-out back now!

I should have gone to bed after that, but I’m really glad I didn’t. One of the niftiest things of the weekend happened while I was hanging around the hotel bar. Myke Cole had joined a crew that I think included my husband Steve, Ginjer, and me. At dinner earlier, it had come out that Myke, Peter, and I were old Dungeons & Dragons players, and I bragged about having published limericks in The Dragon, which was the d&d magazine. This came up again, and I quoted one of my creations. Then Mike quoted a different limerick from The Dragon, one that he remembered from what must be thirty years ago, and it was one of mine! Seriously! I was so tickled! When I told him that, he said, “You’re my hero!” Yeah, he serves three tours overseas and still serves in the Coast Guard, and I’m a hero. I don’t think so. But it was still a nifty moment, establishing my geek cred. (Myke later quizzed Maggie and Valerie to make sure the geek force is strong in them, and then approved Steve’s and my parenting technique.)

The next morning came far too early, but I had to be up to see Charlaine off after her last panel, and to get to my reading. I read an excerpt from my zombie mystery story from the upcoming Home Improvement: Undead Edition to a small but choice audience. Then I finally got a chance to see the rest of the Art Show and the Huckster’s Room before settling down for a book signing. I was surprised when so many people brought me copies of my mysteries to sign. Boskone is an SF con, after all. This did not, however, stop me from signing.

After that, I was ready to go home and collapse, but we ended up staying two more hours because Valerie was in the midst of a tournament of the game Munchkin, which went on forever. On the good side, she won, and also on the good side, it meant we were still there when one last really nifty thing happened. Joshua had wanted one last bit of celebration for his agent-ish anniversary, and also to give a thank-you to Boskone. So he’d bought two enormous cakes for the con suite, and handed out pieces. Yum! Here’s the proud agent and one of the cakes.

So there, at incredible length, is my Boskone report. And I know darned well I’ve left out people and events I should have mentioned–it was an incredibly fun and full weekend.

Big News!

Updates from Toni

After meeting with my illustrious co-editor Charlaine Harris and our ace Ace editor Ginjer Buchanan at Boskone this weekend, I can officially announce that Charlaine and I have made a deal for two more urban fantasy anthologies.

The first will have a school theme, and is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2012, with the second still undecided. (But don’t think you have to wait that long for another short story fix. Home Improvement: Undead Edition will be out in August 2011.)

As you can imagine, there is much joy in Massachusetts! Cavorting, gamboling, cheering, doing the dance of joy–I’m doing it all. We have so much fun putting these books together–people send us such amazing stories, and of course, I have the best editing partner in the world.

 

Boskone Bound

Appearances, Convention reports

Though I usually haunt mystery conventions, I also enjoy science fiction conventions, and as a plus, my daughters are far more interested in SF cons. I don’t know if it’s the art show or the dealers’ room that gets them, but either way, SF cons are definitely family outings. This weekend the Kelners will be attending Boskone here in Boston, which is one of the longer-run SF cons–this is Number 48! As a special treat, the Special Guest this year is the ebullient Charlaine Harris!

Since the urban fantasy anthologies I co-edit with Charlaine are in the Boskone ballpark and since SF fans are often mystery fans, too, I’m going to be appearing on several panels and program items. I’ll be kaffeeklatsch-ing with Charlaine and on two panels with the entertainly erudite Dana Cameron. Plus I’ll be visiting with my editor and lots of other really fun people.

Here’s my full schedule:

Saturday, 1 PM
Monsters in the City: Exploring Urban Fantasy
Moderator: Alexander Jablokov
Dana Cameron, Suzy McKee Charnas, Toni L.P. Kelner, Margaret Ronald

Saturday, 2 PM
My Favorite Mysteries: What kind of crossover qualities make so many SF/F/H fans like a good mystery story?
Moderator: Paul Tremblay
Dana Cameron, John Douglas, Toni L.P. Kelner, Resa Nelson, Darrell Schweitzer

Saturday, 3 PM
The Divide Between Mysteries and Fantasy-Horror
Moderator: Toni L.P Kelner
Ellen Asher, Christopher Golden, Joe Hill, Paul Tremblay

Saturday, 5 PM
Kaffeeklatsch
Charlaine Harris, Toni L.P. Kelner

Sunday, 11 AM
Reading

Sunday, 2 PM
Autographing

Looking forward to seeing folks there, but I have to admit, I’m almost sorry Chris Golden will be there. As fast as he writes, he could have written another book with the time he’ll be spending at Boskone.

Reviews!

Reviews, Writing

I have a love/hate relationship with reviews. Which is to say that I love positive ones, and hate negative ones. That is, of course, when the books being reviewed are mine. It’s not an objective or adult attitude, but it is what it is. I have similar reactions to reviews of friends’ work–I don’t pretend to be objective about those, either.

So in that spirit, here are links to some of the positive reviews that have been posted for Blast from the Past. And in the interest of full disclosure, I’ll tell you that I’m not linking to the negative ones–you can google the title with my name and get those. (Be sure to add Kelner as a search delimiter because there was a movie called Blast from the Past and of course, it’s not an unusual expression, so without the Kelner, you’ll get insane numbers of hits.)

Thanks to the reviewers who liked the book well enough to post positive reviews. As for the folks who didn’t like it, I appreciate your giving it a try and I’m sorry it wasn’t to your taste. But I’m still not linking to your review.

Easter Egg Hunting

Friends, Uncategorized, Writing

Yesterday was the official release date of Blast from the Past, the third of my “Where are they now?” series, which is always a happy event.

Normally I make a point of visiting a bookstore on Release Day to see the new arrival on the shelves, much as you’d go to the maternity ward and peek through the window at a newborn baby, but the weekly snowstorm up here in Massachusetts meant I couldn’t make it this time.

Here’s a shot out my back door, which shows why I decided to wait until later in the week. Or possibly next month.

That is a full-sized swing set, by the way, just to give you a sense of scale. So on the whole, I think it’s better to stay home for the day. And while I’m here, I thought I’d take y’all on an Easter egg hunt.

No, not a real one, because (1) it’s the wrong time of year and (2) the eggs would sink into the snow and not be found until July, given the way the weather has been. The kind of Easter egg I’m talking about are the private jokes hidden in my books and stories.

I confess that I have a weakness for inserting Easter eggs. In “An Unmentionable Crime,” which was set in a lingerie store, all the characters are named for people known for their connection to underwear: a man named Fredericks as in Fredericks of Hollywood, a woman named Vicki as in Victoria’s Secret, and so on. In both “Marley’s Ghost” and Mad as the Dickens, it’s Dickens character names, and in “Lying-in-the-Road Death,” characters are named for types of whiskey. (I was surprised by how many kinds of whiskey there are!)

I put in these private jokes because (1) they make me giggle and (2) I think they’re fun for readers who notice them. But I allow myself to do this if, and only if, it doesn’t distract or detract from the story.

Normally I don’t even tell anybody about them, but since I’m snowbound anyway, here are some of the Easter eggs in Blast from the Past. (And don’t worry–there will be no spoilers.)

  • The action star Tilda interviews at the beginning of the book is John Laryea, who is named for three of the leads in The Bugaloos. (You don’t remember the show that IMDb.com describes as “a rock-n-roll band with bug wings who live in a magical forest.”?)  I.Q and Courage were played by men named John–John McIndoe and John Philpott–and Harmony was played by Wayne Laryea.

  • The fictional Laryea got his start in a kids’ TV show called The Blastoffs, in which was about a pair of  brothers named Sid and Marty Blastoff. Sid and Marty Krofft are best known as the producers of a number of  kiddie shows, including H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and The Bugaloos. (And a tip o’ the hat to Bill Crider, who recognized that pair of names and mentioned them in his review of Blast from the Past.)
  • One thing I do in the Tilda books is to put epigraphs in front of every chapter, pulling snippets from books, web sites, and all kinds of sources. The thing is, not all of those sources actually exist. In Blast from the Past, I quotefrom Teenage Mutant Ninja Artists: The Best of Indie Comics by Jerry Frazee and  Saturday Morning Spree by Charles M. Luce. Neither book is real. The guys are real, more or less, and I drew on their expertise in comic books in researching the book. So I stuck them in as a real cheap thank-you present. By the way, in addition to being good friends of mine, both Jerry and Charles (who goes by Mike) are extremely talented artists and I’ve got plenty of work by both of them hung in my house. Just check out those links for a sample.
  • One of the producers of Pharos, the movie John Laryea is filming, is Joni Langevoort. The character is fictional, but there really is a Joni Langevoort, who I met via the convention Malice Domestic. Malice has a charity auction each year, and twice Joni has paid for the right of naming a character in one of my books. The first time, in Curse of the Kissing Cousins, I named a gospel singer after her daughter Katie. This time was Joni’s turn. (By the way, Joni’s name is misspelled in the acknowledgements for Blast from the Past, which was my mistake, but her name is correct in the text.)

That’s just a sample of what I hid in the book–I spent most of a year writing it, so there was plenty of time to sneak stuff in. I could tell you more, but I think it quit snowing and sleeting. Maybe I’ll make it to a bookstore to see the new book after all!

The New Arrival

Updates from Toni, Writing

It’s always a happy day when I get to hold my new book in my hand. In this case, it was an early copy of Blast from the Past, which will be out February 2. (Groundhog Day… There’s a joke in there somewhere, and I promise to discover it and then share it before the big day.)

In the meantime, here’s me holding proudly. I even took it out to lunch to celebrate. (We took our pal Dana Cameron with us, too, just to liven things up.)

So tomorrow I’ll be hunkering in the house, hiding from a raging blizzard, but I’ll be happy because I’ll have my new book to hold onto.

Bon jour!

Translations, Updates from Toni, Writing

The other day I stumbled across the cover of the French edition of Crimes by Moonlight, the MWA anthology edited by Charlaine Harris. Or if you’ll excuse my French, Crimes au clair de lune.

This is way exciting for me because the anthology includes my story “Taking the Long View” making this my first appearance in French.

I do love the idea of my stuff being read elsewhere in the world. Not including my French debut, I’ve had stories or novels translated into German, Polish, and Italian. There are also UK editions of some of Charlaine’s and my anthologies, but I don’t think there was a lot of translating involved.

I do, however, worry about the translations. I mean, I can’t read French and I have no idea how they’ve translated my vision of vampires and bad jokes–two strong themes in “Taking the Long View.”

With the Laura Fleming novels, I’d have been worried about Southernisms, and with the “Where are they now?” series, I worry about the references to old American TV shows.

At least I know the Italian translation of Curse of the Kissing Cousins came out well. Or, if you prefer, Cugini Maledetti, published by Delos Books.

My husband works for an international company, and Duccio Alberti, one of his Italian colleagues, actually took the trouble to read both versions. Grazie Duccio!

If there are any bilingual readers out there, I’d love to find out if the other translations have been decent. In the meantime, I’ll just shelve those foreign editions and try to look linguistically sophisticated.