Resolved for the New Year

The new year will soon be upon us. As I have for the last several years on this blog, it is a time for reflection and renewal.

With the recent release of COLD OATH, I now have eight published novels, six in my Brad Frame series and two standalone suspense novels.

I've been mulling my next writing challenges. In 2017, I plan to write a Brad Frame short story, which will probably be in the 15,000 word range. My expectation is to share this story to introduce readers to the Brad Frame character, and hopefully generate more interest in the six novels that are already a part of the series.

I've enjoyed writing the suspense novels, and I'd like to tackle another one in 2017.

In mid-January, I'll be performing my one-man Ben Franklin play in Orlando at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. I plan to seek additional performance opportunities for the play throughout the course of the year.

Maintaining my health is important to me (which means trying to lose a few pounds as well as staying physically active). My mental health is equally important, so I plan to love more and fret less. Life's a Mystery, but as the saying goes, "None of us gets out of here alive," so best to stop stressing about the small stuff (like Facebook posts that make me cringe) and devote my attention to the people and issues in my life that really matter.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017!

Holiday Wishes

Whether you're a devoted reader of my blog, an occasional visitor, or stopping by for the first time, I wish you the best this holiday season.

Here is a link to a holiday story I first shared last year. It is my gift to you. www.rayflynt.com/spiritofchristmas.pdf

If you'd like to give me a gift (hint, hint) :-) just share that link with your friends. Hopefully, they'll enjoy the story and it will expose them to my novels. Hey, maybe they'll even buy one of my books as a gift for one of their friends this holiday season.

I look forward to spending the holidays with friends. There are a group of us that rotate among each other's homes for meals during the two week period of Christmas/New Years. It is a fun time!

No matter what holiday you might be celebrating, best wishes to you and your family.

What Do Readers See?

"Oh, that's too scary for me." With those words posted on social media, a person who had read several of my books announced that they wouldn't be reading EMBALMED because of their reaction to the cover.

That got me thinking about the broader topic of what reader's see (or don't see) in my books/stories.

I had started reading Agatha Christie's Poirot series about the time that the movie Murder on the Orient Express, starring Albert Finney as Poirot, was released. Thereafter, I couldn't read a Poirot without picturing Finney in the character. Later, after seeing David Suchet create the character, he became a more enduring image in my mind.

I've had readers tell me that they wish my Brad Frame character was more fully described. I'd prefer for my readers to conjure their own picture of him (although I do provide a few descriptors). At least until Hollywood makes a movie of one of my stories. :-)

In my novel, BLOOD PORN, a reader I spoke with had a Bate's Motel view (Creepy vibe) of the juvenile institution as it unfolded in the story. I was surprised when he said that, since it was not my intention (or the way I saw it). But it demonstrated that a reader's imagination was as important as my words in how one of my stories is received.

What about you? How important are descriptions when you read a book? Do you prefer to let your imagination run wild? Feel free to comment below, because after all, Life's a Mystery.