J. H. Authors

One Woman. Three Names. Many Books.

Musings

Pumpkin Time!

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I’m embracing fall this fall. Living in New England, I’ve always been aware of fall. Loved the foliage. Enjoyed my share of apple cider. But because I hate, and I mean hate, winter, I don’t usually enjoy fall. Since I live in New England, that’s a shame. So I’m making adjustments, and leaning into the season. I’m going to farm stands for all things apple. I’m taking walks, and going on rides, to look at foliage. Snuggling into a hoodie and being both warm enough and enjoying crisp air do have a certain amount of charm.

Embracing pumpkin time is an attitude shift. Enjoy now instead of dreading tomorrow. Build memories that will help get through the winter. Pick the apples, drink the cider, enjoy the fall vegetables, tour the cemetery, enjoy the fresh air. 

This shift is also helpful for my writing life. Dreading the future isn’t good for creativity. Don’t get me wrong; goals are a good thing. Creating habits help. But too often I spiral with “will this book sell?” thoughts that derail the pleasure of writing/editing. Self-doubt moves in to sit next to me as I work.

Writing is hard work. But when you’re in the groove, it’s a lot of fun. Worrying about next steps diminishes the fun, the joy. This month, I’m using “pumpkin time” as my reminder to just focus on the now. Bake the pie, carve the pumpkin and finish the book.

Time for a Reboot!

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I used to blog with five fabulous women–Liz Mugavero/Cate Conte, Barbara Ross, Sherry Harris, Jessica Ellicott/Jessica Everett, and Edith Maxwell/Maddie Day. I had three JH names during my Wicked Authors years: Julianne Holmes, J.A. Hennrikus, and Julia Henry. Two years ago the Wickeds decided to end our ten year blogging journey. Liz and I talked about a reboot, and did some work on it. The idea is still on the table. 

But then life happened. Lots of life. Adding to the mix is a demanding job I love. I haven’t had the bandwidth to reboot my writing life in a serious way. I’m building the bandwidth now.

What’s different? First of all, I feel better. My first knee was replaced in December, and my second knee was replaced last June. Knee replacement is a tough surgery, and it takes up to a year to recover. That said? My knees ache, but the pain is mostly gone. What a difference that makes.

Second, I wasn’t writing. Then this spring, I woke up with an idea about how to fix a book I’ve been working on for years. Once I started editing, I fell back in love with the characters. I’m still working on it, but I’m thrilled with the progress. Listen, writing is hard work. But there’s joy in the work. I’m also working on short stories to keep the creative juices flowing.

This summer I decided to reboot my blog. I plan to use this space to make myself accountable. To talk about writing. To share movies/books/television shows/theater/art that I’ve loved. To write down some random thoughts and ideas.

I’m also firing up my social media. When I first started out, I was adamant about separating my lives on social. During my reboot I considered combining them all into one, but I decided to keep JHAuthors alive on Facebook and Instagram. I’ll also play with YouTube and videos.

Welcome to my reboot! Follow me on Instagram and on Facebook. And make sure to sign up for my newsletter.

Older sleuths

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As I noodle a new book, I’ve been thinking about the lens, or lenses, through which I’ll tell the story. This matters for a few reasons. I’ll be spending a lot of time with these characters. I don’t necessarily have to like them. In fact, I’m playing with an unlikable protagonist and having fun. But I do need to enjoy sending them on adventures and watching their reactions.

My last series, the Garden Squad series, featured several characters, but centered on Lilly Jayne, a 65-year-old master gardener. I enjoyed writing about someone who had lived a full life, who couldn’t run because of achy knees, and who didn’t care what people thought of her.

What if that woman were unlikeable, but rarely wrong? Efficient but a pill? Smart but a social outcast? Bored and therefore reckless?

Do you like older sleuths? I’m reading them more and more. Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, Deanna Rayborn’s Killers of a Certain Age. Wonderfully rounded characters full of life and adventure despite or, or because of, their age.

She isn’t fully formed yet, but a character is emerging, moving in. Her knees will be as creaky as mine. And she’ll be cranky. The rest is to be determined.

Fun in Bethesda

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I will be at Malice Domestic this week. I hope you find me if you’re there. I’ll mostly be at the Sisters in Crime table, but I’ll also be going to panels.

When I first started going to conferences, I didn’t know anyone. I saw authors on panels, laughing with friends, and signing books. And I was gobsmacked.

Then I went to more conferences, and I got to know more people. And they became friends. Years later, I became a published author, and that dream came true.

Here’s the thing, writer friends. Community makes all the difference. For many writers, the thoughts of meeting new people paralyzes them. You need to take care of yourself, and recharge. But get out there, and meet people. If not at a conference, at a library event or a bookstore event.

I’ll be posting pictures from Malice on my personal Insta account, so follow me at @jahenn.

I write long, which isn’t working

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Writing a novel doesn’t mean that you can write a short story. I’ve learned this the hard way, several times.

I know many wonderful short story writers. A few friends have used short stories to help reboot their muse. I’ve tried, but every time I try and write a short story, I end up starting a novel. Nevertheless I persist. Partly because I like the challenge. Also because I’ve been asked to write for an anthology, and I need to turn something in.

When writing a short story there isn’t room for backstory, or secondary plots, or lots of characters. There’s room for a story, a complex story depending on the craft level of the writer.

Learning how to write a short story intrigues me as a way to develop my craft. But also as a way to explore new genres. I write mysteries. Maybe I could write a romance short story, or a thriller, or a caper? MAYBE horror, though it would be low key horror.

Short stories are also a great way to introduce readers to new characters. Or to fill in gaps between publishing in a series.

When you are a writer, you are always developing your craft. That’s never done. Will short stories be part of that craft development for me? Or a great way to start a new book? I’ve said yes to the anthology, so something’s going to be written.

Sleepless in Seattle-Conference Time!

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I will be at Left Coast Crime this week! Here’s my schedule:

On Wednesday I am being a fan. I love Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series. In celebration of 30 years since The Beekeeper’s Apprentice was published, she is hosting Russell & Holmes Days at several conferences this year. I’ll be at the one in Seattle. I love the series for the stories, and I admire them as a writer. So glad I’ll be there. PLUS I’ll be learning how to pick locks, which is perfect.

On Thursday at 1pm I will be on a panel:

Twenty Panels in One!
Robert Lopresti (M)
Ellen Byron/Maria DiRico
David Corbett
Julie Hennrikus/Julia Henry
Matt Witten

On Sunday I will be moderating a panel at 10:15:

Is It Indie, or Is It …
Julie Hennrikus/Julia Henry (M)
Shelley Adina
Puja Guha
Vinnie Hansen
Laurie Rockenbeck

I will also be sitting at the Sisters in Crime table, attending the New Authors Breakfast, and chatting with folks in the bar. Make sure you say hello! Follow me on my personal Instagram account @jahenn for live pictures.