Author’s Surefire Way of Getting Words Onto The Page

In the time, it’s taken me to think about, write, edit and revise my third novel, author R.G. Belsky has written five mysteries. This week, his latest, Below The Fold was published.

Belsky and I worked for the same employers and publications for decades — without ever actually working together. But a book launch party is a party, and authors successful enough to be published must be celebrated — especially if the launch party takes place in the most suitable of locations like the iconic Mysterious Bookshop in New York City. Continue reading “Author’s Surefire Way of Getting Words Onto The Page”

Why The Library Book Is The Best-Ever Book for Book Lovers

The Library Book in the headline does not refer to any old, non-specific book checked out of a library. It is the title of an actual hardcover by Susan Orlean, better known, perhaps, for being the author of The Orchid Thief on which the Nicholas Cage movie, Adaptation, was based.

The book, which is the non-fiction account of the 1986 fire that destroyed the Los Angeles Central Public Library is also partly the history of that library. The fire was the largest library fire ever in the U.S. It caused $22 million worth of damage. None of the content was insured. Continue reading “Why The Library Book Is The Best-Ever Book for Book Lovers”

Bad News At 5th Annual Palm Beach Book Festival

Ben Bradlee Jr. and me at the Palm Beach Book Festival

Author, journalist and editor, Ben Bradlee Jr. is the man who delivered some really bad news at the Fifth Annual Palm Beach Book Festival last weekend.

It’s not usually a platform for the delivery of bad news — or actually any kind of news other than news of the publication of great, readable books.  So, I wasn’t expecting the bombshell Ben delivered. I was there because Ben  is a hero of mine. Continue reading “Bad News At 5th Annual Palm Beach Book Festival”

The Pig Doesn’t Fall Far From The Trough at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago

Of all the sensational snippets in Laurence Leamer’s new bestseller, Mar-A-Lago, the one about Donald Jr. and the toast to his mother on her wedding day to husband #4 is among the ickiest. Continue reading “The Pig Doesn’t Fall Far From The Trough at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago”

When You Can’t Enjoy The Most Awaited Thriller of 2019

You know that feeling. You’ve read the reviews in the mainstream press and Publishers Weekly calls it the “hottest title” of the season. You love the sound of the storyline. You wait patiently for publication day, maybe hoping for a snow day so you can stay home and savor each page. But, then, by the time you have the thriller in your hot little hands, you’re like a starving man with a slice of day-old bread. You devour the whole thing in just minutes. Continue reading “When You Can’t Enjoy The Most Awaited Thriller of 2019”