A to Z Challenge: E is for Entertainment (and Elizabeth Spann Craig and Ex-Kop by Warren Hammond)

Okay, I did a little two-step for the letter E. The only author I know whose last name begins with E from my blogging files is one who isn't writing so much anymore. I know I could have featured one of the well known writers such as Nicholas Evans or Janet Evanovich, but I'd really rather talk about authors I've connected with personally (face-to-face or online).

So I chose an author whose first name begins with E. You may know her already.


Featured Author:  Elizabeth Spann Craig

I think I met Elizabeth during a Dani Greer online class on blog book tours. Over the years since, I've read several of her cozy mysteries, sampling each of her three series, and enjoyed every one I've read (the Myrtle Clover mysteries, the Memphis Barbeque mysteries--writing as Riley Adams--and the Southern Quilting mysteries).

This North Caroline author doesn't just hide away in her office and write. She has an extremely helpful blog which focuses on mystery writing. And Writers Knowledge Base, a search engine for writers, was born from Elizabeth's helpful hints on Twitter.  You can find her on Facebook as well.

Knowing all that, don't you wonder if Elizabeth ever sleeps?


Featured Book:  Ex-Kop by Warren Hammond

I read from so many genres, but have a special liking for sci fi. And if the sci fi novel is also a dark mystery or cop story, that's even better.

Ex-Kop is the second book in a series created by Colorado author Warren Hammond. The three books out so far are Kop, Ex-Kop, and Kop Killer. The main character, Juno, is an cop with a shady past. If you like sci fi and sci fi thrillers, I highly recommend this series.

P.S. I plucked this cover graphic from Warren's website, so I hope he doesn't mind. It's a fine illustration of the grim and gritty world in which Juno lives.


Word of the Day:  Entertainment

I picked this word because it describes what I want my novels to be for the reader. I don't have a big message, don't want to change the world, and I certainly don't want to tell anyone how to live or write or behave. I simply want to entertain.

When I want to be entertained, I read books (lots of books, all kinds of books). I like everything from financial thrillers to humor. From YA dystopian/sci fi to cozy mysteries. I also read a lot of nonfiction--history, finance, economics, political science, sociology--although it has been awhile since I picked up anything too weighty (not counting the hardcover of Stephen King's Under the Dome which was very heavy fiction).

I also like movies and television, musical comedy on stage, music concerts like the various tenors or the Beach Boys, and social media.

How about you? What are your favorite things to do for entertainment?  And if you say running five miles early in the morning or digging post holes for a new fence, I will not believe you.