J. R. Lindermuth's Blog (222)

Hear The Whistle Blowing, my non-fiction book on railroading in Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region, is now available from the publisher, on Amazon and other fine booksellers. Go here for more information: https://www.sunburypressstore.com/Hear-the-Whistle-Blowing-9781620068403.htm

I took part in an interesting reader survey this summer, which had some surprising results. I've posted the first of a two-part blog on the topic. Have a look: https://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

What do readers want from a writer? That's the topic of the second of two blog posts on a reader survey in which I participated earlier this year. The answers might hold a few surprises for you--as they did for me. Have a look. Comment welcome. https://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

Sometimes a writer has to remember his roots. I'm putting my hometown in the spotlight today in a guest post at https://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/

The Thiel Detective Service Agency, though not as well known, was a major competitor to the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency in the 19th century.

I've given my character Sam Blake a job with Thiel in the novel Blake's Rule. A reputation the company had creates a minor conflict between him and the town sheriff before they become allies in saving a woman accused of murder from a lynch mob. 

Read more about Thiel and the book here: …

Shares The Darkness, eighth in the Sticks Hetrick crime series, is highlighted in the San Francisco Review of Books. Check it out: http://www.sanfranciscoreviewofbooks.com/2018/09/book-review-shares-darkness-by-jr.html?showComment=1536147743638#c1480039967769541093

How does a writer handle working on multiple projects?

That's the topic for Amy Reade, my blog guest this week. Come on over and see how she does it. She'd be glad to hear your comments and ideas on the subject, too.

https://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

Blake’s rule has always been to do what’s right…not what’s easy.

Range detective Sam Blake is after cattle rustlers—but when a beautiful woman is accused of murdering her employer, he has to step in and see justice done. Miriam had her reasons for the brutal killing, and though she’s not talking, Blake understands there’s more to this crime than meets the eye.

When the local…

See what complications I threw in the path of my protagonist in The Bartered Body. https://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

The Hat on the Bed, a western short story with a twist, is now up at http://outlawsecho.com/index.php/2018/06/29/4280/

Receiving a new five-star review for The Bartered Body is a great way to start another week. Go here to read this review and more about the book https://www.amazon.com/Bartered-Body-J-R-Lindermuth/dp/1620067560/ref=la_B002BLJIQ8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1526904172&sr=1-1

Wanna read a short story (free)? New one up at Rope And Wire. A gambler's luck takes a bad turn. Can fate deal him a better hand? Check it out. Comment welcome. http://www.ropeandwire.com/western-short-story-a-deceitful-game-j-r-lindermuth.html

The Bartered Body is featured here today: http://mybookplace.net/the-bartered-body-by-j-r-lindermuth/

I'm hosting Marja McGraw on my blog and she's talking about her new Sandi Webster mystery, which begins in Prohibition days. If you haven't met Sandi, you're in for a treat. Come on over: https://jrlindermuth.blogspot.com/

Elmore Leonard and others have warned writers not to begin a story with weather. That doesn't mean weather can't be an important feature in a story. See how I used a record blizzard in The Bartered Body. There's also an excerpt from the book. Comment, as always, is welcome. https://www.topdrawerinkcorp.com/index.php/the-great-arctic-outbreak-of-february-1899/

What's the most important element in a crime story? That's my question in a guest post here. Come on over and state your opinion. https://bookbrowsing.wordpress.com/2018/04/25/must-a-mystery-have-a-murder-by-john-lindermuth/

Some times readers don't understand how much their opinion means to a writer. A review is only one person's opinion. But reviews can help get a book noticed. And they don't have to be long. Just a few sentences to say what you think of the story and the way the writer handled it. I appreciate the time a reader takes to review one of my books. The Bartered Body is brand new and only has two reviews so far. But they're both excellent. Have a look: …

A review is one person's opinion. But most writers bite their nails in anticipation of such feedback on their work. This first review for the third in the Sheriff Sylvester Tilghman series couldn't thrill me more. Have a look. If you haven't visited with Syl and Lydia in the past, I'm hoping this will tempt you. …

I'm honoring my character Lydia Longlow and other strong women of the 19th century as Marja McGraw hosts me on her blog this week. Lydia is the love of Sheriff Syl Tilghman, who has wooed her and sought her hand in three novels. In The Bartered Body, third of the series, his romantic efforts are stymied by more than one problem--and not all related to his job. Join us here http://marjamcgraw.blogspot.com/

How a writer employs the five senses is my topic today in a visit with fellow writer Jim Callan. Come on over and join the discussion. http://www.jamesrcallan.com/blog/