I'm well into Peter's book, and, believe me, and this Elderhostel adventure with James P. Dandy is a good one full of people you might recognize. Peter knows how to write. Check out his BookMarc discussion about how to write a novel in the Writers, Writing and Language folder and see.

Mal

I read this book and have his second book "Killing Tyme" ordered but haven't picked it up yet. I've never been on any Elderhostel trips but he makes it sound interesting. I can't help but wonder if he (the author) has actually taken any trips himself. I also will not comment on the book until this discussion gets further on.

Hello, EmmaBarb: Welcome. If you've got the second book I guess it's safe to say you must have liked the first. Glad to hear it. Thanks.

Yes,

Peter has been on some elderhostels as he has reported on some of them in The Elderhostel Notebook, an e-zine I edit.

By June 1st he hopes to have his third book in the series in print,

"Tip a Canoe" about an active outdoor elderhostel.

His characters are, indeed, people you might meet on an elderhostel.

But no murders yet on the 30+ ones my wife and I have been on.

Jim - Would you join in a discussion of this one?

Jim Olson - Thanks for the link to the Elderhostel Notebook. I have sent it on to several friends who enjoy the Elderhostel trips from time to time. One friend attended the culinary one mentioned in Peter's second book where she earned her chef hat.

Charlie,

I'll be travelling in June but will check in from time to time.

I have read this book and look forward to discussing it.

I guess I’m the guilty party on this discussion.

And for those who asked, yes, every mystery so far is based on an Elderhostel I attended. I’ve found them all a lot of fun and always come away with a good bit of knowledge. Part of the fun in using Elderhostels is it gives me a framework to build the mystery around. Also, since all Elderhostels are learning adventures, I have to incorporate some of the things I learned on the Elderhostel into the novel w/o it getting overburdened will a lot of technical stuff. In the first book, Bloody Bonsai, the subject was--surprise--styling bonsai, and while it is a simplified course, everything in there will lead you to style a bonsai tree. In the second novel, Killing Thyme there’s some culinary history and some recipes, plus a few delicious murders. The thing about writing mysteries, well, when you get bored, you can bump somebody off. It’s not as good as sex, but it does get the blood flowing.

Jim Olson was kind enough to take up for me in vouching for my Elderhostel experience while I was trying to log onto Senior Net. I’ve had trouble for the past couple of weeks, and just today I found out it was my Dr. Solomon’s anti virus that was somehow giving me trouble. Anyway, Jim did make one mistake about the third book. Tip A Canoe, an Elderhostel that takes place in the swumps of SC, in due, complete, in my publishers hot little hand on 1 June, but it is not due to hit the street until January ‘01.

Bloody Bonsai is now out in paperback and Killing Thyme will be out in paperback on 1 August, both of them published by World Wide Mysteries.

Hope that answers some questions before we all get together in June. For those interested in writing, may I suggest for visit BookMarc.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Thanks, Peter and welcome. As I have no experience with Elderhostels - I do hope those of you that do will share your experiences with us and relate them to Peter's book in what shoud be an excellent discussion. See you in June.

But Peter Abresch - where am I going to find a shovel in the middle of the night? Ha Ha Ha Ha. I'm glad to hear you are writing from actual Elderhostel experiences. Now I look forward to your second novel...I can't help but think there are some poison mushrooms involved. Thank very much.

Hey, Peter, this is great! I'm so glad to see you here! Can't wait until this discussion begins. Okay, now I'm going to BookMarc in the Writing, Language and Word Play folder to see what clues you've left for me about writing.

Mal

I am smirking because I have been to an Elderhostel in Avalon, New Jersey at the Golden Inn.

That is right next to Stone Harbor. In fact, it is next to impossible to tell where one begins and the other leaves off.

So I am well acquainted with Peter's locale in Bloody Bonzai.

Peter, was it the Murder that made the bonzai bloody, or were you thoroughly sick of working with it and doing a little British swearing? Come on now, Truth time!

Peter Abresch - I'm curious who did the cover for Bloody Bonsai...it looks like a painting. Also I hope the romance will continue.

It was a selection of the BookTalk forum at Thirdage.com. Peter also had a forum on writing which was very interesting. I think you can still read the archived Bloody Bonsai discussion at ThirdAge's BookTalk forum. I gave my copy of the book to my son who makes bonsai as a hobby. Sue

Peter Abresch's discussion about writing fiction called BookMarc can be found in the Writing, Language and Word Play folder right now here in SeniorNet. It is a most valuable site for a writer. Peter knows how to write, as you will find when you read Bloody Bonsai.

Mal

Let me throw out some fasties (fast answers) because I’m trying to finish the third Elerhostel mystery, Tip A Canoe and hope to get it out to my published in the next couple of weeks.

CHARLIE W -- if you haven’t been on an Elderhostel, you are missing a really good time, good company, and leaning fun stuff, at a very reasonable price. If you would like to check up on the Elderhostel catalogue, go to my web-site and page down to links: http://www.olg.com/pfwriter

EmmaBarb -- not only poisonous mushrooms, but a few delicious murders as well in Killing Thyme. And the cover was done by Gail Cross--the hard cover that is. She lives in Arizona and if a gifted artist. She also did the one for Killing Thyme and Tip A Canoe, and most of the other Write Way Publishuing authors. I love what she’s don for me. As far as the romance continuing--I’m killing Dodee off. Just kidding. Most people say they like Jim Dandy, but they love Dodee. You bet the romance will continue. Besides, they’re a team.

Mal, thanks for your comments about BookMarc

MaryPage -- You are right in the local. To tell you the truth, the actual Elderhostel took place in Stone Harbor, but I couldn’t remember the details when I got around to writing the book, so I made up a sister-town and called it Bolder Harbor. One other secrete, in the first draft I misspelled Boulder as Bolder, and when I realized it, rather then go back and change, I put it a motto--where boldness is our vision and violence is unknown--just so people would think I was so dumb. No comments.

SpringCreekFarm -- yes, they did have a discussion over there. O hope you all like the story.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

I like Jim Dandy and Dodee both.

Don't you DARE kill either one of them!

Looking forward to book 3.

Peter Abresch --- Now you've enticed me to pick up the copy of Killing Thyme that I had ordered for me. Thanks for the info about the artist who did the covers...I really like them. Jim Dandy and Dodee do seem to get along well together....I'm glad you've decided to keep the romance alive.

I finally found Bloody Bonsai. They just don't have your books in this area of Coastal Carolina, Peter. I'm looking forward to reading it. I already know you're talented from perusing Bookmarcs. What a wonderful guide to writers. Marj

I'll sure be here June 1. I finished Bloody Bonsai while I was away. A really good book, full of suspense. Now I have to buy Killing Thyme somehow or other and read it, too. I just have to know what James P. Dandy and Dodee Swisher will do next!

Oh, yes, Peter. I think the Belinda character is great.

Mal

Well, it's June first and time for this discussion to begin.

Peter Abresch has a discussion in the Writing, Language and Word Play folder called BookMarc in which he discusses the writing of the novel. There are some terrific tips there for writers. Peter also gave me some tips when he very kindly read a chapter of one of the books I've written. Among them was to hit the reader hard with the first few sentences of the first chapter to build interest and suspense right away. Let's check and see if this writer named Peter Abresch practices what he preaches.

Bloody Bonsai begins with a Prologue. The first sentence of that is "HEY, YOU CRAZY?" He then goes on to describe a murder which is committed with a three foot bonsai tree. Say what? A murder with a three foot bonsai tree as the weapon? Interest is immediately created with this prologue by stirring up a lot of questions in the readers' minds.

The prologue is followed with the beginning of chapter one. Here's a guy going somewhere in his two year old Lincoln. Right away we get the idea that he's not too happy about going where he's going and the impression that some people have more or less pushed him into the trip. Then we find out he's going to stop at the Dunes Motel which has a sign that reads "Welcome Elderhostlers". Oh, so that's what it's all about? If the reader is familiar with Elderhostel, he or she immediately has an idea of the lead character's age. He could be 50. He could be 70. I put him somewhere around 55 or a little older.

Peter goes on to reveal that Jim's wife has died, and this is the first trip he's taken since her death. Then we find out, for heaven's sake, that the lead character's full name is Jim Dandy. Jim Dandy? Will he live up to this name, or what? The room clerk tells Jim about a murder that took place in the town. The reader is being prepared by a kind of foreshadowing of what's to happen later.

Then General Barney Sopwaite, U.S.Army retired comes on the scene. The General is a very strong character, and one we won't forget. After that Jim meets other people, Dodee Swisher with her blue eyes and wheat-colored hair among them. Offhand I'd say this is a rapid beginning for a book that piques interest right away. What do you think?

Mal

Anybody? Let's get something going here and support our published SeniorNet writer, for goodness sake! After all, he is a cousin of sorts, isn't he??? Have you ever come into a discussion with a published writer you know from SeniorNet before? GET IN HERE WITH YOUR COMMENTS!

I loved the book. Went to an Elderhostel at The Golden Inn in Avalon, New Jersey and recognized the area, which was great fun.

Hi All, I just got out here and now have to go. I thought I’d have more time, but just this afternoon I sent off a disk to my publisher with the lastest Jim Dandy Elderhostel installment, and then I came home a realized that I forgot to make one change. Ugh and drat. Yeah, of course you know I said those words. Now I have to mail out another disk tomorrow. No real harm done, except it make me look like a dork. Of maybe someone who is mellowing into fine wine? Oh, yeah. A memory overload.

Anyway, the new book will be called Yip A Canoe and will be out in January. I’ll try to get back later tonight or tomorrow to answer questions about Bloody Bonsai and/or Killing Thyme.

Thanks for coming out to here. I really have to go now--my wife’s birthday and I’m taking her to dinner.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Hi, Mal. I liked the device of using a prologue - which was really a snippet of the plot drawn from the middle of the book - it reminded me of a good movie trailer. And yes, one of the important things that an author can tell, it seems to me, is the state of mind of the character - the protagopnist. Somehow this is even more important in the mystery genre, don't you think? Even though this can sometimes be a red herring.

Oh, how we love to read a book that has familiar settings. That really draws yo in. Although this setting is NOT familiar to me, I can sense the appeal it must have to those familiar with elderhostel. There is something very appealing about being intimately familiar with a major aspect of a book - the locale, the profession of the protagonist...When we are given something that we can immediately relate to we are drawn in automatically. I can see how someone who does elderhostel and who tried one of Peter's books (and liked it) would be hooked on the whole series. MaryPage - you must get a double kick out of this book - being familiar with the exact area AND elderhostel!

It also helps that the two main characters (Jim and Dodie) are just extremely likeable people. I will admit though, that for some reason, I took the General to be cartoon like - and I don't know why that is and I half think it's an unfair assessment - but - there it is.

---

Welcome, Peter and thanks for dropping by. Happy Birthday to your wife. Have a wonderful dinner.

I agree that the General was cartoon like.

But then, I am an Army Brat and have seen a LOT of cartoon-like real life generals.

So I think Peter was right on the mark.

My chief question to Peter is, do Elderhostel types REALLY fall into bed that quickly? Mind you, I am enjoying the romance enormously and vicariously (all I can manage at my age), but have not seen such shenanigans in the 3 Elderhostels I have attended.

But then, the lovely thing about fiction is you can make it what you like!

Ah, Mary Page. Thank you for making me understand what I was trying to say. Eaxctly. The General is cartoon-like and so drawn realistically.

Peter Abresch - Your wife doesn't know me but I wish her a happy birthday today! I thought it was great Jim Dandy didn't have to share his room with someone who smoked up a storm. Yuk!

I read half the book in one session and thought I'd stop to digest what I'd covered. I am enjoying the relationships and the colorful set of characters. I agree about the pompous general. May he puff up his own smokestack.:~) Do you think Dodee is leading Jim into a life of crime? Is Belinda a bit overzealous in her detecting? Billy was a greedy individual--no wonder he was the first (only?) victim. But who did him in?? Stay tuned. Marj

First time I had the remark about the general being cartoon-like and perhaps you’re right. Sometimes an author get’s so close to his work he can’t always see it. But he struck he as a person like I have seen in travels around the world, but perhaps a bit over the top.

Characterization is one of the things I have difficulty with--ha, like it’s all not difficult. But I’m getting better at it and I think I do better in the sequel. I think.

As far as Elderhostelers jumping into bed together, on every El;derhostel I’ve been on I’ve jumped in bed with a woman, namely my wife, who had a nice diner and birthday, BTW. Thanks for asking. But, no, I don’t know of people who jump into bed on Elderhostels, but I know of at least two couples who have met on an Elderhostel and subsequently married, 2nd marriage for at least one of the partners, widow or widower. I met them on another Elderhostel. And I also know of another couple that were intimate friends on an Elderhostel. So, it’s possible.

BUT, Bloody Bonsai is pure fiction. I would want to get the impression that Elderhostels are patrolled by, how do you say it, Latherios? In fact, one woman wrote me a negative comment on that very thing, that I was giving Elderhostel a bad name. I tried to explain it just part of a book. And romance does have a way of happening wherever it will. The negative comment that really brought a smile was one from a person who said she really liked the book, but please don’t write anymore because she didn’t know of anyone murdered on an Elderhostel. Hey, folks, I have never encountered a body on an Elderhostel either. But Jim and Dodee do all the time. What can I tell you?

And remember yesterday when I mentioned I felt like a dork for sending out the disk of my latest book with a mistake it in? Well, I also told you itS name was Yip A Canoe when it is actually, Tip A Canoe, an Elderhostel canoeing in the swamps of SC. And guess what they find in the middle of the swamp. Surprise. Another body.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Tip A Canoe. Well, Peter, you're doin' just fine! Congratulations on the publication of your third book.

To get back to Bloody Bonsai, Peter introduces Dodee Swisher and her aunt, Alice Atwater, in the second chapter. Good for you, Peter. You're letting the reader know early on who the important characters are. This is the sign of an accomplished writer. Dodee seems like a nice woman to meet anywhere, not just at an Elderhostel. Aunt Alice is somewhat of a character in her own right. I like the old dame, spelled Dame with honors.

Chapter Three brings in Mr. John Okawa, the instructor of the bonsai class. Now, this is funny. Mr. Japanese Okawa lives in Georgia and has a Southern accent. Quite a twist. I like it. Right away I wondered if he was the murderer of the victim we met in the Prologue.

Before the lesson begins, Peter Abresch describes other members of the group. Who's interesting here? On first reading, nobody really hit me. It was later when I went back to see this cast of characters that I realized Simon Crew's much younger wife was something else, someone to be noticed.

What a terrific thing! Peter has described very well the procedure which is used to create a bonsai tree. I didn't know these things until I read Bloody Bonsai.

In this chapter, too, we find out that Dodee is an artist. This tells you something about her analytical character and eye, doesn't it? This chapter and the two previous ones began to create suspense for this reader.

More later.
Mal

Speaking of cartoon-like generals, the Whole World thought Alexander Haig the funniest thing they'd ever seen and heard and there were editorial cartoons galore all over the planet. I refer to the time he assured an anxious public, in the middle of the impeachment proceedings for Richard Nixon, that HE was in charge!

It never seemed to have occurred to him that this left the Public something less than reassured!

Well, Peter, your subconscious may have stored That episode away.

Oh, and I think mixing Elderhostels and murders is Great fun! So there!

Well, heck! I forgot to mention that Billy Dack comes on the scene at the end of chapter three. This guy with "little pig eyes squinted in a jowly face" wants to charge Aunt Alice a buck for bringing her tea. Who is he, anyway, and why has the author brought him in? There's more in chapter four about this dude. Hmm. Readers' suspicions aroused again.

Mal

Peter Abresch - I wondered if it was a typo when I saw "Yip" A Canoe....but then I didn't question the author's decision to name his book whatever he wanted. Canoeing in the swamps of SC sounds scarey.....I don't like snakes...hope you didn't put any in this book.

I too liked the little 'info' parts in the book - the Bonsai technique etc. And the John Okawa character was very good, he seemed a bit world-weary - I imagined him with those bassett hound eyes like that actor on the tv cop-sitcom some years ago - don't remember the name of either, though. Love the names of your books, Peter (hey - yip-a-canoe works too, though it might have required a rewrite!)

My wife and I have attended about 30 Elderhostel programs and quite frequently we have met couples who first met when they were singles at Elderhostels.

Usually they were widows or widowers who met this way.

One couple was honeymooning at an Elderhostel- but they had not met at one.

We have also met couples like Jim and Dodie, unmarried couples who get together occasionally to go on an Elderhostel together.

That is more rare, however.

I think in most cases lonely singles are looking for a more permanent relationship- but I am no expert on this.

But in none of the cases have we asked them if they hop into bed together, nor did we have any evidence about that situation.

At one program, A group of three single women announced that their next stop was Branson. MO. where they were going "looking for men."

I don't think they had a Platonic relationship in mind.

Evidently that mecca for seniors is the Swinging Senior capitol of the USA. I don't know if there is an Elderhostel program there or not.

Anything can happen in fiction, including two seniors hopping into the sack not long after they meet.

That Dodee and her bright ideas! Dig up two trees by the side of the road in the middle of the night? Sure, why not? Jim Dandy throws caution to the winds, and they make plans to do their little illegal gardening chore.

Two spoons from the dining room don't seem like quite enough, so Jim buys the use of a shovel from talkative, money-grabbing Billy Dack, who is a not likeable character from the minute he's introduced. Jim and Dodee stash it in his car and go to the scene of the crime. Woops! The cops! Now Detective Belinda Smith, a character I like very much which is very well-drawn, comes on the scene.

The plot is developing. How will these two "criminals", our hero and heroine, get out of this mess? The first step is to relax after they reach the motel. Dodee doesn't have her key, so beds down in Jim's room. After a soothing massage, they decide to go bicycle riding. I absolutely love these bike rides Peter Abresch has concocted. Who else but he would dream up such a description of lovemaking? Okay, now we have a crime and a developing romance, too. Bloody Bonsai is on its way.

Mal

I appreciated Belinda as well. Thank you, Peter, for not being an m.c.p.

Charlie, Mal. I would appreciate some questions that elicit discussion rather than a summary of each chapter which leaves us nowhere to go. Does anyone else feel this way? It was interesting to learn about "bone-sigh" trees. I always stop to look at them in shops but haven't yet bought.I like the main characters but Jim better watch out, Dodee is leading him astray. (and he's loving it all the way.) Marj

Sorry, M. I am a writer and the way a book is written and developed seems important to me. To some what is posted about how the book moves on and how the author writes stimulates questions in the mind. I know I have some questions to ask Peter as a writer a little later on, especially about Winnie and her untimely death.

I've owned Bonsai trees; never had much luck with them, and I don't think I'd ever want to try to create one, though.

Mal

One of the modern mystery writers, Elizabeth George, seems to have mastered the technique of developing fairly complex characters who develop over a series of books. I read her books as much to learn about how the characters are facing thrie ongoing and developing personal problems as much as to see how the murder mystery comes out.

Others like the Sanders- "Prey" series seems to depend on a fairly constant repitition of the same character traits facing new situations.

I wonder if there are any plans to add some twists and turns to the Jim/Dodee relationship as the series develops and perhaps some tensions develop in their relationship? some misunderstandings?

I've wondered that, too, Jim. Knowing Peter Abresch and his methods a little, I would venture to say that they would.

After I left here and went into my html program to work on my electronic literary magazine, Sonata, I thought of some things I forgot to say in my earlier posts.

What created suspense for you as a reader when you began to read this book? After all, it is a mystery, and the author's task is to set the scene in the early chapters for what comes later.

Did the story told by the room clerk about an earlier murder in the quiet oceanfront town of Bolder Harbor stimulate a reaction in you? Did the description of some of the members of the Elderhostel group arouse suspicions? What did you think of the much younger wife of Simon Crew named Tiffany, and their relationship? What about the Miettlinens or Kelley Massey and her Indian companion? Did the appearance of any of these characters lead to questions?

Barney Sopwaite has been described as a "cartoon" character. I find him quite believable, actually. So is Billy Dack, though he certainly turns me off.

Since we know there's been, or will be, a murder committed in this book because of the prologue, every character that is introduced is a possible murderer or victim. Who did you think early on was going to be or had been killed? Who did you think committed the crime? At any time did the book slow down for you in the early chapters? If so, why?

Mal

Wow, thanks for all of your great comments.

Mary Paige, I think when Heigh made that “I am in charge,” comment that everyone lampooned was after Reagan was shot and Geroge Bush, the V.P., was on his way back to Washington. Heigh (sp?) Was Sec. Of State at the time, which is the top of the cabinet, but nobody told him there were three ahead of him in the succession schedule. Ha.

As far as Tip A Canoe is concerned, I’m not telling you if there are any snakes or not. Why spoil the surprise. But you won’t be disappointed. Is that enough of a hint.

About the relationship between Jim and Dodee. They don’t actually meet again until nine months down the line on their second Elderhostel, Killing Thyme, but they talk a lot on the phone, like two or three times a week. Because of this long distance relationship they are lees likely to get into arguments as a normal couple would, but they do have their testy moments, both in Killing Thyme and in Tip A Canoe. Dodee is always for charging ahead to solve a crime while Jim thinks it’s none of his business, but then he always comes back with a possible clue on his own. Also in Tip A Canoe, the ‘L’ word question comes up for the first time, and he has to figure out how to handle that.

As for the bonsai stuff, I think I mentioned that I used to be President of the Potomac Bonsai Association, so I knew a bit about it. In Killing Thyme I learned a lot about cooking and the history of French Cusine and so you’ll find that in the second book. Every Elderhostel is wrapped around a learning adventure, so I have to put that into the book, which is kind of neat because you not only come away with a fun story--I hope--but with a bit of knowledge as well. A bit more than bike riding, MAL.

Hope you all had a good weekend. Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Hey, Peter! Who's complaining about bike riding?

Mal

I finished the book and enjoyed it a lot and will try to find Killing Thyme. I didn't think the pace was too slow at all since I read the first half in one sitting and had to make myself stop. I thought the various players were well characterized, they seemed real( I did have trouble with the general) and not at all like murder suspects. Which of course added to the difficulty in sorting out who did it. But that's ok--I usually figure out the bad guy way too soon. I did wonder why Belinda thought Jim and Dodee were suspects for a while then suddenly they weren't considered so anymore.I guess it was narrowing down the time of death but that is difficult forensically (is that a word?) to do. I liked the bike riding or whatever else you choose to call it. I thought it was funny people compared this to real trips to their elderhostels. Reality in the book's background is good but I buy fiction for the story.:~) Marj

I think Peter does a good job with both the reality and the story even if reality does suffer a little in terms of getting the obligatory mayhem accomplished.

I learned a lot about bonzai and cooking in the two novels and enjoyed the interplay between hostelers, especially Jim and Dodee.

So the L word comes up later- Hmm. I think Peter is smart enough to not let the M (not murder) word rear its ugly head and destroy the series, though.

No fair killing off Jim or Dodie! And if they hitch up, they should continue Elderhosteling.

I still maintain I have known Generals like that.

By M, what do you mean by M, Jim? Marriage? Sometimes that union can be deadly as "Murder".

Marj, forgive me, I'm going on with the book to see how Peter Abresch is developing his premise. First of all, here's a line I like: "Clarence held his ground for a few moments, showing more guts than the gross body would have led Jim to suspect..." Now, that's good writing, folks. Don't you agree?

I really don't think Belinda suspected Dodee and Jim of the murder of Billy Dack. She's an exerienced and very cool pro who would immediately recognize two "innocents", who happened to stumble on the scene. I believe she came to that conclusion when she arrested them while they were stealing the roadside shrubs. They most certainly were not acting like pro's while they were digging them up.

So, you didn't answer my question. Who did you suspect early on? I told you I immediately had suspicions about Okawa, since he was knowledgeable about Bonsai trees and was obviously strong. I also suspected Ramon. Did you?

Mal

I also liked Belinda Smith - a character with an attitude. Liked her alot.Both her and Okawa have a little edge which was appealing.

I like what you said, Charlie. "Edge", I mean. Yup, Belinda and Okawa stand out from the crowd. So does Barney, don't you think?

Here I go again. Jim thinks, "Who would want to kill the sneaky little busboy enough to jam the pointed end of a bonsai into his chest?" Yeah, who wanted to get rid of Billy Dack and why? At that point in the book I really had no idea, though I really leaned toward the instructor. Why, though, would he want to kill this guy? Why, in fact, would anyone want to do him in? I was clueless. Maybe I didn't pick up on something. I was so distracted by Dodee and Jim's adventures and their Elderhostel romance that I just didn't know.

Did you? Did you have any idea who the murderer was?

I suggest to you that this is darned good writing, though I must admit I got a little tired of hearing about Dodee's "wheaten hair".

Mal

Mal and all,

You are right about the wheaten hair, and the cornflower eyes as well. I think I used them too much.

As I mentioned earlier, one reviewer mentioned this was a real fantasy as far as the frequency of sex goes, and I listened to that in the following books. I think she was right. So I tried be mopre realistic about that, but tried to maintain the intimacy, the closeness and the caresses. Don’t know if I succeeded.

By the same token, a review mentioned the wheaten hair and the cornflower eyes, and I realized I had gone over the top on that as well.

Sometimes, as a writer, I get to close to my work and can’t always see the things a reader picks out. For that I rely on my editor, and I have a good one in Dorrie O’Brien, but she mentioned nothing about it. Still, I try to be responsive to things like this and I hope I correct these things as I go along. I also have a new pre-editor, a friend who looks over my works and picks out all the little typos and stuff. No one’s commented about the typo and spelling mistakes in BB, but we know they are there. Ditto Killing Thyme.

My problem in the past is when I gave them to someone to edit out the mistakes, I get a lot of them in the first chapter and they would taper off to nothing at the end. What happen was they got interested in the story and forget to edit. My friend, Dewey Pleake, keeps catching them to the very end, but confided in me he has to read it through twice to do so. He is worth his weight in gold to me. Well, maybe I exaggerate, but hey, I’m a fiction writer.

To those who say they liked Belinda, I liked her too. I just wouldn’t want her to be tracking me down.

And Jim Olson, I said the L word is raised, not how it was resolved. Maybe Dodee won’t be around after the Tip A Canoe. Oh year. Considering most comments I get are that they like Dodee more than Jim, I’m really going to drop her from the series? Right after I shoot myself in the foot.

It’s fun for me to talking to you all. Hope its fun for you all.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

It's not that we like Dodee better than Jim, I think. It's that they make such a complete one out of two.

Mal

Peter Abresch - I just have to ask, after reading your post about wheaten hair and cornflower eyes....does your wife ever get a little bit envious of your Dodee character and all the time you spend with her (ha)?

A quickie, since I’m quitting for the day and happened to glance out here.

The question was, does my wife get envious of the time I spend down here in my dongon wit Jim and Dondee? Mainly Dodee.

I have to tell you a little story to answer. I heard of a man who built himself a woodworking workshop before he retired, and when he retired, he kissed his wife every morning, grabbed a cup of coffee, and strolled out to his workshop. About four months later he got up to see six inches of snow had fallen during the night. He figured that now that really was retired, that he’d go downstairs, have a cup of coffee, and sit around and keep his wife company. When he got down stairs and poured his coffee, he happened to look out the kitchen window. A path had been shoveled to his workshop.

My wife and I are both retired. Ask me again if you think she is envious?

But thanks for the question. BTW, Dodee is not based on my wife, Annemarie, although sometimes Annemarie’s humor shows through. The reason I never base any of my characters on my wife is that I read of a number of authors who did, and shortly thereafter got a divorce. After forty years of hanging out, I’m not taking that chance.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

I really like a man who seems to appreciate his wife and who does a good job of portraying his female characters.

I think Jim and Dodie Should marry if they want to and not if they Don't want to! Whatever suits their personal living styles the best.

Just DO NOT split them up as a detective team!

Peter Abresch - LOL! I'm happy for your wife.

Peter,

My wife and I are both retired and both have hobbies- luckily we have an apartment big enough so her sewing room and my computer room are at opposite ends of the apartment.

We do meet in the middle .

I notice you call these the Elderhostel mysteries.

Did or does Elderhostel Inc. ever give you any static about the use of their copyrighted trade name?

I know they monitor the net for instances of its use.

EmmaBarb, to put your mind at rest--yeah, like it’s keeping you awake nights--I have no intention of splitting Jim and Dodee. I like them both. Kind of strange for an author to say, but they sort of do have a life of their own, occupying some hidden spot in my mind. As far as the ‘M’ word goes, that’s a big jump that I don’t see happening anytime soon, and once I start key boarding things in, everything doesn’t always go as planned. The first hurdle towards something like that would have a positive resolution of the ‘L’ word.

About the Elderhostle name. I actually never asked them for permission to use it. But by the same token I have always use it in the most positive way, both for diplomatic reasons and, more importantly, because I think they’re really great and recommend them to the world. They obviously know about the mysteries because I sent the VP and the PR manger a copy of BB when it came out, and I was featured in one of their newsletters. I think the book give them more exposure then they give me, and hopefully add to their enthusiasts.

I guess it also bring up the question of libel. I think to libel someone or a corporation, you have to defame them. I don’t think anyone could say I even come close to defaming Elderhostel.

However, when I did want to use the actual name of the cooking school and hotel in Killing Thyme, they sort of blanched because a few measly people croaked. Not on their facilities or eating there food. I thought it was short sighted of them for it gave them a bit of free publicity. So, the heck with them. I made up a name for both, but anyone in the area would know what I’m talking about.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Peter Abresch - I got the feeling Dodee was just looking for a good time. Besides there's her Aunt needs looked after and besides...you don't want a lived happily after unless you're ready to start another series (LOL).

At Dodie's age (past child bearing) happily ever after is a romance WITHOUT commitment.

A nice, dependable, constant friendship with a member of the opposite sex WITHOUT having to redo your entire life to fit them into your living arrangements.

Peter, I think it's perfectly plausible that your characters have taken on a life of their own--it happens in fiction.Congratulations--they are real. (well, almost) I write a little and I often think about my characters as viable people while I'm running errands, etc. Your Bookmarcs advice is very helpful and humorous which almost gets me through the rough spots.I did not guess the murderer in B.B. But you played fair in leaving clues.My question is when you write a mystery, do you write the beginning and the end then work backwards through the clues? or straight through figuring it out as you go? Or?...Marj

EmmaBarb and MaryPage,

To tell you the truth, as I’ve been thinking of Jim and Dodee and the future, I’ve thought they always want their own place, and will probably stay in Kansas, for Dodee, while Jim remains in Maryland, but they may take up the ‘M’ word sometime in the future, but if they do, it will be on the basis of maintaining their separate place. And I have a feeling that if one of them seems insistent about it, more for moralistic ground than anything else, it will be Jim. Sound strange?

M.,

Thanks for your comments on my characters. As far as writing the mystery, there are all ways to do it. Some people have an outline and everything is all set for them, other just writing the thing and see what happens, and other, as you say, write the beginning end and then fill in the in between. I had an old college teacher who wrote mysteries by planning on having everyone be guilty and on the last chapter put all the names up on a board and throw a dart.

The way I work it is to first try to figure out the reason for the mystery, usually a murder, why was the person killed, and once I have that, then can figure out who and why the killer is, all this in my mind, and then I strike out for parts unknown. However, once I start to write, I leave myself open to whatever idea my subconscience feeds to me in unguarded moments, and often things change. This is exactly what happened in Tip A Canoe, and the characters shifted around as I worked through the story to come out as a surprise to me.

Hope that helps.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Sounds like fun, Peter! Wish I was visited by such a muse.

No, I don't think your thoughts about their wanting to keep to their own homes is strange or unusual. I can really relate to that.

I am 71 and set in my ways and happy to be alone. Really, really happy to be alone to the extent that I shudder at the thought of ever again in my lifetime having the responsibility for the care of another human being. Have taken care of husbands, parents, aunts, raised 4 children, seen my grandchildren grow up, and am now into great grandchildren.

But it would be kind of fun to have a phone/e-mail romance with a most definitely unmarried member of the opposite sex, and the occasional dinner (out! not cooked by MY 2 hands!). Elderhostel trips would be great also. Separate rooms; I am not the teeniest bit envious of Jim & Dodie's shenanigans in THAT department! And discovering dead bodies and doing a bit of detecting on the side; well, that would be icing on the cake!

Do carry on, and I will enjoy vicariously. (all except the sex)

Peter Abresch ~ That doesn't surprise me that Jim Dandy would feel that way....maybe it has something to do with living in Maryland (haha)....just kidding.

Hi, everybody. I've been terribly busy for a while. There are a couple of deadlines coming up. What you're doing sounds exciting, Peter. Can't wait to see Tip a Canoe.

Well, I'm dull from doing technical work all afternoon, so will end this by saying I'll be back when I can get my mind off pixels. There's got to be a story in that somewhere. Like what if there was a pixel murder? The greens killed off the blues and the murder weapon was.....

Mal

Peter, Thank you for your advice once again. It makes perfect sense to me to work it out as you go. I wrote a murder story about 60 pages long and didn't know I was at the end until the last two pages.It amazed me. Yes, I think Jim would be the one to suggest marriage--he seems to be the conservative one rather than Dodee. But a long distance romance? No, no.They have a warmth that each one brings out in the other and a little orneriness too! I like the sparks to fly occasionally--more interesting. Marj

Peter, I just have to squeeze out the dough to buy Another Thyme. The company that offered me the web page building job is dilly dallying, but I really want to see how you work Dodee and Jim into that book, so will get it somehow.

I am writing a sequel to a novel I wrote a year ago, and though the principal "actors" of the first book are in this sequel, they are not the primary characters. It's been a real challenge to do this, and I want to keep the theatrical theme that was so funny in the first book.

I think writing is like weaving a fabric. Plots, subplots and characters intertwine to make a pattern. I never make an outline, but each book I've written is well-planned in my head before I begin. This is the ninth novel I've done in a relatively short period of time. Yes, the characters take on life of their own and lead to things which I didn't plan. I think this is similar to what happens to you.

Anyway, it's great fun, and I most certainly never am bored.

Mal

What is it about the mystery genre that seems to have lent itself to recurring characters, a series of books about a particular detective or amateur sleuth? Sam Spade, Nero Wolfe, the Robert Parker detective (whose name escapes me), yes, Jim Dandy? There are examples of course in other-than-mystery fiction, but isn't the overwhelming amount of mystery fiction presented this way? Is it the author or the reader that is most comfortable in the familiar? Is it traditional wisdom that says this is the best marketing entre? I'm really curious about this.

I think that if a writer hits on a couple of characters that are popular with readers that sell, he'll use those characters again. It's very easy to write about them because you know what they'll do under any conditions in which the writer places them. Because they're predictable, you don't have to stew about their tender psyches and how they'll react, or how readers will react, either.

Mal

Interesting question, Charlie.

I think one aspect is commercial as reader gets hooked on a particular charcter or as here two characters and wants to follow them along.

Writers often play to this by some type of teaser that hints of things to come or refers to past events so reader will get next book or go back and read a previous one.

In this case- how will relationship develop. etc.

I don't think getting them married would help this process-

Keeping them single presents many more opportunities for future interactions of various kinds.

That is not true of life- but in romance/mystery fiction marriage is kind of the end- and they lived happily ever after kind of thing-

Part of the tension is gone.

Yes, Charlie, and then different tensions arise. Remember that great married couple Myrna Loy and William Powell played in those movie mysteries?

I was remembering the scene in Bloody Bonsai when Jim goes from balcony to balcony and room to room as he searches for tapes. Peter, this book would make a really good movie. Any nibbles yet?

Mal

First, Parker’s detective is Spenser. Or is it Spensor?

Why do we have a series. Mal and Jim hit on part of it. People like to follow characters they’ve come to know and care for. A certain amount of it has to do with recognition and enjoyment of them and to see what they are doing next. And the author knows the characters as well and how they will react to certain things. They become like old friends that they haven’t seen in a while and they are anxious to catch up on the latest news.

The downside is that the author can get tired and bored with them, and because of carrying a series on so long, have nothing left to mine in character. I am know where near that with Jim and Dodee, but I only have three written. Also I have another advantage in that there is always a new Elderhostel, a new local and a new thing to study.

But another reason author writer series, the PUBLISHERS want them. They recognize that a series will sell easier. Most writers, mysteries or not, have continuing character. Tom Clancy the guy who writers the Rabbit stories, almost everyone. The one big guy writing one offs, which is what I’d like to do, is Elmore Leonard.

The thing about Dodee and Jim. I don’t know if they ever will open up the ‘M’ word. But if they do, they will continue to remain apart, and continue to meet often for Elderhostels, as they do know, with maybe some other extra-curricula activities thrown in. I’ve been trying to address in thse books some things that happen as we mellow with age. In Killing Thyme I one of the character mentions Viagra w/o getting into it too deeply, and in Tip A Canoe there is a discussion on bereavement, not that it goes into volumes or paragraphs, but we touch on it in a manor I hope will help readers. So if I ever got to the ‘M’ word it might mention something about those who marry spiritually, but, because of pension penalties, not legally. I don’t know, too far ahead to see. But, either way, Dodee and Jim’s relationship will remain pretty much like it is.

Sorry I’ve been busy for the fast few days. Oh, yes, Mal, in case I haven’t mentioned it, Killing Thyme comes out in paperback in August.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

I imagine this series presents special problems in marketing as the target audience while wide (more and more of us senior types all the time) is special but also widely dispersed.

I don't think it is limited to people with Elderhostel program experience. But I don't think many Boomers or gen Xers are good potential.

I think getting more distribution in public libraries would help as seniors are great library patrons and having read one in a series might but another of the series.

A friend from Seattle tells me it is in the library there.

It isn't in our local library though.

Book fairs? We plan to go to the Miami Book Fair in November- bet there will be many seniors there. In fact we will be going as part of an Elderhostel program sponsored by Barry University (if we make the lottery as I understand it is a very popular program).

Peter, that's great news! I'll be Killing Thyme in August, ha ha!

I think your ideas are great for succeeding books.

Well, I'm trying to get the July-August issue of Sonata ready to go on the World Wide Web at the end of the week, so I'll run along. Thanks for coming into this discussion, Peter. It's great to read about your plans.

Mal

Hope you make the cut on Maimi in November, Jim. Mention the Elderhostel mysteries if you can. I need all the help I can get.

Mal, while you’re lazing around in August Killing Thyme, watch what you eat, least you end up with your own delicious murder.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Well, hey, Peter, you mean that thyme I put on the chicken last night....? Oh, gosh!

I'm still thinking about Bloody Bonsai and wonder why you had Barney kill Winnie, even if she witnessed the crime. That's the only thing that really bothered me about the book. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I wanted them to ride off into the sunset and forget what's his name bore her husband and everyone else.

Off to cook. Any warnings about Savory and Fines Herbes?

Mal

Sorry I haven’t been back here for the last week or so. Been baby sitting and traveling.

But I did want to close out by thanking you all for having me, and for the great questions and comments.

See ya through the electrons.

Peter Abresch Author of BLOODY BONSAI, KILLING THYME the Jim Dandy ELDERHOSTEL Mysteries & BookMarc

Thanks, Peter. We appreciate your stopping by and commenting. We especially appreciate your books.

Mal

Thank you very much, Peter. Good luck with your series.