Senior Shenanigans Coming Up

By Elaine L. Orr

 In July, I asked readers if they would read a book with a senior sleuth. The blog post on the topic didn't engender much conversation, but a request to my mailing list drew some interest. The response was the universal one -- if it's a good story, we'll read it.

So, I kept writing. The co-protagonists (if that's a word) are Mayor Madge and George of the Jolie Gentil series. The premise is that the Aunt Madge and Harry's Cozy Corner B&B could host small tour groups of seniors who get into...interesting predicaments.

The books will likely be closer to novella length, though I've long since learned that stories go where they will. The first book is "Fired Up and Feisty." Ocean Alley High School's annual reunion weekend celebrates classes with five-year anniversaries, and always has a group of 'Golden Grads,' individuals who graduated more than forty years ago.

A fire at the Beachcomber's Alley Hotel puts its guests on the street, and local police ask Madge and Harry to bring the most senior members ti the the B&B. Problem is, one of them can't be found. 

Here are the opening paragraphs, in Madge and Harry's bedroom.

WHEN THE FIRE TRUCKS raced by the Cozy Corner Bed and Breakfast, Madge Richards had just shut her book and turned off the lamp by her side of the bed. Usually, she would drown out sounds by turning up the volume on her white noise machine, but she couldn’t ignore four or five trucks roaring by.

She nudged Harry’s shoulder. “Hey husband. Do you hear those sirens?”

He grunted. “I do now.”

They each raised on an elbow. “Can’t be good,” she said.

Harry put his head back on his pillow. “Sounds like something Mayor Madge should investigate.”

“Maybe her husband could drive her to the fire, in case there’s no place to park. You don’t have to stay.”

He sat up. “How many times have I heard that line when we head out to a parade or barbecue?”

She swung her feet to the cold floor and found her slippers. “You like the barbeques.”

And the morning after the Golden Grads arrive at the B&B:

MADGE AWOKE TO a rhythmic rumble under the bed and clicking dog collars as Mister Rogers and Miss Piggy turned in rapid circles. She opened her eyes more widely. “Is that an earthquake?:

They sat up and Harry swung his feet over his side of the bed. “Could be. We should…”

A loud voice said, “You have to stomp in rhythm!”

Madge threw back the quilt. “Good God. It’s five-forty-five. People are sleeping.”

Harry thrust his feet into slippers. “You have got to be kidding me!”

The same man’s voice called, “Five, six, seven eight. Shake your touche to find a mate.”

A woman yelled, “Cut it out, Harvey.”

As Madge and Harry lunged toward the bedroom door to get to the kitchen, footsteps thundered down the main staircase and a man, maybe Grayson Redford, shouted, “Don’t you idiots know what time it is?”

Where to Go from Here?

I've written 10,000 words. While I'm not struggling, I keep thinking I need to make everything funny. I have a quick wit for situational humor, but I need to stop worrying about the humor and tell the tale. Some humor will flow naturally, other comedic situations will grow with the story.

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The Value of "Getting Out There"

By Elaine L. Orr

Because of the pandemic and a couple of health "issues," I haven't been with readers as much as in the past. I've gotten a real charge out of two events in the last couple of weeks, with more on the horizon.

The first was a flea market for crafters and antique and collectible sellers at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. They said crafters, so I pitched books, and they said I could participate. I mostly wanted to meet a cross-section of folks beyond those who go to libraries and bookstores. I had a blast, and actually sold some books. 

Browsers included lots of children, which always makes me wish I would work harder on a couple of books for middle school kids. And not simply because everyone stops to talk to the children's book authors. 

This past weekend (October 26th) was the first author festival at the Springfield Barnes and Noble in several years. Sixteen authors sat in a U-shaped format, which made for a lot of interaction among authors and browsers.

I sat between a man whose fiction is based in part on his Vietnam era service and a group of poets. The best part of bookstore signings is the diversity. Second only to the fun.

As I looked for the photo at left, it reminded me of other Barnes and Noble events in Iowa and Indiana. 

In 2006, the Barnes and Noble in the Iowa City and Coralville area let me do a sole signing for one of my earliest books. My friend, the oft-published Leigh Michaels, and I sat together for a few hours and spoke to a number of people. I don't think I broke their sales records for the day, but it was a great experience. I look about twenty-five in the photo! Good camera angle.

When I lived in Indiana, the Barnes and Noble store in the Keystone Mall (near Indianapolis) was fantastic about working with authors. My Sisters in Crime Chapter often met there, and they regularly did signings in which a bunch of us would participate. 

It's a reminder of how much difference bookstores make in helping writers meet readers -- and advance their careers. Plus, we had a lot of fun, as you can see in the photo with another Indiana author, below. This would have been about 2011 or 2012, I think.

In a few weeks I'll do the annual ALUUC holiday arts and craft sale in Springfield, Illinois. It's so much more than that -- musicians, good food, and good company. I'll likely be the only bookseller again, and people tend to stop to talk for a few minutes. Mostly they ask where I get ideas, and I confess to having a mind that is part warped and  part hyperactive. 

I love independent bookstores, but for the first time in my life I don't live in a town that has one. I miss the sense of close-knit community that these smaller stores engender. Whether it's a large or small store, authors and readers make connections over books.

As holidays seasons grow closer, don't forget to give books to people in your life. I like to give books that have as the setting or context something the receiver is interested in, be it a hobby, vacation spot, or career interest. You can't go wrong with books.

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 Check out Elaine's web page or sign up for her newsletter