April 11th, 2012 → 4:00 pm @ Robin Donovan
We are delighted to welcome crime novelist Robin Donovan as our guest blogger today.
Robin’s new mystery is Is it Still Murder, Even if She Was a Bitch? (WriteLife November 2011 Trade Paperback), which introduces Omaha ad agency owner Donna Leigh … and has a pretty provocative title.
And that title is exactly what she’s writing about today. Robin is also offering one of our readers a chance to win a copy of her book! See below for details.
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When I first decided on the title for my murder mystery there was a lot of discussion. One of my editors hinted that the publisher would probably insist on a change; others suggested that using a word like “bitch” in a title could be self-limiting in a number of ways.
Photo provided courtesy of
Robin Donovan
In all honesty, when I first came up with the title: Is It Still Murder, Even If She Was a Bitch? it was kind of a joke. I had started my novel determined to create an amateur sleuth, Donna Leigh, whose adventures were compelling enough to warrant sequels. If I succeeded I wouldn’t need a title; I’d need a series of titles. In the grand tradition of Grafton and Evanovich, I would need a catchy play on numbers or something that would take me from A to Z.
Initially I was intent on seeing if I could write a story that would even appeal to an audience; there was no time to focus on devising the perfect title formula. I just threw Claire’s Murder at the top of the page for a placeholder, more than anything. I didn’t want to commit to a title until I was convinced that it would maximize marketing potential; having worked in advertising for many years what else would you expect? I researched characteristics of “successful” titles, but held off on making a commitment until I was sure of what would be needed.
As my writing progressed, selection of a title almost became a reward in and of itself. If I could get far enough in my work to be convinced of its efficacy, I would permit myself to bestow it with a title. Nearing that point, the opportunity to discuss the title strategy with my business partner, a marketer I admire enormously, presented itself. I shared my theory on the importance of “the right approach” to the title or “series of titles” challenge. Her response was immediate and to the point “not on the first book, don’t even worry about that on the first book.” Well, that was it. She had freed me from title prison.
By this time the finished book was in its first round of edits, and I was extremely pleased with the manuscript. With time on my hands and the freedom to select a one-book title, I sat down and started to noodle around on a piece of paper. Almost immediately I wrote: Is It Still Murder, Even If She Was a Bitch? I dismissed it almost as immediately.
It was too long; I would offend people with the word “bitch;” It shouldn’t be two clauses; I had a long list of reasons why it should be scrapped. But it made me laugh. So I replaced Claire’s Murder at the top of the page with my new, but not seriously in contention, placeholder and I started getting some very interesting feedback. It got my attention.
The more people I talked to the more determined I became to leave this outrageous query as the title of my book. I work with talented writers; it made them all laugh. Coincidentally, I was in the process of filling a senior writing position at the time. Consequently, I had the pleasure of meeting many incredibly talented writers from all over the country. Many times the conversation turned to personal interests as we tried to size each other up as potential colleagues, and many times they talked of their own published works.
Each time my book title was mentioned the reaction was precisely the same, dead silence, a muffled laugh building to an enthusiastic guffaw, the spontaneity of which assured me that I had caught them off guard, robbing them of their finely honed ability to elicit a carefully guarded and measured response. That laugh was always music to my ears; it was far more rewarding for me than any of the accolades that inevitably followed!
As I labor to promote the book, I am still always elated by the strong reaction to my title. Not everybody loves it, but nobody ignores it.
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Robin Donovan was born and raised in New Jersey but lived and worked in Connecticut for a number of years before moving to Nebraska in 1999. Starting her career as a high school English teacher, Donovan moved into advertising in the early 1980s. She is the author of the blog, Menologues, a humorous yet informative look at the trials and tribulations of menopause by someone who’s been there. For more information about Robin, visit her website at RLDonovan.com.
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About Is it Still Murder, Even if She Was a Bitch?:
How does one react to the shocking news that a former colleague has been brutally murdered? Worse yet, you realize that your vitriolic relationship with the victim could land you squarely on the suspect list. That’s exactly what happens to Donna Leigh, the energetic and somewhat sardonic owner of an Omaha ad agency, who jumps right in to the investigation – despite annoying menopausal symptoms – in order to keep the wolves away from her door. She manages to amuse as well as impress with her effective but unorthodox sleuthing.
As Donna and her colorful colleagues work feverishly to solve the case, they leave a trail of unintentional destruction in their wake; from injured police officers to collapsed buildings. Donna and her team stir things up enough to make the murderer nervous; after Donna receives a threat to “back off” things take on a more serious bent for her, but not for her ever vigilant colleagues who continue to animatedly bungle their way through the investigation until the murderer is behind bars.
For a chance to win a copy of Is it Still Murder, Even if She Was a Bitch?, courtesy of the author, visit Mystery Book Contests, click on the “Robin Donovan: Is it Still Murder, Even if She Was a Bitch?” contest link, enter your name, e-mail address, and this code (3901) for a chance to win! (One entry per person; contest ends April 18th, 2012.)
http://www.omnimysterynews.com/2012/04/please-welcome-crime-novelist-robin.html
March 23rd, 2012 → 4:40 pm @ Robin Donovan
Jazzy's wiped out
It was awesome as I mentioned in my earlier post!
We got to meet so many people who are into helping dogs. Most of the attendees had already adopted dogs from Hearts United and wanted to be there to support the organization even further.
Robin and her girls
It was so much fun! People were bathing dogs, dogs were playing with each other, people were eating and drinking wine – and thankfully, buying books.
One enthusiastic supporter sent these adorable shots of my girls entertaining the troops! Thanks Trishna!
The girls were exhausted, but they seemed to know they were working for a good cause! They were such little angels – everyone commented on how good they were being with all of the commotion going on around them.
It was a great feeling to know that we helped to contribute to such a worthy cause. Everyone who donated to Hearts United: Soggy Paws, with the money for baths and a percentage of product sales, the Zin Room, with a percentage of the wine proceeds, Karen Craft with a percentage of her book, The Cosmic Purr and, of course, us with our Donna Leigh mystery and all of the wonderful attendees were there for a common cause – help make sure every dog has a wonderful home!
March 9th, 2012 → 10:41 pm @ Robin Donovan
Miss Jazzy was in her glory last night as she greeted guests and thanked donors for the generous contributions to the wonderful work done by Hearts United.
Authors Talk
Great food from Zin
Jazzy and her two sisters, Roxi and Sweet Pea were joined by scores of folks all determined to chip in and help raise money for the incredible work done by the folks at Hearts United.
Jazzy and her two sisters, Roxi and Sweet Pea were joined by scores of folks all determined to chip in and help raise money for the incredible work done by the folks at Hearts United.
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful organization doing great work nationwide located right here in Omaha!
Many attendees were parents of adopted Hearts United dogs and others were volunteers for the organization. Everyone generously contributed by buying products and washing their dogs using Soggy Paws’ facilities. Owner, Paul Rathe generously donated a percentage of proceeds from product sales and 100% of proceeds from dog baths.
Gracie Dancer
Miss Jazzy
March 9th, 2012 → 8:53 pm @ Robin Donovan
Saturday, February 18, 2012 was the date of Omaha’s first Author’s Fair held at W. Dale Clark Library downtown.
March 9th, 2012 → 8:20 pm @ Robin Donovan
Just some very nice folks who like to get together and talk about murder mysteries. On February 25th I had the good fortune to spend the evening with the “regulars” at the Mystery Bookstore on 13th Street. I met some interesting and very sweet people who asked very interesting questions, such as “How do you take something as serious as murder and turn it into a comedy?”
January 30th, 2012 → 8:32 pm @ Robin Donovan
Miss Madylyn
Thanks to everyone who made my debut book reading/signing at The Bookworm last Saturday a wonderful experience!
I feel extremely fortunate to have such incredibly supportive friends! So many of you gave up your spectacular Saturday afternoon to come down and help make my book event a success (I think I mentioned most of you by name on my events calendar – check it out).
I also met some awesome new folks and Miss Madylyn, who is a beautiful young Bernese Mountain dog with an adorable personality. Good thing I’m not too insecure because she was really the hit of the show!
The folks at The Bookworm provided a warm and cozy atmosphere – allowing dogs to participate really adds to the ambiance. So surrounded by friends – both long standing and new (including Miss Madylyn and her companion Ann) I attempted to give my audience a feel for the experience they can expect when reading my book.
Over time Clovis has become my favorite character, so I chose passages that featured her unique brand of charisma – or should I say anti-charisma?
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my “star” character and reading about her antics. My audience was attentive and engaged, reacting to Clovis’ drama and asking great questions to wrap things up.
I would be remiss if I did not thank all of you who purchased books to cap off this amazing experience – it’s one that I will never forget!
January 26th, 2012 → 7:55 pm @ Robin Donovan
Thanks Grace, for buying copies of my book for your book club. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to enhance your club’s experience.
And Happy Birthday!
January 23rd, 2012 → 10:05 pm @ Robin Donovan
Signing Books for Aspiring Authors
I am so grateful for the invitation to speak at the LaVista Library this past weekend. The group was obviously very serious about understanding the process of writing a book. They listened intently and asked great questions. I wish I’d had a chance to attend a talk like that before I started writing!
My star pupil was Jerry, who took tons of notes, asked terrific questions, bought a book at the end (thanks to everyone who bought books) and told the library representative that he was thrilled he saw the announcement in the paper. His enthusiasm so incredibly gratifying. The library itself is gorgeous and they welcomed me so graciously – I’d go back any time!
LaVista Author Talk
December 28th, 2011 → 5:06 pm @ Robin Donovan
Congratulations to contest winners from Arkansas, Missouri and Wisconsin!
Check out all the details of the Goodreads book giveaway:
Three lucky people will win a copy of Is It Still Murder, Even If She Was a Bitch?
Donna Leigh owns an Omaha ad agency. She is also an energetic and somewhat sardonic menopausal woman. When a former colleague is murdered, Donna becom…more
My rating:
December 22nd, 2011 → 7:38 pm @ Robin Donovan
Although we lost our Gracie, we are very fortunate to have Roxi, a little white English Bulldog with small reddish/brown spots on her body and more prominently on her ears. She is a spunky little sweetheart who knows what she wants and usually gets it.
Roxi came to us when she was a little over a year old. She was the product of a divorce and apparently got very little attention, except from the 4-year old boy in the family. As a result she is both hungry for attention and hug-averse. We think because she may have been squeezed too tightly by the little boy.
It’s not uncommon to have her give you one of her soulful looks which spur you to want a big hug. When you move toward her with your arms outstretched you generally end up with an armful of air because Roxi has jumped to safety and has successfully avoided yet another hug. Here’s a hint, she’s not as fast when she’s really tired – so we enjoy a lot of “hug n’yawns.”
Then there’s big sis Jasmine (or Jazzy for short). She is the canine version of Mother Theresa. There was never a sweeter more gentle creature than Jazzy.
Jasmine
She’s beautiful with her shiny red coat and her sleek white head. Her one brown and one blue eye are a major source of curiosity to many who meet her.
Not only is Jazzy a wonderful and patient teacher to her younger sisters, she has a healing quality that draws her to anyone in need of healing. And let’s face it – who couldn’t use a little healing?
As a pup, Jazzy was sold to a hunter who threw her into a pen with grown hunting dogs. The poor thing was malnourished having to fight for every morsel of food. When the breeder realized her situation he took her back and we were lucky enough to get her. She was extremely shy of people and it took a long time for her to begin to trust, first us, and then friends and family. Jazzy loves being home with her family.
Our newest addition to the family joined us a little over a week ago. Sweet Pea was found wandering the streets of an Iowa town. Through Illinois rescue she was placed in a foster home and spent four months trying to overcome malnutrition and demodectic mange.
Sweet Pea
What an indomitable spirit she has. What this poor little thing has been through we will never truly know. We do know that it hasn’t left her wary and skittish around humans, nor has it made her timid or overly aggressive.
Her coat is far from full and luxurious – but she has some fur. Her skin is far from healed – she scratches and bleeds like she’s one big hot spot – but she is happy and sweet and anxious to complete her orientation into our family.
These are our furry babies and they give us great joy and they help us stay grounded. We are very fortunate to have them.
Sure, life will be different without our Gracie, but we were lucky to have had her for as long as we did, and she will always be with us. Now it’s time for a new chapter in our lives. Does anybody know how to stop chronic scratching?
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