LeGarde Mysteries

On the literary front, MAZURKA and HEALEY'S CAVE are due out in 2009. I’ll update you with a special bulletin when I get the print copies in hand. We’re still waiting for the reviews from the big review houses, such as Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, etc. But the time is fast approaching. If you’d like to reserve an autographed copy of either book, just let me know at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com.

Meanwhile, I enjoyed corresponding with the students at Pfeiffer University who read

TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (the third book released and the prequel to DOUBLE FORTÉ), for their Mystery Writers class. We had a ball corresponding, the students loved hearing from a “real” author, and Gus LeGarde now has a new group of folks who plan to follow him through the series.

I’ve agreed to do several new radio shows, as well. The dates and links will be posted on my events page, on www.legardemysteries.com when it’s all settled. Hope you’ll stop by and join us. Some of the hosts include our own Kim Smith, Dr. Niama Williams, Renée Giroux, and Dr. Kent Gustafson.

The book signings are over for the season, and now it’s time for me to take a break from all that and luxuriate in writing during the cold winter months. But if you’d like to order some books for Christmas, I’m offering specials on all three books. And if you’d like to buy them as an autographed gift set, you can save over ten dollars buying through me. What a deal, huh?  

Best wishes to all. I hope your holidays are splendid, full of love, and warm you to the core. And as I always say, remember to take pleasure in the little things.

9-26-08

Our family life has been hopping over the past few months! We moved daughter Melanie to Cambridge, Mass, where she’s studying for her graduate degree in Music Therapy at Lesley University. Her apartment is right next to the Charles River, with access to a lovely winding walking trail for her little dog, Toby, and a five-minute walk from Harvard Square. Eldest daughter Jennifer has started her nursing job at Rochester General Hospital in their world famous cardiac unit, and in the process has kindly given us Balto, the Cavipoo we fell in love with when she and her family lived with us. Dale and I are thrilled! Of course, Balto can’t replace our beloved Max, but he’s following in Max’s paw prints quite nicely. Allison is doing beautifully in her creative writing classes ;o), and has moved home to bless us with her witty and amusing presence. We’re delighted to welcome her home again; she is such a sweetheart. Our three grandchildren are wonderful, providing us untold joy. And I’ve been picking baskets full of plums, peaches, pears, late season tomatoes, red raspberries, and all the usual fall veggies. As always, keeping up with it all is a challenge, but it’s all about taking pleasure in the little things, right?

On the literary front, MAZURKA and HEALEY'S CAVE are due out any time now. I’ll update you with a special bulletin when I get the print copies in hand. We’re still waiting for the reviews from the big review houses, such as Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, etc.

Meanwhile, I threw my back out a few weeks ago. It was a bit scary for the first two days, and I kept imagining how life would be if I were forced to be abed forever. A new story is brewing there. (!) But the silver lining to this forced bed rest was that I finished the edits on FIRESONG: AN UNHOLY GRAVE, the sequel to MAZURKA. It’s now in my publisher’s hands! What a relief. I’d like to thank Marta Stephens, Patricia Fowler, and Peggy Adamson for their recent help with the newest edits. This also freed me up to get back to my work in progress (which ended up being more like a work suspended for too many months!), THE AVIARY, a paranormal mystery featuring Ruby, a mind-reading parakeet, Joe, an obsessive compulsive antique dealer, and his wife, Marcella, who tries not to get too jealous over Joe’s passion for his bird. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be able to write and create again! I’m deliriously happy, and am churning away at it with help from SW Vaughn and Peggy Adamson. This book is a standalone (I hope it doesn’t start a series! I don’t think I can handle three!) It’s also my first attempt to write from a woman’s POV. It’s a challenge! ;o)

Wonderful news for TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (the third book released and the prequel to DOUBLE FORTÉ). It’s being used to teach a literary class on mysteries at Pfeiffer University, in North Carolina. In addition, I’ve been invited to speak at my first out of state symposium for the Friends of the Library in Charlotte, NC. All expense paid trip, and I can talk about whatever I like. Hmmm. I hope they have a lot of time, as it’s hard to shut me up when I get started on my books and characters!

The Wood Library in Canandaigua invited me in to do a live interview on video. It should be up soon on YouTube, and I’ll give you the link when it’s ready.

I’ve also had the pleasure of being on several radio shows lately. Here are the links in case you’d like to listen.

Interview with Maggie Ball, Compulsive Reader

Interview with Yolanda Renee, Renee's Book Talk

Interview with Dr. Kent Gustavson

I'll be selling and signing copies of the first three LeGarde books at the Heron Hill Winery October 18^th, from 12-4, and on November 15th at the same location. I’ve restocked all books, and will be offering holiday specials – buy three for fifty bucks (save ten). Stop by if you're in a winery touring mood and looking for a good read.

7-16-08:

I can't believe how times flies between these updates. Since I last wrote, we've been blessed with a new grandchild (Isabella Marie - a sweet little apple dumpling with bright eyes, a rosebud mouth, button nose, and soft silky honey brown hair), Melanie (daughter) has moved back in for summer between undergrad and grad school, we got a puppy and sadly had to give her up because of my wife's illness (daughter Jenn took her), and a gazillion other family issues cropped up. But all have resolved, including the very scary days following Isabella's frightening birth experience, where we nearly lost her. Thank God that all's well that ends well! My gardens are flourishing, giving us a bounty of squash, cukes, herbs, cabbage, peas, beans, beets, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries (okay, so I'm a little berry crazy!), and more. Keeping up with it all is a challenge, but I do what I can and it's great therapy.

On the literary front, the covers for MAZURKA and HEALEY'S CAVE are complete. I'll be updating both websites over the next few months with new excerpts, cover art, audio clips of yours truly reading from the books, etc. MAZURKA's back cover art and tentative reviewer quotes have been chosen, and all of the publicity blurbs as far as updated bios and synopses are done. I'll bet these details are a surprise to some of you! After the book is written, there's a great deal more to the process.

The next steps are to submit the ARCs (Advanced Review Copies) of both books to the big review houses, such as Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, etc. That takes three months, as they require the unpublished manuscripts 12 weeks in advance. Then, after we select the best review blurbs, the final cover will be updated and we'll be able to publish shortly thereafter. My guess is that MAZURKA will be out in the fall (Oct/Nov?) and HEALEY'S CAVE will follow on shortly therafter.

Meanwhile, I'm tearing into FIRESONG: AN UNHOLY GRAVE, which will be the sequel to MAZURKA. I wrote it a while back and need to rip it apart and redo much of it to get it up to snuff. Such fun! But I have wonderful critique partners who are helping me go through this painful process.

I'll be selling and signing copies of the first three LeGarde books at the Heron Hill Winery this Saturday, July 19th, from 12:30 to 4:30. I'm getting low on my UPSTAGED supply, though, so if you want that one shoot me an email to reserve you a signed copy at aaron dot lazar at yahoo dot com. There's a beer and wine bar outdoors with live music, so it sounds like it will be a fun event. Stop by if you're in a winery touring mood and looking for a good summer read.

4-9-08:

So much has happened since I last visited this little journal, I don't know where to start! First of all, Twilight Times Books has accepted the second book in the Sam Moore green marble series, scheduled for 2009 release. Entitled One Potato, Blue Potato, this paranormal mystery features Sam, Rachel, their daugther Beth, who harbors a surprising secret, and a potential attack on the President. TTB has also asked to see Firesong: an unholy grave, the fifth in the LeGarde series. I'm editing it (again), and will submit it within the coming months.

Tremolo has enjoyed wonderful press, and is just finishing its virtual book tour. For details, check out the articles on www.aplazar.gather.com.

On a personal note, my daughters and grandsons have all moved to their own abodes (nearby), and my wife Dale and I are now empty-nesters! I've been obsessively fixing up the house - wallpapering is my now passion.

I'm starting out on an ambitious book signing schedule this summer. If you're going to be in the area, check out the events here.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to drop me a line with feedback from the books! I love hearing from my readers. ;o)

10-31-07:

On October 23rd, I received 200 copies of Tremolo. It's a wonderful thing to hold this long awaited book in my hands. If you'd like to buy a copy, email me at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com. I'll autograph it for you, as well as give you a deal on the other books if you'd like a set of three. If you buy two, I'll give you the third at half price. They make great gifts, as well, so please let me know in time to ship for the holidays.

9-25-07:

I can't believe I haven't updated this news section since May. Part of the reason may be because I was sick for the whole summer with a bad case of asthma - and also working hard on my twelfth manuscript, For Keeps, the third book in the Sam Moore paranormal mystery series. I also just finished designing the cover art for Tremolo: cry of the loon, which is coming out in print November 15th, 2007. The manuscript is polished and ready to go, as well as some exciting ventures with Kodak. Yours truly will be featured on the www.printambassador.com website, being interviewed in a video clip about print and how important it is to me as an author. Of course it's essential - I'd never connect with readers the way I do today without print books to share. It's also possible that you'll see me in a print show in Germany, signing books as they are produced live on one of the Kodak NexPress digital presses. I'll keep you up to date on that one. Meanwhile, if you're in the line to receive an ARC and don't hear back from me soon, please contact me for your review copy of Tremolo.

5-1-07:

Last night I finished my eleventh manuscript. Sigh. Lady Blues, the ninth in the Gus LeGarde series, is done. Well, at least the rough draft. I'll be polishing it up for a while to come. If you'd like to read the article I wrote about the emotions that are evoked after typing the word, "The End," check it out here.

3-16-07:

Twilight Times will publish Mazurka. Preliminary ebook release date is April, 2008. The print book should follow later in the year. ;o) We're discussing cover designs now for Tremolo and The Green Marble. A real artist is being contacted - one who I really admire. I can't wait to show you the final designs!

2-5-07:

Something happened that I never expected - at least not for years to come. Our beloved Max, the dog upon who's Gus's Max is based, passed away last night. He seemed so healthy. Then it happened last night- a sudden heart stoppage. We are devastated, mourning one of our best friends and closest family members. It was another ER scene I'll never forget - almost as bad as those scenes Gus remembers with Elsbeth. My heart is aching and the pain is so raw and real. We'll never forget him, and he will live on in the series.

1-7-06:

For those of you who have patiently waited for the third LeGarde Mystery, Mazurka, here's any update: Twilight Times has asked to see it, and I've just sent the reworked version, including previously cut scenes in Paris, to Lida Quillen. If they decide to accept it, it would likely be released in late 2007 or 2008. We'll just wait and see! Thanks for your patience.

12-04-06:

The Green Marble has just been accepted for publishing by Twilight Times Books. Electronic (pdf) release date is scheduled for October, 2007; print book to follow. This is the start of the Sam and Rachel Moore paranormal mystery series. See Sam's website at: www.mooremysteries.com

11-26-06:

Are you one of my readers who's already read the first two books in the series and wants to know what happens between Gus and Camille? Will they ever hook up? What's the wedding like? Does Shelby ever walk or talk again? 

All of these questions are answered in Mazurka. The problem is, this book is currently being pitched to NYC publishers and that can take forever. If you're dying to know what happens to the family, send me proof that you've purchased both books via an Amazon sales receipt, sales slip, or a photo of you with the books. Or, simply order both books now and I'll send you the advanced electronic copy of Mazurka. Let me know what you think of this offer through the guestbook or email at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com. 

8-15-06: Tremolo: cry of the loon, has been released from Twilight Times Books, under the Paladin Timeless imprint. The ebook is available now - next year the print book will be released! 

7-31-06: This site is honored to received the Myshelf.com August '06 website award.

Hi, friends!

I've been working hard to finish up the second book in the Sam Moore paranormal mystery series, entitled One Potato, Blue Potato. Almost there!

The editing process is underway for Tremolo: Cry of the Loon. Twilight Times Books expects to publish the efile this fall (Sept - October timeframe) and to publish the print version in the spring.

I had a fabulous meeting with the Geneseo Book Club last week. It's so satisfying to meet folks who "get" me, who've read the first books in the series, and who love the characters as I do. Thanks to all members of that club for an evening full of laughs. It was wonderful!

There are many more events coming up. If you're in the area, feel free to stop by and say Hello!

4-26-06: The Bylines Writers' Calendar accepted my piece, "Word Paintings," for publication in the 2007 calendar. Check it out:  http://www.bylinescalendar.com/index.php   What an honor!  Available in July, 2006.

4-13-06: Time to celebrate! New book deal!  Die Fledermaus will be published by Twilight Times Books in fall, 2006 under the Paladin Timeless imprint. Thanks to Lida Quillen for such a warm welcome.

3-8-06:  Upstaged will be submitted to the IPPY awards this week by my publisher. The 10th annual Independent Publisher Book Awards is conducted to honor the year's best independently published titles for books with 2005 copyrights or that were released in 2005. Fingers crossed! 

Also, I just found out (thanks, Miranda!) that I can accept payments through my PayPal account. I thought it was just for buying stuff, that I'd have to do a lot of messing around to make it work for the book sales.  But no - it's no biggie. If you'd like to purchase autographed books that way, it's a snap. 

3-1-06:  The winners for the Upstaged "Funniest Theater story," contest have been posted on a new Contests page. Check it out to see who won and what they wrote. Entries were judged by NY writer S.W. Vaughn.  Stay tuned for the next contest, coming up soon.

2-1-06:  Seedlings has been picked up by the Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine. Check it out at: FMAM 

1-14-06:  Finished writing Counterpoint, number eight in the LeGarde Series and my ninth novel. Lots of fun in this one. Shelby tries to grow up too soon - the teen hormones are kicking into overdrive. Camille's abusive ex-husband is released from prison, stewing in hot revenge. Joe Russell falls apart with agoraphobia and guilt-induced anxiety. Wedding bells are chiming for a certain young couple. And someone nearly drowns beneath the ice on Keuka Lake.

11-3-05:  Mazurka is currently being pitched to major publishing houses through my new literary agent, Joan West.  Hang tight for news!

9-13-05:  The Livingston County News published a feature article about Upstaged this week. They printed of picture of me beneath my "sunflower forest" that daughter Allison took. The Dr. Frank Konstantin Winery "Words and Wine" event was stupendous! We authors sat under a big tent on the bluff overlooking a perfect panorama on Keuka Lake. We were served wine, cheese, and delicasies that were being given away to promote a delicious local salad dressing from the Tavern Restaurant in Hammondsport. It was sunny, cool, and splendid weather. We were pretty much mobbed with wine tasters. And, as if being allowed to sit in that gorgeous locale wasn't enough, I was able to visit my daughter, Allison, at Keuka college.  What a day!

9-6-05:  The freezer is full with 39 bags of tomatoes, and Upstaged has been submitted to the Edgar Awards thanks to my publisher.  What an honor! 

8-15-05:  The last month has been so busy!  The booksigning in Borders at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse was wonderful.  Upstaged and Mazurka have been scoured 'til they shine.  At least, that's what it felt like as I was doing the "polishing" instead of the more favored "creating."  I spent many happy hours in the garden with my little grandsons - rototilling and weeding and picking and cooking great meals with the produce... and, I got some very disappointing news.  My new publisher, Red Lotus Press, is not to be.  The funding fell through.  So, Mazurka will not be coming out, as anticipated, in November.  Back to the queries to both agents and publishers...  Not all is lost, however, as Upstaged is still on schedule!  It is now available for preorder through my publisher.  Can't wait to hear from my readers about this one.  Don't be shy!  Sign the guestbook, or, better yet, sent me an email at gusandcamille@yahoo.com.  

7-11-05:  Check out this new page where I've listed some of my favorite new authors.  Read reviews, or click links to learn more.  Recommended Reading   

6-14-05:  Bob Burdick, author of The Margaret Ellen, A Karen Cobia Mystery, has invited me to write a monthly column for his newsletter, The Back Room, A Cozy Retreat for Writers & Readers.  The column will be entitled "Seedlings."  These small pieces, sprung from a small seed of an idea, will be "planted" monthly.  If you'd like to sign up for the free newsletter, please email Bob Burdick at bob@bobburdick.com.  Feel free to send me feedback, as well, at gusandcamille@yahoo.com.

5-07-05: I received an honor today....  My humble thanks to BooksAndAuthors.net!

5-06-05: The winners of the Moving Dog Story Contest, sponsored by BooksAndAuthors have been chosen and posted.   http://www.booksandauthors.net/DoubleForteContest.html 

Thanks to all for participating!

4-29-05:  Wonderful review by Shirley Roe from AllBooksReviews.com

4-20-05: Read the author's advice for new writers!  Click here.

4-05-05: Rare opportunity!  My editor, Jeanne Fielding, has a few openings for select authors.  She's the best there is - her keen observational powers will improve the quality of your work.  Check out her website at:

http://www.freewebs.com/jeannemfielding/

Or, leave her an email at:  jeannemfielding@yahoo.com.  Hurry if you're serious - the slots will fill fast!  I guarantee that you'll love working with her.  Sweet natured and thorough, she'll find typos and resolved inconsistancies swiftly and painlessly! 

2-14-05: The interview from BooksAndAuthors is also posted on the The Book Works site, at http://www.the-book-works.com/. 

2-07-05: Please visit www.booksandauthors.net for a new interview posted today.  Click on the "read the interview" link.  Thanks!

2-05-05: Sincere thanks to friends, family, and readers for the favorable feedback and positive support.  Since Double Forté became available on December 7th, 2004, the following events have occurred:

- Front Page Feature Story in the Livingston County News

- Favorable review by Shelly Waxman from bookpleasures.com.

- Full Feature in Living Section of Batavia Daily News

- Favorable Radio review by Bob Koch's "Bob on Books" on WXXI 91.5FM, January 22nd, 2005.

- Blurb in Democrat and Chronicle in new section featuring local authors, Jan. 23rd, 2005.

- Double Forté rose to number 2 ranking on Amazon for Publish America's books on Feb. 2, 2005. 

Upstaged, the second in the Gus LeGarde Mystery series, was accepted for publication on November 15, 2004 and is currently in production.

Happy Reading!

apl