Murder on a Stick: The Third Pete Culnane Mystery will be released on August 1. Look for it in your local bookstore. If you don’t find it in your library, copy the ISBN from the BOOKS page of this website and request it. You can also find it at all four Minnesota State Fair gift shops!
Ever wonder where authors gets their information? Curious about my ability to portray a cop’s actions correctly? Check out this blog to learn about the steps I take to make it accurate and realistic. http://debrahgoldstein.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/guest-blogger-s-l-smith-researching-everything-under-the-sun/
This is the third year I’m participating in JANO. It’s an annual writing contest sponsored by Sleuths Ink, a writing group based in Springfield, Missouri. The goal is to write 50,000 words, during the month of January.
The manuscripts drafted the first two years I participated are now books two and three in the Pete Culnane mystery series. I have my heart set on completing a rough draft for book four this time around. For that reason, I’ve done little other than write since New Year’s Day.
Sunday, January 5:Set 5,000 words per day as my goal. Not doing well on that count. Even so, the story is taking shape. Hope my brain and my fingers continue cooperating. 18514 / 50000 37.03% Done! 40178 / 50000 80.36% Done! 50145 / 50000 100% Done!
Saturday, January 11: Research and other diversions kept me from getting as far as I’d hoped by this date. Now striving to reach 50,000 words by January 14. Time will tell.
Monday, January 13: After two days of doing almost nothing except writing, hit the contest goal of 50,000 words. Then added another 145 words to complete the thought. Pete and Martin solved the crime, but there are still loose ends to tie up.
I was thrilled with an invitation to speak to a 1st grade class about writing books. Learned a lot in the process. 
Received the ultimate compliment from the teacher. She said, “The kids just adored you!” What a great feeling. Made my year.
Copies of Blinded by the Sight are still available in a few locations. If you’re having trouble finding one, contact me at slsmithbooks@gmail.com. I’m happy to mail one to you.
Running Scared is now available. Had events on September 5th and 7th. Thrilled with the turnout. Check the “Where to Buy” page to see where to obtain copies.
Thrilled to say everything is progressing for the September 1, 2013 release date for book two in the Pete Culnane mysteries. Here’s the summary:
Nick Rice knows someone is after him. He doesn’t know who, and he doesn’t know why. Efforts to determine either or both are unsuccessful. This morning, during his daily run, he concocts a sure-fire solution. For the first time in weeks, he relaxes.
St. Paul investigators Pete Culnane and Martin Tierney are together again. They must determine if a horrific crash on Wheelock Parkway was accidental or deliberate. Their step-by-step investigation uncovers secrets that leave more than one person running scared.
And here’s the cover:
Since January, I’ve been working on the draft for this novel, the third in the Pete Culnane Mystery Series. Also anxiously, and impatiently, awaiting the arrival of the first proof of Running Scared.
JANO is an annual writing contest sponsored by Sleuths Ink, a writing group based in Springfield, Missouri. The goal is to write 50,000 words, during the month of January. This is my second year of participation. Follow my progress here.
Wednesday, January 2: I’ve done little other than write for the first two days of JANO. I have my heart set on a 6,000 words/day pace. Hope my brain and my fingers continue to cooperate.
12152 / 50000 24.3% Done! 23428 / 50000 46.86% Done! 35550 / 50000 71.1% Done! 43105 / 50000 86.21% Done! 46210 / 50000 92.42% Done! 50098 / 50000 100% Done!
Friday, January 4: Fell a little behind my target pace on day four. Hope to get back up to speed tomorrow.
Monday, January 7: Writer’s block reigns supreme. Continue struggling with Murder on a Stick. Here’s my week 1 total:
Wednesday, January 9: Just completed day 9. The struggle is ongoing. Woe is me.
Friday, January 11: Spent more time researching than writing the last two days.
Sunday, January 13: Reached my JANO goal today! Work on this manuscript will continue, after I take a break, but won’t continue reporting progress here.
Book Trailer for Blinded by the SightTo check out the book trailer for Blinded by the Sight, click this link: http://www.youtube.com/
Spent August 23rd and August 30th at the Great Minnesota Get Together. State Fair law enforcement and St. Paul Fire graciously took the time to answer my questions. Thanks to their cooperation, the third Pete Culnane mystery is on its way.
The second Pete Culnane mystery will be released on September 1, 2013.
I’ll be blogging about a subject that has been a recent topic of discussion. The subject is “Writing What I Don’t Know.” In this blog I talk about the types of research I did while writing my second novel, scheduled for release on September 1, 2012.
Please stop in at Savvy Authors to read my post and let me know what you think. I’m interested in your research experiences.
Work continues on the sequel. Spoke with a member of the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office yesterday. Spent time today viewing the crime scene. Pete and Martin are working long days, trying to solve the case. Stay tuned.
Wow, 2012 already. I’m working hard on a 2012 sequel to Blinded by the Sight. Eight chapters and counting. For those of you wondering what is going to happen to Pete Culnane, he’s still trying to decide. Happy belated New Year!
December 12 – 7:00 – 8:30 PM Four North Star Firsts at the Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, MN. I will be one of the four authors and will talk about writing and getting published in the current environment.
December 6, join me with three other Sisters in Crime authors for the World of Ink internet radio show. Check it out at World of Ink: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2011/12/07/a-good-story-is-a-good-story-with-host-marsha-casper-cook. Their call in number is (714) 242-5259, call with your questions.
Another stop on my blog tour! This time writing about “What’s In A Name?” Here I reveal where I got the names for my characters. Check it out at Savvy Authors.
November 19-8:00 AM-noon Signing at Park Patio Sale, 8265 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85209. Stop in if you’re in the vicinity.
UPDATE: Two graduates of St. Catherine University joined me today. One was a new acquaintance, the other a long-time friend. Both made my day!