Introductory Comments
Erica’s New Year Newsletter, 2021
Welcome to the first installment of 2021! Though the political news is anything but worthy of the new year, I am trying to focus on the positive efforts of those who are creative rather than the opposite. Writing and reading books is, in my opinion, one of the most laudable pursuits available to us as we continue to hunker down. In this missive, you will find news of some of my own endeavors, as well as those of other kindred spirits.
Media Update
Media Update 1 International Thriller Writers
Starting the new year right, with my interview about the release of Staged for Murder for The Big Thrill, the magazine of the International Thriller Writers: https://www.thebigthrill.org/?p=66091&preview=true
Also listed on the ITW Current Issue page: https://www.thebigthrill.org https://www.thebigthrill.org/2020/12/staged-for-murder-by-erica-miner/?sms=7&cn=_yjQ67iOQkaRiVt86PUEGA
PNWA
Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA) has added Staged for Murder to their list of new books from its members, along with the link to where the book is sold:
https://www.pnwa.org/general/custom.asp?page=MemberBooksWinter
Media Update 3 Sisters in Crime
Staged for Murder is “top line” news on the website of the Puget Sound chapter of Sisters in Crime:
https://pugetsoundsinc.com/2020/12/04/november-2020-member-news/
“Erica Miner recently released the third in her ‘Opera Mystery’ series, Staged for Murder. A Virtual Book Party event took place Sun., Dec. 6 @ 2 pm.
Wagner Society
Wagner Society of Southern California, for whom I have presented lectures numerous times, has added Staged for Murder, as well as previous Opera Mysteries Death by Opera and Murder in the Pit, to its brand-new E-store:
http://www.wagnersociety.us/store.htm
The weather is starting to turn--a perfect opportunity to be swept into a mystery while listening to the rain and drinking a cup of tea. In award-winning author Erica Miner's newest “Opera Mystery” sequel, Staged for Murder, violinist Julia Kogan, having survived murderous…
“Really Great Reads 2020”
My esteemed colleague, award-winning mystery writer James Ziskin, has added Staged for Murder to his list of “Some Really Great Reads 2020”:
https://7criminalminds.blogspot.com/2020/12/some-really-great-reads-2020.html?fbclid=IwAR2LCzzusQMPmItE3X6Ew6pf1rjg_jYv4kXmW9r9QilDaIl0t9MlnRGGATQ
For And About Writers
“In the Shadow of Wagner”
This is actually for writers AND for opera aficionados. I will be presenting an "encore" of my popular lecture, “In the Shadow of Wagner: Strauss and Debussy”, for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at University of Washington on Jan. 29, 12 pm PDT. Registration (free) is at: https://washington.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qfuqurDwvGdZoympPKC3rMvZ-20nTW6K1
'From My Readers'
Reviews are still appearing for Staged for Murder
Mark Blei writes:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, very interesting take on the genre. Glad I read it!
“This is my first book by Erica Miner & though mystery isn’t really my preferred genre, the way this book is written in the context of a musician in the NY opera was extremely well done & kept me interested throughout the book. I can wholeheartedly recommend Miners work & look forward to her future books.”
Review #2
Staged for Murder also has been reviewed by Jennifer Shepard on the prestigious Goodreads.com site:
Staged for Murder (Opera Mysteries, #3) by Erica Miner (Goodreads Author)
Jennifer Shepard’s review *****
“I happily endorse this book to any and all who are looking for an enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. I was very happy to have the opportunity to experience the challenge and I’m very grateful to find it. This highly intelligent, imaginative, and creative author has a real flair.
“If you are a mystery fan you will enjoy this entertaining read. If you are a music lover as well, rejoice! This book is a gift for those who know and love classical music, particularly opera.
I highly recommend the book series. You’ll not regret reading all her books. Erica Miner is a fantastic writer.”
Praise for a colleague's book
Former Met opera flutist and colleague Mary Ann Archer’s ‘Zeesha’s Tale’ has charmed readers all over the country, and it has also been published in Spanish! Mary Ann has plans for an Italian translation as well. And no wonder; I devoured the book twice without ever stopping. It’s written with such love, caring and deep inner knowledge of the magic portrayed in its sweet yet profound message. I am truly impressed (and I’m not that easily impressed) with Mary Ann’s ability to convey the beauty inherent in the story and its characters. I highly recommend this read! https://itascabooks.com/zeeshas-tale/
Closing thought(s)
Each month I seem to find more wisdom than I know what to do with :-) All the more gratifying to be able to share some of it, both for writers and for non-writers, with you. And your comments are enthusiastically encouraged. I’d love to hear from YOU!
Doubtless we all were hoping for a better start to 2021. I still believe us capable of putting negativity behind us, despite the seemingly constant upping of the ante. Hold tight to your positivity, and perhaps our collective consciousness can manifest the whole new perspective and path we so greatly need.
Stay safe. Stay well.
Until next time.
Erica
Until next time.
Best regards,
Erica Miner
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