Fun spoof of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon :-)

Check out this fun spoof of 'The Tonight Show' with "Hammy Fallon" the hamster!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yF0gKDEyQU&feature=youtu.be 

Jamie Quinn Collection on Free Promo thru Dec. 7th!

Happy Holidays! My Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection of the first three mysteries is on free promo today thru Dec. 7th. :-D Check it out here and tell all your friends:

http://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Quinn-Mystery-Collection-Books-ebook/dp/B00NB78KDS/ref=la_B007B20LOK_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1449166879&sr=1-10

Lovely review of "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" :-)

Thanks for the great review, Susan! :-)

http://dabofdarkness.com/2015/12/02/teatime-with-mrs-grammar-person-by-barbara-venkataraman/

Wombats are the cutest! Check it out :-)

In my latest Jamie Quinn mystery, "Engaged in Danger", Jamie's tree-hugging boyfriend Kip goes to Australia to save endangered wombats. Check out this adorable wombat being rescued by fishermen. :-)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/wombat-rescue-fishermen_565dda57e4b08e945fecb834

The great Harvard Classics for free!

Be the life of the party! Emerson, Darwin, Plato, Cervantes, Plutarch, Aesop, Milton, Dante, Homer--every book for the well-read intellectual is now available for free download on Kindle, or as a PDF. Discover who is the Machiavelli in your life. ;-) 

https://archive.org/details/harvardclassics&tab=about

Cozy Mysteries Unlimited :-)

Thanks, Linda! Check out this great blog

http://cozy-mysteries-unlimited.com/jamie-quinn-mystery-series

Check out this great review!

Thanks, Lisa,  for the great review of "Engaged in Danger". :-) Love your blog!

http://lisaswritopia.com/engaged-in-danger-a-review/

Audio-book download codes to give away! :-)

I have download codes for my new audio-book, “Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person”, narrated by Carrie Lee Martz. If that sounds like your cup of tea, let me know & I’ll send you a code.  Mrs. Grammar Person would be so pleased if you could leave a review afterwards. :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Teatime-Grammar-Person-Barbara-Venkataraman-ebook/dp/B00RUQY6B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447080333&sr=8-1&keywords=teatime+with+mrs.+grammar+person

New Interview on "Dab of Darkness" :-)

Check out my latest interview on the wonderful blog: Dab of Darkness. Thanks, Susan!

http://dabofdarkness.com/2015/11/05/interview-barbara-venkataraman-author-of-engaged-in-danger/

New audio-book is out! :-)

Hooray! "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" is finally out on audio-book and Carrie Lee Martz did a fantastic job of narrating. Maybe she really is Mrs. Grammar Person!

http://www.audible.com/pd/Self-Development/Teatime-with-Mrs-Grammar-Person-Audiobook/B01783UKVK/ref=a_search_c4_1_7_srTtl?qid=1446071837&sr=1-7

Mrs. Grammar Person’s Ode to Homophones

When I give my assent, it means I concur, but my rapid ascent means I fly like a bird. (I just love homophones, don't you?)

I compliment you when I say something kind, like your meal is superb and complements the wine. (Unless, of course, your food is talking to your wine, then you've had too much to drink.)

News that is current is fresh and brand new, but if I give you a currant, I have a raisin for you. (Warm cinnamon buns with raisins—yum!)

A cursor is the arrow on your computer screen, a curser likes swearing to say what he means. (He won’t be invited to my tea party, I assure you.)

When you're discreet, there are no news releases, but when you're discrete, you've gone all to pieces. (Try to keep it together, either way.)

If you need help, you should elicit advice; but for something illicit, you should always think twice. (Or maybe thrice…)

A flair is a talent you can boast about, but when tempers flare, you’d better watch out. (Some people do have a flair for drama.)

A hanger will keep your clothes wrinkle-free; a hangar is where your airplane should be. (At least that’s where I keep mine.)

A hearty meal is filling and good, but a hardy lumberjack can chop lots of wood. (He’ll be ready for that hearty meal.)

When something is humorous, you're having a ball, but injure your humerus and it’s not funny at all. (I’d rather laugh than cry, wouldn’t you?)

When you incite trouble, you’re said to foment, but have an insight and it's a eureka moment.(A nice thought bubble beats causing trouble)

Someone who knits makes something cozy and nice, but someone with nits is infested with lice. (Heavens! I feel itchy just thinking about it.)

A maze made of maize is hard to navigate, but maize on a cob means there’s corn on your plate. (Pass the butter, please.)

A medal of honor is something you win, but meddle (the verb) means you like to butt in. (I only meddle when grammar is at stake.)

A wave of my hand says ‘good-bye my friend’, but I wouldn’t waive the chance to visit again. (Adieu, mon ami!)

Latest Jamie Quinn Mystery on Free Promotion!

With the release of my newest Jamie Quinn Mystery, "Engaged in Danger" generating so much excitement among cozy mystery fans, I've decided to put it on free promotion for a limited time! 

Hurry, promo ends September 27th! :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Danger-Jamie-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0159LGVHA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443026682&sr=8-1&keywords=engaged+in+danger

Jamie Quinn Collection on Free Promotion!

With the release of my newest Jamie Quinn Mystery, "Engaged in Danger" generating so much excitement among cozy mystery fans, I've decided to put Jamie Quinn Mysteries, Books 1-3 on free promotion! 

Hurry, promo ends September 19th! :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Quinn-Mystery-Collection-Books-ebook/dp/B00NB78KDS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442428521&sr=8-1&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

New Jamie Quinn Mystery-Just Out! :-)

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my 4th Jamie Quinn mystery, "Engaged in Danger", now available on Amazon. Check it out! :-D

Blurb:
Finally, life is good for reluctant family law attorney, Jamie Quinn--her father may get his visa soon, her boyfriend is the bomb, and her law practice is growing like crazy--but when she agrees to take on a high-profile divorce case, everything falls apart. What looked like an opportunity to work with her friend Grace and make some serious bucks has turned into a deadly game, one that could destroy their friendship and tear their town apart. Why couldn't Jamie just leave well enough alone?



http://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Danger-Jamie-Mystery-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0159LGVHA/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1442026697&sr=8-8&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

NOTHING TO SNEEZE ABOUT

This post comes courtesy of Lori's Reading Corner and Great Escapes Virtual book Tours. :-)

NOTHING TO SNEEZE ABOUT

            Remember the last time you sneezed? There was that little itch that sent your nose into high alert. This could be the big one, you think, a real head-bobber, or it could be a tiny little nothing sneeze. Or it could be a false alarm. You just never know what to expect. There's the build-up, then the sneeze and, finally, the feeling of relief. And then it's over, or at least you hope so. I always sneeze three times in a row, but that's just my thing, a little author trivia.

            So, how is a sneeze like reading a mystery? Well, I'm glad you asked.  Like a sneeze, the plot of a mystery starts out slowly, the tension gradually builds while the reader wonders, is something about to happen? Is this a clue? Is this a major plot development? Or is it a fake-out?  For every build-up of tension in a mystery, there must be a release afterwards, a resolution to the problem and then a period of low-tension. In most books, this pattern will happen many times before the final resolution (the big sneeze!) which signals the end of the story.

            Without conflict, there is no story, of course, so the writer wants to keep putting the characters in dangerous or stressful situations. A good writer keeps the reader on edge by dangling the prize in front of the protagonist and then snatching it away at the last minute, or by throwing roadblocks in the way. The author has to be subtle about it, so the obstacles vary constantly. Maybe the protagonist loses faith in herself, or is physically detained. Maybe someone she cares about has a crisis and she has to stop what she's doing to offer help. Or maybe she's sent on a wild goose chase or follows the wrong lead. She may wind up in physical danger, or some other kind of trouble. 

            Here's an example of a best-selling mystery plot. The novel begins with the murder of a beautiful prosecutor in her apartment. The protagonist, also a prosecutor, was her co-worker, and is assigned the case. Nobody knows that the victim was the protagonist's former lover (raising the stakes). The protagonist's boss is up for re-election and the murder of one of his people is embarrassing. If he loses the election, the protagonist loses his job (raising the stakes some more). The election is lost and suddenly the protagonist finds himself accused of the murder. There's lots of evidence to implicate him: calls made from his home to hers the night of the murder, a glass with his fingerprints on it, carpet fibers, etc. The courtroom drama raises the tension even further; taking many turns along the way. But the expert testimony proves unreliable. The protagonist learns the judge had a relationship with the victim and also that the judge, the victim and his former boss all took bribes from suspects. A crucial piece of evidence for the prosecution disappears and the judge dismisses the case for lack of evidence.

            But the reader still doesn't know who killed the prosecutor! Was it the protagonist? He's the narrator, but is he reliable? Yes, he is, and he figures out who murdered his former lover…dun dun dun! It was his angry, betrayed wife who tried to frame him. Recognize the plot? It's Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow.

            The challenge for the mystery writer is how to build the tension to a crescendo and timing is everything. Think about that horror movie trick where the girl (and the audience) is terrified because we know something bad is about to happen. We're on the edge of our seats, our hearts are racing, and, suddenly, something scary jumps out at the girl--and it's just a cat. Everyone lets down their guard, shakes off the nervous tension and--WHAM--the bad guy/monster/psycho/alien then attacks the girl. That twist worked great the first time we saw it, but now we've come to expect it.

            In my Jamie Quinn mystery series, Jamie is a reluctant family lawyer who keeps finding herself involved in murder cases. In Death by Didgeridoo, her disabled cousin is accused of murdering his music teacher; in The Case of the Killer Divorce, Jamie's client is accused of murdering her husband, and in Peril in the Park, Jamie and her boyfriend are in danger from an evil jester who has already murdered one person. The tension rises and falls in each book while Jamie tries to figure out what's really going on, while, at the same time, there are mysteries to solve in her personal life. Because these books are part of a series, the tension isn't completely resolved at the end of each book. Certain story lines continue through to the next book and, in fact, each book ends with the first chapter of the next book as a teaser.

            Now, I think you understand how a good mystery can be just like a sneeze. And who doesn't like a good sneeze? It can be energizing and unexpected. But, at all costs, you want to avoid books which don't have tension; the kind that go on and on, the ones you wish would hurry up and end already. They are like having the hiccups and nobody wants those! 

THEN, WHY ARE YOU HERE?

My guest post  appears on the wonderful blog: Storeybook Reviews as part of my Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/                                                       

            

THEN, WHY ARE YOU HERE?

            Picture yourself in the stands at a baseball game, not just any baseball game, but the last game of the 2014 World Series–winner takes all. You’ve invested a lot to be here, having spent a small fortune on a ticket (that was very hard to come by) and an entire day of your life driving, parking, and fighting the crowds, all so that you could watch this game. The man sitting next to you, clearly a Giants fan, is decked out in so much orange and black that he could be an advertisement for Halloween.

            In between cheering for his team, your seatmate observes how quiet you are and asks: “Hey, man, who are you rooting for?”

            “Nobody in particular,” you answer.

            The man is flabbergasted. “Then, why are you here?”

            Why, indeed? When you have no stake in the outcome, no skin in the game, why would you stick around? That is the reader’s dilemma. Authors are asking a lot of them: to invest money in a book and to spend precious time reading it, but what’s in it for them? What do they get out of the experience? For a reader to enjoy a book, to be satisfied with his expenditure of time and money, he doesn’t necessarily have to like the characters or have anything in common with them, but he must be invested in them. In other words, he needs to be rooting for somebody, to care about at least one character’s plight, to wonder how that character will resolve the issues in his life and whether he will learn anything along the way.

            A good example of the reader’s dilemma is The Kite Runner, a 2003 novel set in Afghanistan where the protagonist, Amir, sacrifices (spoiler alert!) his friend Hassan by not rescuing him from his attackers. Amir not only justifies his behavior, but takes out his guilt by treating Hassan horribly, causing him to be ostracized, and possibly ruining his life. This protagonist is not likable or admirable and we are universally appalled by his actions, so, why do we keep reading to the end? Why was this book a runaway bestseller? With an initial printing of 50,000 copies, this book went on to sell seven million copies and was also made into a movie. Everyone loves Harry Potter, the boy wizard, but nobody liked the jealous, weak and morally-bankrupt Amir. Even when Amir tried to redeem himself years later by helping Hassan’s son, the reader felt no respect for him. Too little, too late, we thought. But we read on–and not just to find out how Hassan’s life turned out. We kept reading because we were both fascinated and horrified, convinced that we would have done the right thing if faced with the same choices. In other words, that we were not Amir! But then, we wondered whether we would have been too scared to try to rescue our friend from his vicious attackers, whether we would have been willing to admit that we stood there and did nothing. The novel struck a chord because it made us explore our own characters; it made us think about how we would act in such an impossible situation. How would we deal with jealousy? With guilt? Would we be willing to risk our lives to redeem ourselves or to right a terrible wrong?

            As readers, we were invested, big time! But then, just when we thought the stakes couldn’t possibly get any higher and that Amir’s regret and guilt couldn’t get any worse, we learned that Hassan wasn’t only a servant boy, he was also Amir’s illegitimate brother! Gut-wrenching stuff, for sure. And that’s the answer to our question–we stick around because of EMOTION. A novel without emotion is like a paper doll. It can be a beautiful paper doll, but it will never be three-dimensional no matter how hard it tries. Clever dialogue, sharp prose, interesting characters, lovely scenery, may be enough to hold our interest, but we will always leave feeling dissatisfied.

            My Jamie Quinn Mystery Series opens with my protagonist Jamie Quinn mourning the death of her mother. Nothing can pull her out of her depression until her aunt calls in a panic because her disabled son Adam, Jamie’s cousin, has been accused of murdering his music teacher. The love Jamie has for her aunt and cousin, the guilt she feels for not being there for Adam in the past, for not being there for her aunt in the present, all motivate her to come back to life. In this first book, Death by Didgeridoo, there’s enough guilt to go around, as well as some jealousy, revenge and regret, but there’s also playfulness in the dialogue and some fun scenes between characters. Emotion gives a story genuineness, but not necessarily realism. Until I wrote my book, I’d never heard of anyone else being killed by a didgeridoo, so that’s kind of far out there, but the interplay between Jamie and the other characters, as well as the doubt and insecurity Jamie expresses are sentiments the reader can relate to.

            To sum up, I will quote you an Amazon book review I once read: “I wasted eight hours of my life reading this book and I’m writing a review to save you from the same fate!” What a kind soul, to want to save strangers from wasting their time! As an author offering advice to new authors, I hope to do the same because, if you’re not going to write with emotional resonance, then, why are you here?

 , cozy mysteries, great escapes virtual book tour, storeybook reviews

Inspiration, Brainstorming and Keeping One's Head

Guest Post courtesy of the blog, "Jane Reads" and  "Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours"!

Inspiration, Brainstorming and Keeping One's Head

Let's talk about Scheherazade, shall we? You remember her--the legendary Arabic queen and star of One Thousand and One Nights. She had the misfortune of marrying a king with a nasty habit of killing his wife every night and marrying a new one the next day. Luckily, she was very clever and a master storyteller and has provided us with the first documented case of the cliffhanger. On her first night with her new husband (which was also slated to be her last night with her new husband), she told him a fascinating story, spinning a tale all night long and stopping at dawn, right at the juiciest part of the story. Her curious, but still murderous husband told her she could live one more night, just to finish the story. She did finish and then started a new story every single night for a thousand and one nights until he finally told her she was so interesting he would allow her to live. That's almost three years' worth of stories, people! And you thought you were stressed about deadlines…

When your head isn't literally on the chopping block, it can be difficult to find inspiration, so what's an author to do? The prolific Stephen King, who never seems to run out of story ideas, says that his secret is to take interesting characters and put them in an interesting situation and see what happens. One of his recent books, Cell, provides a great example. King makes no secret of the fact that he hates cell phones, so why not make them the villain of the story? The premise, according to Wikipedia is this: it is an apocalyptic horror novel in which a New England artist struggles to reunite with his young son after a mysterious signal broadcast over the global cell phone network turns the majority of his fellow humans into mindless vicious animals. There are definite possibilities in that scenario, wouldn't you say?

Yes, you agree politely, but he's Stephen King, and I'm not. How am I supposed to brainstorm something brilliant? Ah, that's the key right there. It doesn't have to be brilliant--in fact, it can be the stupidest idea you've ever had! But it may lead you somewhere if you go with it, follow it, twist it, flip it on its head. You should defy your own expectations and, most importantly, keep asking why. Why does your character go to New York? Who he is going to see? Does he want to go or is he being forced to go? Is he running from something? How does he get there? What obstacles must he overcome? Pursue every avenue, exhaust every possibility and then throw another character into the mix. What are her motivations? What is their relationship? And then comes the most important question you'll ever ask about any imaginary scenario: What is the conflict? No conflict, no story, it’s that simple. Things must go wrong, fall apart, and look bleaker than bleak before you can write that happy ending. But it doesn't have to be an external conflict, it can be internal. 

In my first Jamie Quinn Mystery, Death by Didgeridoo, the protagonist, Jamie, is depressed about the death of her mother. She has taken a hiatus from work that has stretched into six months and still, she cannot get her act together. That is an internal conflict. Then her Aunt Peg calls, frantic, because her disabled son Adam has been accused of murder and she begs Jamie for help. Jamie is a family law attorney who knows nothing about criminal law but very much wants to help. When she arrives at the police station, she gets into an argument with the cocky young state attorney who wants to bolster his reputation by making an example out of Adam. Jamie soon realizes that the only person who can help her track down the real killer is someone she despises. Conflicts all over the place! See what I mean?

A good source of ideas is the daily news. People are doing the craziest stuff all the time; you can't make up some of this stuff. I live in Florida, where bizarre news is the norm, so it's easier for me. Here's an example of something going on right now: a man and woman had a brief fling and produced a child. They planned to share custody of their son and signed a parenting plan in which one of the conditions they agreed to was that the son would be circumcised and the father would pay for it. This agreement was incorporated into a court order and then the mom changed her mind, she didn't want her son circumcised after all. Four years of litigation ensued, the case moved from State to Federal Court and the father ultimately prevailed. So, what did the mom do? She fled the state with the child, but only after seeking assistance from radical activists called "intactivists" who reject circumcision as barbaric and who staged protests on her behalf. (They also threatened the doctors. I told you they were radical, didn't I?)

While I don't have an opinion on this particular subject, I think I've proved my point, that the news is a great way to start the creative juices flowing. Just don't forget to change the names and situations in order to fictionalize your story. And remember that conflict can be anything, it can be huge: a war between nations, a hostile takeover of a corporation, the Avengers taking down the bad guys. Or it can be intangible: a clash of ideas, a phobia, or the agony of choosing between two lovers. Make your characters sweat it out! They may hate you for it, but your readers will love you. Now that you're out of excuses, sit down and start writing! (Or you can stand if you want to, that works too.)

The Author

About Barbara Venkataraman

Award-winning author, Barbara Venkataraman is an attorney and mediator specializing in family law and debt collection.

She is the author of Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person; The Fight for Magicallus, a children’s fantasy; a humorous short story entitled If You’d Just Listened to Me in the First Place; and two books of humorous essays:I’m Not Talking about You, Of Course and A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities, which are part of the Quirky Essays for Quirky People series. Both books of humorous essays won the “Indie Book of the Day” award.

Her latest works are Death by Didgeridoo, first in the Jamie Quinn series; The Case of the Killer Divorce, the second Jamie Quinn mystery; and, just out, Peril in the Park, the latest in the popular Jamie Quinn series. Coming soon, Engaged in Danger — the next Jamie Quinn mystery!

Find her on the web at

Blog | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon

http://janereads2.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-jamie-quinn-mystery-collection-by.html#more

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/the-jaime-quinn-mysteries-by-barbara-venkataraman/

Writing and Narrating Humor :-)

Courtesy of http://lisaksbookthoughts.blogspot.com/

sponsored by www.escapewithdollycas.com

WRITING & NARRATING HUMOR--

HOW TO LEAVE THEM LAUGHING

An Interview with author, Barbara Venkataraman

 and narrator, Carrie Lee Martz

    

--You two have eight audiobooks across three different genres, how did you find each other? Carrie, what appealed to you about these stories?
"Barbara actually found me through ACX just 9 days after I created my profile, but I'll let her tell that part of our story. The first book we did was “A Trip to the Hardware Store;” it was just really relatable and quirky, so I knew it’d fun to narrate."

--Barbara, how did you know Carrie was the narrator who could pull off humor AND narrate your mysteries?

I got very lucky! I wanted a narrator with a sense of humor and a range of voices who was willing to work for free. I either had to convince a total stranger to spend hundreds of hours recording my self-published books as unpaid labor, OR, find a narrator through ACX willing to royalty-share (spend hundreds of hours recording my self-published books as unpaid labor AND split any profits, assuming there were any).

Throwing caution to the wind, I posted two projects on ACX simultaneously. After listening to and rejecting many demo recordings, I began to question the whole project, but kept slogging through. Suddenly, the heavens parted and I heard an angel sing, only she wasn't an angel, she was Carrie Lee Martz. Her demo was a voiceover demo in which she showed off her range of voices. She was perfect! I made her an offer for both books and she accepted. We exchanged e-mails and confessed that we'd never done this before, but we were both game and jumped right in. 

--Carrie, as a narrator, how do you approach a humorous work differently?
"I don’t really. Narrating comedy isn’t about telling jokes or trying to be funny. If it were, I’d be in trouble, because I think I’m the least funny person I know and I literally can’t tell a joke to save my life! LOL I think what’s most important is understanding the writer’s sense of humor and being able to fully commit to the characters and the story. If you focus on those things, the funny will automatically shine through."

--Barbara, what advice do you have for authors about writing humor? 

Don't ask me, ask Ellen Degeneres, lol! I think humorous writing is the unexpected combined with the sublime and the ludicrous. It's based on common experiences we've all had (or can easily imagine), and often focuses on the minutiae. Look at the comedian, Jim Gaffigan and how much mileage he's gotten out of mocking Hot Pockets. My advice is to read a lot of humor and try to analyze why it works. There's a lot of timing involved and also a build-up of expectations.

--Carrie, do you have any advice for narrators thinking about trying Audible? Has it met your expectations?
"Go for it! Audible’s ACX program gives new narrators and indie authors a vehicle to break into the audiobook business without the usual constraints. I mean, what have you got to lose!?! I'd never narrated a book before, but my voiceover coach, Amy Hartman, suggested that I create an ACX profile to start practicing and auditioning. I was so excited to have a place to get "real world" experience auditioning for audiobooks, that I didn’t really have any expectations. Given that, the program far exceeded my expectations! With ACX, I get to audition and practice my narration skills on a regular basis and have launched the beginning of my audiobook career, with several books for sell on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.  AMAZING!!!"
  

--Barbara, do you also recommend Audible?

Definitely! But be prepared to do some serious marketing on your own. Once you and your narrator have exhausted your personal connections, it's time to hit the virtual streets. Get free download codes from ACX and give them away like crazy. When you run out, ask for more. Sadly, we can't all be featured in the New York Times book section.

-- Carrie, how has your acting experience helped you as a narrator?
"Being an actress has taught me how to make strong choices and how to fully commit to those choices, the characters, and the story. This is a really critical skill for actors, but it’s even more important for audiobook narrators! All you’ve got to work with are the characters and the author’s words, so you’ve got to be really clear in your mind about who the characters are and what the words mean. If you stay focused on the characters and have clear intentions for the story when you read, it helps to paint a better picture for the listeners."

--Barbara, What type of feedback have you gotten?

Carrie and I have gotten some wonderful feedback on our audiobooks and Carrie really brings my characters to life. Here are some examples of feedback we've received: you made me laugh, thanks for the chuckles, you almost made me spit my coffee out through my nose! My absolute favorite, though, was the woman who said Carrie did an excellent drunk voice. Carrie and I agreed that when we finally meet, we'll drink some wine and practice our drunk voices together.

--Carrie, have you gotten feedback on your narration & did it surprise you in any way?

"I've gotten quite a lot of feedback actually, which is pretty cool. I’ve had bad and good surprises. The bad – people can be incredibly critical and even a little mean in their reviews – it’s really taught me to “let go” of the negative comments (you just can't please everyone) and to pay special attention to the "constructive criticism" (if you learn to identify it, you can use it to improve and hone your skills). The good – I've had a lot of people say that listening to my narration is like sitting with a good friend while she shares the humorous stories of her life.  WOW – what a great compliment! Since I’m always striving for that kind of intimate experience when I narrate, it's so freaking cool to hear that it comes across that way to listeners!  =D"

How fun to get to know more about 

Barbara and Carrie!

www.escapewithdollycas.com

Check out my interview in Omnimystery News! :-)

Day 2 of my virtual book tour and I have an interview in Omnimystery News! Thanks to Lance Wright and Lori Caswell.

http://www.omnimysterynews.com/2015/07/a-conversation-with-mystery-author-barbara-venkataraman-1507140800.html

First day of my virtual book tour, yay!

Check out my virtual book tour that started today. :-)

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/books-currently-on-tour/the-jaime-quinn-mysteries-by-barbara-venkataraman/

Interview with Mrs. Grammar Person. :-)

Check out this new interview with Mrs. Grammar Person. :-) Thank-you to Emilia at the Book Bug Blog!


https://bookbug2012.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/10-questions-interview-with-mrs-grammar-person-via-barbara-venkataraman/

Spotlight on "Cozy Up with Kathy" blog :-)

Check out my spotlight and also the book review of my Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection on this great blog, "Cozy Up With Kathy"! Thanks for the wonderful opportunity, Kathy. :-)

http://cozyupwithkathy.blogspot.com/2015/05/an-introduction-to-jaime-quinn.html

Audio book giveaway!

Three mysteries in one audio book, who hoo! My award-winning Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection, Books 1-3, was just released yesterday and I'm so excited that I want to give some away! Send me a message in the comment section and I'll send you a download code, while supplies last!

If you could leave a review when you're done, it would be much appreciated!

http://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Jamie-Quinn-Mystery-Collection-Box-Set-Books-1-3-Audiobook/B00XWV2FS4/ref=a_search_c4_1_7_srTtl?qid=1432220230&sr=1-7

Virtual book tour coming soon! :-)

I'm very excited about my virtual book tour that runs July 13-26 through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours! The tour features five interviews with yours truly, four guest posts (I'm still busy writing them!), four book reviews and two spotlights! Whew! The book on tour is "The Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3".

The tour has introduced me to new blogs and bloggers, as well as introduced Jamie Quinn to them. It's going to be fun! Check it out at the link below and I will keep you posted. :-)

Special thanks to Lori, my kind hostess at the wonderful blog: "Escape with Dollycas Into a Good Book".

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-tours/the-jaime-quinn-mysteries-by-barbara-venkataraman/

Check out this free book promo! Thru 5/22 only! :-)

Free E-book on Amazon thru 5/22 only! Check it out:


http://www.amazon.com/Quirky-Essays-People-Complete-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KC7BNNY/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1431953577&sr=8-9&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection 

For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," PLUS seven bonus essays. What a collection! If this doesn't make you smile, then you're not even trying. 

"A Trip to the Hardware Store" 
These humorous essays explore such quirky topics as: disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance"). 

"I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course" 
A collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people ("I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"), to analyzing your inner child ("Irrational Fears"), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane ("A Jolt of Electricity"). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze ("It All Started with a Loud Sneeze"), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste ("Ask Me No Questions"), how a parent's obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex ("Crazy Hobbies"), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens ("Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic"). 

If you don't see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I'm not talking about you, of course. 

Free book promotion through 5/16! :-)

Happy Summer! My short story, "If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place" is free on Amazon through 5/16. Check it out. :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Youd-Just-Listened-First-Place-ebook/dp/B00EIN39GW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1431472269&sr=8-9&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

Free book promotion April 27 through May 1st, check it out! :-)

Free book promotion through May 1st, check it out!

My "Jamie Quinn Mystery Collection: Box Set Books 1-3" is free on Amazon through May 1st! :-)
Books 1-3 of the Jamie Quinn Mystery Series, including:

"Death by Didgeridoo"-Winner of the Indie Book of the Day award. Reluctant lawyer, Jamie Quinn, still reeling from the death of her mother, is pulled into a game of deception, jealousy, and vengeance when her cousin, Adam, is wrongfully accused of murder. It's up to Jamie to find the real murderer before it's too late. It doesn't help that the victim is a former rock star with more enemies than friends, or that Adam confessed to a murder he didn't commit.

"The Case of the Killer Divorce"-Reluctant lawyer, Jamie Quinn, has returned to her family law practice after a hiatus due to the death of her mother. It's business as usual until a bitter divorce case turns into a murder investigation, and Jamie's client becomes the prime suspect. When she can't untangle truth from lies, Jamie enlists the help of Duke Broussard, her favorite private investigator, to try to clear her client's name. And she’s hoping that, in his spare time, he can help her find her long-lost father.

"Peril in the Park"-There's big trouble in the park system. Someone is making life difficult for Jamie Quinn's boyfriend, Kip Simons, the new director of Broward County parks. Was it the angry supervisor passed over for promotion? The disgruntled employee Kip recently fired? Or someone with a bigger ax to grind? If Jamie can't figure it out soon, she may be looking for a new boyfriend because there’s a dead guy in the park and Kip has gone missing! With the help of her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie must race the clock to find Kip before it’s too late.

A preview of the next Jamie Quinn Mystery, "Engaged in Danger," can be found at the end of the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Quinn-Mystery-Collection-Books-ebook/dp/B00NB78KDS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1430086979&sr=8-8&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

Free book promotion through April 22nd, check it out!

My third Jamie Quinn mystery, "Peril in the Park" is free on Amazon through April 22nd! :-)

There's big trouble in the park system. Someone is making life difficult for Jamie Quinn's boyfriend, Kip Simons, the new director of Broward County parks. Was it the angry supervisor passed over for promotion? The disgruntled employee Kip recently fired? Or someone with a bigger ax to grind? If Jamie can't figure it out soon, she may be looking for a new boyfriend because there’s a dead guy in the park and Kip has gone missing! With the help of her favorite P.I., Duke Broussard, Jamie must race the clock to find Kip before it’s too late.

A preview of the next Jamie Quinn Mystery, "Engaged in Danger," can be found at the end of the book.

http://www.amazon.com/Peril-Park-Jamie-Quinn-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00KRQ0E1M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1429444701&sr=8-7&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

Free Audiobook Giveaway! :-)

Check out this free Audiobook giveaway. Three people will win an audiobook download for one of my books. Caption the photo for a chance to win! All audiobooks are narrated by the talented Carrie Lee Martz.

While you're at it, check out the wonderful blog where the giveaway is taking place: "Bookbug's World", thanks Emilia!
https://bookbug2012.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/n-is-for-finding-a-narrator-guest-post-by-author-barbara-venkataraman/

Free on Amazon through 4/12: "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" :-)

Free on Amazon through 4/12: "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" :-)

My new book, "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" is free today on Amazon Kindle, check it out!

Fear not, Gentle Writer, Mrs. Grammar Person is here and she has the answers to all of the questions you never thought to ask. As a dedicated and serious grammarian, she will do what it takes to be entertaining and enlightening, but never vulgar or coarse. Heavens, no! Where are her smelling salts? Warm and witty, Mrs. G.P. makes grammar interesting with rhyming, wishful thinking, story-telling and a champagne toast. You are cordially invited to join her for a spot of tea!

http://www.amazon.com/Teatime-Grammar-Person-Barbara-Venkataraman-ebook/dp/B00RUQY6B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420898161&sr=8-1&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

A Social Justice issue and a minute of your time...

WITH JUST YOUR SIGNATURE AND A MINUTE OF YOUR TIME,

YOU CAN REWRITE HISTORY, FIGHT FOR JUSTICE,

AND RIGHT A TERRIBLE WRONG...

If you want to help, please sign this petition and spread the word through social media

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

IT'S TIME FOR JUSTICE FOR THE GROVELAND BOYS

https://www.change.org/p/richard-scott-exonerate-the-groveland-four?recruiter=244799536&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

Thank-you!

Free Book Promotion Through March 22nd!

Free Book Promotion through March 22nd!

My award-winning book of humorous essays, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities" is free on Amazon now through March 22nd if you want to scoop it up.

http://www.amazon.com/Hardware-Calamities-Quirky-Essays-People-ebook/dp/B00DH5XFHU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1426684665&sr=8-9&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

 And check out the Audio version, it's priceless! Well, actually it's $3.95, but it's a bargain at twice the price. :-D

http://www.audible.com/pd/Bios-Memoirs/A-Trip-to-the-Hardware-Store-Other-Calamities-Audiobook/B00INB1CD2/ref=a_search_c4_1_4_srTtl?qid=1426684726&sr=1-4

 

 

Free Audiobook Giveaway Through April 5th!

Check out this free Audiobook giveaway through April 5th. Five people will win an audiobook download for "The Case of the Killer Divorce", the second book in my Jamie Quinn mystery series, narrated by the talented Carrie Lee Martz.

While you're at it, check out the wonderful blog where the giveaway is taking place: Beck Valley Books, thanks Sharon!

http://beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com/2015/03/audiobook-case-of-killer-divorce-jamie_12.html

Check out my free book promotion thru 3/11! :-)

Check out my free book promo on Amazon today thru March 11th. "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course", Winner of the "Indie Book of the Day" award for June 7, 2014.

At 7,600 words, this work is a collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people (“I’m Not Talking About You, Of Course”), to analyzing your inner child (“Irrational Fears”), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane (“A Jolt of Electricity”). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze (“It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste (“Ask Me No Questions”), how not to prepare dinner ("Martha, I Let You Down"), making new friends ("Friends in Low Places"), how a parent’s obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex (“Crazy Hobbies”), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens (“Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic”).
If you don’t see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I’m not talking about you, of course.

http://www.amazon.com/Talking-Course-Quirky-Essays-People-ebook/dp/B00821JBBS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1425748616&sr=8-9&keywords=barbara+Venkataraman

Audiobook giveaway! :-)

Thanks to Kym at "Tea and a Book" blog for the great review of "Death by Didgeridoo"! Check it out and enter to win a free audiobook. :-)

http://teaandabook.com/books/deathbydidgeridoo/

Book and audiobook giveaway! :-D

Thanks, Tina at "A Cozy Girl Reads" for the great review of "Death by Didgeridoo"! And thanks for hosting a giveaway of 3 e-books and 3 audiobooks. Giveaway ends Friday, February 27th at midnight. Good luck!

http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/2015/02/book-reviewgiveaway-death-by-didgeridoo.html

Thanks for the great review of "Killer Divorce", Yvonne, love it!

What a great blog and what a wonderful review. :-)

http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/02/review-case-of-killer-divorce-by.html

Free book promotion through Feb. 18th!

Check out my free book promotion on Amazon: "Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection"! :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Quirky-Essays-People-Complete-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KC7BNNY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1423925701&sr=8-10&keywords=barbara+Venkataraman

For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," PLUS seven bonus essays. What a collection! If this doesn't make you smile, then you're not even trying.

"A Trip to the Hardware Store"

These humorous essays explore such quirky topics as: disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance").

"I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"

A collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people ("I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"), to analyzing your inner child ("Irrational Fears"), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane ("A Jolt of Electricity"). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze ("It All Started with a Loud Sneeze"), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste ("Ask Me No Questions"), how a parent's obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex ("Crazy Hobbies"), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens ("Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic").

If you don't see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I'm not talking about you, of course.

Free Book Promotion Through February 8th!

My short story, "If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place..." is free on Amazon now through February 8th if you want to scoop it up.

http://www.amazon.com/Youd-Just-Listened-First-Place/dp/B00SZAH2IK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1423146836&sr=8-8&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

And check out the Audio version that just came out this month, it's priceless! Well, actually it's $3.46, but it's a bargain at twice the price. :-D

http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/If-Youd-Just-Listened-to-Me-in-the-First-Place-Audiobook/B00SXORCD8/ref=a_search_c4_1_2_srTtl?qid=1423146902&sr=1-2

Three new audiobooks out!

The talented Carrie Lee Martz has been working hard in her recording studio and we now have three more audiobooks to show for it! "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," my award-winning book of humorous essays; "Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection", and a short story set in Louisiana, "If You'd Just Listened to Me in the First Place". All three are available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes. Listen to a sample, I'm betting you'll like them!

Thanks for the great review!

Thanks to "My Book Addiction Reviews" for the great review of "The Case of the Killer Divorce," my second Jamie Quinn Mystery. April and Molly, you are awesome!


http://mybookaddictionreviews.com/2015/01/21/review-the-case-of-the-killer-divorce-by/

The Open Book Society's review of "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person"!

Thanks to Heidi & Andra at The Open Book Society for the wonderful review of "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person"! xoxo


http://openbooksociety.com/article/teatime-with-mrs-grammar-person-by-barbara-venkataraman-obs-book-review/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OpenSocietyBookClubDiscussionsAndReviews+%28Open+Society+Book+Club+Discussions+and+Reviews%29

Check out my guest post on Beck Valley Books! :-)

Thank-you to Sharon for inviting me to write a guest post for her wonderful blog!

http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com/
Be sure to check out Beck Valley Books for used, rare and out of print books. :-)

Finding hard to find titles, unusual titles, lovely old books and even modern titles was a booklover's dream......There's nothing better than holding a lovely old book in your hands, knowing it has its own unique history.  We have now found ourselves with thousands of used, rare and out of print  books, selling them worldwide on our website at www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk  You can always rely on our friendly service.

Free book promotion through January 25th, check it out!

My second Jamie Quinn mystery, "The Case of the Killer Divorce" is free on Amazon through January 25th! :-)

Check out this amazing review for "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person"!

Check out The New Book Review to see this amazing review of my new book, "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person". Thanks to the author of the review, Annie at The Editing Pen! (www.editing pen.net)


http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/2015/01/reviewer-in-wordy-nerdy-heaven.html

Free on Amazon today: "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" :-)

My new book, "Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person" is free today on Amazon Kindle, check it out!

Fear not, Gentle Writer, Mrs. Grammar Person is here and she has the answers to all of the questions you never thought to ask. As a dedicated and serious grammarian, she will do what it takes to be entertaining and enlightening, but never vulgar or coarse. Heavens, no! Where are her smelling salts? Warm and witty, Mrs. G.P. makes grammar interesting with rhyming, wishful thinking, story-telling and a champagne toast. You are cordially invited to join her for a spot of tea!

http://www.amazon.com/Teatime-Grammar-Person-Barbara-Venkataraman-ebook/dp/B00RUQY6B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420898161&sr=8-1&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

"Teatime with Mrs. Grammar Person"-now on Kindle!

Now available on Kindle, dear ones, your favorite grammarian, Mrs. Grammar Person, imparting her humor and wisdom for only 99 cents!


http://www.amazon.com/Teatime-Grammar-Person-Barbara-Venkataraman-ebook/dp/B00RUQY6B6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1420653646&sr=8-6&keywords=barbara+venkataraman

MRS. GRAMMAR PERSON TELLS A STORY

Fear not, Gentle Writer, Mrs. Grammar Person knows you've been working hard and is sure that you deserve a break. To that end, she has invited you to join her for tea and, while you rest up, she will tell you a story. Mrs. G.P. reminds us that all writing should tell a story and have a proper beginning, middle, and end. But, what is the glue that holds it all together? Mrs. G. P. is glad you asked that--you talented grammarians! She will explain everything by and by, but, for now, she asks that you sit back, sip your Darjeeling and relax. Chocolate biscuit, anyone?

What kind of story would you like to hear? Our favorite grammarian has a wonderful idea, one that includes audience participation--a "build-your-own-story", if you like. Once she begins her tale, please pay attention and, whenever she pauses, you may fill in the blank from the choices she provides. Are you ready?

Once upon a time, there was a lonely monkey/orphan/misshapen potato making his way through the world as best he could. If anyone asked him, he would say that all he ever wanted in life was the chance to marry a stockbroker/judge a beauty contest/compete on Jeopardy, but he knew that this dream was out of reach, so he looked for a job instead.  Nobody would to give him a chance; they all said he was too cantankerous/sleep-deprived/mountaineering. Frustrated, our hero turned to a life of crime and stole the king's favorite grilled cheese sandwich/talking parrot/thesaurus.

After that fateful day, our hero had to live on the run, or risk prison. In the beginning, he believed he needed only three things to survive. First, he needed his wits; second, his nerve; and finally, his silly string/pet ocelot/castanets. Also, he could have used a friend. In addition, finding a hot meal seemed fairly urgent. To be sure, he wasn't used to such a hard life. If only he could find his favorite food: figgy pudding/milk moustache/fried grasshoppers, he knew he would feel better. Equally important was a place to rest his head, preferably somewhere without bedbugs/fleas/a mint on the pillow. Finally, after searching everywhere, our hero found the perfect job, one that provided food and shelter, friendship and camaraderie. Above all, it gave him a reason to get up in the morning. In short, it was the best job ever, notwithstanding the fact that he was covered with dirt and mud all the time. In sum, he was deliriously happy working as a golf ball retriever/gopher tracker/dumpster diver and was quite good at it. As a result, he eventually earned the king's pardon. It also helped that he returned the king's grilled cheese sandwich/talking parrot/thesaurus. At last, our tale is done.  

More tea, anyone? Now that you have enjoyed our little story, it's time to talk about that glue, the handy words and phrases that connect our disparate thoughts and make them flow like a gentle brook through a verdant meadow, like caramel syrup over creamy custard, like--well, you get the picture. What are these useful links called? Anyone? Yes! They are transition words and are in bold above. While all of them are connectors, they serve different functions.

Some transitional words are used to indicate similarity. A few examples are: in addition, likewise, furthermore, in the same way, and as well as.

Contrastingly, some transitional words are used to indicate dissimilarity or contradiction. A few examples are: in contrast, on the other hand, although, and yet, and however.

Other transitional words are used for emphasis. A few examples are: in fact, indeed, of course, truly, and even.

And some transitional words are used for place or position. A few examples are: above, adjacent to, beyond, below, and in front.

Yet other transitional words are used to indicate consequence. A few examples are: as a result, consequently, accordingly, thus, and therefore.

Still other transitional words are used to indicate sequence. A few examples are: after, during, earlier, to begin with, and next.

Other transitional words are used to indicate exemplifying. A few examples are: specifically, such as, namely, to illustrate, and for example. 

In this next group, transitional words are used to show the priority of the writer's thoughts. A few examples are: above all, in the first place, of less/greater importance, moreover, and for one reason.

In the following group, transitional words are used to provide additional support or evidence.  A few examples are: additionally, equally important, furthermore, in addition, and moreover.

In our final group, transitional words are used to show conclusion or summary, usually of an essay. A few examples are: in conclusion, in short, in summary, to conclude, and thus. 

Congratulations! You have mastered the concept of transitions--and without even trying. Look at Mrs. Grammar Person beaming with pride. But, don't go yet, please have another biscuit as Mrs. G.P. has one more thing to tell you and it is this: no matter what you write, be it a novel, a treatise, an essay, or a poem, you always have the same three goals: present the problem, work through the problem, resolve the problem. Once you've learned how to write a beginning, a middle and an end, you'll be able to tell your own stories. And what could be better than that? Nothing--except for tea with Mrs. Grammar Person, of course.