You know her here under the nom de plume, Kansas.


A search of her comments yields an interesting observation. Nearly every comment I saw began with “Re:” What does that mean? It means that Kansas reads what other people write, and she responds to them … all the time … all day, every day. She looks for conversation topics initiated by others, and shares. (That says a lot about her as a person.) Most recently, she’s been busily touting Katiebird’s new blog, Eat 4 Today in comments and in e-mails to all of us.


But there’s the darker side of Kansas. How else can I put it when I go to Powell’s books, to look up one of her famous mystery novels, and see this in ALL CAPS:


      SEX, VIOLENCE, EVIL, AND BETRAYAL


Goodness gracious! Yes, it’s true. Kansas, our beloved regular at the Froggy Bottom Cafe is none other than famed mystery writer Nancy Pickard. (Well, there were those Froggy Bottom comments about a former BF and an incident involving Nancy driving her Mustang …)


I’ve known this little secret for some time, and Nancy’s finally let me tell all of you. I quickly wrote to Other Lisa and her mom, who says Nancy Pickard is her favorite author. Other Lisa’s mom, Carol, writes:

“I have been a fan of Nancy Pickard’s books since the early days of the Jenny Cain series and now the Marie Lightfoot novels. Her books are a wonderful blend of suspense and humor with interesting and compelling plotlines. I was especially touched by the relationship of Jenny and her Mother. I have seen Ms. Pickard at various Bouchercons and she is a delightful speaker!”


If you’ve read one of Nancy’s marvelous mysteries or her “how to” writer’s book, please share your comments here.


Powell’s has some of Nancy’s many books — including Ring of Truth — and so does Alibris (Buy new, used, and hard-to-find books at Alibris!). But, Overstock.com has every one of them — and they’re new — and they’re at incredible savings. Every book sold at Overstock is guaranteed to be cheaper than Amazon!


Since I can’t link you directly to Nancy’s books at Overstock, click on Save on Books at Overstock.com!

and search for “Nancy Pickard.” The beauty of buying at Overstock is that they are all NEW books, and at a great savings.


Below the fold I’ve got more about some of Nancy’s books — including the must-read Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment … UPDATED BELOW with Nancy’s bio …

Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment


From Powell’s description:


Synopses & Reviews


Review:

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED . . . SEVEN STEPS is a terrific writer’s guide with practical advice and great wisdom for both the novice and veteran.”

Harlan Coben, Author of No Second Chance


Review:

“I can give you seven reasons to buy this book for every writer you know. It’s fresh, insightful, candid, funny, supportive, encouraging, and wise.”

SUE GRAFTON


Review:

“I WISH I’D HAD THIS BOOK TWENTY YEARS AGO! Pickard and Lott illuminate every writer’s essential challenge—the creative process, the evolution from idea to finished product. An absolute must for anyone who writes.”

T. J. MACGREGOR

Edgar Award–winning author of Out of Sight

MORE:


“Every writer gets lost from time to time on the creative journey, and when that happens, it’s nice to encounter a friendly and helpful companion like Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path. Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott light the path and guide us out of the darkness one step at a time.”

—ROB MACGREGOR

Edgar Award–winning author of Prophecy Rock


Review:

“This book made me want to walk straight to the computer and start writing.”

ELAINE VIETS

Author of Shop Till You Drop: A Dead-End Job Mystery


Review:

“Seven Steps offers much good advice, both practical and motivational, that’s been time- and career-tested. This would be a pleasing companion as you embark on a book project in any genre.”

SUSAN K. PERRY

Author of Writing in Flow: Keys to Enhanced Creativity


Synopsis:


The blank page, the impossible deadline, the rush of inspiration: There is no profession more maddening or more rewarding than being a writer. Yet surprisingly, all writers pass through the same sequence of stages in the course of their careers. It was this remarkable insight that inspired veteran authors Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott to write one of the wisest and liveliest guides to the literary life ever penned– a volume of astonishing revelation, warm reassurance, brilliant encouragement, and welcome humor. No matter what you write or how much recognition you’ve received, you are bound to pass through the seven steps on the writer’s path: Unhappiness, Wanting, Commitment, Wavering, Letting Go, Immersion, and Fulfillment.


Whether you’re a wannabe writer or a published literary veteran, you’re bound to find this book a source of true delight, vital wisdom, and lasting inspiration.


Nancy’s bio, which I forgot to include before I went to the grocery store:

Nancy Pickard is the author of sixteen popular and critically acclaimed novels, including the Jenny Cain and Marie Lightfoot mystery series. She is the author of dozens of short stories and of three novels in the Eugenia Potter series created by Virginia Rich. She is the co-author, with psychologist Lynn Lott, of the beloved non-fiction book about writing, Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path, of which the best-selling writer Sue Grafton says, “I can give you seven reasons to buy this book for every writer you know. It’s fresh, insightful, candid, funny, supportive, encouraging, and wise.” A writer whose work covers an amazing span of the mystery world, from the classic cozy to private eye stories, and from humorous mysteries to psychological suspense, Nancy has won the Agatha, Anthony, Macavity, and Shamus awards for her short stories and the Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards for her novels. The Los Angeles Times says, “Pickard pushes at the presumed limits of (crime fiction).” The San Diego Union says, “Nancy Pickard is acclaimed a one of today’s best mystery writers. Mounting evidence suggests that this description is too limited. . .Pickard (is) one of today’s best writers, period.” She is a 3-time Edgar Allen Poe award nominee. She is a founding member and former president of Sisters In Crime, the international organization dedicated to the advancement of women mystery writers, and she is a former national board member of the Mystery Writers of America. Her latest novel, The Virgin of Small Plains, will be published in April by Ballantine.
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