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
“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:
Kansas, you’re busted!
And great headline, SusanHu!
I just finished The Ring of Truth, which I picked up the minute I turned the last page on The Whole Truth.
What can I say but, Brava! kansas!
And, what every author wants to hear (see, I did read it), “I couldn’t put it down.”
I was going to metion these same coincidences but dared not for being labeled a conspiracisisist.
SEX, VIOLENCE, EVIL, AND BETRAYAL
I mean, what else in life actually matters besides this?
Thanks for posting this Susan – Kansas has definitely earned the props!
(Whew! Good thing Kansas gave permission to reveal her name, because it was openly discussed awhile back in Boston Joe’s introductory book diary.) And funny thing about your timing – one night last week I woke up around 1:00 a.m. and was unable to get back to sleep. When I logged on to my computer, something compelled me to look into Nancy Pickard – and everything I read was really quite impressive. (Let’s just say that Kansas has been incredibly humble in not mentioning all of her awards and accomplishments!)
I haven’t read a novel in years, but I was delighted to see that Kansas writes “culinary mysteries”. That’s a favorite genre of mine, so I’ve been investigating the “Chile Con Carne” series.
Hats off to you, Kansas! (And thanks again for writing this Susan!)
Another great set in a series. Kansas took over this character when the author who originated this character died….making it all the more impressive I think to try and not disappoint fans of the original author(whose name is escaping me at the moment). I like the fact also the women in this series is an older women woman past 50, so she’s not some cool young PI chick..but an older character who is equally cool.
When I first found out(a while ago) who Kansas was from comments in the Cafe I was pretty much beside myself-well not pretty much a lot much. Here was someone whose comments I always gravitated towards and found thoughtful but also very funny at times..now I knew why. Not being one to go all gushy/gooey exactly I think I may have embarrassed myself by talking up how absolutely damn cool her books are.
Before I knew who she was I had her in the top 5 of my favorite writers, period. And it wasn’t number 5 either.
I too started reading the Jenny Cain series(which has ended and sent me into a tailspin, no kidding..book lovers hate to give up their favorite characters)but Kansas came back with the even more acclaimed Marie Lightfoot series.
These books go beyond a simple mystery/suspense plotting and make you think about human relationships, characters and life that do go beyond the very entertaining and wonderful mystery plots.
And I do think I’m freaken gushing again and embarrassing myself.
Susan didn’t mention that Kansas has won quite a few prestigious mystery writers awards for excellence and also for all of us women-and men who are feminists here, her work in helping start ‘Sisters In Crime’ to help promote women writers when even 20 years ago they weren’t considered important enough for year end book reviews etc etc…so we all owe a big debt of gratitude for her work in getting rid of prejudice and regulating women writers to lesser statue with their counterpart male mystery writers-most of whom can only wish they were half as good.
And no she really didn’t pay me to write this.
Hey Chocolate – trust me when I say you have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, your enthusiastic praise resulted in my research of Ms. Pickard’s writing.
While I still have no idea what prompted me to think of Kansas at 1:00 a.m. last Thursday, I do know that your exuberant critiques compelled me to research her work once she did come to mind. (And that was definitely time well spent – what a fascinating woman!)
No advertisement is more powerful than a passionate endorsement from a trusted, known entity. So whenever the mood strikes, please continue to “gush” :^)
hhmmmmmmmmmmm…maybe I should start getting paid for being an unofficial pr person after all.
Very glad my cheerleading led you to read kansas’s books-really time well spent and good reading.
I knew I liked that lady.
Wow! It’s been a while, but I read the whole Jenny Cain series and really enjoyed it. I read mysteries like crazy — a couple, three books a week. I’m always happy to find a new series and was really disappointed when I ran out of the Jenny Cain ones — she’s a great character. I’ll have to look for the Marie Lightfoot ones — I didn’t know about them. This is amazing!
Oh, geez, is everyone on this blog a famous writer?!!! This is really very exciting! Congratulations to Kansas aka Nancy on her continued success and on her “unmasking”. I haven’t read any of the books but look forward to doing so.
BTW, now it’s finally time for another revelation. I’m really Elvis. No, not Mr.Costello, the other one. Rumours of my death were greatly exaggerated. I’ve actually been hiding behind the keyboard of a 386 for years now.
Elvis has left the keyboard.
Ahem.
Now that I’ve finally stopped laughing at what Bor…er, Elvis wrote :<) let me just say…
…Wow! How very cool.
Bor…Elvis :<) (man am I ever getting a kick out of that) I’m thinking the same thing–how many famous writers are there on this blog?!?!
I am definitely going to have to keep the skills sharp to keep up.
More than that, though, it speaks well of the site that it attracts such great talent (real history lisa, bostonjoe, etc.–oh, and BTW, you, my dear).
Ok so, that really was you I saw on Beale St the other day!!!!! ;o)
Hmm… never read the books but now I’m curious about the rest of the story:
Hmmm!
Pax
you have to watch out for. So genteel in one window, all the while typing out in another, thrilling tales of SEX, VIOLENCE, EVIL!
Go Miss Nancy! 🙂
How are we ever going to keep her in the Cafe, now that she’s seen the front page?
hey, a male might succumb to ego, but never our Kansas!!
with more SEX, VIOLENCE and EVIL
and lots of impossibly cute kittens
Speaking of which, I hope you’ve all discovered this website…
Maybe Teacher Toni has been posting pictures of her child there…
oops…try it here…
Lisa, that was an adorable site. Thanks..loved it
She surely couldn’t turn her back on us with that kind of arsenal.
As for the cafe, we got the sex part covered, but I’m not sure how well all the nice ladies and gentlemen there do violence and evil.
with overripe fruit and cupcakes. So that should take care of the violence.
As the site grows, and the “elections” approach, we will begin to attract a more malevolent class of operative, so evil won’t be a problem. ;>
Do you know that the very worst thing an author can do in a mystery novel is to kill a cat? Commit fictional mass murder, create a heinous serial killer, run over a dog (no!), and all will be forgiven. But if you harm so much as a hair on a single kitty’s head. . .letters. You will get letters. And deserve every incensed one of them, of course.
I can’t think of any fiction villains that have harmed kitties. Dogs, yes, and the poor parakeet in one of those Bette Davis movies, and Mario Puzo beheaded a horse. But never a cat.
Maybe one day you can fulfill my secret ambition and make me into a mysterious evil villain who writes threatening letters to cats.
Like a mere threatening letter would intimidate a cat!
A cat would correct the grammar and return the letter.
I forgot that part.
Actually, I think that we are all secretly hoping to become characters in one of your books. Maybe Second Nature as the leader of a ring of elegant ladies who commit non-consensual psychic makeovers on centrist Democrats, they think no one is onto them, but one day, their cats all get these letters…
My own evil plot is that I will eventually get you all to plot my next book. God knows it could use one.
Can you write me a life? I’m having a hard time following the script I was given for this one.
You may want to think seriously before turning your life’s plot over to me! Although, I could sure solve that son-in-law problem for you.
What, you’re gonna smash into his car or something? 🙂
At the risk of busting the borders:
Guffaw!
If given the authority that’s one problem I could solve very quickly and with a smile on my mean little face.
Oh no! This is the syndicate’s Godmother kiss of death. It’s a ruse. A plan so deviously ingenious that none of us are aware it is beginning.
Is an author’s identification on an internet forum a chance happening, or a deliberate disclosure? Having enjoyed the relative anonymity in a quiet cyber-community, the writer now has been bumped out from the protective shadows.
Admirers of her work continue to gather in the forum and the creativity flows from their collective cranii..;)…but, was this just part of the plan from the beginning? Could it be that no child was left behind to fall into the virtual well and require rescue? After so much success and well deserved recognition, had she run out of victims? The volatile nature of mixing political ideals with curious minds might provide the fertile ground of a virgin field.
Appreciative fans hungry for learning from such a master would increase the site’s traffic. Sales and revenue gains would be a benefit but might they be the sole reason behind the ID disclosure? That exact question would come to mind as it’s later found that all statistics contradicted the theory. In fact, digging deeper suggests the evidence that certain ISP routes were intentionally blocked from the site’s normal traffic.
Another author, perhaps acting out of a perceived slight from the recognition, could have reason to diminish our new discovery. Coincidence is always convenient to dismiss claims of conspiracy. It is also instrumental in misdirecting those trying to track the truth. The numbers turn around and better reflect the astonishing growth as speculation of the situation is shared among the readers. Still, that fails to explain the subsequent pattern of specific individuals disappearing from the site in the coming weeks.
What starts as an ingenious marketing ploy turns deadly by the opportunistic security contractor who seizes the chance to silence some pesky whistleblowers.
😉
Bwahahaa!
I’m still working on the sex part.
Does it count when it’s done as part of a character’s past?
In The Edge a cat killing played a gigantic role in the events of the story. It disturbed me for quite a while.
That’s an excellent exception, kb. If it’s safely, emotionally in the past, it’s a bit more “okay.” But just barely, and not with some readers. Did that make you hesitate to finish that book or to read that author’s next book?
I believe that the unveiling of that piece of information was very close to the end and I did finish it. But, as I said, I was profoundly disturbed.
Spoiler (highlight the apparently blank lines to reveal the spoiler information):
I loved Dick Francis. But he did that to me all the time in his books. The lead character & his loyal friends are some of my best loved fictional characters. But his villians are horrible, horrible people. And it frequently took me a week or two to get the courage to open his new book, even if I couldn’t wait to buy it.
I don’t think he’s written anything for several years.
You’re so right about Dick Francis! There was one thing with a horse’s foot (hoof?) that I’ve never gotten over! His villians are pure evil. The books, however, are fascinating — I never knew there were so many aspects to horse-racing.
Oh, I forgot about that one. That surely has to be in the same class as the cat thing.
I wonder if it’s true that his wife did all the plots for his books?
I’ve heard that rumor, too. I also read an interview with one or the other of them, and they said it was absolutely false that Dick didn’t write all the books (I think the rumor had gone so far as to say she actually wrote some of them). The article did say, though, that he couldn’t have written so many books without her help as she did a lot of research for him.
I think I read somewhere that he stopped writing after his wife died.
One of Dorothy Dunnett’s novels featured a villain who not only killed a bunch of innocent kitties — he made their pelts into a fur cloak and gave it to his human quarry. But she’s British — and I’ve noticed that British writers never shrink from killing off characters you like whether they are animal or human.
was the killer?
You’re thinking of the Batman movies.
I read something recently where a cat was killed as a warning. Might have been one of Tess Gerritsen’s, but she writes medical thrillers where people do things like go to graphically described autopsies.
Oh, I was reading one where that happened… can’t remember the book…mainly because I couldn’t really focus on it after that…
So Kansas is right. Books where cats die fail miserably!
Books where cats die fail miserably!
Gerritsen is a major best-seller type, and I sure wouldn’t want to meet any of her villains in a dark alley.
Yeah, well, they fail with me! Cause I can’t even remember the author. It was a guy, though…I think…
…such a large percentage of mystery readers are reading their novels with cats on their laps.
I know it’s true in my case!
Writers, too. And I’ll bet that’s true in your case, as well. 🙂
Put it this way…the laptop goes on one thigh…the cat goes on the other…
One lap and keyboard, thoroughly catted:
… Dachshunds. You do not want to piss off the wiener dog set.
There is one on my lap now, even as we type, and she says to tell you, “Damn right.”
No wonder Atrios likes her better.
That’s purely for the quickies.
I believe Susan did mention my (wink wink) short stories.
A girl goes galloping off to a gallery and she comes home and finds out she’s on display, herself!
Thank you, dear Susan. Mutual admiration society and all that.
I’m not going to respond to every comment, because, well, blush. But thank you thank you thank you. Love you love you love you all.
Will you be doing any book touring when “The Virgin of Small Plains” comes out in April? It would be way cool if you were coming to Denver and I could have you sign a copy. . .
I don’t know yet, RH. If they send me out, I’ll definitely post my destinations. It would be so cool to hook up with various Tribbers all over the country.
That’s great — I’ll keep an eye out. The Seattle Mystery Bookstore is a pretty common destination, I think. Fingers crossed for a Northwest stop!
I’m sure that the folks at Murder by the Book would be delighted to host a signing. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!
Sorry I’ve never heard of her but will definitely check her books out now.
I mostly read non-fiction and new unknown authors. And since Nancy Pickard is an unknown to me I’ll read her books!
The Marie Lightfoot books are remarkable among mysteries because they operate on several levels simultaneously. Their structure is much more complex than many popular mysteries–much closer to so-called literary novels–and I found that the characters–good and bad–stayed in my mind a long, long time. Nancy’s central characters also grow and change over time, which is essential in holding reader interest over multiple books.
I recognized her name here about six months ago, and tentatively asked privately if she was, indeed, she. Nancy’s been incredibly generous in offering encouragement to me and listening to me rattle on about my scribblings. Having read Susan’s paean, however, I’ll now go back to being intimidated. 😉
Timing is indeed everything. Just this morning I had a conversation with a fantastic woman who lives on my block. We’ve been talking about creating a writing group for months. This morning we made a commitment to get started. Within a very few hours we have five women in the group. We’ll begin this week.
It brings up so many of the steps Nancy and Lynn discuss in ‘Seven Steps.’ We’ve struggled through Wanting, we’ve reached Commitment, we’re in the process of Letting Go and eager for Immersion and Fulfillment. That will all likely change when we wake up in the morning and realize we’re really going to go forth with this and will have to reveal our writing to others.
Just before I logged onto Booman I was perusing my favorite books on writing, Annie Lamott’s ‘Bird by Bird,’ Natalie Goldberg’s ‘Writing Down the Bones,’ and her ‘Wild Mind.’ Since these books have more highlighted pages than fresh ones, since they are so dog-eared it speaks to their age, I was thinking I’d have to do some research on the newest books on writing. And then, what should I come across but Susan’s post and her link to Overstock.com. I just ordered the last ‘Seven Steps’ they had in stock.
Another gem to this post is community. I don’t know why but I haven’t been to the Cafe yet. A little shy I suppose but, for whatever reason, my eagerness is greater than my shyness so I’m going to take the plunge.
For all that is right with the world, it’s always found on Booman. That you all are here, so supportive and welcoming is a very good thing. Thanks.
Please do come to the cafe and don’t be shy. In fact, I probably have you beat for shyness but, trust me, they’re gentle on us. And it’s been a little quiet lately.
It took me a long time to do more than look into the window of the cafe, but I’m glad I went in. Come over for a cup of coffee.
That’s exciting about your brand new writing group. If there’s anything I can do–or say–to cheerlead, please e me. And come on over to the Cafe! Sometimes there’s even a fireplace or a hot tub. 🙂
I’m not sure which you prefer, Kansas or Nancy, but your offer is so incredibly generous. I will definitely take you up on it, thanks so much. Would you mind if I email you a link to something I’ve written? I’ll be sure to pick out something short. Don’t hesitate to say no if it’s imposing or inconvenient in any way. I’m truly looking forward to the group. Wonderful, fascination women I’ll be sharing with.
I just ventured over to the cafe but I got tongue tied before I could say anything. Strange, as I’m very gregarious normally. Not shy on offering my opinion but feel stymied as I tend to lose my sense of self and humor in such a casual setting on the blogs.
Thanks again for your encouragement and offer.
Just jump right in — introduce yourself and tell everybody its your first time — we don’t bite.
Around here I really like to be kansas, although sometimes I wonder why anybody would. 🙂
You may email me something. . .
ONLY IF. . .
you go over to the cafe, and say hi, even if all you say is, “kansas made me do this.”
heh heh.
This is a Very Special One-Time Offer, because I don’t usually read stuff. I usually just jump up and down and cheer on the sidelines. But just for you, just this once, and if you promise not to tell another living soul. . . 🙂 I’d be very happy to. IF you do that thing you’re supposed to do.
Npickardatkc.rr.com
Well, Nancy! Since your last email and I saw your name, I just wondered to myself. I recoginized the name, but thought many ppl have names that are like celebs…well, I was right…:o) Hugs my dear..and am glad we have you here for us to enjoy. You have showen us many lights to guide us along the way in many respects.
What Susan said “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.” Is so true.
I remember when we did the PhotoFair, in FairDiary after FairDiary, kansas’s was the first or second comment. With something to say about almost every photograph in the show. And it wasn’t just a standard, “it’s beautiful” comment — she had something specific to say about each one.
But that’s not really why we’re talking about her here today (although it’s a big reason why she’s our friend). Today, it’s her skill as a fiction writer we’re celebrating.
And chocolate ink said it so well, in words that almost made me cry:
The only thing missing from that list is for her to be a New York Times bestselling author. It’s long overdue for her and I will do anything I can to help make it happen.
I’ll go out on a limb here and predict it’s only a matter of time and sooner rather than later that kansas will be making the NYT list. Not just because I’m a big fan but because her readership, recognition and excellent writing has been gathering more and more acclaim.
By the way I registered at your new site and am just waiting for a password.
I totally agree with you. But, I’m thinking that in this age Internet age, friends can be much more proactive about building up the reputations of friends than they ever could in the past. As we move around the Internets, we can mention that Nancy Pickard has a new book coming out. And link it to the Powells page. I don’t mean everyday & all the time. But if it’s appropriate, I’ll mention it.
Also, I’m glad you said that about the email — the emails go out instantly. Sometimes they get caught in spam filters & sometimes they get caught, I don’t know where. (I just sent you a password).
Katiebird,
Someone told me a while back that the way the NYT Book Review calculates the weekly best-seller list has to do with timing–and probably an algorithm similar to what Scoop uses to calculate mojo!
There’s a way to ratchet up the numbers of a new book if people place all their orders on the same day, I think. Let’s investigate it, and get all the orders for the new book synched so as to boost the sales numbers.
Kansas, do you know about this? I’ll ask around, see if I can find out the particulars. And, yes, let’s use the internets.
I think I read something about that also. It’s nice to have a little more information to work with.
Hey Kansas,
Had to pop out of lurk mode to congratulate you on the press here. May it bring you many new readers!
Get back to work. 🙂
Yes, Ma’am! I’ve got to get a chapter and a half done before Thursday so I really shouldn’t be here, but I decided to check my email real quick… and one thing led to another, and now I’m going back to work.
Actually, the break has been pretty good so far. This week I got a polished draft of the YA off to my first readers, and a rewritten final on an older book off to my agent. With copyedits done on WebMage last week that takes three projects off my plate and leaves me only working on the one that’s not due till November, so I’m starting to feel less pressed.
Cool beans, I love seeing this. I just found out recently that Kansas was indeed that Nancy Pickard.
She has been one of my favorite mystery writers for years, mainly because it’s not just all rote, formula writing, like so many seem to be nowadays – there always some interesting sub issues stuck in there. I’ve recommended her books to many people. I’ve mostly read the Jenny Cain series, but not the latest cuz I didn’t know about it.
When I’ve run out of new things to read, I tend to re-read old books (which is why I usually buy from thrift stores or used book stores, because libraries… wonderful as they are, tend to want you to bring their books back! The nerve.)
Anyway, the other night the book I happened to pick up was an older Jenny Cain one… I was about a third of the way through before it hit me… “Oh my goodness, Kansas wrote this.” Don’t know why but that just seemed a bit surreal, and I had to think about it for a minute.
Then I shrugged and finished the book ;).
Then I shrugged and finished the book ;).
lol! A perfect response.
hey kansas, as I am a newbie to your work, but an avid mystery fan (particularly ‘literary’ mysteries – perez-reverte; caleb carr) which book would you recommend of yours to get me started?
Hey, spidey, thanks. Sorry to be so slow to answer. I think I’d recommend my “Truth” series, starting with The Whole Truth. These books have liberal themes I think you might like. Or, you might try Confession from the Jenny Cain series, although that would drop you into the series near the end.
are all so generous and funny. Or funny and generous, if you’d prefer. I’ve been smiling and laughing my way down the page. Thanks a lot. Makes me want to go write a book for you.
A book for US?!!
Y-A-A-A-Y!
Let’s see . . . a book involving sex, violence, evil, betrayal, and politics, with a BT twist. How about The Rise of the Marmotariat!
I’d prefer something with sex, violence, sex, evil, sex, betrayal, sex, politics and sex.
Workin’ on it. 🙂