My friend Carsten pointed out that I haven’t posted here in a while. He’s usually the one who says I shouldn’t apologize for not posting, so this must be serious.

Been busy, yes. With things that would interest you? No.

For now, let’s just talk about books. Can’t go wrong there.

66. How to Write a Damn Good Mystery: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide from Inspiration to Finished Manuscript– James N. Frey
The problem with quite a few mystery-specific writing books is that they aren’t mystery-specific. (Leave out adverbs. Yes, it’s been covered.) This one was, though, and I liked reading about techniques that, so far, I’ve just been doing without a net. He does push the “damn good” thing a bit too much, but I found some good info here.

67. Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend– Susan Orlean
I would read anything Susan Orlean wrote, and a dog book? That was a no-brainer. I didn’t grow up with “Rinty” in any way, but I still enjoyed reading about this one dog’s amazing legacy.

68. No Biking in the House Without a Helmet– Melissa Fay Greene
I would also ready anything Melissa Fay Greene wrote. This is a more personal book than her others. Enjoyed it. You should go read Praying for Sheetrock. Yes, right now.

69. 84 Charing Cross Road– Helene Hanff
A re-read. This is a wee little collection of letters between a writer and a bookseller over the course of many years. Charming, funny. I think it’s going to be my holiday reading for life. Now if I only had a fireplace, life would indeed be perfectly cozy.

70. Purgatory Ridge– William Kent Krueger
This is the third in a series that I started reading this summer. Still like the series, although I took a slow-go through this one for some reason. Not sure there was a reason. I have the next few of these for my Nook, but I’d better take a break.

71. Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks: Fifty Years of Mysteries in the Making– John Curran
The only problem with this book is that now I really want to read ALL THE CHRISTIE. Not sure I’ll ever get to, but I’ve enjoyed a few of her best this year. I’m a fan. Reading this book always made me itch to write—a very nice side effect except that I read most of it right before bed.

So that’s the end of my reading year, I imagine. In the time I have left this year, what I really need to do is WRITE.