Be honest. Even though some of you shudder in your boots at the idea of writing or reading about a serial killer, even more of you are fascinated by what makes this tick. Ted Bundy was a charming, terrifying psychopath. How many women did he really kill?

Jeffrey Dahmer was a beaten down, miserable man who mutilated gay men and boys. Gacy hid bodies in the crawlspace beneath his house. The Zodiac has never been caught, H.H. Holmes and Ed Gein were part of the inspiration for Leatherface, and of course, Jack the Ripper (and no, I’m not sold on the idea of his finally being identified).

These people have fascinated us for years. Bundy had groupies. Manson gets a ton of letters. Hannibal Lector, another mashup fictional creation of serial killers, is often cheered for by readers and viewers. And don’t forget Dexter, the psychopath we all rooted for until the very end. And no, we’re not talking about how the series ended. Sigh.

The point is, these people are an enigma, and that’s part of why we’re fascinated with them. When I originally started penciling ideas for my Lucy Kendall Series, I thought about the idea of two serial killers coming together and forming some kind of romantic relationship. The idea intrigued me for a minute, and then I quickly realized I had something much darker and juicier on my hands. Lucy Kendall, eradicator of pedophiles, was born.

See, she doesn’t believe she’s a killer when she first walks across the pages of ALL GOOD DEEDS. She’s performing a necessary duty to society, and if that means she’s risking her eternal soul, then so be it. Saving kids is worth it.

Enter Chris Hale, a strikingly good looking man who cheerfully tells her he’s a sociopath and they’re of the same ilk. He’s a serial killer too, and why don’t they join forces.

Panicked, Lucy denies, denies, denies. And she’s immediately intrigued by Chris. Is he really a sociopath? Maybe, although he seems much too compassionate. And is he truly a serial killer? She’s not sure, but she’s going to find out, because Chris has no intention of going away. But even more troublesome to Lucy is this notion that she herself is a serial killer.

She’s not one of those people. Is she?

AN EXCERPT FROM ALL GOOD DEEDS

“You. It’s not often I find someone who’s like me.”

“Like you?”

“In the same line of work.”

I said nothing.

“I don’t like to use the popular name for it.” He leaned over the table, into my space. His eyes burned even brighter up close. In another scenario, I would have matched his body language, flirted a little. A woman should always seize the opportunity to get up close and personal with a face like his. Unless he’s a stalker with the power to send her to the lethal injection chamber. “You know, serial killer. The term is so … trendy. I like to call myself the garbage man. Just taking out the trash.”

Of all the presumptuous, stupid things to say. I wasn’t a serial killer, and I had no interest in aiding this man’s sick fantasies. “I don’t know who you are–”

“Name’s Chris Hale. I’m a paramedic and an Aries. I love Indian food. Italian, too. And Mexican. Pretty much all food. I’ve got a major sweet tooth. Never done drugs, I’m an only child. I’ll spare you the sob story. Anything else?” He smiled again, the lines around his eyes crinkling in a ruggedly attractive way that probably made plenty of women act foolish.

Purchase ALL GOOD DEEDS now!

Don’t miss the official launch party for ALL GOOD DEEDS happening TODAY on Facebook! Starting at noon central, I’ll be sharing series secrets and giving away some seriously cool swag. Stop by and learn all about Lucy Kendall!

In my new thriller ALL GOOD DEEDS, former Child Protective Services worker turned private investigator and vigilante killer of pedophiles Lucy Kendall states very clearly that pedophiles can’t be cured. She bases her opinion on 10 years with CPS and seeing countless repeat offenders, as well as national statistics.

Lucy, as so many of our characters do, gets this very hardline belief from her creator. I don’t think they can be cured, and I really don’t believe they should have a second chance. But let me clarify, for myself and for Lucy: I’m distinguishing between pedophiles and registered sex offenders. While many registered sex offenders are pedophiles, the term and the law encompasses a wide range of acts and ages. You can read more about it here.  Lucy is after child molesters.

Which brings me to the question: should our laws be tightened to ensure a child molester never gets out? I realize that brings up the massive budgetary issues our state and federal prisons face, but how many repeat offenders are there in this country? How many kids are molested by someone who was once incarcerated for the same crime but was released because time was served? I don’t believe these people can control their urges–even the few who actually want to.

Consider the case of Joe Ed Davis, a Texas man convicted of indecency with a child for the second time. Under Jessica’s Law, Texas sentenced him to an enhanced sentence of life in prison instead of the usual two to twenty year sentence for the Second Degree Felony. Jessica’s Law was signed into effect in 2007, the result of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford’s kidnapping, rape, and murder by John Couey. Couey was a registered offender. Jessica’s father Mark Lunsford fought for tougher sex offender laws throughout the United States. About 30 state legislatures have taken varied approaches, but the main component is a 25-year mandatory sentence and lifetime electronic monitoring.

Oklahoma is working to implement the death sentence for repeat child molesters.

But is that enough? Why do these monsters who go over children, get a second chance at all? Why must there be at least one more victim before they are permanently stopped? The answer is only simple if you look at it from an emotional standpoint, and unfortunately, lawmakers can’t do that. It’s a tangled mess that will likely never be solved. As a mother, all I know is that if someone did that to my child, I would be hard pressed to think of any law or have any sort of compassion to give someone a second chance.

And those questions led me to the creation of Lucy Kendall. She spent 10 years in our convoluted system trying to help kids and seeing the worst happen over and over again. One of her first cases involved eleven-year-old Justin Beckett, who raped and murder his neighbor and friend. Justin served his time and was released as an adult. Lucy snapped, and then started learning the benefits of cyanide. In ALL GOOD DEEDS, she’s confident she’s on the right path. But then a little girl goes missing, and she just happens to live across the street from Justin Beckett, the very man Lucy begged the courts not to release.

Loaded with guilt and a little self-righteous attitude, Lucy sets off to find the little girl herself and prove to the world she was right about Justin Beckett all along.

What do you think about repeat child molesters? Should it be one and done no matter the cost?

ALL GOOD DEEDS is available now.

Let’s get something out of the way first, and that’s the fact that I am nuts. You don’t have to go on book tour for 7 months. Nobody goes on tour for that long. Heck, you don’t have to go on book tour at all.

But you might want to consider it. If not for 7 months, or 7 weeks, then how about 7 days? After all, 60-70% of readers like to buy books by browsing in bookstores. That’s a lot of potential fans for your work. Recent figures have digital book sales flattening while sales of hard covers are up, and trade paperbacks are holding steady. It’s really not clear which horse we should bet on.

Why not bet on them all?

Incorporating a real time, face-to-face dimension to your word-spreading efforts isn’t as difficult as you might think. And it adds something unique. As wonderful as the virtual world is—as much as it’s allowed us to spread our wings and “meet” people in places we could never reach—nothing quite duplicates the experience of hearing an audience member quote one of your own lines back to you. Or show you the page that got crinkled because what you wrote made her cry.

Taylor Swift says that one of her dreams was to stand on a stage and hear people singing her own lines. Here are ten tips that may lead you to your own Taylor Swift moment. And, if you’re not a fan of Taylor, no worries. Go out there and create your own dream.

1. Even if your book comes out from a major house, it may very well not wind up in a particular bookstore. Going to the store ups the chances that your work will be read—and hand sold for months or even years to come.
2. If you are self-published or published by a small press, learn the basics of the economics of bookselling. This won’t take long (I can even try and tell you). And it will allow you to offset some of the difficulties of having your book carried.
3. Just because they call them readings doesn’t mean you have to read. I have a suspicion that no one except our own children really likes to be read to for more than five minutes. If you do read, find a choice excerpt that shows your writing in its best light. A stylistically beautiful or suspenseful and grabby passage. But keep it brief. Audiences are more interested in the story of how you got published, or the Q&A portion of the night. If you have an interesting day job, hobby, or pursuit, tie it into your talk.
4. Consider pairing with another author. Joint events work double duty. Authors can combine their outreach efforts, and more than one author is often more fun for the audience. There’s a zing to an author give and take. Plus, if no one comes to your event, you can always buy each other’s books.
5. Book events don’t have to take place at bookstores. Consider libraries, schools, and book clubs, then get really creative. Have you written a historical or family saga? Genealogical societies are proliferating these days. Do you write a cozy mystery series? Craft shops and cooking classes might offer a great venue. Religiously-themed books may lend themselves to events at houses of worship. I’ve heard of writers planning events at quilting bees—or political protests.
6. Don’t forget that writers are readers. Writing organizations such as SinC, MWA, ITW, and SCBWI, as well as smaller, local writers groups and societies may be interested in helping to promote your event and in sending members to it.
7. Consider hiring an independent publicity firm. Although this will require some financial investment on your part, it can maximize the impact of in-person events. The right firm can get you dates at places you couldn’t get into on your own and garner local media coverage to bolster your time in any given area.
8. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all feature ways to determine where your connections live. Why not let them know you’ll be coming to town—or even plan an event based on where some of them live? One of the most joyous experiences for me on the road was seeing virtual friends become real ones as well.
9. Don’t underestimate the legs that simply doing events will give you and your book. Blog about your experiences, use them to connect to another interest of yours that your readers might like to know about. Take photographs of scenery, explore hidden road food joints. Getting away from our computers can open up a literal world of possibilities connecting us to readers.
10. Finally, be a good guest. Bring a small gift for whoever is hosting you. Be lively, engage with your audience. Remember that you’re not just making fans out there—you’re making friends.

Jenny Milchman’s journey to publication took thirteen years, after which she hit the road for seven months with her family on what Shelf Awareness called “the world’s longest book tour”. Her debut novel, Cover of Snow, was chosen as an Indie Next and Target Pick, reviewed in the New York Times and San Francisco Journal of Books, won the Mary Higgins Clark award, and is nominated for a Barry. Jenny is also the founder of Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day and chair of International Thriller Writers’ Debut Authors Program. Jenny’s second novel, Ruin Falls, just came out and she and her family are back on the road.

To purchase Jenny’s books (highly recommended), visit her website!

She tore that sucker to shreds.

If I never hear the words “dialogue tags, woman,” again, it won’t be soon enough. And I know I will, because that is a tic I’m working on. Anyway, plot holes had spotlights pointed on them, and character development became a major issue.

Getting back into the heads of characters I hadn’t spoken to in three years was tough, and the editing grueling, but I am so proud of the finished product. Scenes were slashed and burned, new words were added. The bad guy’s motivation was strengthened, and that one little mistake Emilie makes at the end of the book that made her such a dumb female? Fixed.

More importantly, Emilie and Nathan’s relationship was developed much earlier on. I won’t give too much away, but I will say Nathan is inside the bank with her during the hostage siege.

Roughly 12,000 words were cut and about 10,000 new added. Everything about the book is better, and I’m very proud of the end result.

And while some readers may not want to read the new version (which I do understand) I am a much better writer after the hellish edits of this book. That alone is worth the effort.

If you are interested in checking out INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND, you can find the buy links here.

And don’t miss the release party on Facebook on Thursday, May 14. We’re giving away a very cool limited edition prize!

My 10 Best (or Worst?) Search Terms

• How to kill with cyanid
• How does a body decompose in humidity
• How is a badly burned body identified
• Female Killers
• What poisons are traceable at autopsy
• Easiest way to dispose of a body
• Signs of a sociopath
• Modern day grave robbers
• Women who got away with murder
• Daryl Dixon coffee mug

Okay, so number 10 isn’t work related. But the one I got is pretty sweet. I’d prefer Norman Reedus’s face, but there’s the hubby to respect and all.

What about you? Would your computer history land you in the slammer? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever Googled?

Don’t forget, INTO THE DARK is being republished in May as INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND. The book has undergone heavy editing, but if you can provide either proof of purchase or link to your review on Goodreads, I’m happy to give you a copy to read and review. Please contact me at stacygreenauthor@gmail.com. Deadline is May 5.

Tin God is still on sale for just .99! Start the Delta Crossroads Trilogy with a sale!

I’ve been given the rights back to my debut novel, INTO THE DARK, and I will be republishing the book in May with some major changes. Happy dancing!

Why the changes?

In short, the book needs a big tune up. It was the first novel I wrote, and while it was well received and had several five star reviews, I didn’t have the skills I do now. I understand the craft of writing and plotting so much better than I did three years ago, and I know I can make this book outstanding.

Even more important, however, is my new developmental editor, Annetta Ribken. With her help, we are gutting scenes, tuning up the plot, and adding new content. I’m in the middle of the first round of edits, and I will tell you that while the major plot points are likely to be the same, there are going to be significant character advancements and new scenes.

We’ve also got a new title, because we’re starting fresh and because Amazon loves new titles. So…drumroll…

INTO THE DEVIL’S UNDERGROUND.

The title harkens to the Las Vegas tunnels, which will play even more prominently in the new version.

Now, because my readers are my priority, and I don’t want anyone to feel like I’m doing the old bait and switch, I’ve got two different options for those who’ve read the original book.

1) A copy of proof of purchase at any vendor, including the previous publisher, earns a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for review. Proof of purchase is the verification email sent by the vendor, or, if you prefer, a screencap of the book on your device.

2) Proof of a review at Goodreads. Into the Dark will be down at all vendors in the next couple of days, but I will leave the book up on Goodreads until the end of April. If you’ve left a review there, please email me the link (stacygreenauthor@gmail.com) and I will give you a copy of Into the Devil’s Underground for Review.

I only ask that reviews be placed on all vendors and Goodreads when the new book is out.

I am SO PROUD of the changes I’m making to this book. It’s going to be darker, more developed, and more exciting. The characters are going to be a lot deeper, and the plot is going to be more tension filled.

One major change? Nathan will be INSIDE the bank with Emilie during the siege. I’ve just written those scenes, and I can’t wait to share them!

I’ll be revealing the new cover in a few weeks along with a very fun launch, so stay tuned!

Thank you to all the readers, bloggers, and friends who helped TIN GOD become an Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestseller this past week. You guys are awesome! I am so lucky to have such supportive group of readers and friends.

Trixie and her tight knit group solved mysteries together, and their original series carried them throughout their high school years. Trixie’s best friend, Honey, was rich and very much opposite her, but I loved the way they brought out the best in one another. And I loved the budding relationship between her and orphan Jim.

Don’t get me wrong – I loved Nancy, too, and she was definitely a big part of my original interest in mysteries. Both series stand up today in terms of red herrings and whodunits. But Nancy was the perfect girl, the rich girl, the beautiful girl. While I loved her, I never found myself nodding in agreement and feeling whatever the latest sense of injustice Trixie was going through.

It’s been many years since I’ve read the books, but it’s the first three that really stick out to me, along with a few select others.

The Secret of the Mansion (1948)

The Red Trailer Mystery (1950)

The Gatehouse Mystery (1951).

The Mystery at Bob-White Cave (1963)

The Mystery at Saratoga (1979)

The Mystery of the Midnight Marauder (1980)

There are a ton more Trixie books, and you can learn more about them here. These are timeless classics your kids will love, and I can’t wait until Grace is old enough to read them.

What about you? Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, or The Hardy Boys?

I’ve had an amazing week! Tin God is on sale for just .99, and thanks to my amazing readers, it became an Amazon bestseller for the second time. It also reached number 8 at Barnes and Noble, which was simply incredible! Thank you so much for helping to spread the word about the sale. You guys are awesome!

If you haven’t had a chance to start the Delta Crossroads Trilogy, now is a great time to pick up book one for just .99!

The Last Child by John Hart.

I started this book several weeks ago when we were at a swim meet. It’s very good, but I got away from it and haven’t gone back. DON’T TAKE THAT AS A SIGN OF QUALITY. This is what I do. I am a mood reader, which is bad because I need to be reading all the time. The book has a great premise and excellent, fast paced writing with good character development. I just have to get back to it.

Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner is the suspense queen as far as I am concerned. I’ve learned so much from her writing, and once I start reading one of her books, I usually can’t stop until I’m finished. D.D. Warren is a great character, and this looks like an excellent story.

In The Blood by Lisa Unger

I heard of this one via the Mystery, Crime and Thriller Group on Goodreads. It looks like something that is right up my dark ally, and I hope to get to it soon.

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

Of course I’ve read this book, but it’s been a long time, and the newest Kindle version has a forward by Harris about creating Hannibal Lector. Likely a must read for any thriller writer!

Faithful Place by Tana French

I love French’s writing, and her Dublin detectives series, set in Ireland, is a fascinating study in characters. Her plots are twisty and suck you in from the start.

So what’s on your TBR list? How many books do you read a week?

Catie Rhodes suggested I try a Keurig. I didn’t think they had espresso K-Cups, but they do! I don’t know if they are as potent as a regular shot, but it’s definitely more caffeine than plain coffee. So the hubby and I did our research, and naturally he wanted the more expensive one.

So last night I came home with guy, and Rob and I both love it. It’s great for a coffee drinker like me who needs the boost in the morning and maybe a little later. And they have tons of different K-cups: apple cider, tea to the extreme, hot chocolate, and a bazillon kinds of coffee.

It’s so stinking easy! You fill up the water reservoir, let it heat, stick the k-cup in, and it quickly brews. And the coffee and tea we’ve tried so far is delicious! I’m currently drinking Cameron’s Velvet Espresso. Yum.

And I know I’m probably way late to the party and a lot of you are snickering at me, but for anyone who is debating if the cost is worth it, I’m here to tell you YES, it is. And Kohl’s has a sale right now. Just saying.

I’m counting on this baby to help me meet my writing goals this summer when I’ve got to work around the kiddo being home.

What about you guys? What kind of coffee do you drink? Or are you tea people?

Don’t forget about the 100 Review Giveaway!