Prescott's Antiques: The Newsletter
A periodic newsletter for fans of
Jane K. Cleland's
traditional mystery series featuring Josie Prescott An Antiques Roadshow for Mystery Fans Vol. IV, No. 3 |
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Manhattanville College Writing Killer Fiction class
Jane and the Writers Week Mystery Authors Class (Back row) Rich Binkerle, Jane, Ann Sass, Alicia Zadrozny, Doug Ringrose (Front row) Kathryn Quinones, Valerie Stauffer, Judy Bivona Jane was the Mystery Writer in Residence at this year's Writers Week conference at Manhattanville College in Purchase,
New York.
"I was really impressed," Jane said. 'It was a total thrill to work with such talented authors." Jane explained that the workshop focused on three broad areas: creating engaging characters; developing complex plots driven by human emotion; and using lyrical, raw, direct, and unambiguous language. "Within the world of crime fiction—from traditional mysteries to thrillers—and everything in between," Jane says, "these three components are hallmarks of excellence—and usually, of success." For more information about Jane's writing workshops, and her availability to speak to your group or participate in your conference, please contact her directly. Antiques to Die For Nominated for a
David Award  The David Award, presented at the Deadly Ink Mystery Conference, honors the best novel of the year. Deadly Appraisal, the second book in Jane’s Josie Prescott Antiques mystery series, won the David in 2008. “I’m thrilled,” Jane said. “So proud and happy!” Ask Jane:
Q: A reader named Vicki asked, "In Killer Keepsakes, one of the characters drives a Heron. What’s a Heron?” A: A Heron is the make of vehicle Nero Wolfe owned and Archie Goodwin drove in Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries. I integrate all sorts of Wolfean trivia for my pals in the Wolfe Pack. For info about the Nero Wolfe stories, see www.nerowolfe.org.  |
Antiques Collecting Fact:
Did You Know?
Antiques and Collectibles:
Stanhopes—and their “mystery” photographs Stanhopes, named for the British politician and scientist, Charles Stanhope [1753-1816], are small novelties containing a miniature peephole and photograph. Stanhope invented the tiny lens used to magnify the tiny photographs.
This glass perfume bottle has a Stanhope in the hinge. The photograph shows a view of the English countryside. Today, it would retail for around $250. About fifty years after Stanhope's death, John Benjamin Dancer invented micro- photography, but it was the Frenchman, René Dragron, who, in 1860, combined the Stanhope lens with the Dancer microphotograph to create never-before-available trinkets. Dragron’s business boomed, and thousands of these novelties were manufactured. Most of the photos showed landscapes, often called “views.” Portraits, especially of celebrities or royalty, were less common, and thus are, today, more valuable.  This silver fish charm Stanhope shows excerpts from the Torah. At first, Stanhopes were made from bone, pot metals, and silver; after 1920, plastic was widely used. The market weakened over the next several decades, eventually ending in 1972. The most common novelties were dip pens, sewing and smoking accessories, and charms. Fascinating facts about other antiques and collectibles are available for free on Jane's website: www.janecleland.net Want to pit your antiques appraisal skills against those of the professionals? Take the challenge, updated weekly, at What's It Worth? You Be the Judge. |
Blog
I think the nature of a traditional mystery becomes most clear when contrasted with other sub-genres in general and with what is least like a traditional mystery in particular, a thriller. Before getting into sub-genres, it occurs to me that a sensible first step would be figuring out what a mystery is. I found several dictionary definitions I found interesting: The Traditional Mystery American Heritage: "A work of fiction, drama, or film dealing with a puzzling crime." I like that... a puzzling crime. Online dictionary.com said: "(1) One that is not fully understood or that baffles or eludes the understanding; an enigma: How he got in is a mystery. And (2) The skills, lore, or practices that are peculiar to a particular activity or group and are regarded as the special province of initiates. Often used in the plural: the mysteries of Freemasonry." Yourdictionary.com: "a novel, story, or play involving such an event, esp. a crime and the gradual discovery of who committed it." About.com said: "Mystery is a genre of fiction in which a detective, either an amateur or a professional, solves a crime or a series of crimes. Because detective stories rely on logic, supernatural elements rarely come into play." Right... tell that to Charlaine Harris! About.com went on: "The detective may be a private investigator, a policeman, an elderly widow, or a young girl, but he or she generally has nothing material to gain from solving the crime." But they also have an article called “Ten Rules of Writing Mysteries,” and since those of us who write them know there are no rules that can’t be and haven’t been broken, everything they say on the subject is suspect. E-look.org: a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie.  In 1962, Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut discussed their work over a marathon lasting 50 hours over five days. The two great directors and their French/English interpreter barely paused for meals. One point I found especially intriguing was that, according to Hitchcock, and contrary to popular belief, suspense bears no relationship to surprise. He said that.... [MORE] Owner of
Aunt Agatha’s Bookshop Talks about Jane’s Approach to Introducing Josie  One of Jane’s favorite bookshops, and a regular stop on her tour, is Aunt Agatha’s in Ann Arbor, MI. The owners, Robin and Jamie, are fun, knowledgeable, supportive, and kind.Robin’s latest blog talks about Jane’s promotional efforts — specifically, why Jane’s bookmarks are standouts. Nice! To see Jane’s complete tour schedule, click here. |
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