Madeline Gornell's Latest

Thank you, Marilyn, for inviting me to visit and talk about my latest book. This one was a little different, in that it is my first Novella. I started my writing journey with short stories, with my first published story being rather short, and in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine—eons ago. I was working for a company at that time, but when that chapter of my life closed, I went to writing full-length books. With Rhodes – Never Forgotten, I finished telling my story in less than a full-length book—and a short story was just not enough. Voila! A novella. This Leigh Everett Rhodes’s adventure was inspired by the song, “Battle Hymn of the republic.” A little backstory information about me personally will explain. I’m tone death and “can’t carry a tune.” Basically, those statements mean I can’t tell one note from another, except maybe that one is high, and one is low. A circumstance which made for some interesting events—in that in my youth, I went to schools that required singing. My hubby kindly says, I can carry a tune, it’s just on another scale. Consequently, I seldom sing with other people. But another circumstance is, we live about 30 miles from the supermarket, and I usually drive in alone for groceries—at which time I belt out a couple phrases I know the words of. “Glory, glory, halleluiah,” is my favorite—sung loud, and on my alien scale. From there came the idea of singing in a tour van on Route 66—and combined with a seeing a really cool-looking Mercedes tour van pass me by on Interstate 40. Then there was the “Occam’s Razor” part came from a dream about my school days… Oh yes, I also wanted to use the first name Delyth(fell in love with the sound of it) in a story. I stole “Delyth” from a Midsomer Murders mystery where slate mining in Wales was part of the story. That’s the “where did the idea come from” winding road that ultimately led to Rhodes – Never Forgotten.
Bio: Madeline (M.M.) Gornell is the author of many award-winning novels. Of her nine novels, her current literary focus is Route 66 as it traverses California’s Mojave Desert. Madeline is a lifetime lover of mysteries, and besides reading and writing, is also a potter. She lives with her husband and assorted canines in the High Desert. Her books are:

Comments

I've read the novella and enjoyed it. Madeline has been a traveling companion, a roommate and fellow convention and conference goer. Be glad when I can see her in person once again!
GBPool said…
I have read all of Madeline's books so her new novella was a quick journey through the memory of her main character as he recalls many of the folks he had met along his own journey while solving a crime that comes his way. If you have read her previous books, you will enjoy this one. If this is your first taste, it should whet your appetite for those earlier books. Mad creates great characters, paints great scenery, and tells intriguing mysteries.
Thank you, Marilyn, for inviting me to talk about my latest writing adventure! You are a most generous promoter of all authors, with a well deserved following, and I am honored to be "stopping bye." There will be more great "on the road" times for us down the round I'm sure!
Thanks, Gayle, for stopping by! It always warms my heart and my writing brain to hear you enjoy my books. As a fellow author, you know how great it feels when you create a character, or set of characters even, and a reader appreciates. It makes it all worthwhile I think. To that end, let me say once again how much I love Johnny Casino!
Michael A, Black said…
Maddie, as I call her, is not only a superb writer but she's also one of the nicest people I've ever met. I'd be glad to hear her belt out a tune anytime. Check out her books. They're fabulous reads.
Oh, Michael, I'm blushing! Thank you so much for stopping by. I haven't seen you in ages now, but I can certainly see you in my minds eye. Trust me, you don't want to hear me belt out a tune. My hubby endures, but he's stuck(smile). Maddie
John Schembra said…
I've known Madeline through the Public Safety Writers Assoc., and she is truly a wonderful person, and an accomplished writer. I've read Death of a Perfect Man, and A Reticence of Ravens, and thoroughly enjoyed the books. She spins wonderful tales that are easy to read, with great characters. I highly recommend her books.
Hi Madeline- see you at the next conference?
John S.
Hello, John! Sure hope to see you at the next conference whenever down the road! It's been awhile...(Hello to Charlene(sp)) She was at the last conference I went to...so sweet and kind.)

So appreciative you've read my books! Rhodes is a later series, and writing is a little different (improved I hope!) Thank you for stopping by, much appreciated . Keep safe.
Now that's making lemonade out of lemons! Love the idea of whizzing down the highway singing halleluja! Whether "in tune" or not. You're in tune with the universe, perhaps.
Thank you, Victoria, for stopping by, and YES!, I'm going to now envision that I'm actually in tune with the universe! I travel on I-40 and I-15 which are fairly busy, but haven't noticed anyone--yet--looking at me strangely. And I do keep my hands on the wheel(smile)
Jacqueline Vick said…
How fun. Now I'm going to think of you singing in your car every time I see you. :)
Hi Jackie. Not only singing, but singing with gusto! Hopefully that mental picture will bring a smile to your face! Thanks for stopping by.
It was lots of fun to discover things you haven't shared before, such as your tone deafness and singing in your car. Love it. I read everything you write, so will be reading your novella soon. I, too, love writing novellas. I also love to read those written by other authors.
Hello, Jackie! Thanks for stopping by. I very much enjoy your pictures and happenings on FB in your neck of the woods. Glad to hear from you, and soooooooooo pleased you read and like my writing. Music to my ears, and writing heart. Smiling.

I'm new to novella, but I think there are a couple more ideas I have that haven't made it book form that just might be right for a novella.

Great hearing from you!
I really enjoyed Rhodes - Never Forgotten. Thanks for sharing how it came to be. :)
So glad to hear from you, Patricia. You know I respect your opinion very much, so very much encouraged and happy you enjoyed Never Forgotten. Thinking about another novella idea last night (instead of falling asleep! ha)

Waiting for a new Storyville adventure(smile) Thanks for stopping by!
Keith Bettinger said…
Madeline is a fantastic writer and a true friend.
Hello Keith! Haven't seen you in soooo long...sure appreciate your stopping by and your kind words. Yes, I have made some true friends through PSWA! I can still see you sitting across from me at one of those huge tables during lunch. Good times...

Thonie Hevron said…
A fun post, Maddie! Thanks for the insight. Guess you won't be singing for us at the next conference!
I think you're right, won't be belting out a tune at our next conference. I like everyone too much(smile) Thanks so much for stopping by!

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