The Tao of Doo


In his kind and generous review of my first mystery, DEATH NOTICE, author James Reasoner said the plot was vaguely reminiscent of something found in Scooby-Doo, only played seriously. He meant it as a compliment and I took it Read more

BAD MOON Rises


Another October, another release date. Since BAD MOON is my second book, you would think I'd be used to it. But nope, I'm not. BAD MOON's publication date feels as surreal as DEATH NOTICE's did last year. For readers, the Read more

Writing With ... Louise Penny


I am thrilled beyond words to welcome one of my favorite writers, Louise Penny, whose Armand Gamache mysteries have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide.  Her last book, BURY YOUR DEAD, won the Ellis for best mystery in Canada, and Read more

Is Browsing Dead?


I'll be the first to admit that I was a nerdy teenager. Not pocket protector nerdy, but no sports star, either. I was bookish, I guess you could say. I read A LOT back then, and nothing pleased me Read more

Why We Left Earth


Outer space has always been a mystery. Even before mankind fully grasped its vastness, they wanted to go there. Early astronomers, fascinated by the stars, invented ways to get a closer view. Think Copernicus, Galileo, Cassini. Writers not content Read more

•••••

Just For Fun

Short-short story contest

Posted on 06/30/2011 by Todd Posted in Just For Fun, Wonderful Web | Comments Off on Short-short story contest

The other day, I was doing a Google search for a topic that I now completely forget. But one of the images Google retrieved was this vintage science fiction cover. It was so cool that I just had to share it.

I’m a sucker for octopi. I’m also a sucker for giant man-eating animals. This cover is the best of both worlds. It makes me want to read that story. Heck, it makes me want to write that story. Other people, I assume, feel the same way.

To that end, I’ve decided to hold my first writing contest.

Here’s how it works. Write a short- short story (500 words or less) about that giant octopus. Send it to todd@toddritteronline.com. I’ll pick the winner and post it on the blog in one month’s time. Entries must be received by Wednesday, July 27.

Need more incentive? The winner will also have an octopus adopted in their name via The World Wildlife Fund. You can learn more about the WWF by going here.

So get writing, Internets! Be creative. Have fun. Impress me. Because if you do, you just might save an octopus.

Lost Chapter

Posted on 06/24/2011 by Todd Posted in Giveaways, Just For Fun | Comments Off on Lost Chapter

Hey folks who have read DEATH NOTICE, this post is for you. If you haven’t read it: First, what are you waiting for? Second, you might want to skip this post, since there are slight spoilers below.

(Spoiler line: Cross at your own risk.)

OK, if you’re still reading, I assume you’ve also read DEATH NOTICE. And I bet you’re also wondering what really went down in Amber Lefferts’ house before Chief Kat Campbell arrived. If so, you’re in luck. I’ve unearthed a lost chapter, showing readers the creepy events of that afternoon from poor Amber’s point of view. Cool, right?

Even cooler is that I’m giving readers like you a copy. All you need to do is write a review of DEATH NOTICE on Amazon.com or at the Barnes & Noble website. Then just notify me via e-mail at todd@toddritteronline.com. I’ll then promptly send you the chapter. If you’ve already been nice enough to write one, just give me a shout and I’ll send it to you, as well.

It’s that easy.

Hitchcock or Disney No. 2

Posted on 06/16/2011 by Todd Posted in Hitchcock or Disney, Just For Fun | 2 Comments

It’s time for another round of Hitchcock or Disney. I post a quote from a movie and you have to guess who made it, Alfred Hitchcock or Walt Disney. (Bonus points if you guess the name of the movie.)

Here is today’s quote:

If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to wear the proper clothes. 

Think you know which man it came from? Post your guess in the comments section.

« Previous   1 2 3 4 5 6 7   Next »