Welcome Mary Kennedy.
WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW–but don’t afraid to ask for advice.
Everyone has heard the old adage, “Write what you know,” and that’s what I did in STAY TUNED FOR MURDER
This is the third book in The Talk Radio Mysteries and I have a lot in common with my heroine, Dr. Maggie Walsh. She’s a psychologist who closes up her practice in Manhattan to move to sunny Florida. I’m still practicing as a psychologist here on the east coast, but I make regular winter escapes to Ft. Lauderdale.
Maggie hosts her own radio talk show (my dream!) and I have a background in radio. Many years ago, I worked as a copywriter for WKDA Radio in Nashville, Tenn. So I feel comfortable, describing the worlds of radio and psychology.
But when I created the character of Madame Chantel, I hit a snag. Madame Chantel is a phony psychic who angles for Maggie’s job at the radio station.
I don’t know anything about the world of psychics, phony or otherwise, so I turned to my friends for advice. About half of them believe in psychics and half think they’re phony. So I left the door open on this issue. Readers can decide for themselves about Madame Chantel’s powers. What do you think? Have you ever consulted a psychic and did you find the advice useful? Would you ever ask a psychic to predict your future? And would you want to know the future, even if you could?
Thank you Mary!
Clearly, Mary takes her own advice. She’s created a fun series with a realistic protagonist in a quaint Florida town.
Leave a comment telling Mary what you think of psychics. If you’ve read the book, tell us what you think of her “Frasier meets Murder She Wrote” series. And…drum roll please…if you’d like to throw your name in the pot for a free copy of Stay Tuned for Murder, leave your email with your comment or make sure it’s on your profile page. You have today and tomorrow to enter. I’ll be drawing a name Saturday morning and announcing the winner as soon as I can contact them. [I have great news - Mary has offered TWO copies of her book for the drawing. So leave a comment; your chances of winning have increased!]
[After you leave a comment for Mary, click over to The Blood-Red Pencil where I’m talking about editing your work and answering the question, What are editors for?]
44 comments:
Not entering to win, but wanted to say that all I've ever learned about phony psychics came from watching the TV show Psych. Bet it's not really accurate though!
I think that many psychics are fake...but I'm not discrediting all of them...I do think there are people who are more in tune with knowledge that exists on a different level. For that reason, I will not go to a psychic. I'm afraid of what I might hear. That said, I'd love a copy of this book. Email:
LCS477atGmaildotcom.
I'm not into psychics either. I think there are people who are tuned into emotions and can zero in on those. Whether they can predict the future, I don't know. I'm skeptical.
So happy to be a guest here today, and I look forward to everyone's conmments! Ihave to admit I was totally ignorant of the whole "psychic phenomenon" craze, I didn't know the difference between a mediurm and a psychic when I started researching STAY TUNED.
Mary, it seemed like this character was more of a medium than a psychic. Am I right in that? If so, I probably shouldn't have labeled her a psychic.
Sounds like a great series. I do think psychics are phony. But I have heard of some that have really helped police in their investigations.
Nice post.
Helen, true confession time, I'm still not sure what Chantel was. I called her a "psychic" in the book, but I think she might have been a medium, as well. Psychics predict the future, mediums communicate with the dead and serve as a conduit for the dead to talk to us. (or so the story goes...). I think Chantel did both...so either label is okay. Someone at conference handed me their business card and it said, "psychic, medium and oracle." Oracle?? Yikes. No one could accuse her of false modesty! I wonder if she picked up any clients that way. She told me I was a "very old soul," and I said, "Gee, maybe the lighting in here is unflattering." She frowned, not at all amused by me. Oh well...
Mary, you are too funny! Probably explains why your books are fun to read.
Hi Mary! Good to see you over here at Helen's blog. :)
Hmm. Well, I guess it depends on the psychic! There might be some that are worth their salt. There are a LOT of psychics down here in the South, but I've always resisted the temptation. :) But I know several people who've gone to them!
I’ve never gone to a physic, but I know a lot of people who have. I think it was really popular for a while there. I do believe people can be intuitive though.
Hi Riley! I remember when I lived in NC, my neighbors went to psychics. Not sure if any of their predictions came true, though. And Holly, yes, I so agree. Some people really do seem to have a special talent for being intuitive. One of my bosses once said to me, "never trust a person who doesn't like cats. You'll find them to be insensitive, once you get to know them better." hah! I followed his advice. I guess it's all a moot point, though, because a person who didn't cats would probably never make it past my front door. I have 8 cats, all rescues.
I believe people can be very intuitive and observant to the point they seem to have supernatural abilities. I have read lots of books with interesting psychics in the plot.
I've never been to a psychic either. I guess I'm so much of a cynic that I wouldn't believe anything they predicted anyway.
I knew you were going to say that Helen.
My email's on my webpage. The book looks intriguing.
*waves at Mary*
I think there are people who are extra perceptive, but maybe not necessarily psychic. I'd like to believe they are, but I think they've just been trained to read people's body language.
True, Talli. There are some people who pay more attention to details like facial tics or movements and tell-tale signs.
I saw a psychic last night on the Lifetime Channel. She was giving a reading to a grieving daughter, and I have to say she reminded me of Chantel. The "revelations" were predictable. Example, the woman's father passed away in a hospital, so one can assume he was sick. The psychic said "I'm getting the feeling that toward the end of his life, he was no longer strong." (Er, yes.) The grieving daughter nodded vigorously. The psychic went on to say, "And I'm getting the sensation that earlier in his life when he was a young man, he was strong. But at the very end, he lost his strength and this made him sad." (Gee, you think?)The grieving daughter broke down in tears as if this was proof that her father was communicating with her and that there really was life beyond the grave. Cynic that I am, I think one of my cats could have come up with the psychic's big "revelations."
I'm still not sure if I believe in psychic powers. I have known people with intuitive powers that seem more honed than the ordinary person, but I'm not sure if they are truly psychic.
I would love to win the book. Although I really don't need one more book on my TBR pile. However, this one has definitely caught my interest. maryannATmaryannwrites.com
Mary, your series sounds like fun, especially since I was one of those South Florida residents for 11 years. The setting will be very appealing, and I like the story line. I've always wanted to visit a psychic, too, just for fun...
Thanks for the review and for featuring Mary in today's post, Helen. Very enjoyable.
I only believe in things that can be proved by proper scientific methods. Hence, I don't believe in psychics or any paranormal phenomena. It's manipulation an illusion.
When I was a student (20 years ago), the magician and sceptic James Randi visited our university. He demonstrated how he could illude all kinds of paranormal phenomena (including the spoon-bending of Uri Geller). Randi's point was of course to show that it was tricks of a clever magician, and had nothing to do with paranormal stuff
Cold As Heaven
I like the TV shows, Cold As Heaven, where they show how the tricks are done.
Mary, the example you gave seems to show that the "psychic" was preying on the grieving girl.
I believe in psychics but not in all psychics. I've had some spot on readings from some, and some readings from others have been so far out in left field they're over the wall.
That said, I have in my sig line the following: Just because I believe something doesn't it's true. Just because I don't believe something doesn't mean it's not true. Don't believe everything you think.
Great post. I loved it.
Helen, I've never heard of the TV show, COLD as HEAVEN. I'll have to check it out. There is some trick with a fly and salt. (yes, I know it sounds crazy.) I was watching CSI and the investigators were interviewing someone in a magic store. There's a dead fly on the counter (well, seemingly dead.) The suspect waves his hand over the fly and the fly miraculously springs to life and flies away. As the two detectives walk out, one is really impressed, and the other says, "Hah, that's an old trick. The secret is salt." That's been driving me crazy, and I tried to google it to see if I could find the secret behind the "dead fly trick." He seemed to be suggesting the suspect was sprinkling salt on the fly as he waved his hand over him, but it wasn't clear. If anyone knows the asnwer, I'd love to hear it.
I remember that on CSI and I didn't understand it either. Mary, I broke that sentence in the wrong place. Cold As Heaven is not a TV show, but the moniker used on the blog called Cold As Heaven. His blog is very interesting!
Sam, you have very true words in your sig line!
I'll check out the blog, Helen. And I love Sam's sig line, too.
Sounds like a fun book. I actually believe some people do indeed have psychic ability. They take that "gut feeling" we all sometimes have and expand and use it. Like Sam, whose sig line I love, I've had a few psychic readings that were spot on and some that were spotty. Or maybe potty. my email is kathymcwr@gmail.com
Kathy, I think it would be interesting to go to a psychic. But I don't know whether I'd be scared or enthralled.
I think if I really went to one (and maybe I should have, I could have written if off as a business expense), I'd say, "Hey, just tell me the good stuff. I can probably guess the rest." But they don't work that way, I'll bet...
I think if I really went to one (and maybe I should have, I could have written if off as a business expense), I'd say, "Hey, just tell me the good stuff. I can probably guess the rest." But they don't work that way, I'll bet...
You might be able to still write it off, Mary, since you're out promoting the book.
I'd like to know some of the answers your friends provided!
Interesting topic and I can see where both the radio show host and the psychic might clash, causing all types of tension.
I had an acquaintance once who claimed to be psychic. I relaid a dream to her that I'd had and...wait for it...drum roll, the mysterious answer was..."you already know the answer."
I'd love the book.
Nancy
gillael@aol.com
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
How come I've never come across this author? Sound delightful reads. I'm going to be adding to my TBR pile.
Ann
www.cozyintexas@yahoo.com
Meant to tell COLD AS HEAVEN that I'm going to read more about the Amazing Randi.I remember that he once offered a challenge to anyone who could prove in psychic phenomenon. I think he offered a million dollars and no one has taken him up on it. Really enjoying all your comments. Cozy in Texas, I have loads of Texas friends, I gave 3 workshops at the DARA (Dallas Area branch of RWA) one year, it was fun!
Thank you Nancy. I read that in the wee hours of the morning and laughed in the dark.
Come back again to Texas, Mary!
Mary, that's another thing about writing, we write not only what we know, but also what we want to know. What a great way to learn about any subject, bring it into our stories like you did with the psychic, and let the research inform us and the story too.
Thanks for the interview, Helen.
As my Ouma (grandmother)held seances, my Father was a sought-after dowser and healer when he was younger, my sister and her son have strong psychic/dowsing abilities and, as a clairsentient myself, I used to do evolutionary astrology charts. One of my clients (who was a colleague of my advocate husband) kept on telling Husband that his wife (me) was "a scary woman" (because of the accuracy of his chart - he was a total sceptic before!) And that's a rather long-winded way of saying, yes, I'm a believer and would be on Madam Chantel's side (although the title "Madam" does suggest she's not a wholly ethical psychic!) But I DO NOT believe in daly newspaper horoscopes or annual horoscope books, which are sheer hogwash.
I'm also fully aware that, as there are in any profession, there are charletons who manipulate people's needs and fears. The key is to find a psychic or astrologer who practices according to a strict code of personal ethics. My family's code included strict confidentiality as well as never charging a fee. I usually asked people to make donations to animal charities. That's why I stopped astrology and started writing - because I was overwhelmed with requests and couldn't cope with feeling all that pain and hurt. (People usually only seek out psychics or astrologers when they are hurting or in need)
Sorry, this has become a long waffle. Should I delete it or not? Hmmm. Nope, I'll leave it.
Mary's books sound just what my Mom loves to read. I'll dash off and put one in my Amazon basket
I visited Blood Red Pencil first, Helen.
Judy (South Africa)
Some of my best pals are psychics and I have written of them lots in our murder mystery weekend plots - sometimes as fakers, sometimes the real thing. I reserve judgement on whether I 'believe' or not. I'm not sure what I believe. Also, over at my site my Friday Challenge is on 'write what you know' which Mary discussed at the top of this post. Mary, your book looks intriguing. I hope I win it!!!
At first I thought you were talking about physics, then I looked closer and its about psychics. Well, I don;t know much about the latter although I will be blogging on this very matter next week. Could there be a link between science and the supernatural? Methinks there very well could be. Perhaps not everyone who seems to have special gifts or extra senses are not phonies after all.
Hi Judy. How interesting! Not only do you have the ability, it runs in your family. Wow. I'm very glad you didn't delete. I know you said you don't do astrology charts anymore, but do you have an opinion on the news today that the astrological charts have changed and there's now a new "sign." I apparently am no longer a Sagittarius. I've never checked my horoscope, but I know people do.
I hereby confirm that I do not have my own TV show >:D
I do have a YouTube channel (here), but that's it.
Thank you for recommending my blog, Helen >:)
Cold As Heaven
Interesting post! I am on the fence when it comes to psychics. My mentor who passed away worked with the police on two cases. She was an active psychic.
I have dreams that come true, and now record those I remember. I dreamt about the Tsunami before it happened, and had written down with the date. DH called me to the TV on the Boxing day, he held my book in his hands and pointed to the screen. It was a cold moment in my life. I have dreamt of three family deaths and they happened. Folks laugh and beg me not to dream about them, especially as I was born on Halloween. I am known as the friendly witch. LOl.
I have not read any of Mary's books, but will ensure I do!
Gosh look how I have waffled on! Sorry, Helen. :)
HELEN: that news is incorrect (and sensationalist)journalism. Precessions (the shifting of the stars)have been part of astrology since about 130 BCE. If your chart was based on the sidereal zodiac,there would be a change; but Western astrology is based on the tropical zodiac and there's no change - you're still a Sagittarius Sun and so am I (although our sun signs only give a clue as to our sense of Identity, how we feel the I-ego, and are only a small slice of the psychological blueprint represented by our birthchart)
Judy (South Africa)
Judy, I've never really paid much attention to my astrological sign except to know which one I was. But I'm glad it hasn't changed since I couldn't pronounce the new sign! I also think it's amazing that you know so much!
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