I enjoy writing in a variety of genres. I also enjoy studying the techniques of other writers, thereby expanding my own skills. My general reading includes both fiction and non-fiction. I like suspense novels, obviously, since that is what I also enjoy writing. Recently, I have also been studying childrens picture books and have written and submitted a number of texts but I remain unpublished in that genre. Other reading topics I find interesting and fascinating are religion, evolution, atheism, politics, current events, wildlife of all sorts, photography, Native American crafts and history, biographies, global warming, the medical world, and general science.
Music
I like jazz, especially from the 50s and 60s (Maynard Ferguson,Chet Baker, Harry James -- I used to play the trumpet myself). I like Dixieland and Blues, too. I also like folk music from the 60s (Joan Baez, Kingston Trio, Judy Collins, Dave Van Ronk, early Bob Dylan, Bud and Travis, the Journeymen, and Brown and Dana). I enjoy Celtic performers like Silly Wizard, Battlefield Band, Clancy Brothers, Mary Black, Chieftains, Bonnie Rideout, and Tommy Makem. I like Cajun and Zydeco, too. I also enjoy the classic C & W singers like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Don Williams,Tom T. Hall, Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens, Alison Kraus, and Marty Robbins. I'm also partial to Blue Grass music. On the other hand, I also enjoy all kinds of classical music. Mozart is my Main Man but I also like Vivaldi, Eric Satie, Beethoven, Scarlatti, Verdi, Handel, Wagner and Telemann. I also like opera, especially sopranos like Cecilia Bartoli, Kathlene Battle, and some from an earlier era like Maria Callas, Joan Sutherland, and the late Beverly Sills. I like trumpet, cello, and violin concertos.
Movies
I prefer some of the older classics like Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, Lonesome Dove, and To Kill A Mockingbird. But also enjoyed The Queen, Freedom Writers, Seraphim Falls, The Good Shepherd, and Breach.
Television
I rarely watch the network shows (except for the NFL games) and never watch network sitcoms or weekly dramas. I lean more toward DirecTV channels like Court, Discovery, National Geographic, Discovery HiDef, A & E, and History. Favorite TV programs? First48, Cops, Forensic Files, the Deadliest Catch, Charlie Rose, and Washington Week In Review.
Books
All books by Bill Pronzini and Ed McBain, most books by Richard Dawkins; East of Eden, Grapes of Wrath, Journal of a Novel, Escape From Freedom, Catcher In The Rye, Frannie and Zooey, On The Road. My all-time favorite, must-have-on-a-desert-island book is John Brown's Body by Stephen Vincent Benet (one of the most beautifully written books in the English Language!). I'm not a big fan of poetry in general but I love Japanese Haiku and Robert Frost.
About me: Originally from Pennsylvania, my wife and I have been living in Sarasota, Florida, for more than 30 years now so I guess that almost makes us Florida Crackers. I graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in psychology and I've been writing most of my life. My new suspense novel, Crosshairs, is available through all the major bookstore chains in the US and UK, as well as Amazon. Check out my website at russheitz.com for more info about me and Crosshairs. **********
One of the original members of the recently-revived Sarasota Branch of the Florida Writers Association, I've also been trying my hand at writing book reviews and children's picture books texts. I am also a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Children's books may sound like a wide departure from suspense novels but I look at writing more as a craft than anything else.**********
To me, professional writing is not much different than, say, professional carpentry. A good professional carpenter can build justs about anything, from a napkin holder to a two-story house. Likewise, a good professional writer, in my view, should be able to write just about anything. He or she may be better at some things than others. But a professional writer should be willing to learn how to write in -- and be competent in -- just about any writing genre. Following that philosophy also means there's something new to learn every day, even for us retired Golden Agers. But no matter what your age, I think writing is -- most of all -- a great way to stay young, to stay focused, and to keep the creative juices flowing. It is also a lot of fun, too.
Who I'd like to meet: Readers of my books, fellow writers, publishers, editors, agents, and booksellers.
Russ Heitz - Suspense Writer's Friend Space (Top 32)
Glad you enjoyed the post, Russ -- feel free to forward, and I'll keep 'em coming!
BTW, have you seen my website discussion board? It's a fun forum with people from all over the world talking about the Rain Fall movie (recently wrapped shooting in Tokyo and NYC and starring Gary Oldman); the next book, called Fault Line; and writing, politics, single malt whisky, and anything else that strikes people's fancy, with a monthly chat on writing, too. So if you have a chance, stop by and say hello -- it would be good to see you there...
Okay, that's a big lie. I'm really sending you this because I want you and people who look at your page to buy my books.
There. I said it. You're just a cheap promo opportunity for me. I'm even using a bot to send out hundreds of these comments rather than taking the time to contact you personally.
But I also love you. A lot. You're my very favorite MySpace friend. Really. Thank you for being you.
I haven't been by in a while and thought I'd stop in and say hi.
I just got the first 100 copies of A Demon Awaits. The book will be out officially next week. Today I'm signing and sending copies to my pre-readers and getting ready for singings.
hi - here's the lik www. novel-storm. com - please register, it literally takes seconds -just a username, password and date of birth. You can even upload a pic to represent you in the forums!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday tooooo Yoooou. Haaaapppppy Birrrrrrrrrrrthdaaaay, Haaaapppppppy Birthhhhhdaaaaaay, Happy Birrrrrttthhhdaaaaaaaaay toooooooooooooo Yooooooooooooooooooooou! Celebrate and dance with gusto. Drink good wine or have (chocolate) whatever. And CAKE! Don’t forget the CAKE!!!
Just wanted to give you a heads up that my latest forensic crime thriller, Freezer Burn, is coming out June 3! It will be available in bookstores everywhere next week, and it’s available for preorder on Amazon right now! I'll be doing a bunch of events in and around Philadelphia. For details, see my profile, or my main profile atwww. myspace. com/jonmcgoran. .. Thanks for the friendship!
Today's the day! My latest froensic crime thriller, Freezer Burn, hits shelves today! I'll be doing a bunch of events in and around Philadelphia. For details, see my profile. Thanks for the friendship!
My unpublished manuscript The Hellraiser of the Hollywood Hills: A McAfee Twins Novel is a contender in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. Out of 5,000 manuscripts from 20 countries I've been chosen by Publishers Weekly and Penguin Books as a Top 10 Finalist!
The book with the most 5-star Amazon reviews from the public wins a publishing contract with Penguin.
Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold. Here’s wishing you a bright and prosperous 2008! xoxo Maria
Hi there, Russ! Congratulations to you are in order - I saw that "Crosshairs" was named book of the year on Infinite Writer. Time to celebrate! Have a wonderful New Year, Russ! Cheers, Colleen
