RGI: Beyond The Blotter - Volume 5, Issue 1



February 2007	Volume 5, Issue 1

February 2007

Volume 5, Issue 1

	Damn, It's February Already! Yeah, I know. Say it ain't so and all that jazz. But 2007 is here to stay, no matter how much I have tried to deny it, and I've discovered that hiding under the covers isn't helping either. Of course, I haven't really been hiding all that much. So, let's see...Where did we leave off? No, I don't mean the end of All Acts of Pleasure. I know you want to know what happens, but you'll just have to wait. What I mean is like where did we leave off with the last newsletter? What? Oh, yeah, right. Thanks.

Well, the 2006 touring season drew to a close with a final, relaxing pair of local signings, which meant that THANKFULLY, I didn't have to hang out at the airport or visit with the friendly folks of the TSA-- for a while anyway. So, that was a good thing. As we entered the first part of December, I had some elective surgery performed. It didn't make me any prettier, but it did take care of something that needed taking care of. Recovery from that was more of a nuisance than anything else, but I am happy to report that the procedure went well, and everything is coming along nicely. If you are now wondering just exactly what I am talking about, I don't blame you. Rather than get into it here, however, if you are truly interested, drop by my blog (accessible from my website or from my myspace page) and look up some of the older entries. The whole story is there. The rest of the month was filled with the usual holiday parties, holiday cooking, eating, drinking, getting fat, and hanging out with friends, family, and whoever wandered in off the street. Okay, well, friends and family. We didn't have anyone wander in off the street this particular Yuletide season. From there, we landed squarely at the beginning of January, and I have been spending my time parked behind my desk, tossing buckets of words at reams of paper and demanding that at least some of them stick in a coherent fashion. Fortunately, I have actually been having a modicum of success at this. If it continues to work out, then another book will be forthcoming. If it doesn't, well, I might retire to a beach somewhere. The only problem with that idea is that I can't afford to retire to my back yard, much less a beach. Okay, so I guess that pretty much settles it. Another book will be forthcoming.
RGI Trivia: Miranda's shoe print on the back of Love Is The Bond is actually full-size and to scale for a size 7 woman's high-heeled pump. When it was decided to add the artistic element to the cover the artist needed something to work from. MR's wife donned a pair of heels and stepped in a tray of red tempera paint before walking across paper laid out on the floor. The artist then chose the shoe print that worked best. The reason the paint was red, obviously, is that it was originally intended to be a "bloody shoe print". When the color schemes changed, however, the artist rendered it in the electric blue color to simulate a "Luminol" glow.

Damn, It's February Already!

Yeah, I know. Say it ain't so and all that jazz. But 2007 is here to stay, no matter how much I have tried to deny it, and I've discovered that hiding under the covers isn't helping either. Of course, I haven't really been hiding all that much.

So, let's see...Where did we leave off? No, I don't mean the end of All Acts of Pleasure. I know you want to know what happens, but you'll just have to wait. What I mean is like where did we leave off with the last newsletter? What? Oh, yeah, right. Thanks.

Well, the 2006 touring season drew to a close with a final, relaxing pair of local signings, which meant that THANKFULLY, I didn't have to hang out at the airport or visit with the friendly folks of the TSA-- for a while anyway. So, that was a good thing. As we entered the first part of December, I had some elective surgery performed. It didn't make me any prettier, but it did take care of something that needed taking care of. Recovery from that was more of a nuisance than anything else, but I am happy to report that the procedure went well, and everything is coming along nicely. If you are now wondering just exactly what I am talking about, I don't blame you. Rather than get into it here, however, if you are truly interested, drop by my blog (accessible from my website or from my myspace page) and look up some of the older entries. The whole story is there.

The rest of the month was filled with the usual holiday parties, holiday cooking, eating, drinking, getting fat, and hanging out with friends, family, and whoever wandered in off the street. Okay, well, friends and family. We didn't have anyone wander in off the street this particular Yuletide season.

From there, we landed squarely at the beginning of January, and I have been spending my time parked behind my desk, tossing buckets of words at reams of paper and demanding that at least some of them stick in a coherent fashion. Fortunately, I have actually been having a modicum of success at this. If it continues to work out, then another book will be forthcoming. If it doesn't, well, I might retire to a beach somewhere. The only problem with that idea is that I can't afford to retire to my back yard, much less a beach.

Okay, so I guess that pretty much settles it. Another book will be forthcoming.

RGI Trivia: Miranda's shoe print on the back of Love Is The Bond is actually full-size and to scale for a size 7 woman's high-heeled pump. When it was decided to add the artistic element to the cover the artist needed something to work from. MR's wife donned a pair of heels and stepped in a tray of red tempera paint before walking across paper laid out on the floor. The artist then chose the shoe print that worked best. The reason the paint was red, obviously, is that it was originally intended to be a "bloody shoe print". When the color schemes changed, however, the artist rendered it in the electric blue color to simulate a "Luminol" glow.

RGI & MRS On The WWW

Of course, writing isn't the only thing I've been up to. I've shoveled snow a couple of times, and have been losing miserably to both my wife and my daughter during our family UNO games. But I suppose that is even more boring than the paragraphs above. :)

Well, as I've told you in a few of the notices that have been sent out on the list, there actually have been a few things going on in my neck of the woods, not the least of which is the expansion of my web presence.

Yeah, my publicist talked me into a myspace page, so there I am. It has actually been kind of fun, as I have run into several new fans, as well as old ones. In addition, my new friends also consist of several other authors of mixed genre thrillers, so that is kind of cool. There is a small screencap of my page above. So, if you happen to be on myspace, swing by and say hello (www.myspace.com/mrsellars). And, if you are REALLY a serious "myspacer" (or if you just want to stay up on what is happening with the characters from RGI) Felicity and Rowan have their own sites as well. They will be blogging and adding content that some of you may find interesting. In fact, Felicity has already made an angst laden entry into her online journal. (www.myspace.com/rowangant and www.myspace.com/felicity_firehair)

Attack Of The RGI Fans!

In addition to my personal page on myspace, a group of my fans set up the Official M. R. Sellars Fan Space there as well. (www.myspace.com/mrsellarsfans). They have pictures from various events where I have been, some blogs, and other cool links. The page is in a constant state of flux as they add things, but it already looks pretty cool. I told them I would let everyone know about it so that they can swing by and have a look, or even add them as a friend.

Something else I promised to pass along-- they are looking for content for the fan site. Pictures that some of you may have taken of me, or with me, that even I have yet to see would be great. Also anecdotes, stories, and comments...you know, all of those what have you's. They are really wanting to turn the fan space into a repository of interesting and fun stuff (which begs the question, "what's so fun and interesting about Sellars?" Well, I don't rightly know, but they seem to think something is, so help 'em out if you can!

MRSELLARS.COM Gets Cosmetic Surgery

Of course, if you are going to expand web presence, another important thing to do is clean up your old web presence. Therefore, my website has seen a substantial facelift. Navigation is now much easier, and the style sheets are working the way they should so things shouldn't be shifting off the page like they were in the past. Of note, other than the file folder tab menus along the side and across the top, are the embedded java applets. On the left side of the header is a vertically scrolling window which gives you the latest 4 news items about the RGI series. They are linked, therefore simply clicking on the text of the item will take you to the relative news page.

On the right, a similar scrolling marquee is in place, however this one shows my next 4 upcoming appearances. This will sometimes show more than 4 appearances in the queue, depending on whether or not I am on an extended tour, or simply a weekend gig. The actual "Tour Schedule" page still exists, but the new scrolling applet allows you to get some of the information right from the main page if you so desire.

In addition to the site itself having a makeover, the RGI/M. R. Sellars Forum has been re-worked and is now manned by a team of moderators to help keep things going, and approve new members since I am away so much. The "mod squad", as they like to call themselves, have been doing a great job, and they are really turning the forum into a great place to chat. As an added bonus, a few other authors have joined in the fray and have their own sub-boards on the forum-- among them Dorothy Morrison, Kristin Madden, Diana Paxson, and Kirk White. So, with a crew like that on board, who knows what might happen.

WTP Gets Into The Act

The last bit of web expansion was actually the brainchild of the Publisher's Promotional Team. WillowTree Press now has a Youtube site, complete with a "book trailer" for the Miranda Trilogy (the first in a series), and the now infamous "Wingnuts, Bobbleheads, and Unconscious Magick" workshop presented by Dorothy Morrison and me. The video of the workshop had to be split up into 7 segments due to upload limitations, but they overlap so you don't miss anything.

As I said, the book trailer currently out there is only the first in a series, and there are rumors of similar trailers not only for the rest of the RGI books, but for other WillowTree Press titles as well. On top of that, when Morrison and I hit the road for the first leg of our 2007 tour, we will be armed with a video camera in order to catch some more workshops, and other fun stuff for the site.

RGI Trivia: The Miranda Trilogy was originally intended as a single book, that being Love Is The Bond . The original concept for the story had been jotted down as notes shortly after the release of Never Burn A Witch, the second book in the RGI series, however it had never come to fruition. When revisiting the idea, Love Is The Bond was born. By that time, the story, back story, and subplots had grown to a point that demanded a minimum of a trilogy, and so All Acts Of Pleasure and The End Of Desire were outlined.

Insane Fan Type People


Yes, their shirts really do say, "Murv's Stalkers". Meet Johnny and Anastasia, a couple of incredibly wacky and wonderful fans of the RGI series. They made the trek to Columbia, Missouri for Magickal Hibernation where I was presenting a pair of workshops and doing a signing. I hadn't been on-site at the hotel more than an hour when these two "stalked" up to my table, clad in these plainly labeled uniforms, and presented me with my own sweatshirt emblazoned with the words, "Murv. Object of the obsessions of Murv's stalkers." Fortunately for me, this pair are really wonderful folks and nothing like the role played by Kathy Bates in Stephen King's Misery. Rumor has it you might be able to contact them on my forum and get hooked up with a "Murv's Stalker" shirt. Like I said, that's just a rumor, but hey, if you want one give it a try.

The Rumor Mill
I have it on good authority that a huge surprise is in store. I can't reveal the details just yet, but what I can say is that it will involve Miranda, the Internet, and cool prizes. Stay tuned, and keep checking out my website, myspace site, and or the myspace fan site for details.

Future Crime Scenes For 2007

April 6 - 8	Spirit Awakening - 2007 - Alton, IL
May 17 - 20	Pagan Unity Festival - 2007, Burns TN
May 21	The Inner Path - Indianapolis, IN
May 22	Moonstones - Pittsburgh, PA
May 23	Mystickal Tymes - New Hope, PA
May 24	Earth Spirits - Sturbridge, MA
May 25	The Silver Willow - Rehoboth, MA
May 26-27	Universal Healing Center - Sanford, ME
May 28	Crescent Moon Goddess - Hicksville, NY
May 31	13 Magickal Moons - Occoquan, VA

Insane Fan Type People

Murv's Stalkers fan club founders, Johnny and Anastasia

Yes, their shirts really do say, "Murv's Stalkers". Meet Johnny and Anastasia, a couple of incredibly wacky and wonderful fans of the RGI series. They made the trek to Columbia, Missouri for Magickal Hibernation where I was presenting a pair of workshops and doing a signing. I hadn't been on-site at the hotel more than an hour when these two "stalked" up to my table, clad in these plainly labeled uniforms, and presented me with my own sweatshirt emblazoned with the words, "Murv. Object of the obsessions of Murv's stalkers."

Fortunately for me, this pair are really wonderful folks and nothing like the role played by Kathy Bates in Stephen King's Misery. Rumor has it you might be able to contact them on my forum and get hooked up with a "Murv's Stalker" shirt. Like I said, that's just a rumor, but hey, if you want one give it a try.

The Rumor Mill

I have it on good authority that a huge surprise is in store. I can't reveal the details just yet, but what I can say is that it will involve Miranda, the Internet, and cool prizes. Stay tuned, and keep checking out my website, myspace site, and or the myspace fan site for details.

Future Crime Scenes For 2007

April 6 - 8

Spirit Awakening - 2007 - Alton, IL

May 17 - 20

Pagan Unity Festival - 2007, Burns TN

May 21

The Inner Path - Indianapolis, IN

May 22

Moonstones - Pittsburgh, PA

May 23

Mystickal Tymes - New Hope, PA

May 24

Earth Spirits - Sturbridge, MA

May 25

The Silver Willow - Rehoboth, MA

May 26-27

Universal Healing Center - Sanford, ME

May 28

Crescent Moon Goddess - Hicksville, NY

May 31

13 Magickal Moons - Occoquan, VA


Tour dates are constantly being added and are subject to change. For the most up to date information visit www.mrsellars.com/tour.html

Okay, that's it for this go around. As usual, if I have forgotten anything, or if something important crops up before the next issue, I will send out a notice on this newsletter list... So, until the next time, remember: Leave the lights on, lock the doors, don't answer the phone, stay grounded, don't forget your safe word, pleasure is a relative concept, and above all beware of Miranda! MR

Tour dates are constantly being added and are subject to change. For the most up to date information visit www.mrsellars.com/tour.html

Okay, that's it for this go around. As usual, if I have forgotten anything, or if something important crops up before the next issue, I will send out a notice on this newsletter list...

So, until the next time, remember: Leave the lights on, lock the doors, don't answer the phone, stay grounded, don't forget your safe word, pleasure is a relative concept, and above all beware of Miranda!


RGI & MRS On The WWW Of course, writing isn't the only thing I've been up to. I've shoveled snow a couple of times, and have been losing miserably to both my wife and my daughter during our family UNO games. But I suppose that is even more boring than the paragraphs above. :) Well, as I've told you in a few of the notices that have been sent out on the list, there actually have been a few things going on in my neck of the woods, not the least of which is the expansion of my web presence.
Yeah, my publicist talked me into a myspace page, so there I am. It has actually been kind of fun, as I have run into several new fans, as well as old ones. In addition, my new friends also consist of several other authors of mixed genre thrillers, so that is kind of cool. There is a small screencap of my page above. So, if you happen to be on myspace, swing by and say hello (www.myspace.com/mrsellars). And, if you are REALLY a serious "myspacer" (or if you just want to stay up on what is happening with the characters from RGI) Felicity and Rowan have their own sites as well. They will be blogging and adding content that some of you may find interesting. In fact, Felicity has already made an angst laden entry into her online journal. (www.myspace.com/rowangant and www.myspace.com/felicity_firehair)

	Attack Of The RGI Fans! In addition to my personal page on myspace, a group of my fans set up the Official M. R. Sellars Fan Space there as well. (www.myspace.com/mrsellarsfans). They have pictures from various events where I have been, some blogs, and other cool links. The page is in a constant state of flux as they add things, but it already looks pretty cool. I told them I would let everyone know about it so that they can swing by and have a look, or even add them as a friend.

Something else I promised to pass along-- they are looking for content for the fan site. Pictures that some of you may have taken of me, or with me, that even I have yet to see would be great. Also anecdotes, stories, and comments...you know, all of those what have you's. They are really wanting to turn the fan space into a repository of interesting and fun stuff (which begs the question, "what's so fun and interesting about Sellars?" Well, I don't rightly know, but they seem to think something is, so help 'em out if you can!

MRSELLARS.COM Gets Cosmetic Surgery



Of course, if you are going to expand web presence, another important thing to do is clean up your old web presence. Therefore, my website has seen a substantial facelift. Navigation is now much easier, and the style sheets are working the way they should so things shouldn't be shifting off the page like they were in the past. Of note, other than the file folder tab menus along the side and across the top, are the embedded java applets. On the left side of the header is a vertically scrolling window which gives you the latest 4 news items about the RGI series. They are linked, therefore simply clicking on the text of the item will take you to the relative news page. On the right, a similar scrolling marquee is in place, however this one shows my next 4 upcoming appearances. This will sometimes show more than 4 appearances in the queue, depending on whether or not I am on an extended tour, or simply a weekend gig. The actual "Tour Schedule" page still exists, but the new scrolling applet allows you to get some of the information right from the main page if you so desire. In addition to the site itself having a makeover, the RGI/M. R. Sellars Forum has been re-worked and is now manned by a team of moderators to help keep things going, and approve new members since I am away so much. The "mod squad", as they like to call themselves, have been doing a great job, and they are really turning the forum into a great place to chat. As an added bonus, a few other authors have joined in the fray and have their own sub-boards on the forum-- among them Dorothy Morrison, Kristin Madden, Diana Paxson, and Kirk White. So, with a crew like that on board, who knows what might happen.

WTP Gets Into The Act The last bit of web expansion was actually the brainchild of the Publisher's Promotional Team. WillowTree Press now has a Youtube site, complete with a "book trailer" for the Miranda Trilogy (the first in a series), and the now infamous "Wingnuts, Bobbleheads, and Unconscious Magick" workshop presented by Dorothy Morrison and me. The video of the workshop had to be split up into 7 segments due to upload limitations, but they overlap so you don't miss anything.

As I said, the book trailer currently out there is only the first in a series, and there are rumors of similar trailers not only for the rest of the RGI books, but for other WillowTree Press titles as well. On top of that, when Morrison and I hit the road for the first leg of our 2007 tour, we will be armed with a video camera in order to catch some more workshops, and other fun stuff for the site.

RGI Trivia: The Miranda Trilogy was originally intended as a single book, that being Love Is The Bond . The original concept for the story had been jotted down as notes shortly after the release of Never Burn A Witch, the second book in the RGI series, however it had never come to fruition. When revisiting the idea, Love Is The Bond was born. By that time, the story, back story, and subplots had grown to a point that demanded a minimum of a trilogy, and so All Acts Of Pleasure and The End Of Desire were outlined.