Antiques to Die For
Great Reviews

(click on the cover to read or hear the excerpt)

Publisher's Weekly, 2008-02-04
"Aided by a large support group of well-drawn characters headed by her police chief boyfriend, Josie follows such clues as an old diary, an artist's palette and a misplaced tote bag. Among other antique lore, readers will learn the difference between a highboy and a tallboy in this cleverly crafted cozy."

Kirkus Reviews, 2008-02
"The third in the series (Deadly Appraisal, 2007, etc.) contains all the usual antiques lore along with romance and a fine set of suspects." 

Booklist, 2008-03
"Anyone who collects antiques will enjoy this satisfying cozy."

Ask Jane:

Q: Your Website is great—how much time does it take you?

A: A lot. I create the content—or most of it—and Carol Novak, my web Queen, and her team, do the rest.

I try to create a deep relationship with my readers—in my books, my protagonist, Josie Prescott, often quotes her father and mentions her mother's recipes. I have web pages that list the quotes and share the recipes. I have good book club questions, photos of Josie's world, and a fun, interactive challenge called "What's It Worth? You Be the Judge!" in which readers can pit their antiques appraisal skills against those of the experts—Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.

I have book excerpts, including audio versions posted as downloadable podcasts. I have a press kit, reviews, and a greetings page. I have my appearance listing, a blog, and a newsletter. I consider website development to be a process of continuous improvement. We're constantly looking for ways to enhance the visitor's experience by adding fun, meaningful, and/or interactive elements.

Any other thoughts about content that Jane should include on her website? E-mail her directly.

Cooking Tip from Josie's Mom

"My mom loved style," Josie says. "She thought food tasted better when it was presented with flair."

Antiques Collecting Fact:
Did You Know?

Antiques and Collectibles:
Ten Ways to Tell if You've Been Had

"It's easy to lose your shirt when buying antiques and collectibles," Jane says. She reports that there's a growing problem with fake antiques and collectibles being available in the marketplace.

"With the increased popularity of on-line auctions and flea markets comes increased trouble. More selling opportunities demand more inventory, yet the availability of quality antiques and collectibles stays constant. On-line buying is even more problematic than buying from transient dealers—you lose the ability to look in someone's eyes and gauge their honesty."

To make certain the purchase is on the up-and-up, Jane recommends that you consider factors related to both your interactions with the seller and your observations about the object. "Most dealers operate their businesses with integrity, but some don't. Use these ten tips as a checklist to help ensure that you're buying what you think you are, not what some charlatan wants you to believe."

In this issue of the newsletter, Jane discusses five factors about the seller buyers should consider. Next month, she'll review five factors about the objects that buyers should consider.

About the seller:

1. Beware of pressure to buy "now." (i.e., The seller says the object is the only one, so you'd better "get it now." Remember, by definition, all antiques are unique.)

2. Ensure it's properly labeled. (By generally accepted standards, an object is only considered to be an antique if it's more than 50 years old. Otherwise, it's called a collectible. If an object is mislabeled, that's a red flag: Is the dealer ignorant? Or is the dealer trying to overstate the object's value?)

3. Confirm you understand what the seller is saying. For instance, if a dealer uses jargon, it's reasonable to ask for explanations. Keep asking for clarification until you're comfortable that you understand.

4. Check the facts. Statements such as these are false: "A little repair doesn't matter," and "All they did was give it a fresh coat of paint—it doesn't affect the price."

5. Research prices. Some sellers price the customer, not the object. (i.e., How much will this person pay for it?) If objects aren't priced and/or the seller can't explain the rationale of a price, that's a warning sign that you should be concerned.

"Ask questions, do research, and remember—caveat emptor—let the buyer beware."

Antiques to Die For
Book Trailer Now Available

(click on the title frame to view the trailer)

Jane's on TV  

Last year, Jane was interviewed on several television shows as part of her book tour. This year, she's doing it again! She'll be on Good Morning, Arizona and several cable shows including the well-respected Boston-based show THE LITERATI SCENE with Smoki Bacon and Dick Concannon. 

For Jane's full schedule, check the appearance page.

Finding My Way:
Thoughts on Plotting

An excerpt from
Jane's latest Blog

In Antiques to Die For, the third Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery, I wrote without an outline. Boy, was that a mistake. Without an outline, I found myself succumbing to the allure of the moment. I fell in love with minor subplots, unnecessary characters, and intriguing, but irrelevant descriptions. I lost my rhythm.

Luckily, my brilliant.... [MORE}

Unpublished Fact About Josie

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