Prescott's Antiques: The Newsletter
A periodic newsletter for fans of
Jane K. Cleland's
traditional mystery series featuring Josie Prescott
traditional mystery series featuring Josie Prescott
An Antiques Roadshow for Mystery Fans
Vol. IV, No. 5
Vol. IV, No. 5
Killer Keepsakes
Is a Barnes & Noble
Mystery Book Club Pick— Join the Fun!
Is a Barnes & Noble
Mystery Book Club Pick— Join the Fun!
Follow the thread as mystery fans discuss Jane's latest mystery: http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com
Antiques Collecting Fact:
Did You Know?
Soft Toys
Soft toys, including stuffed animals, became commonly available in the late 19th century. They were frequently hand crafted until less costly and machine-made Asian imports took over the market in the 1950s.
The elephant (see above) is silk covered and straw filled, with glass eyes. It dates from around 1925. The condition is generally described as "playworn," meaning visibly used, but still in generally good shape. This elephant would sell for around $150.
The elephant (see above) is silk covered and straw filled, with glass eyes. It dates from around 1925. The condition is generally described as "playworn," meaning visibly used, but still in generally good shape. This elephant would sell for around $150.
This early Mickey Mouse example dates from around 1935. Note the prominent nose and other distinctive facial features common to early Mickey Mouse collectibles. Although the condition is a bit worse than "playworn," in that there's significant rubbing and fading of fabric, for serious collectors, it's still probably worth buying. Most dealers would say it's in "fair condition." Even so, it would sell as is for as much as $325.
Want to pit your antiques appraisal skills aginst those of the professionals? Take the free, fun challenge at What's It Worth? You Be the Judge.
Want to pit your antiques appraisal skills aginst those of the professionals? Take the free, fun challenge at What's It Worth? You Be the Judge.
Ask Jane:
Q: You're not scheduled to visit where I live, Oklahoma. How can I get an autographed copy of Killer Keepsakes? I want to give it to my mom for Christmas. A: That's great! I'd be honored to sign a book for your mom. It's easy to arrange. Send the book in a padded envelope, along with a pre-addressed and stamped padded envelope (addressed to yourself or wherever you'd like the book sent) to me here in New York. Include a note telling me if you'd like the book personalized or if you just want my signature. I'll sign it and ship it back the same day I receive it!
My address is:
Jane K. Cleland
P.O. Box 3233
New York, NY 10163-3233
P.O. Box 3233
New York, NY 10163-3233
Should Jane Go Blonde?
In a Bouchercon panel celebrating the publication of the first Nero Wolfe story (Fer de Lance, 1934, by Rex Stout), Jane, playing the recurring character of Lily Rowan, was interviewed by the esteemed mystery writer, Larry Light.
Larry played another repeating character, the reporter, Lon Cohen.
"Yes," Jane says, "I wore a wig. I wrote the script so that my answers to Lon's questions were quotes or references from the books. For instance, Larry as Lon asked, 'Do you and Archie plan on marrying?' I, as Lily, replied, 'Marriage is largely an issue of economics for women. Luckily, I don't need the money.'"
Bouchercon is the world's largest mystery conference. This year it was held in Indianapolis, IN.
In addition to playing Lily, Jane was the hostess of the Rex Stout banquet. And since her short story, "Killing Time" was nominated for the prestigious Anthony award, she was also on the Short Story panel.
As you may know, Jane integrates all sorts of Wolfean trivia into her Josie Prescott Antiques mysteries. "I do it for my pals in the Wolfe Pack," she explains.
To see Jane's complete tour schedule, click here.
"Yes," Jane says, "I wore a wig. I wrote the script so that my answers to Lon's questions were quotes or references from the books. For instance, Larry as Lon asked, 'Do you and Archie plan on marrying?' I, as Lily, replied, 'Marriage is largely an issue of economics for women. Luckily, I don't need the money.'"
Bouchercon is the world's largest mystery conference. This year it was held in Indianapolis, IN.
In addition to playing Lily, Jane was the hostess of the Rex Stout banquet. And since her short story, "Killing Time" was nominated for the prestigious Anthony award, she was also on the Short Story panel.
As you may know, Jane integrates all sorts of Wolfean trivia into her Josie Prescott Antiques mysteries. "I do it for my pals in the Wolfe Pack," she explains.
To see Jane's complete tour schedule, click here.
Jane Teaches Writing
Jane's pleased to announce that she's agreed to teach two mystery-writing seminars this winter.
She's thrilled to work with her agent emerita, Denise Marcil, on a one-day workshop called How to Write and Sell Your Mystery.
The morning session features Jane teaching Writing Killer Fiction: An Anatomy of the Craft. Denise will teach the afternoon session called Finding an Agent: Write Query Letters That Get Read. The workshop will be offered in New York City. For dates, cost, and agenda details, please call Jane at 212.949.0867 or email her directly.
The morning session features Jane teaching Writing Killer Fiction: An Anatomy of the Craft. Denise will teach the afternoon session called Finding an Agent: Write Query Letters That Get Read. The workshop will be offered in New York City. For dates, cost, and agenda details, please call Jane at 212.949.0867 or email her directly.
On January 30, 2010, Jane will teach Writing Killer Fiction: The Mystery Writer's Craft.
The half-day workshop is sponsored by Westport Writers' Workshop. They can be reached at 203.227.3250.
Jane brings 20+ years' experience developing and delivering training to these workshops. She'd be pleased to work with you to bring her expertise to your group or organization. Please call Jane for more information at 212.949.0867 or email her directly.
The half-day workshop is sponsored by Westport Writers' Workshop. They can be reached at 203.227.3250.
Jane brings 20+ years' experience developing and delivering training to these workshops. She'd be pleased to work with you to bring her expertise to your group or organization. Please call Jane for more information at 212.949.0867 or email her directly.
Silent Auction
Josie # 5 Is Available for
Pre-order Now
Josie # 5 Is Available for
Pre-order Now
Silent Auction's pub date is April 13, 2010, but you can pre-order your copy now. In Silent Auction, the autumn foliage is in full fiery glory on a beautiful day in the little coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire. Josie Prescott arrives at the town's renovated lighthouse to conduct an antiques appraisal and is horrified to discover the bludgeoned body of her neighbor Zoë's beloved nephew, Frankie. The owners of the lighthouse are avid antiques collectors, and Josie soon begins to suspect that a scrimshaw tooth from their collection may be the key to solving the crime that has shaken Rocky Point, and broken her dear friend's heart. Don't forget: Please ask your librarian to order Silent Auction, too!
Blog
Join the Wolfe Pack
– or start a literary society
of your own –
– or start a literary society
of your own –
I've been a member of the Wolfe Pack, the literary society that celebrates all things Nero Wolfe, for almost 20 years.
I feel safe when I read the stories. (Many of which I've read so often I can recite chunks word-for-word.) I feel as if I'm among friends. Think about that: the characters are so real to me, I feel as if I know them… and I like them. A lot. I even like Mr. Wolfe, a notorious misogynist. And I know he likes me, despite his attitude toward women. I just know he does.
A bit of background: There are two main characters in the Nero Wolfe stories, both detectives: Mr. Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.
Mr. Wolfe is in his 50s. He weighs a seventh of a ton. He loves fine food and employs a chef named Fritz. He grows orchids, spending four hours a day helping his professional gardener, Theodore, tend to his world-class collection in his rooftop conservatory. He drinks copious amounts of beer. He's reclusive, never (rarely) leaving his house on business. He spends most of his time reading. He works for money, to maintain his lifestyle, and is unmoved by calls for justice. He's a genius.
The other detective, Archie Goodwin, is Mr. Wolfe's amanuensis, just as Mr. Wolfe is Archie's werowance. Archie is in his 30s. He lives in Mr. Wolfe's New York City brownstone and eats Fritz's food, although he's no gourmet. Archie sometimes goes to the coffee shop around the corner for a corned beef sandwich or fried eggs. (Fritz never fries eggs.) Mr. Wolfe thinks he spends too much on his clothes; certainly Archie dresses well. In some books, he wears his tuxedo several times a week. He's a terrific dancer and frequents a nightclub I wish I could visit called The Flamingo. He likes baseball, the fights, and both watching and playing pool. Although he likes Lily Rowan a lot—on, ahem, spiritual grounds—he does play the field.
Lily Rowan is one of several ongoing characters. She once said that Mr. Wolfe liked her and when she was reminded that Mr. Wolfe likes no woman, she replied that at least Mr. Wolfe didn't dislike her. It's unclear why she thinks that. Mr. Wolfe has given her no reason to feel puffed up in that way. He's routinely rude to her. He gripes when she calls too frequently disturbing his reading time. Yet she believes she's the exception to the rule.
Me, too. If Mr. Wolfe were real, if I could meet him, I'm certain that he'd like me. Or at least, that he wouldn't dislike me.
Speaking of Lily Rowan, she's a hot ticket. She's beautiful, rich, and smart—a trifecta of perfection. She lives in a penthouse on East 63rd Street here in New York City. (Although Archie sometimes says that she lives at the Ritz or the Churchill. Mr. Stout once wrote me that try as he might, he couldn't get Archie to pay attention to details. Isn't that charming? I wish I could have met Mr. Stout. You can read his letter to me on the Wolfe Pack's website, www.nerowolfe.org.)
Lily owns a small place (ha, ha, small… right!) in Katonah. That's in Westchester County, just north of New York City. She calls it The Glade. And she spends summers at her ranch, Bar JR, in Lame Horse, Montana. She's 26 years old and blonde.
Despite being neither 26 nor blonde, I played Lily at this year's Bouchercon mystery conference. I was introduced as .... [MORE]
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