The New Home of Detour

Because every good book deserves a home on the world wide web, there's now a website exclusively devoted to my upcoming novel, Detour to Murder. With information on the book, the film, and the author (yes, me...), it's a one-stop shop. Literally, since you can buy the book there, too.

While we're talking about Detour to Murder, I thought I'd share the new cover with you. Take a look and let me know what you think! Personally, I'm more than a little jazzed about the new look of the title.

Darrell James's blurb is still featured at the top. If you can't quite see it in the image, it reads: "Like fingernails on a blackboard, Sherratt finds the raw nerve of a story and rakes it till it screams." Why thank you, Darrell. Same to you.

The Southern California Writers' Conference - A Preview

Just a short month away is one of the biggest events for authors in the Southern California area. Naturally, I'll be there. The Southern California Writers' Conference is a must-attend opportunity for anyone trying to make their voice heard in the book industry. You may not be signing book deals as you walk out the door, but you'll have a unique opportunity to get your manuscript read by professional editors and authors - like me.

Of course, that's not the only reason to attend. From workshops to panels to one-on-one consultations, this conference is a wonderful way to learn how to fine-tune your craft, pitch a book to an agent or editor, and see the process right through to the end. The schedule is packed full with events, and the list of guest speakers is impressive. Take a look at their website, especially this page here, which not only introduces me, my work, and my publishers, but also reminds one and all of the upcoming deadlines for registration. Don't let them slip by without signing up! I'll see you there....

This review of Ellroy Penzler's The Best American Noir of the Century would feature the upcoming Detour to Murder... if I'd written it a year or two earlier. Ah well! That just means it'll be featured in The Best American Noir of the Next Century. Despite this most obvious of shortcomings, this still looks like an essential read for all noir-buffs. Keep it on the calendar of good October releases this 2010.

Looking for Links?

Detour is all over the internet. Granted, so are a lot of other things, but this film has earned a special place among Hollywood buffs and film aficionados across the world wide web. Check out some of the links below:

Row Three writes about anything Hollywood...except the blockbusters.

Noir of the Week recounts...well, a noir a week. Written by a veritable expert in the genre, it's a wonderful resource for all things related to the dark and moody Hollywood movement.

If you thought imdb.com was the one stop for the minutia of movie info, check out Digitally Obsessed. From summary to history to trivia, this one will surprise you.

Roger Ebert always has something clever to say. Here's his take on Detour.

Richard Corliss and Richard Schickel of Time Magazine include Detour in their list of 100 most influential movies.

Apart from an awesome font choices and possibly one of the most awkward stills of Ann Savage, this blog post offers a little more than the usual summary. Looking for a more in depth take on the film? The best article on Detour I've found yet is by Gary Morris of Images. An intelligent, thorough look at the film, its history, and the director behind it all. And if you want a little more about Edgar Ulmer: Check out 'Magic on a Shoestring' by Geoffrey Macnab.