I’m tired of Michael Richards’ racism, of Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitism, of the residual effects of Tom Cruise’s grandstanding about mental illness.
I’m also tired of the nightly news — and other media outlets — reveling in self-righteous indignation about intolerance.
It seems to me that most people are superb at complaining about small-mindedness, but less adept at changing it in themselves.
Enter Murderati.
This blog stands out in the literary ether as a place where diversity reigns. Noir, thriller, suspense, detective, horror, traditional, quirky — the people who post at this site represent a rainbow of views.
We make it our mission to stretch perspectives, taste new ideas and honor different styles and subgenres.
Things aren’t always rosy here. Readers and bloggers disagree. So far, we’ve managed, generally, to do this with respect.
In the coming weeks, you’ll notice that we’re ramping up the discussion.
The website will also have a slightly different look. It’s started already. In case you didn’t notice the pictures on the left side of this blog, look now.
Then go back to yesterday’s post and meet Michael Maclean. Tomorrow, you’ll hear from Paul Guyot . . .
Here’s the new schedule:
Sundays Michael Maclean
Mondays Pari Noskin Taichert
Alternating Tuesdays Paul Guyot/Louise Ure
Wednesdays Elaine Flinn
Thursdays Simon Wood
Fridays J.T. Ellison
Saturdays Alexandra Sokoloff
Crime fiction is a world of opportunity. Murderers, kidnappers, embezzlers roam free until heroes take them down. World-weary misanthropes rub shoulders on bookcases next to sweet little old ladies. Yet, there’s this pull to take sides, to scoff at certain subgenres or laud others — not out of knowledge, but out of some need to prove self-worth. It’s the same kind of uninformed and petty bias I see in our general culture . . . and it truly dismays me.
When I started Murderati, one of the things I wanted to do was to buck that trend.
We do.
Seven writers. At least seventeen perspectives.
Join us. Be part of the discussion.
I believe (with a nod to Freud) that intolerance is the opiate of the intellectually lazy. Don’t be complacent.
Grow with us . . .
And, give a hearty welcome to our newest members: Michael Maclean, Paul Guyot, Louise Ure and Alexandra Sokoloff.
What a great post.
I wish I wasn’t guilty of occasionally “taking sides.” Hopefully, Murderati will cure me of that.
Again, thanks for the chance to be heard.
Mike,Last night I was watching something on TV and there was an ad for a show. “Do you have secret prejudices?” the voice-over asked.
I burst out laughing. Of course we all do. These can help keep us alive. I tell my kids that if someone makes them feel uncomfortable inside, to just move away, to leave that person alone. Sure, they might miss a friendship. They also might miss an axe-murderer. I’ll opt for training them to listen to their intuition.
So . . . taking sides is natural, on occassion. But when it becomes the norm, when it becomes the modus for self aggrandizement, well, I think its destructive to all concerned.
Oh, hell. I can see it’s going to be one of these days when I can’t spell worth a damn.
Please forgive me in advance . . .
Oh, yike – our mission is cross-genre? I thought you said cross-dressing.
Oh well, I can do that, too.
So thrilled to be in such a wildly diverse group. Emphasis on wild.
Alex
Here’s to all the trend buckers out there!
Alex,If you want to show up to Murderati wearing a cup . . . that’s fine, too.
J.T.,I’ll raise my glass of Oban to them as well.
Make that eight writers, and maybe a hundred and eight perspectives.
Cornelia Read tells the story that, as the kids in her family left the house, her mother would be waving from the doorway, saying “Remember, talk to strangers!”
I agree. Here’s to strangers … and new friends.
So, um, I can’t spell AND I can’t count.
YES. EIGHT writers at Murderati.
Argh. I’m crawling back into my cave until the other eye opens . . .
Crap! I just posted a scintilating reply – profound as hell – and it got eaten up by ‘page cannot be displayed’. Hmmm. Maybe it was too controversial and the net gods saved me from myself?
So – I’ll just say what a terrific post, Pari! And a huge welcome to Alex, Louise, Michael and Paul (in alpha order lest I be accused of gender bias). Stay tuned folks -like Steve Martin loves to say – “This is a wild and crazy bunch.”
Darn, Elaine,I would have loved to read whatever profundity you deposited here. Are you sure you don’t want to write it all over again?
Are we wild? I feel as tame as a chesire cat.
No way – I don’t tempt fate. 🙂
Chesire cat? Seems to me I remember a mischevious smile on that kitty. And I have a feeling this blog is gonna get a little wild soon. And that’s not a bad thing, eh?
Welcome to the new folks! Looking forward to reading your jerbillion perspectives!
The Cheshire Cat was the original wild cat, if you ask me.
Welcome diverse new writers! 🙂
Loved the post, Pari, and, btw, I have a full bottle of Oban that’s been hiding in my pantry for, um, 9 years? Come on down, I’ll share!
Yes, well, the Chesire cat was quite wily — and I’ll admit to that.
Kristy, I bought my bottle after earning my brown tip in Tae Kwon Do. Why did you buy yours?
I bought it for my husband’s 30th b-day, along with other various “grown-up” masculine-themed things. But I’m thinking we might actually open it on my pub date. Uh, will it still be good after being in my pantry for 9 years? I figure it will just be more…aged, and mellow, just like my husband 😀
It should be fine, m’dear.
If not, you can drop by NM and I’ll share . . . a little.
Great line-up, guys. But who’s that JT character?
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