Toby Speed

Welcome to my website. This space is for occasional odd jottings to let you know what's new and exciting.

I'm more than halfway through the first draft of my new murder mystery, DEATH OVER EASY--featuring the intrepid Emma Trace, Long Island-born freelance editor who is usually in the wrong place at the right time, and her sidekick, LaRue Fusticola. Emma is matching wits with Detective Pete Zahn, who has gotten off on the wrong foot with her and has yet to see the error of his ways. I am rapidly approaching the pivotal bowling scene. :)

This is my first book for the grown-up crowd, and I'm loving it. I enjoy planting clues and red herrings, but find it hard knowing whodunnit without giving the solution away.

My favorite part is plopping a couple of characters into a scene and letting them run with it. They surprise me all the time with their demands and have led me to make many fun detours as the story moves ahead. If they don't like what I've plotted out for them, they balk and refuse to go along with me. But if I listen to what they have to say, the story gets past the roadblocks and begins to move again. It's been a great writing adventure so far.

Autographed copies of some of my children's books are available. Email me for availability and cost. You can also find most of them in your local library.

Enjoy your visit!

Toby
July 2008