Write first book, get IBM clone

From 1983 to 1988, I had a simple Kaypro MS-DOS computer with a tiny green screen. I used it to write hundreds of magazine articles for money and, as it turned out, my first book.

My New York literary agent, Jim Trupin, took my Veronica Slate mystery proposal to editors.

One of them said, "Sounds like a fun project, but can Lary Crews write?"

Jim said, "The idea is finding favor, but you'll have to write the first book in the series." 

So, from 5 to 7 each morning, since I wrote nonfiction to make a living, I spent eight months writing Kill Cue. It was published to great critical acclaim in December 1988.

Because my signing bonus was $9,000, I also bought the IBM clone computer you see above.

Funny how life works.

Kill Cue published

In 1988, when Kill Cue, my first Veronica Slate mystery novel, was published, a local newspaper did an almost full-page spread about me and my book.

"A Novel Approach to Murder." 

It had a photo of me and the cover of the novel. 

It certainly helped to sell the book.

89 book signings: 1691 books

Over 18 months in 1988-1990, I did eighty-nine book signings at bookstores and libraries. 

I personally autographed and sold 1,691 of my three Veronica Slate mystery novels, an average of nineteen books sold at each book signing.

Advance posters for bookstores

When my first three Veronica Slate mystery novels sold and were published, I knew only I could promote them. (Lynx was part of Bantam Books and I was a small potatoes author.)

Over 18 months in 1988-1990, I did eighty-nine book signings at bookstores and libraries. I personally autographed and sold 1,691 of my three mystery novels, an average of nineteen books sold at each book signing.

Above are the signs I sent to the bookstore or library.