Official Site of Award-Winning Author Gretchen Altabef
What he did with what he was given, to me is proof that our life choices may not always be what we originally intended. Sometimes it seems like nothing we planned is going right. How could our plans fail? The inspiration for Sherlock Holmes was Dr. Joe Bell and other literary personages. He had the… Continue reading Look Around
A Glimpse into the Sherlockian & Holmesian World "Here dwell together still two men of note. Who never lived and so can never die...But still, the game's afoot for those with ears attuned to catch the distant view-halloo: England is England yet, for all our fears—Only those things the heart believes are true...As night descends… Continue reading Only Those Things The Heart Believes Are True
“A trusty comrade is always of use, and a chronicler still more so.” (TWIS) Hip Hip Hoorah! This is a toast to the Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia and to its creator, Alexis Barquin. Also to its many knowledgeable contributors. This splendid resource was and is a daily helpmate during the writing of my Sherlock Holmes novels,… Continue reading Huzzah!–Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia
Rarely does a pastiche capture so many elements of an original Sherlock Holmes story as Ms, Altabef’s These Scattered Houses. Written in the first person, we are privy to Holmes’ thought processes, which are also evident in his often poignant journal entries intended for Dr. Watson’s later use. These entries recall the use of a… Continue reading These Scattered Houses Review by Wendy Heyman-Marsaw
MX runs on passion, creative intelligence, and dreams A. Conan Doyle and J.M. Barry would approve. And supports a large number of charities incredibly well and highly successfully." Everyday I am more and more grateful for finding Steve Emecz and the MX community. Find out why by listening to the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere… Continue reading PODCAST – I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere – MX Publishing
“Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell” (COPP).     Beginning with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the first to write his stories. As a muse, Sherlock Holmes has lived over many lifetimes and inspired generations of writers, performers, musicians, and artists.… Continue reading The Once and Future Muse
"Holmes is not an infallible, eagle-eyed, out-of-the-ordinary personality, but an exceptionally sincere young man trying to get ahead in his profession." In my interpretation he, "has a more ascetic quality, is deliberate, very definitely unbohemian, and is underplayed for reality." Ronald Howard. Ronald Howard, was 36 when he was chosen to portray Sherlock Holmes. Howard… Continue reading Sherlock Holmes And Me
The itchiness of the ever-present Muse, his constant pervasion of one’s dreams, waking thoughts, imagination, always there prodding the writer onward. As a Sherlock Holmes author, I know how lucky I am to have this inventive Muse in my life and to share a similar awe to Dr. Watson’s. Proof for the all-out characteristic of… Continue reading The Writing Life
One spot beckoned in this brilliant town where without invitation or calling beforehand, I could always find like-minded and welcoming people, and at the most famous address in the world, No. 221B, Baker Street. The art of writing Sherlock Holmes pastiche, ala Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, like Holmes's own art, combined reality with imagination. With… Continue reading Baker Street After-Hours
The pace of this novel is well-judged. From the outset it is a gripping and colourful adventure with lots of action. Clear respect for the Canon is demonstrated in the many neat references and affectionate nods to the characters, stories and intrigues of the original texts, and some real-life characters, such as Harry Houdini and… Continue reading SHSL Journal Book Review of These Scattered Houses
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