It is an accomplishment to write the first draft of a book, but it is an even greater feat to polish that book into something that sparkles. This post is written by a mystery author, but elements of it can be applied in total or in part to other genre fiction. As I’ve published in […]
How to Write a Complex Plot by Maggie Toussaint aka Valona Jones Read More »
We live in interesting times. Then again, I suppose all times have been and always will be interesting in one way or another. I’m someone who has always found plots and characters for my books in current events—from local to worldwide. Everything I read about, see on the news, and observe winds up parked in
Living in Interesting Times by Lois Winston Read More »
I write long and short – novels and short stories. Most writers prefer one to the other because they require different skills, but I really enjoy the challenge of both. One problem with writing short stories that appear in periodicals and anthologies is that people may read or hear about one story, but they often
With Our Bellies Full and the Fire Dying by Debra H. Goldstein Read More »
I’m currently mentoring a gifted fourteen-year-old author who’s writing a novel. Each week, I share a quote with her from a writer that I’ve found either helpful or humorous. Some of my favorites include: “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you
My Favorite Writing Advice by Lynn Slaughter Read More »
It’s been said that San Francisco considers its opera only slightly less sacred than the Holy Grail. The city is totally an opera town. That’s one major reason why I chose to set Overture to Murder, Book 3 in my Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series, at San Francisco Opera. The City by the Bay and
It’s Not Always a Mystery: Following a Series Protagonist’s Journey by Erica Miner Read More »
When 2024 began, it appeared that all but one thing would be status quo. The only change would be the birth of a new grandchild in April. That child, a boy, arrived as planned and immediately charmed everyone by being easy going. For me, writing became complicated when my Sarah Blair series ended and a
Farewell to a Decidedly Eventful 2024 and a Wish for All for 2025 by Debra H. Goldstein Read More »
From Lord Byron’s Don Juan (1823) “Tis strange—but true; for truth is always strange; Stranger than fiction.” In our quest to ‘get it right,’ authors are natural researchers and lifelong learners with a penchant for discovery, and as we satisfy our curiosity, the quest for truth builds and enhances our tales. When I began writing
Lifelong Learner by Mary Seifert Read More »
Have you ever wondered what, exactly, cracking a secret code involves? Wonder no more. We’re going to dive into the world of spycraft. Sorry, I won’t be giving away any secret code books or nifty decoder rings. But I am extending an invitation to dive into the intriguing world of spycraft, a subject that takes
Spycraft 101 by Terry Ambrose Read More »
The classic answer to the perennial “Where do you get your ideas?” question is that ideas are everywhere. They truly are. The fun part is when the idea pops up when you least expect it and you know it’s good, and because of some very special event, the result of that idea is going to
TRAVEL INSPIRATION by Anne Louise Bannon Read More »
My number one reminder when writing a cozy? Keep it cozy. It must have a comforting feeling, much like a cup of tea, a warm blanket, a good book, or a relaxing dinner with friends. In fact, one of the main reasons readers say they return to a series is because the characters feel like
WRITING SATISFYING ANTAGONISTS IN COZY MYSTERIES by Korina Moss Read More »