I Can’t Use This for a Query Letter, But…
One of the first things you learn about query letters is that no agent or publisher is going to be impressed by your telling them that you’re sure they’ll want to take your manuscript on, since your mother and your husband absolutely love it. Not exactly unbiased readers! The same could be said for grandsons.…
Read MoreA Conversation with Award-winning Author Lynda Rees, “the Murder Guru”
As many of you know, I’m an active member and former president of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, the Ohio River Valley chapter of Sisters in Crime. One of our outstanding members is Lynda Rees, multi-award winning author of romantic mystery and suspense. In today’s interview, Lynda talks about her background, her latest two launches, and other…
Read MoreWriting Accidents
I once wrote a personal experience piece called “Confessions of an Accidental Novelist” in which I explained that I hadn’t intended to become a fiction writer. In fact, I was quite convinced I lacked the “fiction gene.” I’d spent most of my professional life as a dancer and dance educator. Even though I enjoyed writing…
Read MoreThe Thing About Clichés
As writers, we’re regularly exhorted to avoid clichés as overused, hackneyed, and too predictable. I take that advice seriously, and I consciously look for fresher images in my work. The thing is, though, in our daily lives, the reason clichés are so overused is that they resonate with us by capturing some fundamental experience. Take…
Read MoreMystery Author Judy Alter Talks About Her Latest Release and the Best First Line She Ever Wrote
What a treat to welcome prolific author Judy Alter back to my website. Judy not only talks about her new release and writing journey but shares the best first line she ever wrote—and it’s a doozy! Below are her responses to my interview questions: First off, congratulations on the release of IRENE DEEP IN TEXAS…
Read MoreAdults Need That One “Trusted Adult,” Too
Years ago, I was interviewing a psychologist for an article about the challenges of adolescence when she said: “What a kid really needs to make it through the teen years is that one trusted adult who supports and encourages them.” Lately, I’ve been thinking that having a “trusted adult” matters long after our teenage years…
Read MoreTaking On Ageism in Her Delightful Mystery Series: Meet Debut Author Cheryl Rodgers
As someone who was a big fan of Hart to Hart and has always loved husband-and-wife amateur sleuths, I’m delighted to welcome debut author Cheryl Rodgers to my blog today! Today marks the release of Cheryl’s MYSTERY AT CLARKE MANSION, the first in her Kate & Nick Mystery series. Below are her responses to my…
Read MoreA Special Day! Lis Angus Talks About the One-Year Book Anniversary of NOT YOUR CHILD
What a delight to be part of Lis Angus’s celebration of the book anniversary of her acclaimed debut novel, NOT YOUR CHILD, which came out one year ago today! Below, Lis talks about the novel, her journey to publication, and what’s next. First off, congratulations on the one-year book anniversary of your widely acclaimed debut…
Read MorePredictions, Probabilities, & Mystery Writing: DK Coutant Does It All
It’s always been a dream of mine to visit Hawaii, and what fun to feel as though I’m right there in DK Coutant’s EVIL ALICE AND THE BORZOI. Not only is DK’s mystery set in Hawaii, but she is the first geopolitical forecaster I’ve ever interviewed! Below are her responses to my questions, followed by…
Read MoreA Successful Collaboration: AD Price and Elizabeth Schmidt Discuss Creating the Audiobook Version of AFTER THE BLUE, BLUE RAIN
As an author and avid listener of audio books, I’ve often wondered what goes into creating the audio versions of published works. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview both novelist AD Price and her audiobook narrator, actor Elizabeth Schmidt, about their highly successful collaboration. Before getting together with Elizabeth, I wanted to know what…
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