I’m so delighted to welcome DonnaRae Menard back to my blog today. DonnaRae has two very different new books out this year. In her guest essay, she explains why the advice to find your writing niche and stick to it has never worked for her! JUMPING THE RAILS By DonnaRae Menard Years ago, when I…
This morning, pre-orders became available for the e-book of my forthcoming mystery, MISSED CUE, with the official release happening on August 8th. I’m excited and thrilled that Melange Books took a chance on my fifth novel, my first written for adults. I’m also a bit stunned that this is happening because this is a book…
Recently, Shey Saints interviewed me for an author feature on HubPages (https://hubpages.com/literature/interview-with-author-lynn-slaughter). One of her questions was, “Which of your books do you relate to the most?” I talked about both While I Danced and Leisha’s Song because the protagonists’ struggles with parents who opposed their interest in pursuing careers in the performing arts mirrored…
Marilyn Levinson writes terrific mysteries and novels both for kids and adults, and it’s a pleasure to feature her on my blog today as her lovable fourth grade character Rufus returns. Below are her responses to my interview questions, followed by her bio and buy/newsletter links: First off, congratulations on the reissue of your delightful,…
Having just returned from New York City, a place I love dearly, it’s a special treat to welcome mystery author Cathi Stoler to my blog, who has set her On the Rocks Mystery Series mainly in a restaurant on New York’s Lower East Side. Below, Cathi talks about her series and writing journey and offers…
I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m a writer or just generally a nosy person, but I read the acknowledgements that typically appear at the ends of books. I’m always curious about the folks who helped other authors on their journeys to publication. I spent yesterday reading a riveting debut thriller, A Flicker in the…
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.…
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…
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…
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…