Author Skye Alexander Talks About “Why We Love Mysteries”
As a lifelong reader, and now writer, of mysteries, I’m delighted to welcome Skye Alexander to my website for her analysis of “why we love mysteries.” Skye’s third novel in her Lizzie Crane Jazz Age mystery series, THE GODDESS OF SHIPWRECKED SAILORS, recently came out from Level Best Books. Why We Love Mysteries by Skye…
Read MoreMystery Author Laurel Peterson Delights in Being “Wicked” In Her Novels
My late mother lived in Norwalk, Connecticut for many years, where she enjoyed the lively arts scene and loved taking classes at the local community college. So, it was a special pleasure for me to interview Laurel Peterson, a terrific writer who’s also a professor at Norwalk Community College and the city’s first poet laureate.…
Read MoreAuthor Jackie Layton’s Specializes in “Cozy Mysteries with Spunky Southern Sleuths”
Since my childhood days of devouring Nancy Drew mysteries, I’ve never been able to resist spunky amateur sleuths, and author Jackie Layton specializes in irresistible Southern ones! Below, she talks about her new series and her writing journey: First off, congratulations on the recent release of CLUTTER FREE, the first book in An Organized Crime…
Read MoreFrom Award-Winning Playwright to Mystery Novelist: Meet Lynn-Steven Johanson
I loved interviewing Lynn-Steven Johanson about his Joe Erickson mystery series and his writing journey. Lynn is also the first author I’ve interviewed who has built his own street rod! Below are his responses to my interview questions, followed by his bio and buy/contact links. First off, congratulations on your release this year of ONE…
Read MoreOutside My Comfort Zone: A Mystery Writer Tackles Romantic Suspense
I’m a huge admirer of writers who take risks and try new things in their work, so I’m especially delighted to welcome guest author Kassandra Lamb as she discusses her foray into romantic suspense. Below is Kassandra’s essay, followed by a description of her trilogy written under the name of Jessica Dale, buy links, her…
Read MoreMore Confessions by An Anxious Writer
I can’t decide which makes me feel more anxious—receiving accolades for my work, or heavy doses of rejection and harsh criticism. I was reminded of my ability to make myself miserable either way this past week. In the accolades department, I learned that my novel, DEADLY SETUP, received the NYC Book Big Award in the…
Read MoreGrowing Up Female
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about gender issues. My Smith College alumnae discussion group has decided to discuss what our perceptions of our roles as women were when we were undergraduates all those decades ago, and how things have changed (or not) in our lives and the lives of succeeding generations of women. Of…
Read MoreTyping “The End” of a First Draft
Late Thursday afternoon, I typed “The End” on my first draft of my work-in-progress, tentatively called Missing Mom. To tell you a little about what has preoccupied me all these months, the novel centers around Noelle, a rising high school senior and aspiring ballet dancer whose mom suddenly vanishes. While the circumstantial evidence points to…
Read MoreWriting With My Students Inspires Me
During the years I taught English composition at a local university, I frequently gave my students writing prompts. The prompts were never about grades or finished products. They were all about getting creative juices going and developing the habit of writing. Wanting to model the value of writing practice, I always worked on the prompts…
Read MoreEmbracing the World of Indie Publishing: A Guest Essay by Debut Thriller Author Nannette Potter
Contemporary authors have a variety of publishing options, and I’m delighted to welcome Nannette Potter to my blog today as she celebrates the release of her debut thriller, PIERCE THE DARKNESS, and discusses her decision to pursue publishing as an Indie author. Below is Nannette’s guest essay, her bio, a description of PIERCE THE DARKNESS,…
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