Last week I stumbled across this: 10 Excuses You’ve Probably Used to Skip a Workout. I exercise regularly, not only because it’s good for my overall health, but also because it seems to help control my movement disorder. Some of the excuses seemed a little far-fetched at first – seriously, people really get away with… Continue Reading 10 Excuses You’ve Probably Used for Not Reading a Book »
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Go Ahead and Judge That Book By Its Cover
Don’t judge a book by its cover! I bet you’ve heard that saying too many times to count. And while the underlying message about not judging people by how they look has merit, when it comes to actual books, we all tend to judge them by their covers – at least in part. As a… Continue Reading Go Ahead and Judge That Book By Its Cover »
Read MoreTop Tips for Writing Legal Thrillers
The release of Chasing the Dead, the second book in my Alex Stone Thriller Series, is fast approaching. Thrillers of all types, both legal and other suspense-filled adventures, have become increasingly popular lately. There’s always an impressive sampling of the genre on the New York Times bestseller lists for fiction. People love genre fiction for… Continue Reading Top Tips for Writing Legal Thrillers »
Read MoreChasing the Dead – An Interview
Earlier this year, I interviewed Public Defender Alex Stone in hopes that she could share her thoughts about the increasingly dark and dangerous crime scene in Kansas City. I got to know Alex and her life partner, Bonnie Long, MD, while writing Stone Cold, the first book in the Alex Stone Thriller Series. I asked… Continue Reading Chasing the Dead – An Interview »
Read MoreTips for Crime Writers on Creating a Great Protagonist
Last week, I shared my tips on creating a villain readers love to hate. But what about the protagonist? The heroine whose fascinating character and dangerous situation pulls the reader’s heart and soul into her world? That hero who makes a reader grit her teeth and get knots in her stomach because she’s so worried… Continue Reading Tips for Crime Writers on Creating a Great Protagonist »
Read MoreTips for Crime Writers on Creating a Villain Readers Love to Hate
Great crime writers like James Patterson, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, and even horror writers like Stephen King draw readers into their stories by creating complex villains we love to hate. In my best selling crime novels, I pay just as much attention to developing the villain (or in some cases, villains) as I do when… Continue Reading Tips for Crime Writers on Creating a Villain Readers Love to Hate »
Read MoreGratitude – It’s What Happiness Is Made Of
The other day I came across a video illustrating the findings of a recent study on gratitude and happiness. The study concluded that people who practice gratitude in their daily lives are happier, overall. The 6 minute, 25 second video is well worth watching. The creators illustrate the power of one little act of gratitude… Continue Reading Gratitude – It’s What Happiness Is Made Of »
Read MoreThe Seven Habits of Great Writers
What does it mean to be a writer? Almost anyone who’s been through high school can write. But having a basic education, or even a Ph.D., doesn’t mean you can write well. Sure, to earn a Ph.D. in most areas of study, one must write countless academic papers and have a working knowledge of how… Continue Reading The Seven Habits of Great Writers »
Read MoreWriting Sex Scenes – Sliding Into Home Base
Sex. What makes a fictional sex scene good? This is an important question for fiction writers because, if you’re going to include one, you need to do it right. A poorly constructed sex scene can leave readers disappointed and reluctant to become emotionally invested in the rest of the story, even if they read on… Continue Reading Writing Sex Scenes – Sliding Into Home Base »
Read MoreHow Crime Authors Can Keep the Thrill in their Thriller Series
When an author sets out to write a series, it’s far different than simply writing several freestanding books in a row. It’s also not the same as taking one long tale and breaking it into parts and putting those parts into separate volumes. For crime writers – especially – it’s a real challenge to keep an… Continue Reading How Crime Authors Can Keep the Thrill in their Thriller Series »
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Joel's bookshelf: read
Crisp writing, great characters. Doesn't go where you think it will go. A good read.
Great book! Lot's of fun and funny. Plus, very interesting insights into improv and how to apply rules of improv to the work place. Highly recommended.
A knockout! If you like action, humor and horror, you won't stop with this first installment in this new series. You'll get the rest of them the minute they are released.
One of the best books I've read in a long time. History that reads like the most exciting thriller. Great insights into the expansion of the United States into the West and the crushing cultural conflict that decimated Native American tr...
Just getting started with Michael Connelly's latest - vintage Connelly; captures you from the first page.
