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 MoreTop 3 Thriller Books That Should Be Films
A guest post by Kate Naylor I imagine more or less all of the world’s best suspense story authors would love to see their work on the silver screen. It’s the ultimate ego boost, revealing your work to an even wider and more mainstream audience. After all, difficult as it is to imagine, some people… Continue Reading Top 3 Thriller Books That Should Be Films »
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 MoreAmerican Crime Stories – The Wire, Justified and Deadwood
A guest post by Kate Naylor As a copywriter I love great dialogue, whether it’s a crime novel or a TV series. The Wire and Deadwood – both created by HBO – are my kings of the hill, along with Graham Yost and Elmore Leonards’ Justified. Run-of-the-mill crime stories major on plot and imagery, with… Continue Reading American Crime Stories – The Wire, Justified and Deadwood »
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 More3 Great Crime Fiction Authors Like James Patterson
A guest post by Kate Naylor Are you looking for authors similar to James Patterson? If so, you’re not alone. Genius as he is, he can only write one book at a time. And thrill-hungry audiences are always on the lookout for more of the same, whether it’s from his pen or someone else’s. I’ve… Continue Reading 3 Great Crime Fiction Authors Like James Patterson »
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 »
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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.
