Posts Categorized: Writing Crime Fiction

Medical Conditions and Crime Fiction Heroes

  Creating a believable crime fiction hero can be a unique challenge. In any mystery, the main character should be smart but not a know-it-all, successful but not invincible, vulnerable but not weak. Good crime writers often make that happen by challenging their heroes with real life problems and then turning those obstacles into opportunities. … Continue Reading Medical Conditions and Crime Fiction Heroes »

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Fun stuff for fans of crime fiction at Comic-Con

  Comic-Con International 2014 kicks off today, and crowds have flocked to San Diego for a weekend of exciting events. What started out as a gathering for comic book aficionados has evolved into a multigenre entertainment and comic convention that attracts fans and stars from around the world.  Today, there’s something from everyone – including… Continue Reading Fun stuff for fans of crime fiction at Comic-Con »

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Crime fiction, Mysteries and Thrillers: What’s the Difference?

  You’ve no doubt heard the terms crime fiction, mysteries and thrillers – but is there really a difference? The way books are categorized is influenced by a wide range of factors, from an author’s reputation to marketing goals to the space on a store’s shelves. However, there are definable differences between crime fiction, mysteries… Continue Reading Crime fiction, Mysteries and Thrillers: What’s the Difference? »

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Finding the Perfect Title for Your Mystery Novel

  If you think writing your mystery novel is hard, just wait until you try to come up with the perfect title for your mystery novel! The devil is in the details – and coming up with those brief few words to grace the cover of your book can be a painstaking process. money 4… Continue Reading Finding the Perfect Title for Your Mystery Novel »

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Crime Fiction Sidekicks

  Sherlock Holmes had Watson. Poirot had Captain Hastings. The crime fiction sidekick is an integral character in many of the most popular mystery series – and for good reason. Sidekicks help move the story along and serve as surrogates for readers – asking the same questions we’re wondering and offering our own theories and… Continue Reading Crime Fiction Sidekicks »

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The Crime Fiction Murder Weapon

  When you read a good thriller, you’re probably trying to figure out whodunit right along with the detective or private eye. But are you overlooking one of the major clues? The way a victim is killed can tell you a lot about the person doing the killing. Find out what the crime fiction murder… Continue Reading The Crime Fiction Murder Weapon »

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Habits of Successful Writers

  What does it take to become not only a published fiction author, but also a successful one? The short answer involves the usual platitudes about commitment and determination. While those are certainly important, it takes more than that. Successful writers have developed good writing habits. It’s really no different than a successful athlete or… Continue Reading Habits of Successful Writers »

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Tips 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 »

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Tips 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 »

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