It’s November, and that means it’s officially is National Novel Writing Month! Whether you’re a published mystery novelist or you’re trying to break into crime fiction writing, this inspirational program is the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) and get writing. With plenty of organized activities and resources, this… Continue Reading National Novel Writing Month »
Read MoreWhat 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 »
Read MoreDid you know that emotional intelligence is directly linked to personal and professional success? Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the way we perceive and cope with the emotions of others and ourselves. In other words, it improves a person’s social effectiveness. Individuals with high EI are more self-aware than others and report a higher… Continue Reading How Emotional Intelligence Helps You Enjoy Good Fiction »
Read MoreEven though we’re told not to stereotype groups of people, we do it all the time. When someone mentions the word “attorney”” to you, a certain image probably pops up in your mind – typically a man with a briefcase and confident, almost dismissive, demeanor. But you and I both know that a great… Continue Reading Top 10 Author Stereotypes »
Read MoreOf course, as an author, I always hope my readers enjoy my books and that they feel satisfied with the final conflict resolution that comes about at the end of each story. If you’re an avid reader, you’re certain to be disappointed with the ending of a book written by one of your favorite authors… Continue Reading Does an Author Always Need to Please Readers? »
Read MoreSex. 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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NPR’s summertime series Crime in the City focuses on fictional detectives and the cities they call home. It’s very interesting to hear the featured authors talk about their cities and how they incorporate the nuances and flavor of these places into their crime novels. The Crime in the City reporters explore this concept as well… Continue Reading Writing Fiction – Crime in the City »
Read MoreIt took me 10 years to finish writing the first of my many crime novels. I like to say that I was a ten-year overnight success. I started writing Motion to Kill while still practicing law. Read about the serendipitous bit of conversation with one of my partners that got me to thinking about writing… Continue Reading That Novel Won’t Write Itself – Writing to Finish »
Read MoreDo you see yourself as a writer – a novel writer destined to become the next John Grisham or Stephanie Meyer? Maybe Lee Child or the up and coming Veronica Roth are more your style. Regardless of the writers you admire, you’ve got a novel in you that just has to get out. You keep… Continue Reading Writing Your First Novel – Just Do It »
Read MoreAre there any new stories? I really enjoyed reading Joel’s last post about the writer’s challenge, the fine art of giving age-old tales a new slant. I imagine all stories cover the same subject matter as far as the human condition goes. A potent mix of love, hate, fear, jealousy, courage, weakness, greed, violence, redemption… Continue Reading Climate change, technological innovation and the writer’s challenge »
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