Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
I am thrilled and honored to be a part of a brand new, just-launched crime fiction Box Set… Story Bundle.. or whatever you like to call it. Take a look at some of the authors in this bundle (like Lawrence Block, Kris Nelscott, Rebecca Cantrell, Julie Hyzy, and Dean Wesley Smith) and tell me you don’t … Read more
Purists probably disagree. But I think it’s OK to bring a mix of fictional and ‘real’ characters into a story. TV has been doing it for a while with docu-dramas that blend real footage and eyewitness accounts with dramatized content played by actors. It has proven to be a popular format, and it works equally well for … Read more
Humans love patterns. According to scientists, pattern-seeking is an evolutionary imperative, vital to our ancestors’ survival. If you had the ability to spot a tiger’s stripes hidden in long grass, for example, you’re more likely to avoid being eaten than a fellow ancient human who’s not so skilled. We still do it to this day … Read more
In case you missed it, this is a reprint of my blogpost that appeared on Omni-Mystery last week. It’s long, so settle down with the beverage of your choice and dig in. Would love your opinion in the comments. No, this isn’t about Facebook posts. Or how to fly under the radar. Or drop off the … Read more
I was watching Saving Mr. Banks last night when I saw something I’ve never seen in a film before. It’s something I did as a little girl when I was playing by myself, and frankly, I thought it was unusual. Now I’m not so sure. The little girl who grows up to be P.L. … Read more
I just finished my latest Georgia book. Now, understand that when I say finished, I mean the first draft is done. It has been through my writers group, and right now several people whose opinions I trust are reading it. Which means it will go through several more iterations and drafts before it’s ready to … Read more
We have reached the end of another year and again, it has proven to be year of change. Many call it the effects of “disruptive technology” or what happens when new technologies unexpectedly displace an established technology. And while the revolution in publishing certainly continues to be disruptive, it also seems to advance in short, rapid … Read more
Reading is very personal. Like music, it’s subjective. One person might love a novel so much they re-read it every year. Another person might hate the same novel so much they can’t finish it. And readers are nothing if not vocal, especially those who leave negative reviews. I’ve been asked by a couple of my … Read more
I’ve mentioned the phenomenon of the superstar author before, when I asked whether, as a writer, it’s better to market your ‘self’ or your books. It called for a discussion of brand and platform, but I’m sick of those words… so let’s just talk in plain English, okay? This week the crime writer Lee Child … Read more
“Character is plot and plot is character” F. Scott Fitzgerald. Now and again a character steps onto the page and explodes into life. In fact they seem to write themselves. Ellie Foreman’s (the protagonist in my first series) father, Jake, is like that. I never have to worry when he’s around. He always does or … Read more