You know how Bill Maher has his New Rule shtick? Well, I’m taking a page from his playbook. Many of you aren’t going to like this, but I think it has to be said: STOP publishing all these ebooks. I don’t want to sound negative, but it’s getting nuts out there. Ever since the self-publishing floodgates opened, “the more the merrier” has been the rule of thumb for indie authors. If you’re not making the sales you want, just write a new book and publish it. Add to your series. Start a new one. That’s the way to boost sales. I know people who are publishing five or six books a year! Which is why I call it Binge Publishing. (Btw, I’m talking about new books here, not backlist novels. Will deal with them later.)
Literature
Want to read the best crime fiction? First, choose your type…
If you thought crime fiction was just Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot, it’s time to think again. The crime fiction genre splits into a variety of overlapping sub-genres, each different and each appealing to different kinds of readers. Which are you? Cozies – The softer end of mysteries You love a good plot. But you … Read more
Reviewing From The Other Side
This is a reprint from CrimeSpree magazine but it appeared back in 2007. So I think it’s safe to say most of you never read it. I’ve updated it. As I wait for the reviews of Havana Lost to come in, I can’t help but remember the first (and only) first professional review I wrote. It was … Read more
Writing Lite #8 — Show, Don’t Tell
We hear it over and over. “Show, Don’t Tell.” But what does it mean and how do you do it? Libby explains in another Writing Lite.
Writing Lite #5 — Character Backstories
I’m baaack.. with another Writing Lite segment. This time I’m starting a series on character development and how to do it. Today I talk about my favorite technique — writing character backstories. They only have to be a couple of single spaced pages, but they accomplish so much. What do you think?
Traditional vs Self-Publishing: An Update (Part One)
This is an update of a presentation and blog I put together three years ago and have revised once since then. But, as Bob Mayor says, we have cycled through the first three years in digital publishing, and lots of things have changed, so I think it’s time for a new update. This is going … Read more
Women’s Voices Magazine is Here!
If you’ve been following me on Twitter, FB, and Google+, you know I’ve been talking about a new online magazine that debuts — today! Starting with the 2012 election, American women have emerged as a new high-target demographic powerbase for media. But the media’s approach has not necessarily changed much from continuing an emphasis on … Read more
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to “The Mystery Box” Anthology
I am delighted to announce the release of “The Mystery Box” anthology released by MWA (Mystery Writers of America) today. I am even more delighted to say that my story, “War Secrets,” is in it. It has—well—an unusual backstory. I was casting around for an idea—the anthology’s premise is “Secrets,” which lends itself to a … Read more
Writing Lite #3 — Raise the Stakes
In this week’s Writing Lite I talk about how to raise the stakes to build suspense into your work. Enjoy… and let me know what you think. And yes, I’m sorry I cut off a bit of my head in the frame, but I didn’t think you’d miss it. It’s not easy to produce and … Read more
My Favorite Non US Crime Authors
I started out thinking I’d write about my favorite Nordic crime authors, but as prolific as they are, I’m afraid my Nordic love affair is dimming. In fact, I’m loath to say it, since I am someone who loves the darkest shades of noir, but reading them has not been as satisfying as it once was. They’ve started to feel far too dreary, dark and cold. Even for me.