Pile on the doubt. Did he really see a crime or not? When in doubt, cast doubt. No only do the neighbors doubt, but now the character doubts himself. A can of traits. Every minor character has unique traits that stand out. Be sure to add all five senses. Hear…
Join me on Wednesday, May 15 at the Meridian Library, 1326 W. Cherry Lane. This class is part of the library's Writers Bloc and starts at 6:00 pm. We'll cover these great topics and how they relate to short stories: Character Setting Conflict Plot Theme Dialogue Killer openings and endings…
I have the pleasure of teaching a workshop at this year's Idaho Writer's Guild annual conference. I'll be showing attendees the 10 steps to writing a great mystery. The Idaho Writers Guild is a wonderful organization of writers helping writers. They have a fantastic lineup of presenters and speakers this…
My daughter received the Ancestry DNA pack for Christmas. I've never researched that far back. Instead, I've found some very interesting things about my own parents while researching my early childhood for my newest book, The Man In Number 7. You see, I don't have very many memories of my…
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth," ~ philosopher and writer Albert Camus. As I am nearing the end of the first draft of my new book The Man In Number 7, I realize the impact of Albert's statement. Yes, this book is fiction. And yet it…
Being a fictional writer, I'm always scouring and searching for the best names to use for my characters. Have you ever noticed that some names are so amazing they invoke an image as soon as you hear them? That's what happened when I saw an obituary for Mayme Divine. I…
I have a shopping list on the side of my fridge. It helps me remember what to buy when I go to the grocery store. I have a list of errands to run. I use it to create my route, saving as much gas and time as I can, and…
I just made progress on Shattered Souls: Where Angels and Demons Collide! So far I'm 23% complete on the Editing phase. 17 Days remain until the deadline. [mybookprogress progress="0.225" phase_name="Editing" deadline="1517356800" book="1" book_title="Shattered Souls: Where Angels and Demons Collide" bar_color="CB3301" cover_image="646"]
The first book in the Ninth Miracle trilogy has done very well. For all the fans of this book, the second book will be out in just a couple of months. Shattered Souls: When Angels and Demons Collide is almost ready for you. In book one Forgotten Lives, you met…
I always enjoy getting to know other mystery authors, and sharing them with you. This month we meet Julie Howard, author of the Wild Crime series. Julie has published a number of short stories, and edited and co-produced a memoir by former Hewlett-Packard executive, Ray Smelek. Before settling down into…