Why Did We Hold our Breath?

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It’s been a week or so, but I’m still thinking about Nik Wallenda’s stunning feat. Talk about a thriller where your heart leaps into your throat, your blood pressure shoots through the roof, and you can’t sit still for more than a second! How can anyone walk a tightrope across the Chicago River without a … Read more

Nanowrimo Video Writing Tip #3 — Raise The Stakes

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One of the points we’re always told when plotting a novel, no matter what genre, is to raise the stakes. The protagonist (or his/her loved ones) must confront obstacles, jump over hurdles, or solve problems… or else… But what does that really mean? I explain in this short video. Hope it helps your Nanowrimo project.

Nanowrimo Video Writing Tip #2 — Beginnings

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Hi, again. Here is Nanowrimo Writing Tip #2 — Beginnings. I’m still talking about suspense, but this time I start at the beginning: The all-powerful first line. I’ll talk explain how to approach it, then give you some of my all-time favorite examples. It is a little longer than I anticipated (at three and a half minutes) but hang … Read more

Nanowrimo Video Writing Tip #1

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Hi, all. In honor of National Novel Writing Month, I decided to repost my Writing Lite video series. I hope you find them useful, even if you’re not participating. There are twelve videos, and none are over four minutes– most are under three. I’ll try to post a few each week so you have them all … Read more

“These Are Not Ordinary Times” — 1968

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  Robert Kennedy spoke those words when he announced he was a candidate for the Presidency in March, 1968. (Apocryphal, no?) Anyway, I just saw the “1968” exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. Here’s a bit of the posters, photos, and signage. If you’re in Chicago, go! There’s also a fabulous exhibit of Vivian Maier’s photography. Great … Read more

Boxed Sets: An Informal Poll

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Hi, all. I want to ask readers a few questions. As you probably know, there are dozens of Boxed (Ebook) Sets on the market. Some (like Killer Femmes) include 5 authors, some as many as 12. Most are priced at 99¢ and sell quite well. The reason we authors create these sets is to, hopefully, … Read more

Writing Lite Tip #35: Save for a developmental and then a copy edit

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Writing Lite Tip #35

We’ve already talked about developmental edits in Tip #34. I just wanted to emphasize them again. Especially if this is your first novel. Although I use a developmental editor for EVERY book. You will also, of course, need to hire a copy editor to make sure your grammar, your punctuation, Proper Nouns, and your style are consistent … Read more

A Motion Picture In Slow Motion

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I’m thrilled to host my friend and fellow writer Deborah Donnelly today. She actually had one of her books made into a TV movie! See? It really can happen. Here’s Deborah’s story.  I used to be a terribly impatient person. Now I have a black belt in waiting. You see, Veiled Threats, the first title in my … Read more