Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
You’ve finished your manuscript! You’ve polished and edited and rewritten it five times. You’re ready to publish, right? Wrong. If you want to be a professional, hire a developmental editor. Yes, it costs money, but that investment will show you where the manuscript’s strengths are, and where there is still room for improvement. A good … Read more
There have already been a lot of “what-ifs” and “if we’d known’s” concerning the recent Ebola outbreak and its migration to the US. Every day we’re hearing about conditions in hospitals and their readiness to treat Ebola patients. But it’s clear that while the CDC is putting on a brave front, the health workers who … Read more
Hi, all. The following blogpost first appeared on Jungle Reds about a month ago. Unfortunately, not much has changed except that I had to put my dog down. He had cancer. I miss him. I came across an article not long ago titled “My Friend Thinks I Don’t Work Because I’m a Writer…” In defense, … Read more
I am actually in awe of writers who title their chapters. I’m not sure why they do it. Or how. Writing a novel is hard enough. Why add to the hardship? Especially if your chapters are James Patterson-short, and you end up with more than 100. Numbers are just fine. And you can use numerals, … 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
Spreading the word about a handy-dandy new tool that helps you estimate your Amazon royalties. It’s very simple and you can embed it on your website, blog, or just about anywhere. It was developed by Will Bontrager and you can find out more about here, including how to embed it on your pages. Thanks, Will! … Read more
If you, like me, are a “reluctant” writer (one who can find a million things to do instead of writing), I have a suggestion. Set a timer for 45 minutes, and during that time, write new material. Don’t edit, don’t revise, don’t even go back over your material. And don’t answer emails, check your book … Read more
The first book about writing I ever read was Bird by Bird, and it just might be the most valuable. I particularly love Lamott’s discussion about “Shitty First Drafts.” You see, I am one of those writers who hates to write. Who always thinks she is unequal to the task. Who always second-guesses … Read more
Good News: I am interviewed at OmniMystery News today. Bad news: I had to put down Einstein, my 12 year old rescue dog, yesterday. He had lung cancer.
Some great news this morning! PW (Publishers Weekly) reviewed Nobody’s Child! For those of you who don’t know, it’s very difficult to have a self-published book reviewed by PW… let alone a good review, which this is… So forgive the crowing… Here’s the whole thing, with the relevant parts bolded: Former cop-turned-PI Georgia Davis takes on … Read more