Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
So we did it — the Top Suspense Group (of which I’m a member) conducted our first Google Hangout On air last night. All in all, I think it went pretty well. We tried to focus on techniques of suspense (imagine that), although we got side-tracked a lot. But it was fun. I hope you … Read more
Here’s a transcription of the first video in my Writing Lite series, in advance of Top Suspense Group’s Hangout this Thursday, 20th February 2014. We’d love to have you join the hangout, btw, and you can do it by clicking here or on the link below. Secrets to Writing Top Suspense OK. Here’s the transcript: Take one neighbor, … Read more
About six months ago, the Mystery Readers Journal edited by Janet Rudolph (Btw, if you don’t get these quarterly magazines, you should) released a “Chicago Mysteries” edition. An essay I wrote—well, actually it’s a love letter—was included. I’m reprinting it here, so you understand my love affair with this city. I’m also including the video … Read more
Since the cold weather will be with us for a while longer, I’m planning to re-watch some of my favorite spy thriller films. I’d even call them “classics.” But which ones? Excluding James Bond films, here are a few of my all-time favorites, mostly because of their excellent use of suspense techniques. In fact, if … Read more
Hi, all. I was given an Advanced Readers Copy of Book Buzzr’s upcoming How-to-Use-Facebook effectively, and I have to say it’s one of the BEST “how-to’s” I’ve ever read. The 2014 Facebook Marketing Guide for Authors is up to date, easy to understand, and it has a comprehensive section on Facebook ads and how to use … Read more
Confession: I am a Valentines Day cynic. Not for me the cards, roses, candy, and romantic dinners. In fact, for me Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday that breaks up winter. It’s also a merchandising opportunity for florists, candy stores, restaurants, and jewelers. I mean, really, why do we only express our love on February … Read more
I started reading spy thrillers around the time of Watergate (Hmm… think there’s a connection?). The first two I read were The Wind Chill Factor by Thomas Gifford and The Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett, and I was blown away by them both. The Wind Chill Factor – Thomas Gifford I love this … Read more
OK… here’s the thing. I am not a Valentine’s Day person. Never have been. Think it’s a Hallmark holiday designed to fleece—er—line the pockets of florists, candy companies and jewelers. (Thanks to artist Dan Cooney and author Noel Hynd for use of the image) But Valentine’s Day Specials focused on books? Well … Read more
I’I’ll be interviewed on Suspense Magazine’s radio show Saturday morning at Noon Central Time, 10 AM Pacific Time. So, to celebrate, the price of HAVANA LOST is waay down… FROM $3.99 to $.99 cents until Sunday when it goes up to $1.99 (Still a bargain…) Time to grab it! Post script: The interview was a … Read more
I’ve been sliding down a slippery slope over the past couple of years. I guess it’s no surprise—‘they’ do say the more crime you write the darker you get. In my case, I’m afraid they’re right. When I started writing Havana Lost, I knew from the start it was going to have a noir-ish ending. … Read more