Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
I’m excited to share with you a structure for both writing and editing a chapter of your novel. We’ve all been schooled in introductions, conclusions, and the overall flow of a novel. But what about individual chapters, which, after all, are the building blocks of your story? Is there a format? How do you know … Read more
A fundamental task in creating suspense is to confront your protagonist with obstacles and hurdles he or she must overcome. Then, just as he/she thinks they have a handle on the situation, it becomes even worse. One of the best examples I’ve read is in William Kent Krueger’s Purgatory Ridge. Two mothers and their children … Read more
Over the past few years, I’ve written a couple of blogs about short stories and how valuable they are for a writer. One of them, in particular, has been circulated quite a bit. If you haven’t already read it, maybe now’s a good time. Then come back because what I’m going to say will be more … Read more
As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, one of my long-time dreams is coming true. Ever since I was in high school, listening to Motown and then the Beatles, I’ve had a hankering to be a radio DJ. I worked at the college radio station at the University of Pennsylvania, and my first paid … Read more
Sadly, my favorite Thursday activity is now over. Thanks to my daughter, who told me about “Serial” a month ago, I was able to binge-listen to 8 podcasts, and then followed up every week until yesterday. The ending? I’m sure there will be unending discussions about Adnan’s guilt or innocence, the tragedy and/or travesty of … Read more
A friend asked me why, after publishing 11 novels, I’m still in a writing group.”You’ve already published a lot of novels.” The answer was in his question. I can tell you with absolute certainty that I would not have published 11 novels without my writing group. I joined 18 years ago… way before I was … Read more
My daughter has been called for jury duty next week, and yesterday sent out a message to my newsletter recipients with a link to my original blogpost about the My Day at the Daley Center back in June. Turns out several people have their own stories about serving on a jury in Cook County, so I thought it would be fun for … Read more
Two of my Ellie Foreman mysteries are discounted to .99 cents and .99£ all week on Amazon, both US and UK. An Eye For Murder was nominated for an Anthony Award, and A Shot To Die For won Best traditional novel at the Love is Murder contest. They’ll stay at that price until December 14. … Read more
I’m very excited to report that Shelf Unbound Magazine (devoted to small and independent presses) named Havana Lost as one of their “Notable Page-Turners” in their 2014 Fiction Competition! An early holiday gift.
In the mood for a mystery? Well, this is a different type of mystery, especially if you love photography and the visual arts. As you undoubtedly know by now, I’m from Chicago, and one of the most fascinating stories I’ve come across recently is about photographer Vivian Maier. This quiet woman was born in New York in … Read more