Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
And… We’re Off! The holiday season is here. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the shopping days before and after. Deals. Steals. Discounts. And more. This year I’m doing my part. I know many avid readers read ebooks. I do, too – they’re convenient, lightweight, and I love the backlight that allows me to read in … Read more
Let’s move onto language. Are you a language person? What does that mean? Even if you’re not, what do you need to know about the prose you write? The main point is that language has power. Listen on…
When I finished my first manuscript and sent it to an editor, she broke the news to me that my characters sucked. That they weren’t believable, they did things because I wanted them to, not because it was in their nature. I learned the hard way that I’m really not in charge of my characters … Read more
There are many exercises and techniques with which you can experiment to develop your characters, but this is my favorite. I use it all the time with important characters, and once I get into it, I’m always surprised to learn who a character really is, what shaped them, what motivates them, and how they’re going … Read more
How many times have you stayed up waaay too late reading a book, because you just had to read one more chapter? In this video I discuss how to end your chapters so that your readers won’t be able to put your book down. How’s your Nanowrimo novel going? Comments welcome.
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
My daughter and I went to Central Europe in May. I reported back on all of the cities we visited — with one exception. It’s taken me six months to talk about Budapest. My impression was that Budapest wasnt … 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 think the letter speaks for itself. I am beyond frustrated. Naren K Gursahaney CEO, ADT Security The ADT Corporation 1501 Yamato Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 September 8, 2014 Dear Mr. Gursahaney, I’m writing to you as a former Brinks and then ADT customer for over 10 years. Over those 10 years, I … Read more
A remembrance. And thanks to Planet Proctor (Phil Proctor from Firesign Theater) for the tip!