Author, Compulsively Readable Thrillers
I have a couple of live events to tell you about, and a personal share… Catch Me In-Person… — At Printers Row Lit Fest this Saturday (only); if you’re in the Chicago area, please come on down. You can find me at the Chicago Writers Association booth (Tent “F” on Dearborn). I’ll also be on … Read more
Humans love patterns. According to scientists, pattern-seeking is an evolutionary imperative, vital to our ancestors’ survival. If you had the ability to spot a tiger’s stripes hidden in long grass, for example, you’re more likely to avoid being eaten than a fellow ancient human who’s not so skilled. We still do it to this day … Read more
Now and again a quiet revolution starts brewing. This is one of those times. Facebook has just made it possible for readers to buy ebooks directly from an author’s fan page without clicking to Amazon or any other retailer. It’s a huge development, and I think it’s going to require a major shift in buyers’ … Read more
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that Nobody’s Child is a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. It’s in their “Mainstream” category. The award will be given in July in NYC during the RWA convention at the Death by Chocolate event. I think I’ll be going.
Hi, everyone. I’m happy spring is trying to settle in Chicago. On the left is Oak Street beach. It doesn’t quite look like this yet, but I’m counting on it soon. And hoping we’ve seen the last of the tornadoes. I have some fun things for you: not one, … Read more
Whew! It took over a year to do, but my 50 Free Tips for Fiction Writers is finally complete. You can find them over at Pinterest. They’re also scattered among my blog posts over the past year, but they’re all together in order here. Here’s what they look like: … Read more
I talk about character backstories and how to write them here. Basically, I believe they’re the best way to get to know your characters and what motivates them. How passionate or emotional they are. What their style of interacting is. The lengths they’ll go to to achieve their goals. A backstory will help you create … Read more
This year started off with a bang, but every time I think things are slowing down, something else happens. I won’t go into details, because I don’t know too many, but A Bitter Veil has been selected as a semi-finalist in The Book Pipeline Competition. What’s that, you ask? Here’s what they say on their … Read more
…Especially if you’re writing about a time or setting that’s unfamiliar. Check regional or foreign slang on the internet; listen to people from that particular place on YouTube, or make some calls to suss out how folks really talk to each other. If you’re writing historicals, the reference librarian at your local library will be … Read more
Hi, all. As some of you know, since January I have hosting an Authors on the Air radio show which I call “Second Sunday Crime.” It’s going well, and I’m having fun doing it. So I wanted to bring you up to speed on a couple of interviews I just recorded. The … Read more