Necronomicon was the first SciFi/Fantasy convention I’ve attended. In many ways, it’s similar to a mystery conference. There were more men than at a romance con. The panels were professional and moderated by a host. Aspiring authors attended in abundance. However, here’s the biggest difference: Gamers. One darkened breakout room held 3 rows of computers … Read more
How can you raise your readership and increase your book sales? Today at the MWA-FL Chapter meeting, Joanna Campbell Slan spoke on Promoting Outside of the Box. Joanna is the author of three mystery series, including the Kiki Lowenstein books and her newest Jane Eyre mystery, Death of a Schoolgirl. Joanna offered tips on increasing … Read more
Paranormal research isn’t an exact science, but investigators use certain tools to help determine if an anomaly is present. In my Bad Hair Day mystery, Dead Roots, hairstylist Marla Shore attends a family reunion at a haunted Florida resort. Along with her fiancé, Detective Dalton Vail, she unearths dead bodies along with fond memories in … Read more
We ate our way around World Showcase at this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This event runs from Sept. 28 – Nov. 12 so you have plenty of time to get there. You need a regular ticket to get into the theme park and then you buy the sample foods and drinks as … Read more
You’ve finished writing your book and are ready to start self-edits. What should you be examining in each conversation? Here are 14 tips to help you write more effective dialogue. All conversations should have a purpose. Dialogue is a great way to start a story and provide an opening hook. You’ll want to keep the … Read more
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MEET A TROLLEK by Nira Larsen, grad student in comparative mythology Trolleks move so fast, you’ll see them as a blur of speed. Go back-to-back with a friend so an ugly brute won’t surprise you from behind. Any weapon will do but watch out for their disruptor fire. Don’t let … Read more
MOVIES THAT INSPIRED THE DRIFT LORDS SERIES TROLL (1986) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092115/ Michael Moriarty, Shelley Hack, and Noah Hathaway A troll king searches for an emerald ring that will transform him back to human. His search is centered in a San Francisco apartment building where a boy lives whose name is Harry Potter. This boy discovers he … Read more
Trolls have been around in mythology from the early days. Let’s see how much you know about them. Why the interest? Since my series is based on Norse mythology, my bad guys are evil trolls called Trolleks. Remember the adage: Know your enemy. TROLL TRIVIA by Nancy J. Cohen 1. A troll comes from which … Read more
INTERVIEWER: “Let’s welcome mythologist Nira Larsen who has something important to tell you.” NIRA: “Hello, my name is Nira Larsen. I have important information on a dire threat to mankind. It’s crucial that you listen.” [Gives furtive glance over her shoulder.] INTERVIEWER: “Can you elaborate, Miss Larsen?” NIRA: “There’s been a breach in the space/time … Read more
Recently, I’ve been judging writing contest entries. Below are some of the common problems I have discovered among these manuscripts. Out of several entries, only one passed muster. It was well written, kept my interest, had an interesting “voice” and an intriguing premise. I’d read this book if more was available. The other submissions, however, … Read more