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
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
If you’re an avid reader, no doubt you’d like to encourage your favorite authors to keep writing. What can you do to help? Write customer reviews on Amazon, BookBub, and other online reader sites. Add the author’s book to your Wish List on Amazon and TBR pile on Goodreads. Search for the author’s website, author … Read more
You’re approaching the end of your book. Do you finish in a spate of action, or do you have your characters meet in a quiet scene where they reflect on what’s occurred? In a romance, these last pages are where the hero proposes and the main characters profess their love for each other. In a … Read more
Are you a new author facing your first booksigning event? Or maybe you’re a seasoned player and you haven’t done one in a while. Here’s a checklist of what to bring. Some authors scatter chocolate kisses or other candy on the table, but I’ve found this practice only attracts children to snatch the candy. It … Read more
Malice Domestic Conference: The New Nick and Noras: Mixing Romance and Murder Sunday morning at Malice started out with the Sisters in Crime Breakfast. It was a lovely affair where I met new friends. The Board was introduced and volunteers were thanked for their efforts throughout the year. Following this event, I attended the … Read more
Malice Domestic Conference: Writing Southern Mysteries Saturday morning at the Malice Domestic conference in Bethesda began with a New Authors Breakfast wherein two dozen newly published authors spoke briefly about their works. It was a great way to get to know these newbies and to discover interesting reads. Writers’ conferences are often more about networking … Read more
On a chilly day in April, we visited downtown Washington D.C. the day before Malice Domestic was to begin. It was so exciting to descend deep into the ground on a steep escalator, to join the hustle and bustle of people rushing to and fro, and to hear the rumble of an approaching train. When … Read more
How can you make your characters sound stronger when they speak? Think of the ways authoritative people talk in terms of their word choices and tone of voice. Choose one of each: 1.A. “I think we should hit the beach at dawn. That way, we’ll probably be able to avoid the patrol boats.” B. “We’ll … Read more
“Brainstorming on the Beach” Conference with Novelists, Inc. Contracts and Copyrights Panelists: David Forrer, Literary Agent Alan Kaufman, Literary Attorney Carly Phillips, NYT Bestselling Author Deb Werksman, Editorial Manager, Sourcebooks Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO, Harlequin Enterprises Chris Kenneally, Copyright Clearance Center Al Zuckerman, Literary Agent and Founder of Writers House Brenda Hiatt, Author Here … Read more