Plotting a story can take weeks, especially a mystery with its varied suspects and convoluted plot twists. Once I’ve devised the crime scene, the victim, and the cause involved, I turn to my list of suspects. Here is where I delve more deeply into their psyches. This means working on character development sheets for each person … Read more
Every hero begins a story with a quest, whether it’s to expose a killer, find a missing friend, or acquire a valuable artifact. These tales may follow the hero’s journey story structure, wherein a reluctant hero receives the call to action. Initially he rejects it, until a crisis forces him to accept the call and … Read more
Sometimes you don’t recognize symbolism in your own work until later. See what I discovered in Warrior Lord.
Are you procrastinating about your writing career because distractions take you away from your work? Do self-doubts inhibit you? Are you unsure how to get started? Do you take too much time rereading your work and never moving ahead? Assuming you’ve created your characters and setting, follow these steps: Write a complete synopsis of your … Read more
The importance of visiting a story location as a writer really made its mark with my recent trip to Arizona. The scenery was different than anything I’d expected. I traveled there to research my next Bad Hair Day Mystery, currently titled Peril by Ponytail. The first impressions that hit me driving from the airport were … 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