For each of my two series I have a manila folder jam packed with newspaper clippings, magazine articles and handwritten notes. For my Deputy Tempe Crabtree series it’s filled with small town crimes, crimes in mountain communities, anything to do with our local Indians and Indian legends along with ideas that’ve popped into my head. […]
This week at The Stiletto Gang, we’re exploring the writing process. Four authors, four different approaches to producing mysteries. I’m Marian, the Northern half of Evelyn David. In the five years that we’ve been collaborating together, Rhonda and I have often had this same conversation. Me: So then what happens? Rhonda: I don’t know until […]
Long before I wrote my first short story or novel, there was “My Book.” About 15 years ago I started using a day planner regularly. Known to one and all as “My Book,” I keep my calendar, addresses (snail and e-mail), and important facts (size of vacuum cleaner bags, type of printer cartridges, etc) in […]
The minute I was told Dispel the Mist was at the printer I ordered 100 copies. Why do I need that many copies? To send to reviewers and to sell myself at all the events I’ve lined up. After spending the weekend with my author friends who had two wonderful events planned for their latest […]
One of the first rules taught to new authors is to write about what you know. Now clearly, I don’t personally know any murderers (or at least I don’t think I do). But in our books, the lives led by Mac Sullivan and Rachel Brenner are within the realm of my comprehension. I may not […]
by Susan McBride I’ve been helping my parents move this past week, and it hasn’t been easy. I feel bad for my mother who loves her old house (built in 1921 with green tile roof, original stained glass, and character coming out the wazoo). It’s been hardest on her as she told us once, “I […]
I’m writing this on August 31 since I’ll be traveling on September 3, attending a defensive driving class. So these are really the thoughts I had on August 31 about September 3. I think it’s important to think about what you might be thinking about on a future date. (Yes, I’m smiling). Think about it […]
How does one grow old gracefully? I know that I don’t really feel old inside–of course it’s always a shock when I look in the mirror and this older person looks back at me that resembles a cross between my grandmother and mother. I can tell my husband is getting older because he just doesn’t […]
I have a sordid little confession to make. I think I’m a closet gambler. Can you be a gambler if you don’t spend money? I’ve discovered online, free Texas Hold ‘Em poker games. Playing with somebody else’s fake money is incredibly liberating. I’ve gotten bold, fearless, willing to push the envelope, up the ante, even […]
Rachel Brady is celebrating the release of Final Approach this week with five days of freebies at her blog. Click through to Write It Anyway and enter to win your choice of prizes. Today’s the last day! Lately I’ve been thinking about revisions, but more on that shortly. First I’d like to thank the Stiletto […]