Entries by Paula Benson

State of Hope

 Phyllis A. Whitney I am constantly looking for a writing craft book or article, organized notebook, online class, or writing conference that will bring all the elements together to make me the writer I want to be. I search the computer and scope out the writing sections of bookstores and libraries, certain the magical resource […]

Sasscer Hill: Racing toward a New Series

Sasscer Hill Sasscer Hill’s horse racing mysteries have been compared with those of Dick Francis. Her debut novel, Full Mortality, was nominated for an Agatha and a Macavity. She has written additional novels featuring Nikki Latrelle and also published a number of short stories. Recently, she signed a multiple book deal with St. Martin’s Press […]

Writing Fitness

In January, I wrote a blog about “Resolution as Metaphor” where I spoke about my two New Year’s resolutions (to carry less in my purse and drink more water) and wondered what those resolutions said about me. I decided, “Lightness and water are two ideas associated with movement and flow. They enable the journey and […]

Dialogue–To Say and Convey

I feel fortunate this year to have had several opportunities to teach (and learn) about dialogue. I come from a theatre background, so I’ve always felt comfortable writing what characters say. It wasn’t until I studied the mechanics of what makes dialogue readable, that I realized there are a few techniques that can really improve […]

Meet the Authors of the 2014 Agatha Best Short Story Nominees!

Each year at Malice Domestic, writing excellence is recognized by the Agatha awards. This year’s nominees for Best Short Story are: “The Blessing Witch” (PDF) by Kathy Lynn Emerson, Best New England Crime Stories 2015: Rogue Wave (Level Best Books) “Just Desserts for Johnny” (PDF) by Edith Maxwell (Kings River Life Magazine) “The Shadow Knows” […]

Meet the Authors of the 2014 Agatha Best First Novel Nominees!

Each year at Malice Domestic, writing excellence is recognized by the Agatha awards. This year’s nominees for Best First Novel are: Circle of Influence by Annette Dashofy (Henery Press) Tagged for Death by Sherry Harris (Kensington Publishing) Finding Sky by Susan O’Brien (Henery Press) Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran (Berkley Prime Crime) […]

The Courtesy Strategy

2015 Celebrity Apprentice Cast with Donald Trump I don’t watch many reality shows, but Donald Trump’s The Apprentice has always fascinated me. When it first premiered, with non-celebrities participating, I followed the program until Bill Rancic won the initial challenge. Each episode, I remained glued to the screen. Then, afterward, I would berate myself for […]

Resolution as Metaphor

This year, I made two New Year’s resolutions. The first was to carry only the essentials in my purse. I’m a person who delights in handbags. In particular, I like to carry totes, which accommodate lots of extra stuff. As a result, my shoulder and back are constantly aching from the weight I carry. Hence, […]

FOR HOLIDAY READING AND GIFTING: THE YULETIDE ANGEL by Sandra Ardoin

Sandra Ardoin Previously, Sandra Ardoin has published short stories and devotional work. Her fondness for horses and westerns led her to write The Yuletide Angel, a delightful holiday romance novella taking place in the 1890s, and available through Amazon. The publisher, Lighthouse of the Carolinas, matched Sandra with a good friend of mine, Susan F. […]

Wearing Cinderella’s Slippers

This is my first post for The Stiletto Gang. I feel fortunate to be asked to join the group. Already, the other posters have sent me warm welcoming messages, which I very much appreciate. A grand thing about the writing community is the support offered and received. Maybe there is an enabling factor that urges […]