Embrace the joy of brainstorming. It's a process I love, filled with cool ideas that may not all work out, but some are definitely keepers. And even the ones that don't stick around forever can lead to even more fantastic ideas. It's a constant process, and I...
Plotter or pantser? I am not fond of those terms. I am not fond of those discussions. I was on a panel discussion at Bouchercon last week, and my answer is that we are both. If you ask a professional writer if they are a plotter or a pantser, you’ll probably see them...
At Bouchercon this weekend, I had the opportunity to connect with several writers who, like many of us, have encountered some bumps in the road. These setbacks, whether it's a timing issue with the release, distribution hiccups, or a lack of expected coverage, are all...
The big question I received today as Guest of Honor at Bouchercon is: How do I sell more books? I especially got this question as I spoke with all the authors participating in the Discovery Zone individually. It is a great question, but I will dart a little around...
I am humbled to be a Guest of Honor at Bouchercon 2024 this week. So, in honor of all the wonderful authors I am meeting this weekend, I’ll share with you the common questions I’m getting from writers as I appear on panels, walk the halls, and generally interact with...
So, writer, you are your boss. And what is it that a boss might have that an employee who is told what to do every day might not have? Self-discipline. You must put your butt in the chair, as some say—every day. I'm getting asked many questions as we go through Killer...
We don’t have to know how the gas stove works. We use it. It has its function. But it is not the same with our mind and our life. We don’t want to use our life (and we certainly don’t want someone else to use it). We want to enjoy it. We want to experience it. We want...
Publishing today is a two-headed beast of quality books and marketing. Authors must navigate both to succeed, regardless of whether they are with a large publisher, small press, or self-publishing. Learn how to manage both aspects for success.
Writers need to have that serendipitous thing—that unique voice that draws readers in. It’s not about tools, education, or appearances. It’s about authenticity, passion, and the courage to write in a way only you can. Find that thing in yourself, and your readers will find it, too.
Realistic writing reflects the truth of the seen world by implying and suggesting rather than revealing everything. Learn how to create authentic characters and situations by embracing the unknown.