Every writer needs to know their audience. Writing for “everyone” often means reaching no one, but tailoring your story for a specific readership builds clarity, resonance, and loyalty.
Success Points Highlights
What Writers Can Learn from Thomas Perry’s The Butcher Boy
I’m interviewing writer Thomas Perry in a few days, and I thought it might be fun to return to his first book, The Butcher’s Boy, his first novel and the winner of the Edgar Award that year. It’s easy to see why it separated itself from the competition. It exemplifies...
Brand Yourself Before Someone Else Does It
If you don’t define your brand, others will do it for you. In today’s world, writers aren’t just authors; they are brands. Learn how to take control of your identity, craft a clear message, and build a brand that reflects your true creative purpose.
Show, Don’t Tell: The Power of Sensory Details in Writing
In my years of teaching at universities and conferences, lecturing on podcasts, and conducting instructional panels and presentations, I have encountered the phrase “Show, Don’t Tell” as one of the most basic yet often misunderstood phrases and pieces of advice and...
Plotters or Pantsers: You Are a Multitude
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...
Prioritize Your Writing
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...
Inspire Yourself to Improve Your Skills
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...
Incorporating Business Practices into the Creative Writing Process
I knew little about business when I started my first company at fourteen years old. Surprisingly, I made money at it. I had a camera, a sound recorder, a manual typewriter, and a heavy imagination. I traveled to businesses, telling them I’d like to make commercials...
Fundamental Principles for Effective Marketing and Publicity
As a former owner of a successful publicity and marketing company, I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience. Recently, I've been reflecting on some fundamental principles that I used to guide my team. These principles are not only essential but also have...
The Power of Storytelling: Shaping Our World
What is a story? Stories, with their profound ability to shape our understanding of life, are the very essence of our existence. Stories help us understand the world. From early infancy, stories are a part of our world. It is how we learn. Stories are more than just...