This question popped up on a discussion group recently and it’s one I’ve pondering of late. Here was the abbreviated question, posted by Shalanna Collins: “I’m wondering how you feel about the ‘invitation to the game’ that constitutes the mystery opening trope. What I mean is . . . when you pick up a mystery,…
Category: General Interest
Nothing More Terrifying: Writing the Holiday Novella
Many moons ago, as the cold winds swept across the lands, I used to scoff, yes I said it, scoff at those writers writing holiday novellas. Hacks the lot of them. And then I realized something—I’m the hack. I’m the writer not using all the tools in my utility belt. It’s me who sucks, not…
Friends Writers Need and When to Shut Them Out … by Margaret Mizushima
“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” ~Picasso When I was a kid growing up on a cattle ranch in the panhandle of Texas, I had a tumbleweed for a friend. Seriously. Miles from the nearest neighbors and school, our home was surrounded by thousands of acres of natural buffalo grass, cattle, and yes—weeds….
Never Ignore Serendipity
I just took a vacation. It was great, but what I took away from it (besides a sunburn and a hangover), was that I need to make sure I never let myself ignore serendipitous moments in time. While our husbands went fishing, my friend and I decided we’d take a nice little snorkeling trip. Just…
Guest Post by Piper Bayard: Little Darlings Anonymous
I’m Piper Bayard, and I’m a Little Darling Addict. Hi, Piper. Welcome. Thank you. It was hard to come here today, so I knew I needed this meeting. I’m back at Step One. I am powerless over my imaginary friends, and my manuscript has become unmanageable. My editor called and asked me for my draft….