The Faux Gothic Castle that Started It All
Today, April 17th, is the publication day for my eighth historical thriller, The Versailles Formula. Seeing my novel out in[…]
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Mally Becker, Author of Revolutionary War mysteries
Latest Posts
It’s Showtime! Tips for Moderating Author Panels
I was starstruck the first time I moderated a panel of writers at a local library. I hadn’t finished the[…]
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Fiction vs. Nonfiction: 5 Differences in an Author’s Eye
As an author of fiction and nonfiction, I’m often asked which I prefer to write. It’s not that easy a[…]
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Buried Treasure: Easter Eggs and Red Herrings
Easter eggs and red herrings are the buried treasure of crime fiction. One enlightens and the other obscures. Both reward the sharp-eyed reader.
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The Mystery of Desire in Writing
And how to structure it As I continue to writhe in the throes of my edit (YES, still editing the[…]
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What’s a Mini-PlotPantser?
It’s no secret. I’m a pantser. And I’ll never be a plotter, someone who outlines before starting to write. But[…]
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Fun Book Facts
True Confession: I love books. I love the sight of them lined up on shelves, waiting to be chosen in[…]
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Can a Book Spoiler Prove Fatal?
I had just begun the stage in the book production cycle when I reviewed the description copy written by my[…]
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Save the Cat: Is It Only For the Good Guys?
The term Save the Cat was coined by Blake Snyder as a reference to a pivotal moment early in a play or novel in which the protagonist does something admirable, thereby winning the audience’s loyalty and admiration. Engaging your readers’ emotions is a powerful tool, but does it apply only to the good guys? Can the technique be used to create more complex and believable bad guys as well?
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Write Your Back Cover Blurb First
There are endless ways to write a story. Some authors pen their prose early in the morning or only at[…]
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