Growing a Writer

We might not all write what we know, but we are all shaped by our upbringing and this bleeds into our writing whether we’re aware of it or not. I once heard an author say he believed his fans knew him better than his wife because they had read all his books and witnessed all of his little peculiarities made real in his stories.

Read on to find out how the Miss Demeanors were forged.

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Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day

Saturday, April 24th is National Independent Bookstore Day. This year, more than ever, all of our local businesses need our support. I’ve included a highly idiosyncratic personal list of nine of my favorite bookstores around the country. There’s no way to list them all, however, I’ve visited each of these, appeared as an author in most and wish them years of continued success.

If you don’t have a local bookstore, adopt one elsewhere. Let’s make 2021 the year of the book!

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I Came, I Hosted, I Laughed

Thanks to ProWritingAid’s Crime Writers’ Week conference, I can check panel moderator off the list of things I’ve never done. I hosted a Thriller Panel Discussion with Karin Slaughter, Jennifer Hillier, Lisa Gardner, Ian Rankin, and Steve Berry. Was I nervous? Heck, yeah. Should I have been? Nope. All of the panelists were charming and witty and graceful, and a fabulous time was had by all.

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What I learned from George Saunders

I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of getting an M.F.A. Spending a year or two focusing on my writing. Discussing writing with great minds. The push and pull of other students. It’s all so appealing, but unfortunately, when I had time, I didn’t have money. When I had money, I didn’t have time. And now I’m not entirely sure I have my wits about me. Why did I walk into that room?

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