The Secret to Creating a Cast of Characters
How important is the cast of characters within a book? I have been gnawing on this question for some time,[…]
Read moreA Blog for Readers and Writers of Mystery, Crime, and Suspense Fiction
How important is the cast of characters within a book? I have been gnawing on this question for some time,[…]
Read moreWhen I’m working on a book, I tape photographs of actors who I picture for my characters on a school-sized poster board and prop it up in my writing area. I do that to help with my description of the character’s appearance. Also, by studying how they act…
Read more“What parts of yourself do you have to sacrifice to earn a killer’s trust?” That’s the question Cal Lovett, the[…]
Read moreRecently while working on a first draft, I realized that I had named several characters “TK” (To Come) which was getting confusing. So, when I ran into the fabulous Sybil Johnson, the author of Brush Up for Murder at Bouchercon, I asked her to guest write a blog post on the topic. And here is what she said:
Read moreVanity Fair, which I love, has a “Proust Questionnaire” at the end of each issue. I thought we would pose[…]
Read morePlease welcome Kim Herdman Shapiro to Miss Demeanors. Kim’s roots in journalism and poetry, in print, broadcast, and video, took[…]
Read moreElena Hartwell’s The Construction of Character helps writers strengthen the craft tools in their toolbox and build stronger characters, regardless of genre.
Read moreI’ve done a lot of research in my writing career. That has meant finding reliable sources in the UK. Now for the first time, I’m engaging a sensitivity reader. Should you?
Read moreStructure, Plot, and Beats: what are they, what is the difference, and are they necessary? Asking for a friend.
Read moreI’m on a mission to find a set of common denominators that make characters generally beloved.
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