Foreshadowing is a writing tool in which the author hints at what is to come next for the audience. Offering slight hints of what occurs next is a proven way to keep your readers turning the pages to find resolution to the current situation. The key is knowing when and where foreshadowing is needed, and […]
After three days of drinking I somehow managed to stumble back home, a ranch style house at the end of a cul-de-sac. Fumbling into my pockets I dug out the keys. The full moon cascaded a bright yellow hue onto the porch. It was then I realized the front light wasn’t on. Hmm. I winced. […]
Beta Readers are a great resource to tap into when you’re done writing a draft of your story. Over the years, as I have collected lots of constructive feedback on my writing. I’ve learned a few things about how to work with my beta readers. Maybe these tips will work for you. 1. Don’t choose […]
Getting a reader to pick up your book is hard enough these days. You need to get their attention on the first line. A great hook will get them to bite, but will the chapter be strong enough to reel them in? You need to finish each chapter strong, leaving the reader with no other […]
Jerry parked the 1979 Dodge D50, painted yellow, at the end of a sandy embankment leading to the water’s edge of the Pensacola Bay. An outcrop of trees and brush provided privacy of the surrounding area. He stepped out into the golden glow of the morning sun, the December air still crisp, at least by […]
Can you identify what’s wrong with this crime scene?
What a great writer’s conference. I met with hundreds of other writers, a few agents, and gained so many new friends. This was a great experience for me and I learned so much about the written word. I’m looking forward to attending again next year.
Detective Harry Crenshaw glanced at the pamphlet one more time. Tonight was his last day as a homicide detective. By this time tomorrow he’d be drinking rum and coke in the Bahamas. He couldn’t remember the last time he went on a vacation. He’d lost his wife a year ago … not to cancer or […]
Write, edit, drink coffee, repeat.