Our Latest Blog Posts
Four Ways to Invite Your Reader In (Part 1)
It’s the opening of a new year. So, let’s talk about openings. You want your home to have curb appeal and your front door to be inviting—to say Welcome! as it opens. (At least most of us do.) It’s the same with a piece of writing. The last thing you want to do is to put a roadblock, or... Read More »
Don’t Make Genre Writing Generic
A long time ago, I wrote about this topic, but now that I find myself writing cozy mysteries, I think I need to reflect on it again. Genre books should be good. Should even flirt with being “literary.” Because, let’s face it, there’s no excuse for writing bad books, no matter what kind. Laws That Never Shall Be Broken... Read More »
How Judging a Writing Contest Can Help Your Writing
I’ve been a judge for a number of different writing contests for young writers and for adults. I’ve even been the prize in a mentorship contest. As a judge, however, each competition is different in what it will ask of you personally—how much time, thought, and perhaps even research you will have to put into it. Some contests are... Read More »
Writing Powerful Moments
Sitting here in front of the fire (no, I’m not in Florida!) makes me think of fire-like concepts. Like intensity, burning fiercely. Emotional intensity that leaves you physically limp. Intense suspense, so gripping you can’t put the book down. Hilarity that has you holding your sides while tears roll down your cheeks. These are the virtuous extremes that make... Read More »
The Writing Trash Heap
It’s bound to happen. The story you were so eager to write is going nowhere. Or it’s going in too many directions. It doesn’t make sense anymore and bears no resemblance whatsoever to that exciting, glittering tale your mind conjured up. What’s your next move? Tempting as it may be, DO NOT hit the delete button and relegate your... Read More »
Last Minute Gifts for Writers: 2024
It’s that time of year again, and if you’re like me you’re a last-minute shopper. Either that, or someone in your immediate gift-giving circle is desperately pleading with you for gift ideas. Do them a favor—print out this list and others from past holiday seasons on the FWA blog. Put your concerned gift-givers out of their misery. A short... Read More »
After the Writing: Cover Thoughts
Book covers are a tricky business. All of the wonderfulness of your story needs to be reflected in an attention-grabbing cover that will make readers want to choose your book. Now that your story has been written, lets explore some cover thoughts and ideas. Genre It’s important to convey the genre of your book to give potential readers an... Read More »
They’re Not What You Think: A Good Character/Bad Character Surprise
I’ve reflected before on the power of surprise in novels. But I’d like to share a few thoughts now about a certain kind of surprise—perhaps the most heart-wrenching kind, because it’s so relatable. That is, the “good” character who turns out to be bad, or the “bad” one who finally shows himself to be good(ish). The Good Are Bad... Read More »