Many “absolutes” float about the writing world, telling writers they “must” do this or “must not” do that. One poignant piece of advice from author Marie Brack—don’t worry about ’em. She’s an excellent person to get writing advice from, after penning her own craft book and winning multiple awards. Her novella Cold Case won Gold in the Novella category in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Marie talks top tips, the development of her mystery series, and her newest project … Read More »

Fluidity can be an author’s friend. As sales shifted over the course of her career, Nancy Cohen glided between genres, adjusting to the market as needed. She was delighted whenever she got to return to one of her favorites, the cozy mystery. Similar to romance, some turn their nose down at the genre. Nancy never cared and wrote what she loved. After realizing no craft book existed to help writers plot cozy mysteries, Nancy wrote Writing the Cozy Mystery. And … Read More »

Many writers identify as introverts and seek comfort in books and the solitary act of writing. Chris Holmes started out that way until she became involved in a successful and supportive critique group. Chris utilized her new group while writing and polishing up a wonderfully unique storyline that became the book Light a Candle, Chase the Devil Away. It won Gold for Blended Genre in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Chris talks bravery, developing a different twist, and the … Read More »

What do you do when you’ve written a book that doesn’t follow expected genre norms? This was the challenge Kerry Blaisdell faced on a work she loved but was told it wouldn’t have a place in the market. Thank goodness she didn’t listen and took another chance at sending out Debriefing the Dead. Not only did it get a publisher this time but it also won Gold for Fantasy in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Hear about her amazing … Read More »

Wendy received a calling: write a certain story that needed investigating, one of great importance in her family. After facing rejection, she had to move forward motivated by her passion for writing and for this story in particular. She was rewarded with a job well done, very well done in fact. Bloom Where Planted won Gold in the LGBTQ+ category and Silver in the General Catch All category in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Wendy discusses shifting from writing … Read More »

Rita Boehm is a woman of many talents—gardening, photography, and of course, writing. These three interests delightfully merged one afternoon when story inspiration flew right up to her. Her book, Bluebirds in the Garden, came from this wonderful event. It won Gold for Children’s Picture Book in the 2019 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Rita talks inspiration, editing, and second chances for success in this week’s RPLA showcase. Rita’s Writing Journey I discovered the magic of the written word as a … Read More »