For mysteries, however, it crucial to plan out the crime and the clues. I figure out who gets murdered then develop a roster of suspects and motives.
'Butt in chair.' In other words, show up to write and treat it like a real job, not just a hobby. My mother used to repeat that quote that 90% of success is just showing up, and that’s very true when it comes to writing.
5 tips on mastering the art of dialogue to keep your readers turning those pages.
Make friends. Meet your idols, meet everyone you know online, the newbie authors, agents, editors, publishers, media, organizers, podcasters—this is your community and it’s the best one to be in.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Publishing is hard enough without constantly comparing your accomplishments with someone else’s. Celebrate every single victory.
Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon and The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler. Those books helped me learn to plot my stories.
I like to write good-natured comedy – the type that comes from situations that go wrong, and quirky characters. I love capers – generally heists that go wrong.
Making Shana a martial artist was pretty self-serving… she needed a pastime, and I already had some knowledge of karate due to my own experience. I do think drawing on that helps to build emotion and tension, simply because the sensation of sparring with someone is familiar to me.
My one piece of advice to all writers is to write. Write anything and everything, write wherever you are, however you can and write what excites you.
Discover how to find inspiration, craft tension elements, and draft your own short story.
