Barbara Fradkin's Blog, page 192
May 19, 2017
Guest Post - Daryl Wood Gerber
Please welcome Agatha Award winning author Daryl Wood Gerber to Type M. I met Daryl at a Sisters in Crime/Los Angeles meeting many years ago. Over the years, she’s given me some great advice. You may also know her as Avery Aames, author of the bestselling Cheeseshop Mysteries. Be sure to visit her at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Take it away, Daryl...
WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS
by Daryl Wood
WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS
by Daryl Wood
Had I But Known
No, I'm not referring to the subgenre of crime fiction/romantic suspense in which the protagonist informs the reader, "Had I but known the dangers that lurked beyond the gates of that Gothic manor…" I did gobble those books up like candy when I was an adolescent, but I'm referring here to my HIBK as a writer.
I'm in the midst of reading student papers as commencement weekend looms – beginning
I'm in the midst of reading student papers as commencement weekend looms – beginning
May 17, 2017
The art of the synopsis
This week, as I wrap up teaching, meetings, and an unanticipated hire, my agent emailed to say she needs a synopsis for each of the three Peyton Cote novels: “...just the retelling of each book as you would tell a friend on a leisurely evening. There is no rule about length.”
Damn, I wish I outlined, was my first thought. Having an outline kicking around my Google drive or gathering dust in
Damn, I wish I outlined, was my first thought. Having an outline kicking around my Google drive or gathering dust in
Siblings
Donis here. I ought to be taking advantage of the last of the good weather here in Arizona, but I'm still working hard to finish my next Alafair Tucker novel. I haven't even been outside much lately, except to drive hither and yon and talk to groups about books and writing (which BTW, check out Barbara's excellent entry on the care and feeding of writers, below). Judging by my husband's behavior,
May 16, 2017
The further care and feeding of writers
Barbara here. There are so many possible topics for a blog this week, from the cultural appropriation firestorm currently raging in Canada, set alight by a flippant and ill-advised editorial in the Writers' Union of Canada's magazine, to Donald Trump's latest bizarre and even more ill-advised venture into international relations. But I decided to steer clear of political firestorms in favour of
Where is your favourite place to read/write in summer?
by Rick Blechta
The weather here in Toronto is slowly turning nice. We’ve had/endured/enjoyed what I have been calling a “slow spring” in Ontario this year. The end of our winter was well above seasonal norms, but then at the end of March, the cold, wet weather decided it wanted another go-round. It’s been lovely for all the spring bulbs and flowering trees, but I was beginning to feel like “
The weather here in Toronto is slowly turning nice. We’ve had/endured/enjoyed what I have been calling a “slow spring” in Ontario this year. The end of our winter was well above seasonal norms, but then at the end of March, the cold, wet weather decided it wanted another go-round. It’s been lovely for all the spring bulbs and flowering trees, but I was beginning to feel like “
May 12, 2017
Weekend Guest--Tammy Kaehler
When Tammy Kaehler discovered the racing world, she was
hooked by the contrast between its top-dollar, high-drama competition, and
friendly, family atmosphere. Mystery fans and racing insiders alike have
praised her award-winning Kate Reilly Mystery Series (Dead Man’s Switch,
Braking Points, Avoidable Contact, and Red Flags), and
Tammy takes readers back behind the wheel in her fifth entry,
hooked by the contrast between its top-dollar, high-drama competition, and
friendly, family atmosphere. Mystery fans and racing insiders alike have
praised her award-winning Kate Reilly Mystery Series (Dead Man’s Switch,
Braking Points, Avoidable Contact, and Red Flags), and
Tammy takes readers back behind the wheel in her fifth entry,
May 11, 2017
Point of No Return
This weekend my darling granddaughter, Abigail Bieker, will be graduating from Northern Arizona State University. I'll be driving down with my daughter, her mother Mary Beth, tomorrow. We are so proud of Abby!
A college degree is an enormous advantage in today's economy. What's more, it can't be erased. It's there. Forever.
During historical interviews I've been struck at how much
May 10, 2017
10-minute (writing) workout?
Infomercials promise workout plans that can change your physique –– and, thus, your life –– in 10 minutes. Just 10 minutes a day. Sound too good to be true? Well, if it talks like a duck and it walks like a duck . . .
But what if we applied this theory, in concept and scale, to novel writing? Maybe I’m cynical, but I don’t believe you can get into shape by working out 10 minutes a day. You can
But what if we applied this theory, in concept and scale, to novel writing? Maybe I’m cynical, but I don’t believe you can get into shape by working out 10 minutes a day. You can
May 9, 2017
Malice Domestic Recap
Like Vicki, I attended Malice Domestic at the end of April. I've been back for over a week, but somehow it seems like it was only yesterday. I think this is the 4th Malice I've attended, the third as a published author. There's such a great sense of camaraderie there. A lot of Henery Press authors attend and it's a chance for me to meet face to face with my editors. All of us stay in touch
