Sharon Michaels's Blog: Sharing My Writing Adventures, page 2

5 Differences Between Book Reports and Book Reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head over what exactly separates book reports from book reviews, you’re not alone. While both involve reflecting on a book, they serve different purposes and have their own unique flair.

Purpose:

A book report primarily summarizes the plot and key elements of a book, while a book review provides an analysis and personal evaluation, often incorporating the reviewer’s opinions and insights.

Depth of Analysis:

Book reports focus on the basic facts su...

A Sparkling 4th – Short Story

A Sparkling 4th
As the fireworks lit up the night sky, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I heard the Pops concert band rendition of “Stars and Stripes” drowned out a blood-curdling scream.

A woman in a red sundress stood at the edge of the crowd, her hands clutched to her chest. The joyful melody and brilliant bursts of color drew attention away from her, but I was frozen in place, trying to comprehend the scene unfolding before me at Riverdale Park’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The scream...

Furry Sleuths Steal the Show

When you turn the pages of my cozy mysteries, you’ll notice delightful furry sleuths accompanying my amateur sleuths. That’s right – I’m talking about four-legged furry detectives! You might be wondering why I love to include these adorable animals in my stories. Well, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts.

Pets bring warmth

First, pets bring warmth and fun to my narratives. Whether it’s a curious cat or a clever dog, these furry companions add a subtle layer of charm and humor that enhances the coz...

Interview with Daisy the Chihuahua

Welcome to the blog, everyone! Today, I have an interview with Daisy the Chihuahua who’s taking a break from her thrilling detective escapades in the A Canine Cozy Mystery series.

With her big personality packed into a tiny frame, Daisy is not only the star of the show but also a pawsitively delightful interviewee. So, find a comfy spot and join us as we dive into the world of cozy mysteries through the eyes of one of our favorite four-legged detectives.

Question 1: Daisy, what inspired you to...

Interview with Dash the Beagle

Welcome to my tail-wagging interview with Dash the beagle.

This clever canine detective has been sniffing out clues and solving puzzles in my bestselling A Canine Cozy Mystery series, and today, she’s taking a break from her sleuthing duties to share some paws-itively delightful insights.

Get ready to explore Dash’s unique perspective on the art of investigation and the adventures that keep her chasing after the next big mystery.

Question 1: What makes you such a great detective, Dash?

Dash: W...

Meet Leona and Her Five Cats

Meet Leona and Her Five Cats

Leona Willis – Age: 75

Leona Willis is a petite woman with a sprightly frame, standing at just over five feet tall. Her wild, curly, silver hair is always messy, with stray strands framing her weathered face, which is covered with laugh lines and a smattering of freckles.

With twinkling green eyes that seem to dance with mischief and wisdom, she often sports colorful cardigans layered over vintage floral dresses, creating a whimsical style that reflects her vibrant ...

Interview with Digger the Dachshund

Welcome to this week’s blog post, where we dive into the delightful world of sleuthing canines!
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Digger, the handsome mini dachshund and canine detective from my bestselling A Canine Cozy Mystery series.

With his keen nose for clues and an insatiable curiosity, Digger has captured the hearts of readers and inspired countless adventures. Join us as we chat with this pint-sized pup about his latest mysteries, his canine instincts, and what it truly takes...

Reading with My Mom – A Short Story

I love spending time reading with my mom. Some days she would read along with her book, but most of the time, she would just listen to the book as I read it to her.

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when the world outside turned into a watercolor painting, all smeared shades of gray and blue. Luckily, inside our cozy little home, warmth and excitement brewed over the promise of adventures locked within the pages of our favorite books. My mom and I had settled into our usual reading nook, a fluff...

A Canine Cozy Mystery Series

I’m so excited to share some reasons why my A Canine Cozy Mystery series is not just an ordinary cozy mystery series, but a delightful adventure you won’t want to miss.

1. Pawsitively Charming Characters:

Our furry friends take center stage. Each canine sleuth has a quirky personality and a knack for solving mysteries that’ll have you chuckling and rooting for them page after page.

2. Whiskers on the Case:

Who doesn’t love a good whodunit? The clever twists and turns keep you guessing, but wit...

Creating Character Names

Creating names for my characters is one of my favorite parts of writing cozy fiction. A name can say a lot about a person, and I want you, my readers, to feel a connection to each character right from the start.

Here’s how I come up with my character names.1. Think About Their Personality:

I start by thinking about who my character is. Are they bubbly and cheerful or quiet and mysterious? For example, a joyful character might have a bright name like “Sunny,” while a more serious character cou...