Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 72

What Is a Cozy Mystery?

I laughed so hard at this meme. Cozy mysteries are quirky in a lot of ways and that’s something to keep in mind if you are going to write one. Quirky Characters Since many writers start with their characters, that’s where I’ll start with this post. The main character in a cozy mystery is often … Continue reading What Is a Cozy Mystery? →

Publishing As a Team Sport

Yesterday I got comments back from my editor at Red Line and found myself nodding as I read through everything. Then the post that I wrote for Tuesday popped into my head. Scattered comments from a group of people are frustrating. But publishing is definitely a team sport. As anyone knows who watches sports, being … Continue reading Publishing As a Team Sport →

Revising Based on a Committee’s Comments

Last week, I was chatting online with a group of my fellow writers. Two of us were comparing notes on revisions we each had to make based on feedback. I was revising for three editors. She was revising for an editor and the company’s committee of readers. Another writer in the group referred to our … Continue reading Revising Based on a Committee’s Comments →

Interview with Rebecca Wenrich, Wheeler, author of Whispering through Water

Today we have a special treat. I am interviewing Rebecca Wenrich Wheeler, author of Whispering through Water. Let’s get to it so you can enjoy learning about her writing and inspiration. SueBE: Let’s start at the very beginning.  What was your inspiration for Whispering through Water? Rebecca: I have always been interested in the concept … Continue reading Interview with Rebecca Wenrich, Wheeler, author of Whispering through Water →

Mining Social Media for Ideas

Whether you write for young readers or adults, social media and the world of apps can be a treasure trove of ideas. I realized this yesterday when a read a friend’s post on the Muffin blog about how the Nextdoor App sparks her creativity (see her post here). Another friend commented that she reads AITA … Continue reading Mining Social Media for Ideas →

How Much Head Space Do You Give Reviews?

Just this week, a group of us were discussing Goodreads reviews. One of my friends was firm. “I don’t even read Goodreads reviews any more. Those people are nuts!” Wow. That felt a bit harsh. But really? Some review really aren’t worth giving any head space. Let me explain. The temptation is to give credibility … Continue reading How Much Head Space Do You Give Reviews? →

Getting Back into a Project

As I wait for my editor to get back to me on one project, I’m getting back into another that I haven’t had time to look at for probably three months. I optimistically added it to my weekly calendar as if I could just jump back into it. “Rewrite chapter.” But when I clicked the … Continue reading Getting Back into a Project →

Creating Tension: Shiver by Allie

Put SHIVER by Allie Reynolds on your January reading list! The tension will have you shivering with anticipation as you try to figure out who is behind it all. Just in case you need the warning: THIS POST CONTAINS SEVERAL PLOT SPOILERS. If you are writing a mystery, thriller, or any other story that relies … Continue reading Creating Tension: Shiver by Allie →

Magical Realism: Guest Post by Karen Bonner, author of Witching Moon

We have a special treat here at Writer’s Journey! Today’s post on magical realism was written by Karen Bonner, author of the young adult fantasy, Witching Moon. After her post, you’ll find the calendar for the blog tour. From Karen Bonner: Kids ran loose from sunup to sundown in the San Antonio neighborhood where my … Continue reading Magical Realism: Guest Post by Karen Bonner, author of Witching Moon →

Do These 5 Things When You Query

It’s a new year and many of us are contemplating getting our work out there. That means that we have to write query letters. Quit groaning! A query letter is just a business letter. Yes, it is important but with a few tips you can increase your chance of hearing yes. The vast majority of … Continue reading Do These 5 Things When You Query →