Tony McFadden's Blog, page 2

How *I* Write a Synopsis

This isn’t how I think everybody should write a synopsis. It’s how *I* write one. The requested word length will inform how much detail is required, but the structure doesn’t change. A story naturally breaks into four parts: When a synopsis is requested, I write four paragraphs, mirroring the above list, with as much detail … Continue reading How *I* Write a Synopsis →

A Word about Amazon and Authors (for readers)

Okay. I hate what Bezos does to his workers, hate how he co-opted the NY Times, and can’t stand the guy as much as any other sane person. But there’s a way we can make him lose money while you read books. This works only if you’re a heavy reader. I promise it will remove … Continue reading A Word about Amazon and Authors (for readers) →

It’s Getting Closer

After 5 a.m. mornings for the past month, getting a couple of hours of writing in before the bill-paying job starts, I’ve completed the first drafts of both Mac D’s “Fast Track” and Nick Harding’s “Do Not Pass Go”. Now, these are first drafts. Like all first drafts–everyone’s first drafts–they are shit. But that’s okay. … Continue reading It’s Getting Closer →

We Wrote a Book in a Day. Now what?

Months ago, five very talented writers and a kick-ass artist and I wrote a book in a day for the Kid’s Cancer Project. It was a blast getting together with writers I’ve worked with before and meeting new faces. We wrote “Queen Ruby’s Lottery”, a C.S. Lewis-styled story set in Manly, NSW, featuring Ruby, Queen … Continue reading We Wrote a Book in a Day. Now what? →

Nick Harding’s 4th Case

I’m halfway through the first draft of this story. Nick’s in a rough place and while he will inevitably prevail, I’m a bit stumped how he’s going to get out of it. But he has to before the next chapter, because that chapter started with him out of rough place. Plotting versus Pantsing is a … Continue reading Nick Harding’s 4th Case →

A Podcast, Maybe?

I’ve been bouncing around this idea for the past month or so and would like to hear your thoughts. While the first draft of my next Nick Harding is percolating (a few months away — I’m only halfway through writing it), I was considering starting a podcast called “First Chapters”. Each episode would focus on … Continue reading A Podcast, Maybe? →

Author Talk, Campbelltown Library

Local author Tony McFadden will be discussing his latest book at HJ Daley Library. The evening promises to be both informative and enjoyable, allowing attendees to delve into the world of Dead Tomorrow and get a glimpse into Tony’s creative mind. Tony McFadden’s latest novel, Dead Tomorrow, is an engaging and thrilling read that is sure to capture … Continue reading Author Talk, Campbelltown Library →

Pantser? Plotter? Hybrid.

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Introduction to ThrillCraft: Story Structure

Below is the introduction to ThrillCraft: Story Structure for Unputdownable Crime Fiction. Proders are available now. The book will be released on July 15th. Introduction For the past twelve years, I’ve been honing my writing skills, publishing (at the date of this publication) one non-fiction book — you’re reading it — and eighteen novels. I … Continue reading Introduction to ThrillCraft: Story Structure →

Author Talk

I had a lovely talk this morning with Ania at the Campbelltown library. They are going to host an Author Talk, featuring, me. Date and time to be determined, but we’re looking at the October / November time frame. The biggest challenge I have as a writer is getting visibility. I have 18 books to … Continue reading Author Talk →