Debra H. Goldstein's Blog, page 19

Guest Blogger: Grace Topping – Never Give Up, Never Surrender

Never Give Up, Never Surrender by Grace Topping

I often hear people say they would like to write a book, or that they started a book but never finished it. It made me wonder what it was about me that enabled me to write a book that was published—and have that book nominated for a major book award, the Agatha for Best First Novel.

I don’t view myself as having outstanding writing talent, nor do I possess compelling stories that nearly write themselves. I spent a career writing technical manuals, procedural guides, and policy. All pretty boring stuff. And although that experience helped me develop a good sense of grammar and organization, it didn’t help move me into writing anything that required some imagination—especially writing murder mysteries. Although some of the people I came across in my career proved to be excellent examples I could draw on for villains or victims. What if I had thought I didn’t have what it takes to write fiction?

So what did I possess that got me to where I am today—a published author? I can only chalk it up to sheer stubbornness. I was like the character in the film, Galaxy Quest, who continually states, Never give up, never surrender. Once I decided to write a cozy mystery, I was just too stubborn to give up. What if I hadn’t been so stubborn?

I began my mystery-writing journey over ten years ago when I signed up for an online course through my local community college on mystery writing. The course required work, and I noticed as the course progressed how many people began dropping out. I kept at it and came out of the course with a thorough outline for my manuscript. What if I had found the course work too hard and had quit?

With the outline, I had a road map for my story. It didn’t take me long to flesh it out, but when I finished the complete first draft and wrote The End, I only had 45,000 words. A far cry from the 70,000 words required by most publishers for a cozy mystery. What if I had decided I didn’t have anything more to add to the story and given up?

So I brainstormed and thought of things I could add. Some of my ideas were pretty lame, but somehow I got them to work. I polished my manuscript and gave it to five friends to read and give me feedback. They were supportive and gave me suggestions on which to base changes. What if I had been reluctant to show my work to anyone or been discouraged by their comments and stopped there?

I kept learning all I could about writing novels, specifically mysteries, and attended several mystery conferences. I met other aspiring writers there and formed friendships. They encouraged me and offered to read my manuscript and provide feedback—this time from experienced mystery writers. I took their suggestions and started rewriting. What if I had been reluctant to attend a conference or had been too shy to approach other writers?

Having made strides in my writing, I joined professional organizations that support mystery writers, specifically Sisters in Crime (SINC) and Mystery Writers of America. Through SINC, I discovered an online chapter that consisted of unpublished mystery writers helping each other to move ahead. They kept me going when I got discouraged. What if I had viewed myself as unworthy of being a member of a professional organization?

Throughout the intervening years, ten in fact, I learned much about writing mysteries. I revised my manuscript thirty-eight times. What if I had stopped at version ten, twenty, or even thirty-seven?

Then I took the next hard step—querying agents requesting representation. I sent out queries, week after week, sometimes hearing no thanks, and other times hearing nothing at all. What if I had given up and decided I couldn’t deal with rejection?

No matter what, I didn’t give up, and when that call came from an agent saying that she liked my manuscript and wanted to represent me, I was sure glad I hadn’t. Within two months, she sold my manuscript to a small publisher and on April 28, 2019, Staging is Murder came out—almost ten years from the month I completed that online course. My second book, Staging Wars, comes out April 28, 2020. Also in April, the winner of the Agatha for Best First Novel will be announced.

So if you want to write a mystery or accomplish anything else, remember, never give up, never surrender—to doubt or discouragement.

Have you ever thought about writing a book?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Grace Topping is a recovering technical writer and IT project manager, accustomed to writing lean, boring documents. Let loose to write fiction, she is now creating murder mysteries and killing off characters who remind her of some of the people she dealt with during her career. Fictional revenge is sweet. She’s using her experience helping friends stage their homes for sale as inspiration for her Laura Bishop mystery series. The series is about a woman starting a new career midlife as a home stager. Grace is the former vice president of the Chesapeake Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and a member of the SINC Guppies and Mystery Writers of America. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia.

Webpage: www.gracetopping.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceToppingAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44098504-staging-is-murder?from_search=true&qid=XqTdmlj8JK&rank=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtoppingauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/staging-wars-by-grace-topping

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Staging-Wars-Laura-Bishop-Mystery-ebook/dp/B084BT29GG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=grace+Topping&qid=1581972229&sr=8-2

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/staging-wars-grace-topping/1136278009?ean=9781635115918

The post Guest Blogger: Grace Topping – Never Give Up, Never Surrender appeared first on Debra H. Goldstein.

Guest Blogger: Kristine Raymond – Writing in First Person Through the Eyes of Finn Bartusiak

Writing in First Person Through the Eyes of Finn Bartusiak by Kristine Raymond

Writing in first person is an entirely different experience than writing in third; a challenge I both eagerly accepted and oftentimes questioned while writing Finn-agled. Telling a story from the point of view of one person – from beginning to end – is a lot harder than it sounds. At least, it was for me.

Every scene that unfolded, every action or remark by another character HAD to be witnessed by Finn, my main character. If something happened ‘off the page’, the only way she knew about it was through conversations with the other characters.

When writing in third person, the author narrates the story; in first person, the author becomes the main character. In other words, I placed myself in Finn’s stylish, yet reasonably-priced, shoes and essentially took over her life. Or, did she take over mine? I think it was some weird amalgamation of the two.

Anyway, while Finn’s recounting the events that took place in Finn-agled, I’m going to slip on her Calvin Klein Shamary flats and work on Finn-icky Eaters. Enjoy.

Here’s the thing –

I didn’t set out to solve a mystery. It just happened. You know – like how toast always lands butter side down when it falls on the floor. Who expects a coded message to appear out of nowhere? I was perfectly happy spending my days cataloguing antiques and chatting it up with the customers who purchased the aforementioned heirlooms. Then that no-good weasel showed up waving the writing box under my nose. And the amount he was asking – no way I was passing up that deal!

Sure, the situation smelled as fishy as last week’s catch (a 19th-century mahogany and brass writing case for that price?) but in the moment my capitalistic gremlin reared its ugly head and what can I say – I succumbed to temptation. Scuttlebutt around town is that I got what I deserved (I think we all know who started that crusade) but I disagree. No one deserves what happened to…

What? I forgot to introduce myself? Sorry. My mouth has a mind of its own sometimes. Why, just last week, Zara and I were having lunch at Dough Knots and…

Ooops. I did it again, didn’t I? Well, before my train of thought derails for a second time… Hello, I’m Finn Bartusiak, owner of Finn’s Finds, that cute little antique shop near the beach. Yes, that’s the one. Not to worry though. All evidence of nefarious happenings has been wiped clean, though particles of fingerprint powder still float around from time to time. I swear, the Port New police made more of a mess investigating the ‘scene of the crime’ than that creep did when he…

Enough about that. I’ve put the entire incident behind me. And I’m not going to discuss what happened at the cemetery the following week, so don’t even ask. Why, if Spencer hadn’t called Zara when he did I wouldn’t be standing here today, and he’d be on his way to becoming the next Mrs. – oh, never mind. I refuse to utter her name. Besides, the only way they’d ever get together is over my dead body, and not even then. I’d haunt them until…

Oh, there’s Grandma Lena and she’s brought me pierogis! Would you like a bite? They’re delicious, a fact to which my figure can attest. I may be biased, but if anyone deserves their own cooking show, it’s my grandmother. Did you hear she’s entering her chrusciki in the Bake-Off next week? I have this niggling feeling in my gut that something’s about to go terribly wrong, but there’s no talking her out of it. Guess we’ll find out next weekend.

Well, it was nice meeting you and be sure to tell Debra Goldstein thanks for including me on her blog. I hope my story is what she’s looking for.

Take care, and be sure to stop by Finn’s Finds the next time you’re in town. I just got in the cutest collection of porcelain pin cushion half dolls. They’re to die for!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It wasn’t until later in life that Kristine Raymond figured out what she wanted to be when she grew up, an epiphany that occurred in 2013 when she sat down and began writing her first novel. Sixteen books in multiple genres later, she’s added the title of podcasting host to her resume, thus assuring that she will never be idle.

When a spare moment does present itself, she fills it by navigating the publishing and promotional side of the business. When not doing that, she spends time with her husband and furbabies (not necessarily in that order) at their home in south-central Kentucky, reads, or binge-watches Netflix.

To find out more about Kristine, please visit her website at www.kristineraymond.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and BookBub.

And for links to podcast episodes, guest posts, and other great stuff, check out Word Play with Kristine Raymond at www.wordplaypodcast.com.

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Guest Blogger: Carol Newhouse – The Value of Writing a Newsletter Column

The Value of Writing a Newsletter Column by Carol Newhouse

I write a column, By The Book, that appears in First Draft, a newsletter for the Guppies, an online chapter of Sisters In Crime. Its purpose is to deconstruct mysteries. I alternate writing a second column in First Draft with Nancy Eady. Agent Insight gives the readers the agent’s perspective on questions germane to aspiring authors.

At a lunch with a peer, I described my ideas for the upcoming columns. She asked if I get paid. I do not. She wondered why I would write the columns at all. Wasn’t this a distraction from my avowed ten year and running goal of creating a zookeeper’s mystery series? A good question.

Why indeed?

First, there are benefits to others: I believe my columns help writers. By selecting a different type of mystery to deconstruct in By The Book, I read like a writer and suggest ideas of how to structure a story to fit its genre. In Agent Insight I pose questions to agents that I think will interest their prospective clients.

Second, there are the benefits to me.

Writing the columns pushes me to organize my time. Although I used to think having more free time would increase my output, that has not been the case. For me, less means more, perhaps because it forces me to focus.

Working to deadlines puts my butt in the chair even if I’m not in the mood to write.

Using email to cold call agents has brought me out of my shell. I no longer shy away from contacting people I don’t know. And the most frequent response I get? “Thank you for reaching out…”

Speaking to agents and authors has given me a sense of camaraderie. Despite having several short stories traditionally published, despite being nominated for an Arthur Ellis award and despite belonging to several writing groups, I have always suffered with imposter syndrome. It may have taken me a year of volunteer work, but that syndrome is a thing of the past.

Writing the columns, in addition to working on my zookeeper mystery, increases my creative energy. I joined a beginner watercolor class and am joining a drawing class next month for the same reason.

Choosing a book to deconstruct has widened my reading horizons. In the past I devoured cozies and police procedurals, but now that I’ve worked with a historical mystery, I’m looking forward to reading five others.

Learning new things is always a plus. I have never considered noir structure so am looking forward to deconstructing Eryk Pruitt’s Dirtbags for July’s By The Book. And most of the questions I ask agents are ones where I too seek answers. Often their responses surprise me.

The interesting thing is, when I answered the call for someone to author the Agent Insight column and when I suggested to my editor that I deconstruct mysteries in a new column, I had no idea where it would lead. But I can honestly say spending time away from my zookeeper mystery has not been a distraction. This volunteer work augments all my writing endeavors. I’m having a blast!

******************************************************************************************************************************************

Carol Newhouse is a member of Sisters in Crime, The Guppies, and Sisters in Crime Toronto. She is hard at work on her first book in the Zookeeper Mystery series. Now happily retired from a career as a legal assistant, she spends time dreaming of dead bodies, walking her dogs, chilling in art and exercise classes, playing competitive bridge and hanging out at the Toronto Zoo.

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Guest Blogger: Carol Newsome – The Value of Writing a Newsletter Column

The Value of Writing a Newsletter Column by Carol Newsome

I write a column, By The Book, that appears in First Draft, a newsletter for the Guppies, an online chapter of Sisters In Crime. Its purpose is to deconstruct mysteries. I alternate writing a second column in First Draft with Nancy Eady. Agent Insight gives the readers the agent’s perspective on questions germane to aspiring authors.

At a lunch with a peer, I described my ideas for the upcoming columns. She asked if I get paid. I do not. She wondered why I would write the columns at all. Wasn’t this a distraction from my avowed ten year and running goal of creating a zookeeper’s mystery series? A good question.

Why indeed?

First, there are benefits to others: I believe my columns help writers. By selecting a different type of mystery to deconstruct in By The Book, I read like a writer and suggest ideas of how to structure a story to fit its genre. In Agent Insight I pose questions to agents that I think will interest their prospective clients.

Second, there are the benefits to me.

Writing the columns pushes me to organize my time. Although I used to think having more free time would increase my output, that has not been the case. For me, less means more, perhaps because it forces me to focus.

Working to deadlines puts my butt in the chair even if I’m not in the mood to write.

Using email to cold call agents has brought me out of my shell. I no longer shy away from contacting people I don’t know. And the most frequent response I get? “Thank you for reaching out…”

Speaking to agents and authors has given me a sense of camaraderie. Despite having several short stories traditionally published, despite being nominated for an Arthur Ellis award and despite belonging to several writing groups, I have always suffered with imposter syndrome. It may have taken me a year of volunteer work, but that syndrome is a thing of the past.

Writing the columns, in addition to working on my zookeeper mystery, increases my creative energy. I joined a beginner watercolor class and am joining a drawing class next month for the same reason.

Choosing a book to deconstruct has widened my reading horizons. In the past I devoured cozies and police procedurals, but now that I’ve worked with a historical mystery, I’m looking forward to reading five others.

Learning new things is always a plus. I have never considered noir structure so am looking forward to deconstructing Eryk Pruitt’s Dirtbags for July’s By The Book. And most of the questions I ask agents are ones where I too seek answers. Often their responses surprise me.

The interesting thing is, when I answered the call for someone to author the Agent Insight column and when I suggested to my editor that I deconstruct mysteries in a new column, I had no idea where it would lead. But I can honestly say spending time away from my zookeeper mystery has not been a distraction. This volunteer work augments all my writing endeavors. I’m having a blast!

******************************************************************************************************************************************

Carol Newhouse is a member of Sisters in Crime, The Guppies, and Sisters in Crime Toronto. She is hard at work on her first book in the Zookeeper Mystery series. Now happily retired from a career as a legal assistant, she spends time dreaming of dead bodies, walking her dogs, chilling in art and exercise classes, playing competitive bridge and hanging out at the Toronto Zoo.

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Guest Blogger: Jackie Layton – Diving Deep into Point of View

Diving Deep into Point of View by Jackie Layton

When I began to write cozy mysteries, I changed from writing in third person point of view to first person. There was a definite learning curve, and for a long time I only read books written in first person to help me get the feel for it.

The change to first person point of view (POV) required a mind shift on my part. I soon discovered the change takes the reader deeper into the story.

If you’ve ever considered writing in first person POV, here are a few things I learned.

Avoid thinking verbs to plunge into deep POV. Believe, decide, consider, see, forget, guess, imagine, know, notice and remember are a few examples of words that take a reader out of the story.

Instead of writing, “I believed Susan was lying.”

Try, “Susan’s gaze dropped to the floor, and she twisted the ring around her finger.”

Make the most of showing the story. Instead of telling the reader the moon is shining, show it to them. Bite the Dust is set on the fictional island of Heyward Beach, South Carolina. If your character is inland, the moonlight might filter through the Spanish moss covering the ancient oak trees.

Many times, my character is on the beach, and I adjust to the setting. “The moon beams danced on the incoming waves and sparkled like diamonds in the night.”

A writer also wants to avoid passive voice. For example:

“She twisted her ankle while running on the beach.”

To make this active, try:

“My eyes were on a seagull flying overhead. I stumbled into a hole, and pain seared up my leg. Somebody hadn’t read the signs telling visitors to fill the holes left from building sand castles, and my poor ankle was paying the price.”

When writing in deep POV, you’re writing as your character. Andi Grace Scott is the main character in A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series, and I needed to learn her voice. Andi Grace is a southern girl who loves God and loves her family. She’s a caretaker. She’s a fighter who sticks up for the underdog and fights for justice. She’s a big sister which makes her kinda bossy. (I’m a big sister and can identify with this trait.)

While Andi Grace may be used to telling her siblings what to do, there’s a lot she doesn’t know. I hope this makes her more likeable in her search for a killer and in her everyday life. I hope my readers love Andi Grace as much as I do.

Do you write in first person POV? Have you ever considered it? I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts or concerns.

Debra, thanks for hosting me today. I’ve enjoyed spending time with y’all.

Bite the Dust is the first book in A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series.

Back Cover Copy:

Secrets can be deadly.

One steamy South Carolina morning, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott discovers a client’s dead body. Police quickly decide she’s the prime suspect. Horrified, she knows she’ll have to turn detective if she’s going to convince them they’re barking up the wrong tree.

Proving her innocence could be a tall order. The local police never solved the hit-and-run that killed her parents; Andi Grace isn’t sure they’ll solve this crime either…not when they have a convenient suspect—one caught with the possible murder weapon in her hand. She’ll have to follow every clue and call in every favor, even if that puts her in danger.

If you love strong heroines, coastal small-town life, and dogs, you’ll love Bite the Dust.

Available on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/161194984X?pf_rd_p=ab873d20-a0ca-439b-ac45-cd78f07a84d8&pf_rd_r=H2SYHKRSBHYE8CKWNNGA

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bite-the-dust-jackie-layton/1136317276?ean=9781611949841

Jackie Layton spent her adult life raising her sons, loving her family, and working as a pharmacist. She’s always been a reader and often dreamed of writing. Before becoming an empty nester, she began to study the craft of writing. A move to Pawleys Island, South Carolina gave her time to focus on writing while working part-time in a local pharmacy. Dawn Dowdle is her amazing agent. BelleBooks offered Jackie a contract for a three-book cozy mystery series. Bite the Dust is the first book in A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series. Dog-gone Dead is the second book, and Bag of Bones is the third. All are set on the coast of South Carolina.

Ways to reach out to Jackie:

https://jackielaytoncozyauthor.com/ 

http://jackiesbackporch.blogspot.com

Twitter: @Joyfuljel

https://www.facebook.com/JackieLaytonAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/Joyfuljel

https://www.pinterest.com/jackiebeth117/

https://www.instagram.com/jackielaytonauthor

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Three Treats Too Many Cover Reveal!

COVER REVEAL – THREE TREATS TOO MANY!!!

Kensington’s Sarah Blair mystery series can be yours in print or on your e-reader on August 25, 2020. Be one of the first by pre-ordering Three Treats Too Many now! Amazon or Barnes & Noble  

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Guest Blogger: Alexia Gordon – Writer’s Block? – Ways to Motivate Yourself

Writer’s Block? – Ways to Motivate Yourself by Alexia Gordon

When writing experts aren’t debating writer’s block’s existence, they’re offering sure-fired ways to beat it. I can’t guarantee a fix for writer’s block but I do have a few techniques I use to motivate myself when I feel stuck.

1. I write the same sentence multiple times. Remember, back in the day, when teachers made students write a sentence on the board repeatedly? Or that scene in The Shining when Wendy discovers Jack had typed the same sentence hundreds of times? This repetition isn’t as punitive or as creepy as it seems. I wrote, and rewrote, the same sentence about half-a-dozen times when I started this post. By then, I realized it wasn’t the sentence I wanted to use as my opener. It sounded like a great opening line when it popped into my head but seeing it written out several times showed me it didn’t work as well as I thought it would. Once I got past that, the rest of this post flowed.

2. I change venues. I have an official writer’s nook. Not as fancy as those on Instagram and Pinterest but it does have a robust selection of pens, room for my laptop, inspirational quotes on the wall, and a collection of writing talismans. I hardly ever write there. I edit in my nook but, often, when I try to write there no new words come into my head. It’s too quiet and too solitary. I find a bit of background noise, in the form of people going about their business without directly interacting with me provides the stimulus my brain needs to create stories. Part of the reason I write much of my first drafts longhand is that it’s easy to grab a pen and a notebook and head to a café or a hotel lobby lounge or, my favorite, an airplane and scribble away.

3. I write random lines or scenes. My problem is often having too many ideas floating around in my head rather than too few. So many that I can’t settle on one to develop into a coherent narrative. When this happens, I write down whatever pops into my head without trying to decide where, or even if, in the story it belongs. I’ll write imagined dialog, character descriptions, out-of-order scenes. After a while, I either see a pattern form that I can craft into something that makes narrative sense or I see that a particular idea is not one that I want to stick with for fifty- or sixty thousand words and I move on.

4. I watch instead of write. Sometimes, words just don’t come. I don’t beat myself up (well, I do but I’m trying to stop). I write one or two sentences—any amount of writing is writing—then put my pen down and turn to visual media. Yes, that means Netflix (or one of several streaming services I subscribe to). Occasionally, it means going to the theater to watch a movie or, when I’m at my parents’ house where they get excellent over-the-air reception, re-runs of classic TV shows. But I don’t watch solely for enjoyment. I pay attention to which story elements appeal to me. For example, in “The Mandalorian,” I’m drawn to the archetype of the loner/reluctant hero. Knives Out drew me in by creating a clever puzzle and demonstrating how to present a classic mystery for a modern audience. Studying a medium different from the one I’m working in helps me discern what works and what doesn’t in a story—information I can use in my own craft.

Alexia Gordon: Virginia native, physician by training, author by passion, I write the award-winning Gethsemane Brown Mysteries, from Henery Press. Book 5, Execution in E, publishes March 24, 2020. I’m a member of MWA, SinC, ITW, and CWoC. I blog at Missdemeanors.com and femmesfatales.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and host the podcast, The Cozy Corner with Alexia Gordon. Find me on social media (Facebook: AlexiaGordon.writer, Twitter: @AlexiaGordon, Instagram: DrLex1995) and visit my website (www.alexiagordon.net) to sign up for my newsletter.~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

 

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Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!

May 2020 be a year of happiness, health and prosperity

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Guest Blogger – Heather Weidner – 13 Things That Drive Editors and Readers Crazy (And Not in a Good Way)

13 Things That Drive Editors and Readers Crazy (And Not in a Good Way) by Heather Weidner

Thank you so much for letting me visit the blog. I’m Heather Weidner, and I write the Delanie Fitzgerald mysteries, Secret Lives and Private Eyes, The Tulip Shirt Murders, and Glitter, Glam, and Contraband. The latest one in the series features my sassy private investigator who is hired to find out who is stealing from the talent at a local drag show. Delanie gets more than she bargains for and a few makeup tips in the process. She also uses her skills to track down missing reptiles and uncover hidden valuables from a 100-year-old crime with a Poe connection.

I’ve been doing a lot of self-editing lately. It’s funny how you can see problems in other peoples’ stories, but they’re not always apparent in your own. I appreciate feedback from editors, beta readers, and critique group members that help me catch some of the mistakes as I polish my WIPs. These pet peeves can be a turn off for readers.

1. Editors always warn writers about “showing” not “telling.” They’re right. Readers prefer to see and interpret narrative and dialogue and not to get a play-by-play report like a newscast or a police report.

2. Backstory is good and helpful in small doses. Sprinkle it in throughout the work. Don’t do paragraph after paragraph of data dumps about a character’s past. That’s too much information, and the reader gets bogged down.

3. Sometimes, it’s necessary to have different points of view, and skilled authors do this very well. (Thriller/suspense writers are really good at this.) Typically in mysteries, the story is told from one point of view. When you hop around from different characters, it confuses the reader and breaks the flow of the story. And beginning writers who write in first person (I/me), often switch to another character or show something that happens that the protagonist isn’t privy too. That doesn’t work with first person.

4. Introduce your characters and mix in what they look like. I’ve found that some writers tend to do a dump of several paragraphs of description every time there is a new character. Your writing reads like a police report or a list of facts when you do this.

5. Not every piece of dialogue needs a tag or attribute (e.g. “he said,” “she said). One of my editors calls this “talking head syndrome.” If you’ve made it clear in the paragraph who is speaking, you don’t need the tag.

6. While not every piece of dialogue needs a tag/attribute, make sure that you don’t go for pages and not identify any of the speakers. If there are only two people, the reader assumes that it’s a back and forth, but if you have multiples, you need to give the reader clues. The reader wants to know who is speaking.

7. Read your dialogue out loud. Delete all the chitchat that doesn’t move your story forward. It’s hard. I’m southern, and I like to say please and thank you a lot. The mundane needs to go.

8. People do not talk in complete or formal sentences. It’s okay to have phrases and slang in dialogue. That’s the way people communicate. (I had a person in my critique group once who wanted all the sentences to be complete and proper. This doesn’t always work for the speaking parts.)

9. Writers often want to make sure that the reader understands what’s mentioned in dialogue by adding details about the characters, but sometimes this leads to you stating the obvious. Example: If two sisters were talking, and you bring up another character in dialogue that they both know from childhood, you don’t have to put in all the details to explain who the person is. You can sprinkle in facts in the conversation. The characters should know that Bob is their uncle.

10. When you are at the editing/revising stage of your project, go back and look at the closing sentence of each chapter. Make sure they are compelling enough to keep the reader reading. Beginning writers like to wrap up things neatly at the end of the chapter. You want your reader to read past her bedtime. Don’t give the reader a convenient place to put a bookmark.

11. Know what your crutch words are. These are the words and phrases that you use over and over, and often you don’t realize it. I make a list, and then when I’m editing, I go through in search and destroy mode to get rid of them. “Just,” “only,” and “that” are mine.

12. Make sure that you take every advantage as a writer to build tension. Don’t hurry through scenes that are important. Go back and edit these to build excitement for the reader.

13. Reread your draft. If there are parts where you are bored, your reader is going to be too. Break out the editing pen and make updates to keep the action moving forward. Delete the mundane and the ordinary.

Author Biography

Glitter, Glam, and Contraband is Heather Weidner’s third novel in the Delanie Fitzgerald series. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, and Deadly Southern Charm. Her novellas appear in The Mutt Mysteries series. She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, Guppies, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Heather earned her BA in English from Virginia Wesleyan University and her MA in American literature from the University of Richmond. Through the years, she has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager.

Synopsis of Glitter, Glam, and Contraband

Private investigator, Delanie Fitzgerald, and her computer hacker partner, Duncan Reynolds, are back for more sleuthing in Glitter, Glam and Contraband. In this fast-paced mystery, the Falcon Investigations team is hired to find out who is stealing from the talent at a local drag show. Delanie gets more than she bargains for and a few makeup tips in the process. Meanwhile, a mysterious sound in the ceiling of her office vexes Delanie. She uses her sleuthing skills to track down the source and uncover a creepy contraband operation.

Glitter, Glam, and Contraband features a strong female sleuth with a knack for getting herself in and out of humorous situations like helping sleezy strip club owner, Chaz Smith on his quest to become Richmond’s next mayor, tracking down missing reptiles, and uncovering hidden valuables from a 100-year-old crime with a Poe connection.

Contact Information

Website and Blog: http://www.heatherweidner.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWeidn...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_mys...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Amazon Authors: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HOYR0MQ

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HeatherBWei...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-w...

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heath...

AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/profile/heather...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyBj...

Book Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08... Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/glitt... Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/glit... BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/glitter... Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/glit...

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/434445848...

The post Guest Blogger – Heather Weidner – 13 Things That Drive Editors and Readers Crazy (And Not in a Good Way) appeared first on Debra H. Goldstein.

Thanking You! – An Announcement of Gratitude

THANKING YOU! – AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRATITUDE by Debra H. Goldstein

With Thanksgiving officially over, the family gone, the laundry done, and almost all the leftovers eaten, it’s time to look to the future. On behalf of Sarah Blair, RahRah, Fluffy and the other characters populating Kensington’s Sarah Blair cozy mystery series, I’m excitedly and thankfully announcing their adventures will be continuing at least through 2022!

Kensington originally bought three Sarah Blair books and have now purchased two more. What that means is that because One Taste Too Many and Two Bites Too Many were both published in 2019, there will be additional Sarah Blair books in 2020 (Three Treats Too Many), 2021, and 2022. Sarah Blair, RahRah, Fluffy, the other folks who populated Wheaton, and I are feeling blessed.

Because of YOU, Thanksgiving isn’t over (except for the laundry). In today’s publishing world, the continuation of a series is a tribute not to the author, but to the readers, fans, and critics. Between the reviews left on Amazon and Goodreads, the books purchased in print, e-book, big print, or audio either online or in brick and mortar bookstores, the Sarah Blair series has found a readership. What’s thrilling though is when one of you tells another about One Taste Too Many, Two Bites Too Many or the Sarah Blair series. There are so many books and authors out there that word of mouth is the best sales tool a writer can have today — and it’s a way to keep new series you like going.

So, my THANKS to you. Also, if you have a moment, tell someone about One Taste Too Many or Two Bites Too Many. Both make purr-fect stocking stuffers or sit nicely next to a menorah. Debra

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