Kathy McIntosh's Blog, page 6

Fiction is Fun. So is TFOB.

Whew! February is drawing to a close. Here in Tucson, it’s actually been winter for a few days this month. I even took a photo of some snow—from far away. Look for the little white blur.

When March blows in later this week, it brings good things to Tucson. Authors, books, readers, music, oh boy. The Tucson Festival of Books  is March 10 and 11 and it promises to be a treat. Because after all, what’s more fun than books? The Festival includes poets (Billy Collins, the most popular poet in the...

Happy New Year!

I hope each of you looks forward to a productive and satisfying year.

In 2017, I reached several milestones. I now feel settled in Tucson and love my life here. I continue to write, but I realized that I also want to savor each moment of my life. Learning that two of my favorite mystery authors died late last year reinforced my decision to live joyously. I will miss the words of Joan Hess and Sue Grafton.

One of my principal joys is traveling, and I’m not able to tour all day and write all ni...

Character Names Are Important

What we name a character can change the tone of our fiction, and make the difference between losing a reader or keeping that reader engrossed in our story.

Some authors get the inspiration for a whole short story or novel from a character name. Until they come up with a name for the protagonist, ideas about the plot are stunted.

Certainly names can set the tone for a book. That’s why I don’t recommend using names of family members, unless they truly fit the work you’re considering. In my case...

Orange You Glad? Autumn Colors

Green in Arizona

Since Halloween is marching its way to our doorsteps, and my books have slight “green” tint, I thought I’d share a bit of lore about “green,” and a very bad joke that mentions that other autumn color, orange.

“Knock-knock.”
“Who’s there?”
“Orange.”
“Orange Who?”
“Orange you going to download my free book on Amazon and give it a stellar review?”

Foul Wind, the second in my Havoc in Hancock humorous suspense series, is now free on Amazon Kindle from October 19t h – October 23! ...

Don’t Needle Me: The Words We Use

While traveling a while back, I saw a woman toting a sewing machine as her carry-on luggage. No one stopped her.

What is the matter with the Transportation Security Administration? Don’t they realize the dangers inherent in sewing machines? Consider the terminology.

A needle is a small, slender, pointed implement used for sewing or surgical suturing. Have you never punctured yourself while attempting to attach a button or stitch a hem? I inevitably bleed on my blouse or skirt. It’s no wonder...

Remembrance: How to Write an Obituary

A week ago my husband and I, along with our daughter, flew to Missouri for the celebration of the life of my beautiful, loving mother-in-law, Jeri. Jeri was born in Oklahoma but was raised and spent much of her life in Cabool, Missouri (really), a tiny town east of Springfield. It was a wonderful tribute to a woman who lived her life dedicated to her immediate and extended family and her community. The many relatives who’d enjoyed her kindness through the years spoke of her graciousness. She...

Cobbler, Slab, Crisp or Slump?

Some might consider the various terms used to describe fruit desserts as jargon, “insider” language to be avoided. I consider their colorful names words to ponder, and the dishes delicious treats to savor.

We all know what a pie is, but why all the other creations and the many names? A 2013 article by Kim Severson in The New York Times, “Sonkers, Grunts, Slumps and Crumbles: What You Call Your Pie Depends on Where You Live,” begins with the search for an authentic recipe for a sonker and ends...

Have a Problem with That?

People are often confused about the use of which or that. I hope to clear that up in today’s post. That or Which? That introduces restrictive or essential clauses. Which generally introduces non-restrictive or non-essential clauses. A restrictive clause is part of the sentence that describes a noun. Without it, the meaning of the sentence…

Tears, Joy and Awe in Africa

Ever walk out of a movie, chuckling at the same time you’re wiping tears of emotion from your eyes? That’s what it was like for me when my husband and I visited Africa this summer. And each time I tell someone about our marvelous adventure, I fight back tears. It was without doubt the most memorable, rewarding and moving trip in my life.

We spent ten days in Kenya, visiting the staff, students and directors of Caring Hearts High School, in Nguluni. The school is about a ninety-minute drive on...

Fit or Flat: Getting Your Novel in Shape Part II

Let’s chatabout sagging middles. Pilates works at strengthening the body’s core, creating a taut, attractive, strong middle. That’s what we want in our writing, too.

One way to create that taut core in a novel is to strengthen the connecting tissue by applying tension and conflict. That strong line of tension and story question pulls you through to the end.

Throughout the story arc, your protagonist must face a series of obstacles. Things must get worse, then worse yet. Oh, and even worse, be...