Lisa M. Lilly's Blog, page 4
December 17, 2020
Tour A Mysterious Historical Mansion In Chicago
Last holiday season my niece, a theatrical scenic designer, asked whether the historical mansion depicted in my mystery The Worried Man was real.
I told her no, but it was modeled after Chicago Gilded Age mansions.
A month or so later she said my Christmas gift wouldn’t be ready in time. I never connected it to her question about the mansion.
First, our family has a long tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts in March or May and sending birthday presents months late. Second, she’s a designer.
I assumed she asked about the fictional mansion out of professional interest.
A Chicago Gilded Age Mansion
So I was completely shocked when she recently brought me this scale model of a scene from my first Q.C. Davis mystery, The Worried Man, set in a Gilded Age mansion. In the tour, you’ll see not just the outside detail but the furnishings inside and the characters.
Michelle put so much time and effort into this gift, and I’m always in awe of her talent. (And have coveted her models, which she creates for each set she designs.)
Also, part of why I love writing the Q.C. Davis mysteries is the Chicago setting.
Chicago Settings
For all its flaws, I love my city, and I love sharing the best it has to offer as a backdrop for my female amateur sleuth’s efforts.
Chicago restaurants serve every sort of food you could want, and nearly all the restaurants and wine bars my protagonist, Quille, frequents are real.
Within a six-block radius of downtown you can enjoy a glass of wine on the Chicago River Walk, admire a historic Louis Sullivan building, and let your kids slide on a Picasso sculpture.
Turn another direction to see the massive stone lions guarding the Chicago Art Institute and the gardens flanking it, which are open to all. (Quille is meeting a Chicago police detective at the Starbucks across Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute in the novella I’m writing right now.)
The Gilded Age Mansions
As to the Gilded Age mansions themselves, the city’s social elite commissioned famous architects to build them after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Some survive today.
The Glessner House and the Nickerson House are museums. Some remained private homes or turned into public buildings like banks. Developers subdivided others into condos or apartments, which is the case with my fictional John Dawes Mansion.
Looking at this model inspires me to keep writing when I hit a rough spot. It also reminds me of the beauty and character of my home city, which often gets so much bad press.
But mostly it fills me with gratitude for a gift created with so much love.
The post Tour A Mysterious Historical Mansion In Chicago appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
September 23, 2020
Do You Know A Middle Grade Child Who Loves To Write?
I don’t have kids of my own, but I do remember being one. While I loved writing fiction, I didn’t know how to turn what I wrote into a complete novel.
When I saw more than one review saying the reviewer passed one of my fiction writing guides on to a high school student who found it helpful, I started thinking about tailoring a workbook to middle grade kids. (I began writing longer fiction around that age.)
But with so many projects on my plate, I didn’t get to doing it. (Nothing like too many projects on the wish-list to create stress!)
Then when many schools shifted to online learning due to Covid-19 concerns, I realized parents and teachers were looking for more creative outlets for students and children. That prompted me to finally write How To Write A Novel Grades 6 – 8.
It’s available as a workbook or in a Kindle edition and includes clear, simple steps to shape ideas and scenes into novels.
If you know a child who loves to write and might find it helpful or fun (or a parent looking for more ways to engage a creative child), you can check out the How To Write A Novel Grades 6-8:
Workbook or Kindle editions available now.
The post Do You Know A Middle Grade Child Who Loves To Write? appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
April 6, 2020
The Fractured Man Book Release Party 4/23/20
Please Join Spiny Woman Press and Lisa M. Lilly for a Facebook Online Book Release Party for The Fractured Man (Q.C. Davis Mystery No. 3).
Video tours of settings featured in the Q.C. Davis mysteries
The author reading Chapter 1
Online Quiz from The Worried Man
Quille C. Davis’ Favorite Whiskey Sour recipe
and more!
Share your favorite cocktail recipe, tea flavor (Quille also loves tea), Chicago-based mystery, or photos from where you live.
Not on Facebook? Can’t wait? Support your local bookstore by ordering The Fractured Man through it online or find your favorite format here:
A note from the author:
Why a Book Release party now? Why online?
I’d been planning to coordinate a reading and book release party with a local bookstore once the print edition of The Fractured Man was available for release through bookstores. (It’s been available through Amazon since late 2019, which is why you may already have a copy.)
But as that print edition released, global concerns were rising regarding Covid-19.
With so many people staying home, I want to do something fun for readers. So whether you want to buy the book, already got it and read it, or you’re not sure it’s for you, I hope you’ll join me and have some fun!
We all need a reason to gather, even if its online.
Hope to see you there!
The post The Fractured Man Book Release Party 4/23/20 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
March 23, 2020
Lie To Me S2 E7
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Lie To Me (Season 2 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
This podcast episode covers (1) a two-part Inciting Incident/Story Spark; (2) a Midpoint reversal Buffy only recognizes in retrospect; (3) characters who talk about everything except what they really feel; and (4) B uffy and Spike reflecting one another and foreshadowing the season final .
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: The Dark Age S2 E8
Last Week: Halloween S2 E6
Work On Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Additional Episode Links from Lie To Me
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for Lie To Me
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
The post Lie To Me S2 E7 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
March 16, 2020
Halloween S2 E6
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Halloween (Season 2 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
This podcast episode covers (1) why Buffy is still the protagonist though another character saves the day; (2) Willow’s character growth ; (3) incrementally advancing a side plot ; and (4) key story questions about Giles and Ethan that foreshadow future episodes and keep viewers coming back.
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: Lie to Me S2 E7
Last Week: Reptile Boy S2 E5
Work On Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Where You Can Find The DVDs
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for Halloween
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
The post Halloween S2 E6 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
March 9, 2020
Reptile Boy S2 E5
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Reptile Boy (Season 2 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
This podcast episode covers (1) theme woven into story ; (2) a huge turning point for Buffy and Giles ; (3) escalating conflict and why the Midpoint of your story matters; and (4) the first of many demon snakes in Buffy .
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: Halloween S2 E6
Last Week: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4
Work On Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Additional Episode Links from Reptile Boy
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for Reptile Boy
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
The post Reptile Boy S2 E5 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
March 2, 2020
Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Inca Mummy Girl (Season 2 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
This podcast episode covers (1) a clear Inciting Incident; (2) how a very flawed character draws the audience in; (3) e motional arcs with major commitments; and (4) a new character – Oz!
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: Reptile Boy S2 E5
Last Week: School Hard S2 E3
Work On Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Where You Can Find The DVDs
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for Inca Mummy Girl
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
The post Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
February 24, 2020
School Hard S2 E3
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: School Hard (Season 2 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
This podcast episode covers (1) very s trong story structure despite no striking midpoint commitment by Buffy; (2) t he concept of the worthy adversary; (3) m other-daughter conflict; (4) embedding story questions; and (5) s o much foreshadowing about Spike (in the Spoiler section).
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4
Last Week: Some Assembly Required S2 E2
Work On Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Additional Episode Links from School Hard
Interview of James Marsters on Buffering the Vampire Slayer
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for School Hard
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
The post School Hard S2 E3 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
February 17, 2020
Some Assembly Required S2 E2
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Some Assembly Required (Season 2 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about (1) the lack of a strong Midpoint commitment or reversal; (2) a jumble of antagonists; (3) whether flashbacks might help develop the character relationships; and (4) if the theme works.
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: School Hard S2 E3
Last Week: When She Was Bad S2 E1
Improve Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Additional Links from Some Assembly Required
Nightstalker
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
Blood Relations: Chosen Families in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel
As an Amazon Associate I also earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About Lisa M. Lilly
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories.
She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for Some Assembly Required
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
Buffy and the Art of Story is a production of Spiny Woman LLC. Copyright 2020.
The post Some Assembly Required S2 E2 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
February 10, 2020
When She Was Bad S2 E1
This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: When She Was Bad (Season 2 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
For the Season 2 pilot we’ll cover (1) how the major plot points, despite all the action, are emotional ones; (2) why Giles can hang out with teenagers all the time without it being creepy; and (3) the ways the episode foreshadows so much of Season 2 (in the Spoiler section).
As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Next Up: Some Assembly Required S2 E2
Last Week: Season 1 Overview
Improve Your Story
Download the 5-Point Story Structure Template, available free to all on Lisa M. Lilly’s Patreon page.
Become a patron and get (a) a free copy of Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide to Plotting And Writing Your Novel (also available to buy in ebook, audiobook, or workbook form) and (b) access to future bonus episodes and content.
Visit WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Writing a novel? The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year can help. Available in ebook or workbook form.
Additional Episode Links
Check out or rewatch The Terminator streaming (or DVD here) to see how that storyline resonates with Season 2 and the Buffy/Angel story arc.
Season 2 Buffy DVDs
Buffy DVD Complete Box Set
As an Amazon Associate I also earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.
About
In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly . She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.
Episode Transcript for When She Was Bad
Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)
Buffy and the Art of Story is a production of Spiny Woman LLC. Copyright 2020.
The post When She Was Bad S2 E1 appeared first on Lisa Lilly.
