June Shaw's Blog, page 17
November 8, 2014
Series or Single Title?
by June Shaw
In years past there were Nancy Drew mysteries, which countless people who became writers of mysteries read. I've heard many multi-published authors say they became inspired by reading those books. I am sad to say I read none of them. I wonder if it would help for me to read them now, although I think not. I think that to write modern mystery series better, I need to continue to read current ones. But if I'm wrong, it won't be the first time.
I was blessed to have many people my age...
In years past there were Nancy Drew mysteries, which countless people who became writers of mysteries read. I've heard many multi-published authors say they became inspired by reading those books. I am sad to say I read none of them. I wonder if it would help for me to read them now, although I think not. I think that to write modern mystery series better, I need to continue to read current ones. But if I'm wrong, it won't be the first time.
I was blessed to have many people my age...
November 4, 2014
Knit one, kill one...
by Julie Turjomanposted by Carola
Julie Turjoman is a widely published knitwear designer, who is so enamored of
1920s fashion and period mysteries that she suspects she must have been a flapper in a
former life. 'It was inspired by Carola Dunn’s lady detective character, Daisy Dalrymple, who never left home without her “emerald green cloche” in the first few books of the series.'
It’s a quirky theme, I admit. But the opportunity to combine my profession as a knitwear designer with m...
Julie Turjoman is a widely published knitwear designer, who is so enamored of
1920s fashion and period mysteries that she suspects she must have been a flapper in a
former life. 'It was inspired by Carola Dunn’s lady detective character, Daisy Dalrymple, who never left home without her “emerald green cloche” in the first few books of the series.'
It’s a quirky theme, I admit. But the opportunity to combine my profession as a knitwear designer with m...
October 27, 2014
The Canadian Angle – an interview with Eden Baylee, part two.
by Bill KirtonContinuing my chat with writer-friend Eden Baylee, whose debut mystery novel Stranger at Sunset was published in June.Right, Eden, last time we talked about your first venture into the mystery genre, Stranger at Sunset. What’s the next step?
I hope it sells, of course, both to people who enjoyed my previous books and to those who’ve never read my writing. I know I’m competing for a different readership now, but that’s not something I can control. In a way, it feels like sta...
October 22, 2014
It's Never Too Late for a Dream
by Jackie King
Is there anyone out there who longs to write but thinks it’s too late in life for them to start? Well, let me tell you that’s just not true. The secret to making dreams come true is immediate action! So if you long to write—start today. All you need is some kind of paper and a pen or pencil.
We can make our own dreams come true with courage and regular work.
Pursuing dreams in Austin, Texas with Amanda HornIf you only want to daydream about writing a novel or nonfictio...
Is there anyone out there who longs to write but thinks it’s too late in life for them to start? Well, let me tell you that’s just not true. The secret to making dreams come true is immediate action! So if you long to write—start today. All you need is some kind of paper and a pen or pencil.
We can make our own dreams come true with courage and regular work.
Pursuing dreams in Austin, Texas with Amanda HornIf you only want to daydream about writing a novel or nonfictio...
October 15, 2014
By CarolaI've just been in England doing research for my ...
By Carola
I've just been in England doing research for my next two books. Here are a few pics from St. Michael's Mount, in Cornwall:
The causeway--under water at high tide
Virtually impregnable, the island has been part of England's defenses for centuries. As well as these ancient cannon, it has 3 WWII "pillboxes".
Nearly there...
To be continued... I'm jet-lagged and Blogger is being recalcitrant!
I've just been in England doing research for my next two books. Here are a few pics from St. Michael's Mount, in Cornwall:
The causeway--under water at high tide
Virtually impregnable, the island has been part of England's defenses for centuries. As well as these ancient cannon, it has 3 WWII "pillboxes".
Nearly there...
To be continued... I'm jet-lagged and Blogger is being recalcitrant!
October 13, 2014
The Canadian Angle – an interview with Eden Baylee, part one
After two fascinating exchanges with a writer friend in Australia, then another two with Scottish writer/friend Sara Bain, serendipity brings two more, this time with yet another friend who’s just published her first mystery and she’s in Canada. Eden Baylee and I ‘met’ through contributing stories to R. B. Wood’s The Wordcount Podcast some time ago. We’ve become regulars on the show and plan to contribute one or more joint stories at some stage. Eden’s been writing full-time since January 201...
October 10, 2014
Introvert Writers
by June Shaw
Many, in face probably most of us who write, are basically introverts. If we were life-of-the-party kind of people, we would have a most difficult time sitting alone for all of the hours and days and months or years most of us spend writing a book. And then another. And then another book and possibly more.
It's easy for an introvert to sit quietly for all the time it takes to create characters, settings, and plots. What do these characters want? Why can't they have that thing? What...
Many, in face probably most of us who write, are basically introverts. If we were life-of-the-party kind of people, we would have a most difficult time sitting alone for all of the hours and days and months or years most of us spend writing a book. And then another. And then another book and possibly more.
It's easy for an introvert to sit quietly for all the time it takes to create characters, settings, and plots. What do these characters want? Why can't they have that thing? What...
October 8, 2014
Critique Groups—a Challenge and a Blessing
by Jackie King
Finding the right critique group can be a bit like dating. I can be time-consuming, frightening and emotionally painful. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. But if you’re persistent, the results can be a wonderful enrichment to your life. Only you can decide if it’s worth the investment of your time.
A good critique group is a valuable tool to any writer, but if you’re a beginning writer finding the right one can be a challenge. This process may take...
Finding the right critique group can be a bit like dating. I can be time-consuming, frightening and emotionally painful. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. But if you’re persistent, the results can be a wonderful enrichment to your life. Only you can decide if it’s worth the investment of your time.
A good critique group is a valuable tool to any writer, but if you’re a beginning writer finding the right one can be a challenge. This process may take...
September 30, 2014
Guest Blog: D.E. Ireland
Posted by Carola
D.E. Ireland is a team of award-winning authors, Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta. Long time friends, they decided to collaborate on this unique series based on George Bernard Shaw's wonderfully witty play, Pygmalion, and flesh out their own version of events post-Pygmalion.
http://deireland.com
MURDEROUS HITS AND MISSES
As we write this, the film Gone Girl is still weeks away from its October release. There are legions of fans around the world hoping the book will be as susp...
D.E. Ireland is a team of award-winning authors, Meg Mims and Sharon Pisacreta. Long time friends, they decided to collaborate on this unique series based on George Bernard Shaw's wonderfully witty play, Pygmalion, and flesh out their own version of events post-Pygmalion.
http://deireland.com
MURDEROUS HITS AND MISSES
As we write this, the film Gone Girl is still weeks away from its October release. There are legions of fans around the world hoping the book will be as susp...
September 24, 2014
Father Time Almost Kicked My Butt
by Jackie King
I love writing! It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. First I wrote at night, after working a day job. Twelve years ago, I was able to retire and begin living my dream of writing full time. For about eight years things were wonderful. Then my body started letting me down. I was forced to give thoughts to accommodating Father Time. My first reaction was to kick and scream and rail against this natural happening. What a waste of time.
Just living started to take all of my energy. Kee...
I love writing! It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. First I wrote at night, after working a day job. Twelve years ago, I was able to retire and begin living my dream of writing full time. For about eight years things were wonderful. Then my body started letting me down. I was forced to give thoughts to accommodating Father Time. My first reaction was to kick and scream and rail against this natural happening. What a waste of time.
Just living started to take all of my energy. Kee...
