Terry Shames's Blog: 7 Criminal Minds, page 146

Elemental balance by Cathy Ace

When it comes to your writing, what is the most important element to you: plot, theme or something else?


This is one of those questions I always find it difficult to answer…because I could go on, and on, and on about it! I’m deep into a WIP at the moment (a new Cait Morgan Mystery); for those of you who are regulars here, you’ll know I am a detailed outliner, so – before I sat down to hit the keyboard to create the first draft – I had already worked on this title for some time. So, I suppose I...

The Most Important Thing...

When it comes to your writing, what is the most important element to you: plot, theme or something else?

-from Frank

It's difficult to say what is most important. For one thing, different elements appeal to different people. For another, plot, character, theme, language, tone, setting...all of these are like ingredients in a cake. People don't look at a cake and say, "Is flour the most important thing?" They ask if it is fluffy or delicious (unless they're bakers, I suppose). It takes all of...

The Character Made Me Do It

Q: When it comes to your writing, what is the most important element to you: plot, theme or something else?
-from Susan

For me, definitely character. I think the plot is defined by the main characters’ attitudes, biases, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. The protagonist and the villain, in particular, drive the plot forward by how they view and act on the crime. I write mysteries so it’s the protagonist who will be introduced first. Who is she? Why does she think she has a role in solving...

2020 Vision

What are your New Year’s resolutions? 

Right then. Here we are. 2020 and all that. I remember looking forward to the millennium. That was twenty years ago now. The last two decades have gone by stupidly fast. Granted I was probably asleep for fifty per cent of the intervening period but still, no one told me 2020 was going to turn up like a guest who’s three hours early for a party. It didn’t even bring a bottle of wine.
Right, so, resolutions. 
I have a confession. I love ‘em....

I Hereby Resolve...

From Jim






Upon the first of Jan-u-ary each and every year
I choose a comfy cushioned chair on which to park my rearThen taking pencil, pen, or plume I think with all my mightAbout my life, my hopes, my dreams and then begin to write
I make a note of all my flaws, my missteps, and my sinsAnd number them from one to ten and sort them into bins:A catalogue of wishes, goals, and changes to achieve,To lose some weight, to write more books, and royalties receive!
But not all thoughts are for myself, I...

On the horizon …

What are your new year’s resolutions? (Give us both writing and others if you have them)
by Dietrich
I’m not in the habit of making resolutions for the new year. I’m not into predictions, and once again I didn’t take part in the icy Polar Bear Swim to celebrate the new year. Nothing wrong with any of that, and I suppose if I did make resolutions, I‘d likely break them all anyway. But, I do make plans, and I do have plenty to look forward to in the coming year. 
Over the coming weeks I’ll be...

I Resolve, Among Other Things

<!--[if gte mso 9]>

Those New Year's Resolutions

What are your New Year’s resolutions? (Give us both writing and others if you have them.)
Brenda here.

A new year. A new decade. This seems an opportune time to come up with some pithy resolutions to inspire and guide me forward. I therefore resolve to think of some.
First up. Writing resolutions.

I have a new book on the shelves at the end of March called Closing Time. This will be the seventh and final installment in the Stonechild and Rouleau police procedural series. So, it's a time to face...

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM 7 CRIMINAL MINDS

Blind Date With a Book

Books make wonderful gifts. What are your recommendations this year?

by Amy Marks and Paul D. Marks

I thought I’d do something a little different this time. Instead of me recommending books I’m turning it over to my wife, Amy, and some books she’s read and enjoyed. And I’ll have some non-fiction recommendations at the end. So take it away, Amy:


Picking books as gifts is kind of like setting up a friend for a blind date. You never know if they’re going to hit if off or have a miserable time. But,...