Jacqui Murray's Blog, page 210
June 6, 2011
Writers Tip #62: It's Not What Happens. It's Your Character's Reaction That Matters
Great tips for soon-to-be great writers
When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you know you've done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer's tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make the adjustments.
Today's tip: Worry less about plot and more about character development.
If writers had to depend upon plot to sell a story, we'd all go broke. There is one basic plot. Hero starts out with a tolerable/happy/exciting life. Something happens that throws her/him into crisis. S/he tries to solve it (over and over) and fails each time. When s/he is about to fail for the final time, Eureka! Against all odds, Hero pulls it out and is changed forever from the experience.
Here's a secret: The story line isn't what matters; it's how the Hero reacts to events that makes a blockbuster novel. This is where writers can explore a multitude of plotting options. Does the Hero problem solve with his heart or head? Does s/he do it alone or with help? As a lawyer, doctor, archeologist, teacher, some other unique career? That where the story comes in. As individual each person in the world is, that's how many variations on a theme there are. What you came up with from the short plot I outlined is likely considerably different from my paleo-historic plot line.
So revel in that. Let your voice be heard. Spin your yarn with abandon. The more unique is your imagination, the more spirited your muse, the more likely you will succeed.
Questions you want answered? Leave a comment and I'll answer it within the next thirty days.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: characters, plot, writers tips Tagged: characters, plot, writing tips
June 3, 2011
How Would You Describe a Post-it Note?
Post its? What's with that, you ask? Let me explain.
What new can I say about Post-its?
I am deeply mired in editing duties for my tech texts. I like the changes. I wish I'd made them sooner, but I didn't have time until my publisher forced the issue. Now that I'm doing it, I'm excited about the program updates, the fresh ideas, the connections I've made in my tech classes that weren't there a year ago.
But I'm distracted. As you know (if you know me), I am also an Amazon Vine Writer. I review four products a month. If I don't finish them, Amazon doesn't send new ones. Two each month are books. Those are easy to write because I read a couple of books a week. Since I get to select the books, I pick in my genre, which makes them even faster reads.
Two, though, are non-book items. Once I reviewed Biz detergent. Another time, it was Sudafed. I had the opportunity to review canned Jamba Juice and declined it. I lcouldn't imagine that fresh, frothy drink stuffed into a metal can.
Now, sitting on my desk is the next product awaiting my creative energy: Post-it Notes. I use them voraciously, never think twice about their multi-colors, their stick-to-anything quality, the fact they were invented by accident. The problem is, I have to review them before I get my next book to review and I need my thriller fix.
What do I say about Post-it notes? I have no personal stories or anecdotal experiences. Hotter than the sun, cooler than the flip side of my pillow. No–that's already been used. Works as well as rain on a handsome man in a white tee shirt the Energizer Bunny?
Any ideas? I hope someone comes up with a stroke of brilliance.
While I wait, I'll edit Lesson Plan #104: Internet Tools for the Connected Classroom.
Filed under: Amazon, book reviews, writing Tagged: post its, reviews, vine voice
May 31, 2011
Tech Tip For Writers #5b: Reveal a Program
Tech Tips for Soon-to-be Great Writers
Tech Tips for Writers is an (almost) weekly post on overcoming Tech Dread. I'll cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have shared. Feel free to post a comment about a question you have. I'll cover it in a future Tip.
Q: Some programs hide the taskbar when they open. How do I access other programs without closing down the one I'm working on?
A: Push the Flying Windows key (it's between Ctrl and Alt). That brings up the start menu as well as exposing the taskbar. Now, you can access open programs on the taskbar and/or new programs from the start menu.
Questions you want answered? Leave a comment here and I'll answer it within the next thirty days.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: problem-solving, tech tips for writers, writers resources, writers tips Tagged: tech tips, writers tips
May 30, 2011
Thank You to Our Heroes
Whatever the reason, they are the reason we are American. We speak our minds, practice our religion, go to school, pick our jobs. We live free. We think it's our right. It is, thanks to thousands of American soldiers who protect our rights.
Filed under: I love the USA Tagged: honor, memorial day, warriors
May 27, 2011
This Guy's Funny
Here I am, trying to edit, and I get distracted by a very funny Gary Bowen. Look at this:
Hilarious
Thank Goodness he only posts every few weeks.
Cartoon credit: Guy Bowen at Cartoonnoise.net. Click the cartoon for more of him.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: humor Tagged: cartoons
May 25, 2011
I'm Buried!
Truly. My publisher wants me to revise the entirety of my technology curriculum ASAP. That's six textbooks and two add-ons. I've been at it a month, but I'm not close to done, so forgive me for writing less for a few weeks. When you hear a big HUZZAH from the West Coast, you'll know I've finished.
Yeah, that's me being busy
Cartoon credit: Guy Bowen at Cartoonnoise.net. Click the cartoon for more of him.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: humor, writers, writing Tagged: editing, tech curriculum
May 23, 2011
Writers Tip #60: It's Fiction. Make Stuff Up.
Why writers need a web presence
When you read your story, does it sound off, maybe you can't quite put your finger on it, but you know you've done something wrong? Sometimes–maybe even lots of times–there are simple fixes. These writer's tips will come at you once a week, giving you plenty of time to go through your story and make the adjustments.
Today's tips come from Keith Cronin, writer/musician, who shares his tongue-in-cheek advice for fellow writers:
10. Never say verdant.
9. Just because it's true doesn't make it compelling – or even interesting.
8. Adverbs are just words. They don't damage sentences; writers do.
7. Three words: Strunk and White.
6. Don't fall in love with your words. It makes it hard to kill them.
5. It's hard to grow if you only write what you know. Crap, that rhymes. It wasn't meant to.
4. When writing sex scenes, leave out the thing with the turkey baster. Trust me on this.
3. Stop bitching. You have cut-and-paste, and the Undo key. Most literary greats did not.
2. You're not wrong: Clive Cussler really does suck.
1. It's fiction. Make stuff up.
That last one is spot on (not that the rest aren't). Writers must allow readers to willingly suspend their disbelief, enter a world of make-believe that they can believe. That might be the hardest part of writing.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education. Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: writers resources, writers tips, writing Tagged: top ten, writers tips, writing
May 20, 2011
The 10 Commandments of Fiction Writing
The 10 Commandments of Fiction Writing
Guide your writing with these 10 rules thou must not break.
Most experts agree that when it comes to writing fiction, no rules are carved in stone. A writer is free to bend, twist, smash or shred any of the golden platitudes of writing that have been handed down by the well-paid, well-respected writers we all hope to become. Certain writing guidelines, however, are so self-evident few writers would dispute them. When these guidelines are broken, you don't need a burning bush to tell you your writing will suffer.
1. Take yourself seriously
This is the most crucial commandment—and the most difficult to follow. Many beginning writers feel guilty about working so hard at something for which they haven't been paid a cent. Immediate family members or friends may look on writing as a harmless little hobby, to be encouraged only when it doesn't interfere with their own lives. Because of the cavalier attitude of others, writers may fail to prioritize writing as a necessary part of their lives, regardless of whether or not money exchanges hands.
You must emphatically demonstrate to yourself and to others that writing is a part of who you are, not just an amusing pastime. The measure of being a writer is not how much money you make, but how important writing is in your life.
2. Act like a professional
To be taken seriously as a writer, you must act like a professional writer. That means whenever you deal with other professionals in the writing business, such as agents, editors and publishers, you should act the same as you would for a job interview, and present a professional appearance. This is especially important in cover letters and manuscript preparation.
First, proofread for grammar, punctuation and spelling errors. I have heard many editors admit they sometimes reject a manuscript within the first few pages solely due to the number of grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. After months or even years of hard work perfecting your story, novel or screenplay, it would be a shame to have it rejected just because you didn't bother to check your spelling or fix a sentence fragment. And don't rely solely on spell-checking and grammar-checking computer programs—they make errors all the time. If grammar is your weakness, then find someone, either a friend or professional, who can proof the pages for you.
Second, perfect the format. The place to be creative is in your writing style, not the manuscript format. Avoid fancy fonts. They're distracting and hard to read. Stick to standard margins. Narrow margins crowd the page and slow the story's pace; broad margins make it appear as though you don't have a substantial story. Don't design your own cover. It smacks of desperation.
Third, polish the cover letter. Just tell the editors what they need to know. That includes: (a) a brief summary of the work, one to three paragraphs, and (b) anything about yourself that might be relevant to the work (if you're submitting a police procedural novel and you're a journalist who worked the crime beat, that's relevant). Avoid over-hyping yourself or the work by making extravagant claims: "This will earn millions of dollars!" or "The world has never seen a novel like this before!" Hyperbole makes agents and editors less eager to work with you.
3. Write your passion
Some beginning writers try to write for whatever trend is popular. But by the time you finish your manuscript, get an agent and send your work to a publisher, the trend will be on its way out. You're more likely to produce publishable material by writing what you're passionate about. If you love romances, then write one. If you love mysteries, then that's the genre for you. You don't have to write only that genre, but as you first start out, if you write what you know, you'll have a stronger feel for the proper conventions to include as well as the cliches and stereotypes to avoid.
Ultimately, all that matters is that you care about the material and convey that passion to the reader.
4. Love the process
If you want to become a professional fiction writer, you'd better love the writing process. That doesn't mean you don't have doubts, fears and an aversion to your computer. It means that despite those hesitations, you still sit down and write. Even after you've sold your novel, finished your book-signing tour and watched Brad Pitt star in the film version, you still have to spend most of your days at a computer. That process must thrill and delight you, since all the rest of the celebrity trappings are only a small part of what you do.
5. Read—a lot
While it's a very good idea to know your genre, the best writers don't limit their reading to that genre. Artists need to experience other artists' work, which can teach and inspire as well.
When I read a fascinating novel or watch an insightful movie, I can't wait to get back to my own writing and make it better. This also works when I read a boring novel or watch a cliched movie; then I can't wait to make sure I haven't made similar mistakes in my work.
Reading nonfiction is also helpful to fiction writers. I've been so inspired by articles on scientific discoveries, political events or historical facts that I've later made the ideas significant parts of my fiction works. A 10-line filler in the newspaper about the auction of Napoleon Bonaparte's penis inspired the opening chapter of my novel Earth Angel.
6. Stick to a schedule
The main difference between successful writers and wannabe writers is not talent—it's perseverance. They finish what they start. Create a writing schedule that works for you and stick with it. Two types of scheduling work best for most writers.
1. The Gridlock Method. Fill out a weekly grid with all your responsibilities that cannot be changed—work, school, family, etc. Find two-hour blocks on at least three days of the week that you can claim for writing. Announce to your family and friends that those are your writing hours, and you are not to be disturbed during that time except for emergencies. (Be sure to define "emergencies.")
2. The Spare-Change Method. This method is for those whose schedules are less predictable. On a calendar, write the number of pages you intend to complete per day. Regardless of how busy you are that day, commit to staying up until that number of pages is complete.
Whichever method you use, the result will be the same: You will end up with a completed manuscript.
7. Be critical of your work
Writers live with the hope that someday they will read what they've written and not want to tear it up. The bad news is that the better you become as a writer, the more critical you are of your writing. The more you know about writing, the less you can tolerate bad writing (your own or others'). The good news is this critical ability will make you better. You will learn to reject the predictable and strive for invigorating style, plotting and characterization. Stop worrying that you'll never be a good enough writer, and embrace the inner critic.
8. Develop thick skin
As a beginning writer I dreamed of the day when I would never have to face another rejection. Forty published books and 12 sold screenplays later, not a day goes by when something I've written or proposed to be written isn't rejected by someone. Usually some publisher or producer buys what I've written, but not always. I still have a few unsold novels stashed in my garage, rejected stories and poems in my filing cabinet, script treatments on my desk.
Rejection still stings. But it doesn't hurt as long as it used to because I have so many projects to pursue. I no longer mope around and curse the short-sightedness of a universe that fails to recognize my genius. I just work on the next project. And if the same manuscript keeps getting rejected for the same reason, I re-evaluate the work and maybe rewrite it.
9. Trust your editors
First, I'm going to broadly define editors as not only professional editors at publishing houses but also writing teachers and writing workshop members who read and offer editorial suggestions. Most editors aren't frustrated writers—some are accomplished writers publishing more than you. In general, they have your best interests at heart. That doesn't mean you won't have disagreements with their suggestions. You most certainly will. You may even be right sometimes. But you will miss out on some very helpful suggestions if you refuse to listen.
The goal of most editors is to help you best realize the story you want to write. Because they come at it with fresh perspectives, they may be able to see flaws that you can't because you're too close to the work.
My typical first reaction to editorial suggestions is this: "What an idiot! You understand nothing of what I'm trying to say." An hour later I think, "Maybe that's not a completely stupid idea." After I incorporate the idea I think, "I'm a genius to have thought of this change." Point is, I have learned to carefully consider each suggestion. Sometimes I reject them, but many times those suggestions have significantly improved my work.
10. There are no certainties
William Goldman said it about Hollywood in his excellent primer for screenwriters, Adventures in the Screen Trade (Warner Books), but it applies equally to all writing. No one knows for sure what's going to sell and what isn't. If an agent from a big agency or an editor from a major publisher rejects your book saying that no one's interested in that type of story anymore, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Think of all the "knowledgeable" studio execs who rejected Star Wars or big-shot editors who turned down The Godfather.
You must develop your own instincts about writing and have faith in them even when no one else does. That doesn't mean you will be inflexible to suggestions, it just means you will feel confident in whatever decisions you make.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: Journalism, writers, writing Tagged: fiction writing, writers resources, writing
May 16, 2011
Tech Tips For Writers #5: 6 Hi-Tech Tools You Need
You've written your book. You sent it to publishers, agents, reviewers, and no one's interested. It's hard to believe because it took
Tech tools for writers online
you three years and about six hundred forty-seven rewrites to get it right.
What do you do? Stick it on a shelf and forget about it? Send it to more agents and publishers? The truth is, it's not personal. Publishers aren't clamoring for any titles.Here are some statistics I found interesting:
The United States published 275,232 new titles last year, 3.2% less books than in 2007
The biggest losers were travel (down 15%) and religion (down 14%) followed closely by history (down 13%) and–here's the drum roll: fiction (down 11%).
The two most successful categories were education and business.
Bowker, the global leader in bibliographic information management solutions, reports that 285, 394 On Demand books (code for self-published without an agent) were produced last year, a 132% increase over the prior year. Between 2002 and 2008, On Demand publishing increased a staggering 762% . You don't want to miss this opportunity.
Here are a few general numbers about the population that might be interested in your book:
57% of book buyers are women
Mystery books are the most popular genre for book club sales. 17% of all their sales come directly from book clubs
Generation X consumers buy more books online than any other demographic, with 30% of them buying their books through the Internet
21% of book buyers say they became aware of a book through some sort of online promotion
Women make the majority of the purchases in the paperback, hardcover and audio-book segments, but men accounted for 55% of e-book purchases
So what can you distill from this information? For me, I see that people are still reading–avidly even–but their buying decisions have changed. They aren't going to bookstores as often (that's the end-user of the agents who turned you down). Readers are getting their intel about books online and then buying online.
Here's how you can tap into these changes and let that successful writer who lives inside of you out. I'm going to share the eleven tools with you that turned my writing experience around and should be must-haves for all new writers after they've written their book:
Buy ISBN numbers direct
You need an ISBN number to publish on many online sites (like Amazon, the Indies, B&N). They're not expensive if you buy them individually, and even less if you buy them in bulk and share them with your writer's club. I suggest the latter because it offers the additional benefit that you keep ownership of the ISBN log. You never worry that whoever you purchased the number from will go out of business and there goes your burgeoning business.
Bowker Link
Once you've purchased the ISBN numbers, you'll get an account with Bowker Link where you can list your books in the largest international book registry in the world. Take advantage of this. Plus, they offer a lot of additional tools for marketing and selling your books.
Buy barcodes for your books
These are mandatory for most online booksellers, and must be arranged a certain way to satisfy the operations people at the other end of the pipeline. That means, the free bar codes you can download online probably won't work, at least not the ones I was able to find when I started.
You can use any number of bar code providers. Amazon and B&N will provide lists when you set up accounts with them. You can also purchase digital barcodes. I went with a company called Accugrafx.com. They have been fast, affordable, and solved several problems for me. I will probably never switch until they switch their proactive approach to satisfying their customers.
Amazon.com's vendor account
Set up an Advantage account with Amazon. It's not difficult, but takes some time filling out forms, uploading documents, waiting for approvals. Once you're a vendor (on consignment), they order books which you ship to their warehouse at your cost.
Their organization is impressive–far better than B&N.com. I can check sales daily on an online protected account that lists my books, sales, revenue. Once a month, Amazon pays me a percent of the sales price for sales from two months prior, directly into whatever account I gave them when I signed up. I use my business account.
Scribd.com
Scribd is an ebook reseller. You have your book written, so that's the biggest part. They'll take it as a Word doc, but I recommend using a PDF format. It'll transfer more cleanly to a variety of systems. Create an attractive cover, rewrite your query letter as a book summary and you have an ebook.
Sign up for a Scribd account, upload your books (no ISBN required, which means you can sell lesson plans, stories, etc.) to their Store, take some time to fill in the details that will allow customers to find your treasure, and wait. They have good accounting. I get notified every time a book is sold, and the money shows up in my account two months later.
Barnes and Noble.com
Barnes and Noble also has an online store. Its requirements are more stringent than Amazon and it's not as easy to get listed and sold, but once you're through the hurdles, it should work. I say 'should' because I'm still struggling with their hoops. Books don't show up online. Billing and payments are sent USPS. Go ahead and search Building a Midshipman on B&N.com and Amazon. Last time I looked, B&N.com still hadn't managed to list it despite a six-month effort on my part to satisfy their requirements. Oh well. Lots of books are listed, so I know it's possible.
Next, I'll cover how to market your books so you get people to the online stores. I'll talk about:
book competitions
blogs
Google Books
PayPal
Twitter/Stumble On/Digg
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: authors, digital books, marketing, publishing, tech tips for writers, writers resources Tagged: business, digital books, ebooks, tech tips for writers
May 12, 2011
Book Review: Silent Girl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: This review written as part of my Amazon Vine Voice series for Amazon
In "The Silent Girl", Tess Gerritsen delivers another tale of mystery, murder, and mayhem, starring TV-famous Jane Rizzoli–detective with a heart–and Maura Isles, a medical examiner who searches only for truth (a contender for Patricia Cornwall's early caricature of Kay Scarpetta, now abandoned for a darker, more depressing person I barely recognize). The story is told through the eyes of both the people solving the crime and the person suspected of committing it. This book, though, comes with a twist. More on that later.
Rizzoli and Isles are called to the scene of a heinous murder which Rizzoli quickly ties to one nineteen years ago. Rizzoli's the star of this story with only cameo help from Isles, delivered with none of the ME's usual magic uncovering clues from dead bodies no one else notices. Why? Isles is distracted by ending her relationship with a boyfriend and testifying in a trial against a policeman. The former breaks her heart, the latter breaks the Blue Code of Silence and alienates her from the men she must work with on a daily basis. But it's Isles core reasoning–that truth is justice–which sets up the story's theme: Is truth a barometer of right and wrong or a moving target? There are several appealing scenes between Isles and the boy who saved her life in an earlier book that contribute to Isles part in solving this puzzling mystery, but nothing like the usual partnership we have come to relish between Rizzoli and Isles, crime solvers extraordinaire.
While Gerritsen does a good job sharing the juxtaposition of man's law vs. nature's, leaving it to the reader to decide if they side with Maura's black and white view or Rizzoli's more tempered 'Do we really know', it's not enough. True the book is a satisfying read with lots of Gerritsen's trademark characterizations, plot twists and clever solutions, but it isn't a five-star. The reason is the new twist I mentioned in the first paragraph. Gerritsen uses the paranormal as a plot device. She couches it in authentic Chinese fables, but it's presented as creatures that do things no man can do, aka para-normal. That genre is popular right now, so she could be hoping to broaden her audience, but doing so risks alienating her traditional readers. Mystery thrillers don't normally respect mysticism like the ghosts and man-monkeys and wispy spirits I found in 'Silent Girl' even if they are defenders of justice. By halfway through the book, I was tired of phrases about 'icy fingers, 'chilled her', 'a cold breath', 'chill rippled through her'–enough! It's OK to have the metaphysical as a character trait, even a subplot, but not an integral part of the main plot. While I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion of Chinese history, I didn't like it in the Boston PD world of Jane and Maura, or as a structural part of the novel. My suggestion (I know she's reading this): If this is important to her evolving identity as an author, create a new character line of paranormal thrillers, but don't mix the two.
Overall, I offer a mixed recommendation. If you read detective stories and paranormal, you'll love this. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool thriller reader, skip it.
Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and creator of two technology training books for middle school. She is the author of Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter's journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com , and a weekly contributor to Write Anything and Technology in Education . Currently, she's working on a techno-thriller that should be ready this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.
Filed under: book reviews, thrillers Tagged: book review, gerritsen, rizzoli and Isles, silent girl, thrillers
