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A to Z Challenge: “M”ystery authors
There are many types of mystery novels – amateur or professional sleuth, police procedural, thriller, suspense or romantic suspense, historical, private eye, noir, crime, caper, etc. I grew up reading Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt mysteries (a mix of romantic/historical suspense) and would check them out of the library as soon as they arrived, in hardback! I like a wide variety of authors and genres, but I’m highlighting some of my favorite cozy/amateur sleuth mystery writers in today’s blog. Cozies were made popular by Agatha Christie, usually contain a bloodless crime and a victim that won’t be missed. And, they are usually as much character as plot driven, especially if…
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Blogging from A to Z: Novel idea
I have written about 100 pages of a cozy mystery novel and I’m stuck. You’ve heard of writer’s block? Well, I have “self-critique block.” After I’d written the first part of my book, I began reading more about the art of novel writing. I also attended a few writers’ conferences and began following several authors I enjoy, Nancy Pickard, Diane Mott Davidson and Janet Evanovich to name a few. (When I say “follow,” I mean reading their most recent books, not out-and-out physical stalking). Everyone has an opinion, or advice, on how the best novels are written. Some authors talk about outlining and plotting. Not that the story can’t change…
