The Maine Crime Writers
Author Archives: Maureen Milliken
Put next week’s Maine Book Fest 2023 on your dance card
It seems as though literary and book festivals are springing up all over Maine. That’s a good thing! The more opportunities there are for writers, readers and book lovers to get out there and show their love, the better. A … Continue reading
If your writing is stuck, shake things up!
Most writers sometimes hit a wall partway through a manuscript. That said, I don’t believe in writer’s block, and I don’t think you do, either. I think of it more as writer’s detour. It can happen even when you have … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged first draft, writer's block, writing process
6 Comments
‘Creative’ use of tense by writers makes me … tense
I’m often accused, even by people who purport to love me, that I’m way too picky about writing when I read. Not everyone was an English major! No one cares! Yeah? Well I care. And, dear reader, you do, too. … Continue reading
Maine summer author tour tips for readers, writers and libraries
As April nears its end and we (fingers crossed!) have the worst of the winter weather behind us, the Maine author talk and book-selling tour is heating up along with the temperatures. That means there’s an author talk coming to … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Author appearances, author talks, libraries, selling books
13 Comments
Writer, whatever you do, get a real editor
I’m reading a book about a topic that really interests me, but it’s a tough read because the book is so poorly edited. There are punctuation errors, particularly missing or unncessary commas, on every page. There are word use issues … Continue reading
Will AI replace fiction writers? No. You’re welcome.
Maureen Milliken: I decided to take the day off from writing a post and have artificial intelligence do it instead. Kidding! But I’m sure many writers have had the same experience I have — that smug guy (it’s always a guy, … Continue reading
Easy fast and no-brainer top writing tips for all writers
Hi, all! I was asked just the other day for some “writing tips,” so it seemed like a good time to reprise this classic from a couple years ago. And also, in the spirit of Tip Number 1, I have … Continue reading
New England Crime Bake should be on every writer’s calendar
Like all writers, I’m often asked by aspiring writers about how to get started, as well as many other “how to” things (get published, get an agent, punctuate a clause… you name it). The number one thing I always suggest, … Continue reading
Joyce? Wordsworth? They’re just like us!
For several years, I was a judge in nationwide self-published book contest. I was a first-tier judge, which meant I read a hundred or more books, sending one for every batch of 25 back to the next tier. Duties included … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged James Joyce, Museum of Literature in Ireland, Wordsworth, writing
7 Comments
Should you read a mystery series in order? The answer is…
Hi all! In true Maine Crime Writers fashion I’m reprising a relevant column since it’s July, and as much as I’d love to say I’m on vacation, I’m actually scrambling to get a ton of work on so I can … Continue reading
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
