The Maine Crime Writers
Charlene D’Avanzo www.charlenedavanzo.com
Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson
http://www.Darcyscott.net
Author Archives: Maureen Milliken
When it comes to writing, or life, channel a little Bart Simpson
I’ve had an urge for quite a while to start an Instagram account that has photos of towns in Maine named after the world’s great cities. The idea of Athens, Rome, Vienna and more translated to tiny towns with dirt … Continue reading
Don’t be afraid of the nuts and bolts of writing
I was giving an author talk a couple years ago, answering the usual questions about my process, when I got an odd response: “Isn’t that cheating?” I was, if I remember right, describing how I used a big calendar to … Continue reading
The writing process: getting stuck on the detals
As we know, writers are frequently asked where they get their ideas. As we also know, and have discussed extensively on this blog, the answer is varied and endless. After years of being asked it, I have a fairly concise … Continue reading
A reminder from the Maine Crime Writers
Hey readers! A reminder now that it’s getting warmer out, theoretically, to let your friends know about the Maine Crime Writers daily blog posts, Facebook page and our panels of authors, who are happy to appear at your local library. … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
1 Comment
A name by any other name would be a giant pain in the…
One aspect of writing that readers may not realize is a huge pain in the … um, neck, is naming characters. It seems like it would be an obvious and easy thing, doesn’t it? Certainly easier than figuring out a … Continue reading
And the best book adaptation for TV, hands down, EVER, is…
Sometime in the last couple of years — it’s hard to say when, it all blurs together now — I joked on this blog that I’m a “social distancing hobbiest.” Oh ha ha. So funny. Since then, whenever that was, … Continue reading
In praise of good long books
My town had by all accounts a very succesful community read this year — an event in which everyone (who wants to) reads the same book. A variety of discussions and events are built around it, and it lasts for … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Elizabeth George, Liane Moriarty, P.D. James, Reading
8 Comments
Maine Crime Writers have tree, will travel (to festival of trees)
Hi folks! We know you’re not used to seeing us on Sunday night, but we have some special news… As you know, we Maine Crime Writers are a festive bunch, so we jumped at the chance to provide a tree … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Augusta Elks Festival of Trees, Christmas
7 Comments
Apply the Bechdel Test, with a twist, when you read, watch and write
I recently learned about the Bechdel Test for sexism in fiction. This is a way to gauge the level of sexism in a work by checking to see if it has a conversation between two women that isn’t about a … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Bechdel Test, good writing, sexism in writing, writing tips
4 Comments
Setting is all around you, and it’s yours for the taking
Everyone who writes, or aspires to, understands the vital importance of setting. The great mystery writer Elizabeth George, in her book “Mastering the Process,” talks about how she really doubles down on it — going to areas she wants to … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Elizabeth George, mystery writing tips, Pownalborough Courthouse, settings
5 Comments
