The Maine Crime Writers
Author Archives: Maureen Milliken
The question isn’t ‘Is it original?’, but ‘Is it yours?’
An article in the newspaper the other day gave me that uncomfortable feeling a lot of authors get at least once in a while — there’s my story (kind of) and now no one is going to think my book … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Shakespeare, writing craft, writing ideas
3 Comments
The author question I never get – it surprises me, yet doesn’t
Authors can expect certain questions at events, whether it’s a table at an author fair or a library presentation or a book group: Where do you get your ideas? How long does it take you to write a book? Do … Continue reading
Writing and stopping by the woods on a snowy morning
I’m sure I’m not the first one to write about this, even on this blog, but it’s worth saying again: Never underestimate the value of a nice walk as part of the writing process. Now that I have a dog … Continue reading
Yes, books make great gifts; love of books is an even better one
I recently read an article about how high school kids were no longer being assigned full books to read, just snippets. Reasons ranged from “you just can’t get young people to read anything long” to whatever entity that’s dictating curriculum … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
12 Comments
Fiction is fiction…but it’s all relative
When I’m writing a mystery novel, which seems like all the time now, things that I read about or see on TV often spark ideas. Sometimes I feel compelled to add whatever it is to the book I’m writing. I … Continue reading
Writing Tip Wednesday: Putting a dog in the book? Pros & cons
There’s some sage — or not so much — writing advice that if you want to make a character likable, give him a dog. On the other hand, once you give a character a dog, if it’s not just a … Continue reading
Posted in Writing Tip Wednesday
Tagged Bernie O'Dea mystery series, dogs, Maureen Milliken
4 Comments
Writing a series: What to leave in, what to leave out
When I’m at events where I have an opportunity to sell my books, the most-asked question by far from potential readers is “Do I have to read them in order?” Short answer: “No!” But if you know me, you know … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
5 Comments
Maine summer and writing and reading stuff
Not impressed with that title? Well, you can join the club. I had a bunch of great topics, and was going to choose at least one of them to write about today, but I went for a drive instead. Don’t … Continue reading
Mystery-writing lessons from ‘Jaws’
I saw the movie “Jaws” the summer it came out. Over and over and over and over again. There wasn’t a lot to do in Augusta, Maine, in the summer in the 1970s. But I also just couldn’t get enough … Continue reading
It’s (almost) summer, so find a Maine Crime Writer near you
Along with the lilac buds, the ticks and the visitors from away, one thing is sure about the warmer months in Maine — a Maine Crime Writer will have an event somewhere near you. It’s a reality of the 21st … Continue reading
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