The Maine Crime Writers
Category Archives: Maureen’s Posts
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
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
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
New Bernie O’Dea audiobook, reader’s companion on their way
Happy 2025 all! And I’ve I said every year since 2000, where the hell is my jetpack? Remember back when the 2000s seemed so far away? And we figured by 2000 we’d all have jetpacks? Anyway, that’s not what I’m … Continue reading
A great finale for Maine Crime Writers 2024
For the third year in a row, the Maine Crime Writers sponsored a tree at the Augusta Elks Lodge Festival of Trees, which ran from Dec. 10 to 15. You’re probably familiar with these fundraisers — they take place all … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
2 Comments
Turning the table: Questions for Maine mystery readers
As I meet and talk to readers at signings and other events, it’s always a pleasure to listen to their opinions and questions about my Bernadette “Bernie” O’Dea mystery series. I welcome questions about my choices, why characters do certain … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Bernadette "Bernie" O'Dea mystery series, reader questions
4 Comments
Oct. 29: DYING FOR NEWS, 4th in Bernadette ‘Bernie’ O’Dea series
The plan this month was to post a scary or spooky scene from one of our books. I meant to. I really did. But I overthink posting scenes — the context, how scary really is it? Blah blah blah. Also, … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
4 Comments
