The Maine Crime Writers
Category Archives: Maureen’s Posts
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
The writing process, kind of, in pictures
As I finalize my book for its upcoming publication, I’ve got no gas left in the tank for one of my usual lengthy posts. Lucky you! Instead, I’m posting a few pictures to illustrate my writing process. Remember, aspiring writers, … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Bernie O'Dea mystery series, writing process
5 Comments
A look back at a Maine author summer
As summer winds to a close (not technically, but it feels like it, doesn’t it?) I can’t help but feel like it just barely started. Even with the climate crisis giving us shorter winters, the logistics of summer in Maine … Continue reading
Let’s revisit: Joyce? Wordsworth? They’re just like us!
Hi all, I can’t hit the keyboard this month, so for your reading pleasure, I’m reprising a favorite column. Enjoy! For several years, I was a judge in nationwide self-published book contest. I was a first-tier judge, which meant I … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged James Joyce, Museum of Literature in Ireland, Wordsworth, writing
2 Comments
Walking the tightrope of writing a mystery series
One question I’m frequently asked by readers is “Do I have to read your books in order?” The short answer is no. Then again, when do I ever give a short answer? I usually tell the asker no, you don’t, … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Bernie O'Dea mystery series, Mystery readers, Writing a series, writing craft
6 Comments
Characters: No that’s NOT you. Thanks for reading.
A few days ago, colleague Kate Flora wrote a great post about “character shopping.” It highlights a huge part of what we do — thinking about and creating characters. I often wonder if readers and aspiring writers fully understand what … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged are authors their characters?, Bernie O'Dea mystery series, characters
8 Comments
Writers! What do bookstores REALLY want from you?
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie-published, one of the big challenges is getting your books into bookstores, am I right? Traditionally published authors (theoretically) have a leg up, because that’s their publisher’s job. But if you’re published by a small … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged authors selling books, Oliver & Friends Bookshop
11 Comments
Aren’t familiar with mystery novels? Here’s how to read one
Sorry this is late. Hey! I’m busy writing! Seriously. Anyway, because of that I’ve dug up one of my oldies, but goodies. This one from March 2016. I’ve edited the lead-in a little to remove references about “finishing up” my … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Dorothy L. Sayers, Kate Atkinson, mystery novels, Reading
5 Comments
Maine Authors for Lewiston: A way to show your support
Since the October 25 shootings in Lewiston that killed 18 and seriously injured 13 people from across central Maine, there’s been an outpouring of support. But that doesn’t mean more isn’t needed. If you are still looking for a way … Continue reading
Covering a homicide trial as a journalist through the eyes of a crime writer
As I write this, I’m sitting on the floor outside of a courtroom as a jury deliberates somewhere in this building on the fate of a guy whose trial I’ve been covering since Oct. 2. It’s been a long time … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Concord NH murder, Logan Clegg, murder trial, Stephen and Djeswende Reid
5 Comments
