The Maine Crime Writers
Category Archives: Maureen’s Posts
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
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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
