The Maine Crime Writers
Category Archives: Maureen’s Posts
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
Put next week’s Maine Book Fest 2023 on your dance card
It seems as though literary and book festivals are springing up all over Maine. That’s a good thing! The more opportunities there are for writers, readers and book lovers to get out there and show their love, the better. A … Continue reading
If your writing is stuck, shake things up!
Most writers sometimes hit a wall partway through a manuscript. That said, I don’t believe in writer’s block, and I don’t think you do, either. I think of it more as writer’s detour. It can happen even when you have … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged first draft, writer's block, writing process
6 Comments
‘Creative’ use of tense by writers makes me … tense
I’m often accused, even by people who purport to love me, that I’m way too picky about writing when I read. Not everyone was an English major! No one cares! Yeah? Well I care. And, dear reader, you do, too. … Continue reading
Maine summer author tour tips for readers, writers and libraries
As April nears its end and we (fingers crossed!) have the worst of the winter weather behind us, the Maine author talk and book-selling tour is heating up along with the temperatures. That means there’s an author talk coming to … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Author appearances, author talks, libraries, selling books
13 Comments
Writer, whatever you do, get a real editor
I’m reading a book about a topic that really interests me, but it’s a tough read because the book is so poorly edited. There are punctuation errors, particularly missing or unncessary commas, on every page. There are word use issues … Continue reading
Will AI replace fiction writers? No. You’re welcome.
Maureen Milliken: I decided to take the day off from writing a post and have artificial intelligence do it instead. Kidding! But I’m sure many writers have had the same experience I have — that smug guy (it’s always a guy, … Continue reading
Easy fast and no-brainer top writing tips for all writers
Hi, all! I was asked just the other day for some “writing tips,” so it seemed like a good time to reprise this classic from a couple years ago. And also, in the spirit of Tip Number 1, I have … Continue reading
