The Maine Crime Writers
Tag Archives: Bernie O’Dea mystery series
It’s summer in Maine and the book will be out… when?
NEWS FROM AWAY, the fifth book in my Bernadette “Bernie” O’Dea mystery series was supposed to be out by now. I’m reminded about that quite often by readers anxious to get their hands on it. It’s gratifying and flattering that … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Bernie O'Dea mystery series, finishing a book, Maine summer
2 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
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
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
So Where Do We Get Our Ideas?
From time to time, in keeping with our motto “all things writing,” we do a group post on some writing-related topic. This month, the topic is “Where Do We Get Our Ideas” and the answers may prove fascinating. Kate Flora: … Continue reading
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
Coming Attractions! What’s Ahead in 2024
Kate Flora: New Year’s has passed, and we’re hard at work in the New Year. We thought we’d take this opportunity to share some of the books we’ll publish in 2024, and projects we’re working on that haven’t yet found a … Continue reading
Weekend Update: March 19-20, 2022
Next week at Maine Crime Writers there will be posts by Charlene D’Avanzo (Monday), Matt Cost (Tuesday), Sandra Neily (Thursday) and Maureen Milliken (Friday). In the news department, here’s what’s happening with some of us who blog regularly at Maine … Continue reading
