Tag Archives: writing advice

A Cure for a Slow-Moving Plot: Add Conflict

Posted on October 18, 2019 by

Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson here, today writing about conflict. Most people aren’t crazy about encountering conflict in real life. It’s much more pleasant to avoid acrimonious clashes. But in fiction, especially mystery fiction, a plot without conflict is apt to … Continue reading →

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Writing Books We Actually Use

Posted on July 24, 2019 by

Today, we’re using our group post Wednesday to share some of the writing books and reference books we return to again and again. Not every book works for every writer. You have to try them out and see if the … Continue reading →

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The Duty of Writers: Pay No Attention to Duty

Posted on May 29, 2019 by

Charlene D’Avanzo: I haven’t been at this mystery writing business long, so now and then I seek the wisdom of veteran authors hoping their acumen will rub off. For some reason I’m often thirsty for literary inspiration at bedtime, so … Continue reading →

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A Writer’s Lunch: 7 writing exercises you can do at lunch

Posted on May 2, 2019 by

Kate Flora: I really wanted to teach a writing class this summer. Alas, the kind of six week class I like to teach didn’t fit MWPA’s needs. Still, today I found myself rummaging through the files, looking at some of … Continue reading →

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Let Me Share Some Bad Advice

Posted on January 3, 2019 by

Kate Flora: As we enter another writing year, and may be making New Year’s resolutions which include finally writing that book you’ve always dreamed of writing, I am here to help you along on your journey, by sharing pieces of advice … Continue reading →

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Here’s to 2019

Posted on December 28, 2018 by

Dorothy Cannell: I had a wonderful Christmas and do not intend to dim the glow with New Year resolutions.  Self-improvement is not tantalizing.  It’s a slog that shouldn’t be turned into a holiday event, one that doesn’t even get the benefit … Continue reading →

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Seeing Like a Writer

Posted on September 26, 2018 by

Kate Flora: I was driving on the Maine turnpike last week and suddenly there appeared to be an explosion of squirrels trying to cross a six lane highway. It was something that I’d never seen before, and after the fourth squirrel, and … Continue reading →

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Can This Book Be Saved?

Posted on September 13, 2018 by

Kate Flora: As some of you aware, if you follow the blog, recently I’ve been conducting excavations in my files, looking at old manuscripts and remembering some of the adventures I had writing them. I have plenty of unpublished work. I … Continue reading →

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Creating Drama

Posted on September 12, 2018 by

People often ask how I go about plotting my novels. How does one write a great thriller? Is there some trick to it? Well, as any mystery/thriller writer will tell you there is no trick. Creating a book that is … Continue reading →

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But We’re Really Spying on You

Posted on August 6, 2018 by

Kate Flora: Some years ago, I was speaking to a high school class about writing, and I was talking to them about how, as writers, we need to train ourselves to be observant. “You think you are here to watch me,” … Continue reading →

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