The Maine Crime Writers
Tag Archives: writing tips
Some questions and answers for writers about how to get started
I was chatting with a neighbor the other day, and it turns out she’s been working on a book for several years, but is stuck and wondering where she can get support, information, resources, etc. In short, shes wanted to … Continue reading
A name by any other name would be a giant pain in the…
One aspect of writing that readers may not realize is a huge pain in the … um, neck, is naming characters. It seems like it would be an obvious and easy thing, doesn’t it? Certainly easier than figuring out a … Continue reading
Apply the Bechdel Test, with a twist, when you read, watch and write
I recently learned about the Bechdel Test for sexism in fiction. This is a way to gauge the level of sexism in a work by checking to see if it has a conversation between two women that isn’t about a … Continue reading
Posted in Maureen's Posts
Tagged Bechdel Test, good writing, sexism in writing, writing tips
4 Comments
The not so fun part of writing (cats are mentioned in this post)
Last month, I offered some “easy tips” on writing. Let’s face it, though, nothing is easy about writing, even if you really really really really like it. Don’t just take my word for it — in a few days we … Continue reading
Easy fast and no-brainer top writing tips for all writers
Got you with that title, didn’t I? Seriously, though, it’s a reality that all writers — beginners and veterans — want tips. We write about them on this blog freqently. Just in the past few days, I’ve been asked for … Continue reading
Double Dipping
Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson here, today talking about the recycling of ideas, settings, and anecdotal material. I don’t think I’m alone in doing this, but perhaps I’m more aware of it than some authors. Here’s the thing: at least in … Continue reading
Posted in Kaitlyn's Posts
Tagged children's books, floorplans, Kaitlyn Dunnett, Kathy Lynn Emerson, recycling details, writing tips
4 Comments
So You Want to Write a Novel
Kaitlyn Dunnett/Kathy Lynn Emerson here, primed to offer some unsolicited but hopefully useful advice. How often have you said, or heard someone else say, “if only I had the time, I’d write a novel”? Sometimes the adjective “bestselling” is included … Continue reading
‘So what, it’s Maine’ isn’t good enough for the book you’re writing
I was wandering through a local gift shop recently, a little stunned at how such a large store could have so little I wanted to buy, when I came across a small Maine section. Imagine my delight when I saw … Continue reading
Let Me Share Some Bad Advice
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
Posted in Kate's Posts, Uncategorized
Tagged Kate Flora, writing advice, writing process, writing tips
19 Comments
Creating Drama
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
