Articles
Sleuthsayers
Getting stuck during the writing process is frustrating. I talk about moments like these and the “stuck list” I created.
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Being Selective About Short Stories
Paula Gail Benson Writer
We’re fortunate to be going through a time when short stories are in demand. The opportunities for publication online as well as in magazines and anthologies are excellent.
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Crime Fiction Authors Band Together to Increase Their Marketing Footprint
DIY MFA
Collective blogs, short story anthologies, and shared public events are just some ways crime fiction writers are banding together to increase their reach and marketing footprint. In this article I explain why this trend is not only great for writers, but also great for readers.
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Duty, Honor, Hammett—First Two Pages
Art Taylor Writer
I break down the first two pages of “Duty, Honor, Hammett” and the deliberate choices I made in the opening.
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Military Veterans in Crime Fiction
Something is Going to Happen
At Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, I talk about how post 9/11 veteran characters have not been fully explored in crime fiction.
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Cozy Mysteries and the Holidays
DIY MFA
Why do I love cozy mysteries, especially during the holidays? Here, I discuss what makes a mystery “cozy” and why I believe they are so popular.
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Stay Connected to the Crime Fiction Community Without Attending a Conference
DIY MFA
Crime fiction conferences are expensive and time consuming. But there are other ways to be part of the crime fiction community. Find out how.
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Writing Resources for Military Veterans
DIY MFA
Are you a military veteran and an aspiring writer? There are writing resources out there for you. Learn more.
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The Novel Writing Intensive: Learning from Two Master Storytellers
DIY MFA
I had the rare opportunity to attend a Novel Writing Intensive taught by bestselling authors Steven James and Robert Dugoni. Check out some of the insights I learned.
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Seven Lessons I Learned from Lisa Gardner at Crime Bake
DIY MFA
Check out the amazing lessons I learned from New York Times best-selling author Lisa Gardner at the New England Crime Bake.
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Seven Reasons to Write a Short Story
DIY MFA
Some writers love the short story format, while others hate the creative confines of a restricted word count. Here is my take.
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The Pros and Cons of Joining a Writing Organization
DIY MFA
Are writer organizations a distraction or a necessity? Here’s one perspective.
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My Fantastic Experience at Malice Domestic 2017
DIY MFA
Have you considered attending a fan convention? Check out Malice Domestic.
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Five Writing Lessons from Thriller Master David Morrell
DIY MFA
I had an opportunity to take a master class from thriller icon David Morrell. He’s not only a gifted writer, but a gifted teacher. Here are just a few of the amazing lessons I learned.
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When is a Story a Romantic Suspense?
DIY MFA
Do you like romance with your suspense or suspense with your romance? In this article I dissect the popular subgenre.
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Mystery, Thriller, or Suspense: Does the Label Matter?
DIY MFA
When you search for books to read, do genre labels drive your choices? Here, I examine three popular categories.
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The Five C’s of the Washington Romance Writers’ Retreat
DIY MFA
The Washington Romance Writers Retreat is small, affordable and packs a big punch.
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#5OnFri: Five Takeaways from SleuthFest
DIY MFA
My experience at the Mystery Writers of America Florida chapter’s annual conference.
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