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The Boring Writer's LifeSuspending DisbeliefNovember 18, 2009
It’s a requirement of fiction (if writers truly want readers to indulge them and buy their books) to suspend the reader’s disbelief. That is, to make the characters’ actions plausible. Readers don’t have to believe; in fact, in many cases we want them to doubt, to misjudge, to be misdirected. But (more…)
Crime Writing QuestionsOctober 14, 2009
Interesting thing happened the other day. A fellow working on his doctorate at the University of Edinburgh sent me a message on Facebook asking if I'd be willing to answer some questions about crime writing.
Why not, I thought. It' what I do--crime writing, that is--and a topic most crime fiction authors enjoy discussing. (more…) The Oprah ProjectSeptember 28, 2009
Show of hands: Who wants to be on “Oprah”? Who wants their book mentioned as Oprah’s selection of the month? (I do, I do!)
The benefits of being on Oprah’s show are manifestly evident to anyone who’s ever heard of Spanx. I dutifully send a press kit out to Oprah’s (more…) What, me worry?September 27, 2009
Ever worry about something so much you forget to worry about the important stuff? Lose sight of the big picture? Like that old saying, "don't sweat the details; and it's all details."
And worry, it turns out--that endless negative feedback loop--gets in the way of doing what needs to be done. It gets in (more…) Fear And LoathingSeptember 17, 2009
For some, fear concentrates their focus like a laser, sharpens their senses and clarifies their thoughts. For me it has the opposite effect. It paralyzes me, fills my head with disparate, random thoughts that almost preclude any ability to work through or conquer the fear.
“You have to have that feeling of ‘I’ll (more…) 9/16/09September 16, 2009
Friday, 9/11—Up at the usual early hour. Showered and dressed, had a cup of coffee and checked e-mail. Worked on the book for a bit, then went out for a latte. Ran into an old acquaintance, mystery author Sam Reaves, at Panera Bread in downtown Evanston. Chatted for a while, bemoaning the current state (more…)
09/10/09September 10, 2009
So, you may have guessed by now, this won't be a daily journal. That might really constitute death by boredom for some of you. Perhaps I'll skip days, even weeks.
Can't really remember what I did Tuesday anyway except play tennis with my sweetie. We've both taken up the game again after years away (more…) 09/07/09September 8, 2009
Up around 6:30. Wet and cold outside; didn't feel like running.
Checked e-mail. No paper--Labor Day. Watched a little U.S. Open. Worked on the WIP; actually wrote two pages in between games of mahjong and spider solitaire. Went to town to mail some birthday cards and pick up a few things at the store. (more…) Fact & FictionSeptember 7, 2009
Blogs: Wasteful use of time to bloviate on self-centered inanity.
Why do we blog? To fulfill some sense of self-importance? Because everyone else is doing it? Fact is, I can't think of much to write about that might be meaningful to others, especially if I avoid the three taboos--politics, religion and sex. Title first. (more…) |
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