Posts Categorized: Inspiration

National Novel Writing Month

  It’s November, and that means it’s officially is National Novel Writing Month! Whether you’re a published mystery novelist or you’re trying to break into crime fiction writing, this inspirational program is the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) and get writing. With plenty of organized activities and resources, this… Continue Reading National Novel Writing Month »

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Medical Conditions and Crime Fiction Heroes

  Creating a believable crime fiction hero can be a unique challenge. In any mystery, the main character should be smart but not a know-it-all, successful but not invincible, vulnerable but not weak. Good crime writers often make that happen by challenging their heroes with real life problems and then turning those obstacles into opportunities. … Continue Reading Medical Conditions and Crime Fiction Heroes »

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Gratitude – It’s What Happiness Is Made Of

The other day I came across a video illustrating the findings of a recent study on gratitude and happiness. The study concluded that people who practice gratitude in their daily lives are happier, overall. The 6 minute, 25 second video is well worth watching. The creators illustrate the power of one little act of gratitude… Continue Reading Gratitude – It’s What Happiness Is Made Of »

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Hardwired for Reading and Writing – Literary Vulcan Mind Meld

Hardwired for Reading and Writing – Literary Vulcan Mind Meld

Recent research has shown that both reading and writing have a very positive impact on the brain and can even slow cognitive decline as we age. I like to think of it as a sort of Vulcan mind meld where instead of sharing the thoughts, experiences, memories, and knowledge of another physical person, we share… Continue Reading Hardwired for Reading and Writing – Literary Vulcan Mind Meld »

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How Every Day Can Be Independence Day

How Every Day Can Be Independence Day

It’s July 4th, Independence Day, and Americans all over the country are planning and preparing to celebrate the birth of this great nation. Reflecting on the Revolutionary War over 225 years ago, I think about the immense courage the revolutionaries had to muster to take on imperial Britain. The sheer audacity and defiance exhibited by… Continue Reading How Every Day Can Be Independence Day »

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Blowing Smoke Up Joel’s Ass

Praise where it’s due: Joel’s crime novels make an absolutely cracking read. So what makes them so good? I decided I’d blow his trumpet in an effort to pin down exactly why they’re so enjoyable!

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Climate change, technological innovation and the writer’s challenge

Are there any new stories? I really enjoyed reading Joel’s last post about the writer’s challenge, the fine art of giving age-old tales a new slant. I imagine all stories cover the same subject matter as far as the human condition goes. A potent mix of love, hate, fear, jealousy, courage, weakness, greed, violence, redemption… Continue Reading Climate change, technological innovation and the writer’s challenge »

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