About Us

For Writers

Hints and Tips to help you on your
writing journey.

Have a question about how to commit
a murder? What the symptoms of
poison are?
Want to dispel a Hollywood
myth? The Writer's Medical &
Forensics Lab is the perfect tool for
any mystery or suspense writer. Visit
the
doctor at The Writer's Medical and
Forensic's Lab

Lesson #1 - Never underestimate the power of a
dare. Fudge-Laced Felonies came about as the
result of a friend challenging me, "daring" me to
write a first-person cozy. I didn't think I could do
it, but being a stubborn Irish gal, I took that
challenge. I wrote the story, entered the book
into a contest, won first place, and now have a
contract with two more in the series.

A great blog for writers
is Forensics and Faith
Written by amazing
suspense writer,
Brandilyn Collins, this
site is chock full of
information presented in
a fun way.

You need Java to see this applet.

Lesson #2 - Find a critique group, or at least a
critique partner. Be selective. As you search for a
group, find at least one of the fellow critiquers who
write in the same genre as you. The others can be
similar, but not too far removed. You want your
critique partners to be able to relate to what you
write. If you are lucky enough to find that one
partner, that one person you can critique with,
brainstorm with, and bounce ideas off of, you are
lucky indeed.

As you critique, be thick skinned. Not everyone will
like what you write. No critique group is bound in
blood. If it doesn't fit for you, back out and keep
looking. You want honesty, not cheerleaders.
Encouragers, but not someone who only tells you
what you want to hear.

Lesson #3 - Want to get deep into your character's
pov? Write the scene in first person, then change
to third in your final draft.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BOOK SIGNING:
1 - Be Approachable. Even if you aren't a people
person, paste a smile on your face and greet
those strolling past your table.
2 - Have at least bookmarks to hand out. Insert
them in sold books and give to anyone who
shows even a little interest. It might remind them
to buy a book later.
3 - Have someone case the store with a handful
of bookmarks, handing them to anyone with
similar books or browsing the book aisle where
your book will be stocked.

Ever wanted to know when a particular word
or phrase came into use? Go to
www.entymology.com

First step to becoming a published author:
Finish your manuscript. Second step: Make
it as clean as possible. Third step: Find a
good, reputable agent.