Monday, November 29, 2010

ARTICLE: How to Write a Suspense Story #MMM

Thanks for joining us. Make sure you share with others!

The Michigan Murder & Mayhem is trying to give articles for writers of this genre to help them. If you'd like to guest post, please email me at: motownwriters@yahoo.com

We're trying to post every Monday so that's 52 articles a year. We would love yr content! Thanks

Plotting and Writing Suspense FictionHow to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & the Roller Coaster of Suspense

One of the most challenging to write is a suspense story. Firstly you need a broad scope since such stories reaches audiences with the fears and expectations that goes in our community. Secondly it must give a personal impact any crime or intrigue has on the main character. And thirdly the twist and clues must carry a surprise plus they need to be based n facts that must fit unexpectedly yet were already present from the beginning. There's a lot of background check that needs to be done and a lot of editing that needs to be taken note of.

1. There's a need to read. Every successful plot needs to be related by the audience. It needs to be tangible in a sense that firstly people can see it as reality plus they can't help but turn the pages till they reach they end. Do a research on top cases, which people have found as the most intriguing and terrifying of all. Search criminal records for those whom are regarded as notorious or watch shows that tackle such issues.

2. Check if there are any revisions needed to be made. It pays to perfect the plot. If you think you have achieved mystery in your write-up then there's no need to delay. Make sure that the said mystery is something that is already present yet unexpectedly fits. go ahead and have it edited once you've finished the story.

3. Have it edited and ask for advice. Check first for any typos. Afterward have someone else read and check it. Remember that we are immune to our own mistakes and it pays for someone to check it out as well. Afterward ask for advice on what the editor thinks with the manuscript. have a background check on the whole editing process to understand fully like the editor's emotion towards the work plus his view on the whole story and his take on you talent. Once you've perfected it then go look for someone to have it published.




Madeline is a psychology graduate presently working as a freelance writer and at times handle background check service for a women's magazines. she is also a ghostwriter for a local newspaper and does background check onsearch criminal records for her uncle's law firm which also helps her with her writing stint.
Madeline Pedder - EzineArticles Expert Author

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Mich Lit Radio Show 5pm 11/24/10 Join us

http://ping.fm/MeECY

* 5 p.m. - Sandra Peoples (Coach Sandra), author of Foolish (novel) and the Truth About Self-publishing Workbook and CD and The Business Toolkit; coachsand.blogspot.com and authorsandra.info.

* 5:30 - Minesh Baxi, business and personal coach, motivational speaker and author/co-author of Stop Hiring Losers, Network Your Way to $100,000 and Beyond, and 30 Day Total Business Makeover; www.mineshbaxi.com.

* 5:50 p.m. - Library Roundup! with Jamie Morris of the Macomb/Clinton Public Library District, to discuss December library events; www.cmpl.com

Monday, November 22, 2010

ARTICLE: Writing Murder Mystery Books - Never Let the Words Get in the Way of Your Story #MMM

Thanks for joining us. Make sure you share with others!


The Michigan Murder & Mayhem is trying to give articles for writers of this genre to help them. If you'd like to guest post, please email me at: motownwriters@yahoo.com


We're trying to post every Monday so that's 52 articles a year. We would love yr content! Thanks


Plotting and Writing Suspense FictionHow to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & the Roller Coaster of Suspense


Don't Try to Impress the Reader with Fancy Words
Have you ever searched your Thesaurus for twenty minutes trying to find the perfect word? And when you found it, was it a word you've never used before? Throw it away.

Fancy words are fine for literary fiction. But in the mystery genre you don't need or even want them. They're just going to gum up the works. You'll make the reader slow down and think about the words, and maybe even consult a dictionary. Or, she might skip over words and miss what you're trying to say. Congratulations. You've just killed your story.

Your prose should be transparent. The reader should not be thinking about the words at all. She should be seeing the story.

Cut the Excess Words
Can you get your point across with less words? Then do it! Cut every unnecessary word. For example, the word "that" is often unneeded:

"She told him that he was not the man that she was looking for."

Now, without the that's: "She told him he was not the man she was looking for."

Cut the Excess Sentences
Sometimes you can cut out an entire sentence and lose none of the meaning. Do it. An unneeded sentence just slows down your story. "But it adds to the meaning of the paragraph," you say. Then keep it. But check it again. Does that sentence truly add something? Or have you simply fallen in love with how it rolls off your tongue?

Similes, Metaphors, Allusions
Should you eliminate all similes, metaphors, and allusions from your mystery novel? No. They can beautiful and powerful. But use them sparingly. Sometimes a face is poetry. Sometimes a voice is like a Nightingale's. Sometimes you must make a reference to something else. But use these figures of speech sparingly---like salt. Just a sprinkle can make your prose more tasty. But pouring it on will render your story inedible.

Make Every Word Count
Do you like it when a reader skips over parts of your writing? Neither do I. But how can you train him to read every word? By letting him know from the very first paragraph that your writing contains absolutely no fat. When he realizes he can't skip over words without missing something important, he will begin to read every one of them.

It's Not About the Words

A murder mystery is not about the words. It's about telling the story in the most effective way. Words are the tools. They're not the story. So, use your them wisely to capture your reader's imagination. And entice him into the murder mystery world you've created.


Robert Burton Robinson has written several mystery novels : Bicycle Shop Murder, Hideaway Hospital Murders, Illusion of Luck, Fly the Rain, and Sweet Ginger Poison. His books are available from Amazon.com and other retailers.
Robert B Robinson - EzineArticles Expert Author

Sunday, November 21, 2010

event: Eack by Popular Demand The Breaking Point Returns to Stage



logo


Back By Popular Demand!
The Breaking Point Returns to Stage Dec 5th
TBP Poster
 
The Breaking Point stage play returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum
on Dec. 5, 2010 for one day only with two shows!

Tickets are now available online at www.black-smithenterprises.com
or call 734-634-3151.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Buy Now!

Dec 5, 2010, 3pm show

Dec 5, 2010, 7pm show

Thursday, November 18, 2010

News from Love is Murder 2011 Conference




September 2010
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang!

The Official Newsletter of the
Love is Murder Mystery Writers & Readers Conference
February 4-6, 2011 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago
In This Issue
Interview with Jon Land
Author Spotlight
MWA Writers Track
Short Story Contest Winner
Expert Demos @ LIM
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
LOVE IS MURDER MINI-CON
 SATURDAY,
NOV. 20,  2:00-4:00pm

Meet mystery authors


Raymond Benson,
Shane Gericke,
Libby Fischer Hellmann,
and
Conference Local Guest of Honor

Michael Allen Dymmoch

at the
at the Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Rd. in Lincolnshire

Co-sponsored by the Lake Forest Bookstore

go to
 www.vapld.com

or
Lake Forest Bookstore

 for details



Want to know who's coming to LIM in 2011?


Check out the "Attendees" list under

"Who's Who"

at www.loveismurder.net


PITCH-A-PALOOZA: Planning to pitch your manuscript to an editor or agent at Love Is Murder? Find advice on the pitch process at
http://tinyurl.com/25emkr8

skyline logo
Bigger!  Better!  Back! 
EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 12/31!

At this time of year, things get hectic and our "To Do" list gets too long. If registering for Love is Murder was on your list but somehow slipped by the October 31 deadline, the LIM board wants to give you an extra gift this holiday season: an extra few weeks to register for the full conference at the discounted rate of $349 until December 31, 2010! So before you forget, do it now -- because you DON'T want to miss this year's conference!
"...never lose sight of the most important thing a thriller must have: pace."
Author Jon Land

An Interview with Featured Author Jon Land

by Joanna Campbell Slan

JCS: Your books are very complex with multiple points of view and several story lines running through them. How do you plan them out? What strategies and techniques can you share?

JL: Great question to start with-you're challenging me right off the bat. And the simple answer I actually don't plan them out. As a writer, I believe in instinct. You've got to go by your feelings, let your gut tell you where to go. But the real thing is, and this goes to strategies and techniques, to never lose sight of the most important thing a thriller must have: pace. That's what keeps readers turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. You make it impossible for them to put the book down by never having any slow or dull parts. And its instinct, your own sense of entertainment as you write, that dictates when it's time to stay with a sequence and when it's time to cut. My experience in screenwriting has helped me out a lot here but generally it all comes down to telling a story.

JCS: For someone who has never written multiple points of view, can you give any pointers?

JL: I may have already done that but let me summarize it this way: know your characters and know the story you're trying to tell. John D. McDonald once said in answer in the question what is story, "Stuff happens to people you care about." Well, the more you know your characters, the more they come alive, the more reader cares about them. The structure of thrillers harks back to old-fashioned quest stories. People are after something, what Hitchcock called the McGuffin. So in writing the multi-plotted thriller the question a writer needs to keeping asking themselves is What is my hero after and why? If you can't answer that, something's wrong.

Jon Land's most recent book is Strong Justice: A Caitlin Strong Novel. Read more about his work at http://us.macmillan.com/author/jonland

Joanna Campbell Slan's most recent book is Photo, Snap, Shot. To read the entire interview with Jon Land, go to http://www.JoannaSlan.blogspot.com. Visit her at www.joannaslan.com

  Autspotlighthor 
  Spotlight

If Not For You by J L Wilson

Free-spirited, independent 50-something meets uptight businessman. Result: SPARKS FLY!


Totally Buzzed by Gale Borger

Buzz Miller and her wacky sisters debut in a hysterical romp through murder and mayhem!


No Less in Blood by D. M. Pirrone

Rachel's search for her birth family makes her a

target for murder.


Would You Like to Advertise Your Book? For Info, Visit: http://tinyurl.com/2ckwn8t

CommandoAuthor
Alert!
 

If you are an author attending LIM and want to be included in the program book, send a photo and brief bio to

Susan Gibberman at sgibberman@stdl.org and

Hanley Kanar at Hanleyliz@wideopenwest.com

**

Attending authors who want to have their books sold

in the book room should contact bookseller Sue Petersen

by December 15, 2010

with book title & publisher information.


Call 630.241.1040 -- Fax 630.241.1043 -- or

email sue@brnsncks.com

**

Program book advertising space

is open to all authors and publishers

until December 15, 2010


Full page: Author, $100; Publisher, $200

Half page: Author, $50; Publisher, $100

Quarter page: Author, $25; Publisher, $50


Ads must be emailed in .pdf or .jpg format to

Susan Gibberman at sgibberman@stdl.org 

 

Send payment by check or money order to

Mary Welk, 6127 N. Ozark Ave., Chicago, IL 60631.

Announcing....
2011 MWA Writers Track

The MWA Writers Track will focus on the following topics: 

"How to Write and Maintain a Series Character"

"Outlining, Do You or Don't You?"

"The 10 Things Every Mystery Writer Needs to Know about Publishing in the Marketplace Today,"    and

"Query Letter Writing/Submission Proposal Writing"

Let some real pros answer your questions at these informative presentations. You'll be a better writer for it!

Short Story Contest Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our Short Story Contest, Gloria Alden of Southington, Ohio for her story, Cheating on Your Wife Can Get You Killed. We received 26 entries from 15 states, plus one from Ontario, Canada.


Alden's story will be published in the January/February 2011 issue of Crimespree magazi ne, of which several hundred copies will be distributed to all  conference participants in addition to regular subscribers.

Expert Demos:
Computer Forensics and eDiscovery

Thomas Yarrish, Senior Consultant, Guidance Software, will join us at LIM to give a presentation on "Electronic Investigations in the 21st Century: Computer Forensics and eDiscovery". Tom has worked in the IT industry for the last 15 years, and exclusively in the Computer Forensics and eDiscovery industry for the last 2 years. He has worked on cases involving the government, intellectual property, and employment termination matters. His presentation will include information on where computer data is stored, tools examiners use to extract material, common myths about computer forensics, and how eDiscovery differs from Computer Forensics.

See You in February!

Lovingly (and alphabetically),

Hanley, Luisa, Marlene, Mary, Silvia, Terri and Wally





Tuesday, November 16, 2010

event: Back by Popular Demand The Breaking Point Returns to Stage! Dec 5th

click thru for more information



logo


Back By Popular Demand!
The Breaking Point Returns to Stage Dec 5th
TBP Poster
 

The Breaking Point stage play returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum
on Dec. 5, 2010 for one day only with two shows!

Tickets are now available online at www.black-smithenterprises.com
or call 734-634-3151.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Buy Now!

Dec 5, 2010, 3pm show

Dec 5, 2010, 7pm show




Wednesday, November 10, 2010

PRESS RELEASE: Free Love is Murder conference preview Nov. 20, Lincolnshire, IL





An afternoon of murder & mystery at the Vernon Area Public Library
Mini-conference Nov. 20 for mystery & thriller fans and would-be authors

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — November 5, 2010 — Fan of thrillers? Working on writing one of your own? Gain insight about the creative and business processes involved in creating a successful suspense novel at the "Love is Murder" Mystery Mini-Conference at the Vernon Area Public Library on Nov. 20.—a well-timed opportunity for November's National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

The afternoon features a panel of published mystery writers who will speak about their inspiration, ideas and creative process, and offer insight into the publishing business. Participants will have the opportunity for Q&A, and ample time to mingle with our guest authors and network with other attendees. 

Panel discussion will take place from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The authors are: Raymond Benson ("Dark Side of the Morgue," "A Hard Day's Death"), Michael Allen Dymmoch ("M.I.A.," "The Man Who Understood Cats"), Shane Gericke ("Torn Apart," "Blown Away"), and Libby Fischer Hellmann ("Doubleback," "An Eye for Murder"). 

A book signing will follow. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Lake Forest Book Store. 

Prior to the panel discussion, performers from Improv Playhouse will lead an interactive murder mystery. Follow the clues and solve the crime in their play, "Apartment 2B – or NOT To Be!"

Participants in this free mini-conference will be entered in a drawing to win a ticket to the Midwest regional mystery conference, "Love is Murder XII," to be held at the InterContinental Chicago O'Hare in February 2011. The prize is valued at $250.

The Love is Murder Mystery Mini-Conference is free, but registration is required. Register in person at the Adult Services Desk in the library, by telephone at 847-634-3650 or online at http://www.vapld.info.

About the Vernon Area Library District
The Vernon Area Public Library District serves a population of 42,000 within a 32-square-mile area that includes all or parts of Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, Prairie View, Riverwoods and unincorporated Vernon Township. For more information about the library and its services, visit http://www.vapld.info.

# # #

Press Contacts:
Shannon Galton, Community Activities Coordinator
847-634-3650 x137
sgalton@vapld.info

Catherine Savage, Head of Integrated Communications
847-634-3650 x130
csavage@vapld.info

Note to editor: author photos, book covers and conference graphics are available for publication. Contact csavage@vapld.info 

--
Vernon Area Public Library District
p 847-634-3650 / f 847-634-8449
vapld.info / Follow us on Twitter @VernonLibrary / Find us on Faceboo




Monday, November 8, 2010

ARTICLE: Writing Mystery Murder Fiction - 5 Hard Truths About Being a Published Author

When my sisters and I received the news that our debut mystery novel, Liar, Liar was to be published, we popped the cork off the champagne we bought the day we wrote the first chapter. We called everyone we knew and some people we didn't. We fantasized about writing a blockbuster sequel on a tropical beach next to Janet Evanovich where hunky waiters serve fruity drinks with paper umbrellas.

The glorious illusion lasted a day or two. After that, we learned some hard truths we should've known when we bought the champagne. Here are five of them.

1) It'll take 10X more time to market your mystery book than it took to write, edit, and argue with the publisher

Forget the paper umbrellas. Chances are you'll pound the pavement promoting your first mystery novel while you write your second.

As novice mystery authors, we thought the publisher would aggressively promote our book for us. (We pause here while they laugh.) Publishers have limited funds and lots of books to promote. However, they're immensely supportive and possibly the best resource you have. Always remember you are your book's most passionate publicist and advocate.

Put the tropical beach on hold and enjoy this part of the writing process. In the end, your marketing skills will prove as critical to the success of your book as your ability to write well.

2) Begin promoting your book early in the writing process.

That would be day one. Do everything you can to become market savvy. Introduce yourself to your local book-vendors and librarians. Become part of a group of writers who support each other and share publicity strategies. Create a list of media targets with contact information. There's a huge market out there and you'll want to develop your marketing plan early.

3) Write Write Write.

To get the best media coverage, you'll spend a lot of time writing press releases, newspaper articles, promo blurbs and pitch letters. You'll write answers to interviewer's questions and something you can say at book signings. You'll probably launch your own website, blog and maybe even tweet. You'll want to sell your book in a paragraph and you'll need an elevator pitch that sums it up in a few boiled down sentences. This may not be the kind of writing you think you were born for but if you're creative, you can make it fun.

4) Create a mailing list database.

Dig deep into your past and blow the dust off some old friendships. Make a list of business acquaintances, schoolmates and people you knew when Clinton was President. Then log on to Facebook and hunt them down shamelessly. They'll be glad you did. Let them know you'll send a press release as soon as your book arrives in bookstores.

5) If you're shy, get over it.

Marketing a book requires a certain amount of courage that doesn't always come easy for three rather shy Norwegian sisters. Our family and friends support us by wearing tees and sweatshirts that advertise Liar Liar. We pass out bookmarks to unsuspecting strangers and suggest they read the first chapter on-line. More challenging marketing efforts can make our palms sweat. If cold calling reporters and producers is hard for you, do what I do. Pretend you're one of the characters in your book. Hopefully you wrote a ballsy one.

There you have it. It's a hard road, but one well worth travelling. Now good luck and get writing!



This article is contributed by Kari Larsen from the 3 Sisters Mysteries team. She works together with Julianne and Kristen Larsen on their Cat DeLuca Mysteries. You can find more about 3 Sisters Mysteries by visiting their website at http://www.kjlarsenauthor.com or http://www.3sistersmysteries.com

Liar, Liar: A Cat DeLuca MysteryPlotting and Writing Suspense FictionHow to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & the Roller Coaster of Suspense

Monday, November 1, 2010

ARTICLE: Writing Mystery Murder Fiction - 8 Tips to Getting Your Mystery Book Published

Every Monday, we're having an article series on how to write and publish a great murder, mystery and mayhem novel.

If you'd like to be a guest author, please email me at: motownwriters@yahoo.com with submission to Michigan Murder & Mayhem in the subject line. Thanks

Writing Mystery Murder Fiction - 8 Tips to Getting Your Mystery Book Published


I have to admit I am green in the community of published authors. Our debut mystery book, LIAR LIAR, is scheduled for release September 2010. My sisters and I signed a two book contract with Poisoned Pen Press and are completing the second mystery novel in the Cat DeLuca series now. People ask how we beat the bleak publishing odds and this is what I tell them. If you have no particular qualifications or very little good sense you can get published too.

Here are my 8 tips to writing fiction and getting your mystery book published:

1) Design a book jacket with the name of your novel, drape it over a hardback book and carry it with you. Picture your published murder mystery on the shelves of bookstores everywhere. Imagine radio and television interviews, rave reviews in the New York Times. This exercise may not work magic on the publisher but it'll help you get through the devastating rejections that are almost sure to come. Most importantly, it will cement within you the certain knowledge of who you are. You may have to do this or that to pay the bills, but what you are is a writer. Tell people you know and those you meet on the street. The gods are listening.

2) Read. Read the mystery novels that are being published today and get a feel for what readers want. Read as many debut author books as you possibly can and try to figure out how they escaped the editor's evil recycle bin. Read with a writer's eye. Decide what works for you and what doesn't. Above all learn to identify the energy that is unique to the mystery genre. If you can't feel it, you haven't read enough. If you still can't feel it, you may want to try another genre.

3) Write a crime fiction book that sells. For the time being, forget about the book you've always dreamed of writing and write one that sells. You can write that other book after you've established a fan base that'll follow you anywhere. One good thing about writing a book that sells is that your ego is less likely to get in the way.

Here's another exercise. Visualize that you're in an airport or park and people are reading your book. They're smiling, or chewing their lip and they gasp when they get to the scary part. Your book is a hit. Appreciate everyone who will ever read one of your books. Now think of your book as a gift to the universe. That thought alone will help you write larger than yourself.

4) Give the readers what they want. Mystery readers are smart and savvy. They want a unique plot and a quirky hero who'll amaze them with uncanny crime-solving abilities. They want clues that work and a clean, fast paced delivery. Throw in the ah-ha moment and a blockbuster finish. When you write, forget about what you think the publisher wants. Make it fun and write for the joy of it.

5) Write authentically. Write from that place within you that loves the mystery. Know your readers want to be entertained. They want to experience suspense, laughter, sadness, anticipation, tension, fear, relief, and (finally) satisfaction when they read your book. It's your job to take them there.

6) Write a sharp, eye catching query. Send out a bunch of them. Keep writing fiction while you wait for responses. Work on your next book. It'll keep you from getting too crazy. Don't isolate yourself. You are part of a community of writers. Attend writer workshops, book clubs and classes. Use every resource you can think of to improve your skills and publishing odds.

7) Go after every rejection slip. Find out why you were turned down and if your manuscript needs fixing, fix it.

8) Manuscript preparation tips. Publishers may discard your manuscript just because the punctuation and poor spelling irritates them. Editors have a bunch of anal-retentive rules. Take them seriously. If you need help, hire a starving college student or copywriter.

Now good luck and get writing!


This article is contributed by Kari Larsen from the 3 Sisters Mysteries team. She works together with Julianne and Kristen Larsen on their Cat DeLuca Mysteries. You can find more about 3 Sisters Mysteries by visiting their website at http://www.kjlarsenauthor.com or http://www.3sistersmysteries.com.

Liar, Liar: A Cat DeLuca MysteryPlotting and Writing Suspense FictionHow to Write Killer Fiction: The Funhouse of Mystery & the Roller Coaster of Suspense
email motownwriters@Yahoo.com if you would like to be a blogger here. email to list books in our amazon store