From the diary of Kermit Roosevelt, the second son of Theodore Roosevelt, found in the estate of his younger sister, Esther Roosevelt.

Sunday, February 27, 1927, Rondônia, Brazil

Thirteen years the nightmare has haunted me. 

I have blamed myself, pushed...

I want to make my characters stand out with vivid, memorable cues for readers. Character "tags" are distinct elements differentiate characters from one another, helping the reader identify them easily. How do I write character tags? Consider 9 types of...

Looking into my reflective surface, she whispers:

"Mirror, Mirror. Who is fairest of them all?"

I always answer:

"Your majesty, you are fairest of all."

... and then I show her the very best social images of herself, the ones that are curated (by me) for the combination of most...

I want to write characters with motivations that drive the story and the character arc. How do I develop  character motivations? Consider 9 types of character motivations:

1. Physiological needs – basic survival instinct (hunger, thirst, sleep,...

I want to write complex, layered characters that feel real and are interesting and memorable. How do I write layered characters? Consider 11 contrasts that create layered characters in fiction:

1. External vs Internal – external actions,...

“Are you hungry?”

I open my eyes and see … me.

Well, it’s me, but a me that’s a bit older. This version of me is a very distinguished me, slim, dressed in a three piece suit, with gray thinning hair and a trim gray beard and mustache.

I’m in a...

The flash fiction story "His Wounds Green" was written in the "Pantser" method, one of the 3 ways to develop an idea into a story. That is: by the seat of my pants, using no outline, making it up as I went along. 

The story was inspired by this ...

   "It's not your fault." Court put his naked arm around her naked shoulders, kissed the soft skin on her long, naked neck.

     Really, Windsor thought, watching them through his electronic peephole, not your fault, then who's is it? Not mine, that's for...

I want to write well-rounded characters with quirks that makes them interesting and memorable. How do I write character quirks? Consider 9 types of character quirks in fiction:

1. Physical - appearance and body habits, physical traits, features, mannerisms
2. ...

Midnight at the Old Opera House, all lights off. 

Medea feels her way, the soles of her bare feet on the cool wooden floors, fingertips brushing the smooth round edge of the intimate dining table, holding on to the table-top until she feels the next table, making her way from...

I want to write a cozy mystery. What are the elements of the cozy mystery. How do I write a cozy mystery?

The 5 steps to write a cozy mystery are:

1. Develop a great, memorable cozy detective –  consider types such as the gifted amateur, the retiree, the...

London, 1898

The Moonstone Club

“Max,” said Sherlock Holmes, " I want to introduce you to my friend, Mr. Goliath."

The four famous detectives — Sherlock Holmes, Max Carrados, Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke, and Chevalier Auguste Dupin — were...