The sunset makes the darkening sky blush and adds rose highlights to the emerald water. A young couple, a man and a woman, perhaps in their early twenties, tanned and trim, golden-skinned in their bathing suits, have their beach blankets spread on the white sand. They sit close together, facin...

We want to develop the definitive list of the best mystery writers. Who are the best mystery writers (and how do we know that they are, in fact, the very best)? 

Consider 3 dimensions for discovering the best mystery writers:

1. Peer Recognition – writers (and their mystery novels) that are hig...

The Bear Inn, Oxford, Nazi-Occupied Britain, 1947

SS-Sturmbannführer Ewald von Haupt walks into the pub.

In one moment, a pleasant, warm cacophony — loud voices, clinking glasses, laughter, singing — in the next, a chilled sudden silence, heads turning and all eyes darting in the tall, b...

Writing is a solitary occupation. But does it have to be?

There are several ways of making writing less solitary, in fact there's a whole spectrum. Here are three examples:

1. The Light Touch: Writing Accountability (and Inspiration) Groups
2. The Safe Challenge: Writing Contests
3. The Shared Cr...

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 everyone away — everyone except...

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, shelter)
2. Safety and security – protection from h...

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 views and h...

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, appearances, role in society vs. internal thoughts, feel...

“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 recliner chair, upholstered in the softest leat...

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 Reedsy.com writing prompt:

Write a story tha...

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. Personality - temperament, attitu...

   "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 damn sure, looking down at his wife a...