This isn’t a blog about the ups and downs of the romantic suspense genre. Rather, it’s about the light and dark. To clarify, I’m using those words as a “simplistic umbrella” when describing novel elements and author styles. It’s also how I categorize my works of fiction. Just because I write light, doesn’t mean I can’t […]
Tag Archives | thriller
State of Redemption
I apologize to all my author and publishing industry friends who’ve sent me books for review the last two weeks. My full attention was absorbed by Richard McKeown’s crime novel, State of Redemption. And when you read it, you’ll know why. The setting—a small town in Vermont—where a decades old murder comes to light amidst […]
Always Watching: Book One in the Elite Guardians Series
This book is an exciting start to the series by Lynette Eason, centered on an all-female bodyguard team. When her teammate, Maddy, is brutally attacked, Olivia Edwards steps in as bodyguard to celebrity psychiatrist and radio host, Wade Savage. He’s being stalked by a woman who’s made it abundantly clear she will stop at nothing […]
The Coworker
When sales star Natalie’s fastidious and compulsive coworker fails to show up for work, she knows something is wrong. Her colleague Dawn is an annoying pest, socially awkward and obsessed with turtles. It’s also obvious Dawn envies Natalie and is bent on becoming her friend. But Natalie has little time, or interest, in Dawn. Suddenly, […]
Elements Authors Use to Build the Intense Suspense
You’ve just tossed a handful of popcorn into your mouth when “Bam!” the killer jumps out of the closet. You jump, choke, and rush to the kitchen for a cool drink to clear the cough and curb your adrenaline. While that movie success is the result of a million-dollar budget, authors don’t have that luxury. […]
Five “Killer” Genres Unpacked: The Difference Between a Mystery, Detective, Crime, Thriller, and Suspense Novel
Someone is killed in the book, therefore it’s a thriller. Or is it a mystery? A killer left a string of clues, so it’s a suspense. No, it must be a mystery. Right and wrong. Now you get why this can be so darn confusing! The “Killer Genres” are one of those tricky, sticky, picky […]
The Role of the Writer
Guest Post by Best-Selling Author Joseph Lewis “The role of a writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.” ~ Anais Nin Whenever I read a quote by Anais Nin, I find it thought-provoking as it settles in my head, and I find myself keep coming back […]
Rogue the Durum (Ezra James Mystery Book One)
What does an FBI Special Agent, a Chicago detective, a Rwandan Priest, and a Finnish national all have in common? Sounds like the beginning of a joke. It’s not. Rather, it’s the premise behind the entertaining mystery Rogue the Durum by Stephen J. Kolbe. When a social network executive is found stabbed to death and […]
Fantastic Online Courses for Authors and Writers
The busy life of a writer and author leaves little time for learning. Still, continuous improvement and professional development is critical in any professional endeavor. It’s important that authors interact with their fans, friends, fellows, and industry professionals. But it’s not always easy. Conferences, signings, and other events take a toll. Time away from family, […]
Nourishing Seeds of Inspiration
We are inspired all the time by actions we take, mistakes we made, things we observe, people we meet, and well, life. These seeds of inspiration are often the impetus of a fascinating story. All authors weave personal experiences into their books, and many write entire tomes around these experiences. It’s funny how my interest […]