How to Write Cliffhangers That Keep Readers Hooked
One of the simplest ways to make readers keep turning pages is also one of the most misunderstood. Here’s how to end your chapters with …
Why sleep is a powerful tool for a writer
If you have writer’s block, stop trying to think harder–go to sleep, and you’ll unlock the solution for your writing. If you’re …
Best first paragraph: Chandler
If you want to write a great first paragraph to your crime novel, take a look at how Raymond Chandler did it. Here’s the best first paragraph …
Best first paragraph: Hammett
What’s the best first paragraph in crime fiction? Dashiell Hammett was a great crime fiction stylist. Here’s the best opening to one of his novels. …
How scared should your readers be?
How to write a crime novel, episode 20 You might think your job as a crime writer is to make your readers as scared as possible. In fact, you have to …
5 prompts to start your crime novel
How to start a crime novel, episode 19 If you’re stuck, here are five prompts to start your crime novel. 5 prompts to start your crime novel …
The hero-on-the-run mystery
How to write a crime novel, episode 18 How do you write a hero-on-the-run mystery? It has been a popular formula at least since 1915 when John Buchan …
Write your crime fiction hero
How to write a crime novel, episode 17 The hero of a crime fiction novel is the most important element of the book. Here are seven things you need to …
Top 7 mystery writing checklist
How to write a crime novel, episode 16 You’re writing a crime novel. Here’s my top 7 mystery writing checklist to make sure it’s a …
How to use point of view
How to write a crime novel, episode 15 How do you use point of view in your crime novel? And, importantly, how do you avoid misusing point of view and …
How to write dialogue
How to write a crime novel, episode 14 I’m going to give you five tips on how to write dialogue in a crime novel. Or any other novel, for that …
How to end your crime novel
How to write a crime novel, episode 12 The days are gone when you could just have your detective character gather everyone in the library and point …