Wanna Write A Mystery?

I’m pleased to announce I’ll be leading another workshop at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD. It runs eight weeks, on Saturday mornings from 10 – 12:30, beginning September 15 (no meeting on October 6).

Writing the Mystery Novel: Introduction

If you’ve always wanted to write a mystery novel but didn’t know where to start, this workshop is for you. We’ll discuss writing fundamentals (voice, character, plot, setting, etc.) and their application to the mystery. We’ll examine characteristics of the many subgenres and learn about mystery-specific conventions and pitfalls such as TSTL (too-stupid-to-live) syndrome, macguffins, red herrings, killer twists, wacky sidekicks, and smooth clue dropping, Among others. Sessions will include instruction and writing exercises, with an emphasis on giving and receiving critiques of participants’ work.

It’s educational! It’s fun! It’s mysterious!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me or leave them in the comments!

Dream On

Oh, if only I had an assistant…

Today, on Criminal Minds, see what I’d have my assistant doing!

Going for the Gold

Today I’m blogging at Criminal Minds. If you’ve always wanted to know which Olympic sport Channing Hayes would excel at, you’d better click over.

And fast!

A Killer Dish

For those of you planning a picnic or pot luck party, here’s a suggestion from me. It’s one of my favorite, self-created, vegetarian dishes. (If people like it, I’ll take the credit. If people don’t care for it, you’re on your own!)

Click over to Criminal Minds to see!

Nuclear Subs and Comedy Clubs

I’m interviewed on David Kentner’s blog.

Among other things, I talk about why I'm no longer invited to neighborhood barbeques.

Thanks, David!

Character, Plot, or Setting?

Today, I’m answering the following question at the Criminal Minds blog:

As a reader what comes first, character, plot, setting?

Click over and comment about what comes first for YOU!

A New Cover

As Zak Allen, I’ve e-pubbed two books: THE TASTE and FIRST TIME KILLER. I did it mostly as an experiment, so I could learn more about the ebook world (and there’s plenty to learn, and it changes every day!).

In keeping with that goal, I decided to tweak the cover of FIRST TIME KILLER.

The new version is below!