The first mystery story I ever wrote was in fourth grade. It was titled "Secret of the Mossy Cave." At the time I was enamored of Nancy Drew, so the "M" in my middle name stood for mystery (actually, it's Marian). I remember how excited I was when my teacher, Miss Cherry, singled out my story to … [Read more...] about Secret of The Mossy Cave
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Characters Do the Darndest Things
The other day a character in the mystery novel I'm writing fell off a cliff. I wasn't anticipating this, so it came a bit of shock, though I quickly realized my Muse had steered me in the right direction because this opened the way to a new wrinkle I hadn't previously considered. This is one of the … [Read more...] about Characters Do the Darndest Things
The Lies We Tell
Fiction is bi-polar. We make up stories but must always strive for emotional truth. I've never been to prison...been diagnosed with terminal cancer...had a premature baby...or many other of the difficult situations my characters find themselves in, but I can tap into the feelings they might have, … [Read more...] about The Lies We Tell
Rags to Riches
I wrote my first novel, GARDEN OF LIES, when I could barely afford to feed my kids. We were living in an apartment in Brooklyn that was barely furnished. I paid the rent writing teen romance novels (I was among the first writers for the popular "Sweet Valley High" series). But I had a story idea and … [Read more...] about Rags to Riches
