You may recall that I spent an afternoon last week with a class of second graders, and together we shaped the outline for a mystery story, which I proceeded to write. The outline came from the elements the children chose for the story, and we did it this way: I gave them the particular element … Read more
So here’s the next great mystery I’ve had a hand in producing: “The Snake in the Well.” I spent yesterday afternoon in a classroom full of second-graders, talking to them about the importance of stories—in my life, in theirs. They were the most unabashedly enthusiastic audience I’ve entertained in, well, maybe forever. The last part … Read more
I’ve been getting a lot questions about Magna Cum Murder, the wonderful mystery conference in Indianapolis next fall at which I’ll be a guest of honor. Because it’s both intimate and vibrant, this conference is a perennial and special favorite of mine. Kathryn Kennison, the lovely moving force behind everything, has been staging this gathering … Read more
There are mileposts in every writer’s career, I suppose. Getting an agent. Getting a publisher. Getting that first book into stores and into readers’ hands. I could go on and on, because a writer’s career is simply a journey, and although every journey doesn’t have an identifiable destination, it seems to me they all must … Read more
As another year is about to sink completely into the realm of memory, I can’t help but look back and marvel. I couldn’t have asked for, hoped for, or even, if I’d been able, crafted for myself a better twelve months. It’s been filled with the fruit of many labors. An old book greatly honored, … Read more