Marilyn's Musings

Because I like to support new writers, I often buy books from them for my Kindle. Unfortunately, too many have self-published before they were ready. What I think is happening is because it is so easy to self-publish, new writers aren't learning enough about writing. Oh, I know everyone says there aren't any writing rules, or you should ignore them, but back when you had to find a publisher who liked your work well enough to publish you, there was a lot you could do to make sure you were ready. I'll step back to when I began.  First, I read a lot. I knew what a book looked like. Nowadays, I've purchased books that were formatted so strangely, it made me wonder if the author actually ever looked at the inside of a book. I read all the articles about writing n Writer's Digest. Going to writers' conferences taught me to so much, Even today I always learn something new when I attend one. Because I sent my manuscripts out to agents and pub...

I've written about this topic before, but it won't hurt to repeat my advice since it's a new year and conferences and conventions are popping up all over the calendar. If you're attending a writing conference, pick the topics that are most vital to you and your writing career. Take notes, collect cards, and pick up all the free material. And probably, most important, smile a lot and talk to everyone. You might end up with a critique partner--and a new friend. For either con, wear comfortable shoes because you never know how far you have to walk. And, because meeting rooms always seem to be cold, be sure and take along a sweater or shawl. (It wouldn't hurt to have a few snacks to nibble on--hotel meals can be expensive.) If you're a writer and going to a mystery con, there'll be many big-name authors around. Again, pick the panels and presentations that most interest you. If you have a book and are on a panel, you'll be expected to sit in the book r...

Many people get the two events confused—they are different. Some things to remember for both: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring along a sweater or jacket because the meeting rooms are often freezing. Always carry a bottle of water to keep yourself hydrated. Tuck some easy to eat snacks into your bag. Bring some kind of tote bag in case you aren’t given one so you have a place to carry your notebook, pens, business cards, etc. Get enough rest. A writers’ conference is intended to help writers learn more about the craft of writing and all that goes along with it. Some of these conferences may focus totally on writing mysteries. No matter how many writers’ conferences I attend, I always learn something new. A writer or aspiring writer should pick the type of writing conference that offers the topics he or she is most interested in. And it goes without saying, that taking notes at the conference will help you to remember what you heard. Be friendly. Introduce yourself to...

While I'm at Bouchercon, I know I wont take the time to write blogs, so I thought I write a few ahead of time that will appear while I'm gone. A writer's conference is where you go to learn more about writing. Over the years, I've been to many. At first, I drank in all the presentations like a thirsty person in the desert. Oh, how I loved learning so much from such talented writers. Year passed, but I kept going to writers conferences--and still do. I know a lot about writing now, but I still learn many new things. Another thing about a writers conference is that it energizes you to get busy with your writing. When you go always pack a good attitude, go expecting to learn, take notes so you don't forget. Participate in everything. Talk to everyone. Make new friends. I've made friends at writers conference who've become friends for life. Tomorrow I'll tell you about Mystery Conventions which is a whole different experience. Marilyn

I'm with small publishers and have never had anyone pay to send me on a book tour. In fact, unless I'm invited, I seldom do bookstore events--though I do have a few special ones I like to visit when I have a new book out. Until recently, it's been years since we've had a bookstore anywhere close to us. A used bookstore just opened in Porterville and were nice enough to host me for my book launch for A n Axe to Grind. I wrote about it in a previous blog. I love going to libraries and giving talks. Will be going to the Hanford Library in May, but before that, on April 23rd, I'm participating in a local author event at the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library, 7 p.m. for anyone who is interested. Another event I do a lot of is book fairs and craft shows. We put up our EZ-up tent for the Jackass Mail Run in Springville.(See photo of me doing my part in this effort. We did the same for the Celebration of the Whales in Oxnard. May 8th will find me at the Jane Aus...

When reading a book someone wants me to review, I'm always sad when I see mistakes that the writer could have learned about at a good writing conference or in a writing class. One problem I've seen recently is the overuse of exclamation points. Usually if the dialogue (and that's the only place an exclamation point should ever appear)is exclamatory enough, the point is not needed. I can't remember what author said it, but something to the effect that there should only be one exclamation point per book. The use of too many dialogue tags like, he gasped, she chortled, he explained. Said or question is enough--and better still, have the character do something so that the action can be the dialogue tag. Far too many pages of description, whether it be of a house, or a historical event. Yes, I know Margaret Mitchell had all those pages about the Civil War in Gone With the Wind. I read Gone With the Wind about eight times, but after the first round, I skipped the description ...