Writing and the Art of Gardening

A guest post by mystery author R. Franklin James In an effort not to become a one-dimensional author I took up gardening. After signing my second publishing contracts to produce the Hollis Morgan Mystery Series over the next five years, I soon realized that without some meaningful distraction my brain would be sucked into the vortex of fictional characters appearing as real life. I decided on gardening for two reasons: it wasn’t aerobic and I didn’t have to leave home. Doing a limited amount of research I discovered that growing tomatoes takes a minimum amount of effort, money and time.

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An Interview With R. Franklin James

Please welcome my friend and fellow mystery author R. Franklin James, who writes The Hollis Morgan Mysteries (Camel Press) – a friend and fellow author who will be joining me — and many other authors — at this weekend’s Bouchercon Mystery Convention in Long Beach, California. What is your favorite aspect of writing mystery novels? Writing a scene nonstop because the words are pouring out and it’s real good writing. How do you inspire yourself to get past difficult moments in writing and editing? I give myself a goal of time in chair, or word count and no matter if it’s

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Amateur Detectives – Writing a Value Read: A Guest Post by R. Franklin James

AMATEUR DETECTIVES – WRITING A VALUE READ By R. Franklin James The amateur detective as a protagonist has a lot going for her. First, any missteps or lack of expertise is chalked up to the amateur side. Second, any keen curiosity or specialty skill lends itself to supporting the detective aura. Give the hero or heroine a unique personality, put her in a compelling storyline—and you’ve got an amateur detective.  When deciphering genres it is easy to see how a cozy mystery can have an amateur detective protagonist, but not all amateur detectives are written into cozies.  A cozy reads

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