tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518060733900353582012-01-20T10:27:03.223-05:00Faith, Fiction, and the Occasional FelonyBarbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-32852341747229784842011-12-06T10:32:00.001-05:002011-12-24T08:18:50.927-05:00

Not very long ago, or so the story goes, (my apologies if this is simply hearsay) a major Christian publisher decided to have a give-away. The prize was an e-reader loaded with books from that particular house. They promoted and people signed up. It was a highly successful promotion. Until it came time to give away the prize. And they discovered it was nearly impossible to give away ebooks.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-36119206685163628502011-11-30T15:38:00.001-05:002011-12-03T10:50:03.417-05:00

If you have a Kindle: You can order from Amazon.com, and have it downloaded to your device. If you have a Nook: You can order from Barnes and Noble and have it downloaded to your device. If you have another e-reader that uses epub format: (Such as Sony) You may order from a number of sources, including Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com*, and Bookstrand. Download the file to your computer,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-69357596806150073952011-11-18T21:08:00.001-05:002011-11-18T21:15:21.903-05:00

Where are you from? I’m not at liberty to mention it, although I will say it was one of the most beautiful places in the world, at the time, peopled with more creatives per acre than possibly anywhere else on the planet. Sometimes, imagination rubbed off just bumping into them. You can’t go back there, anymore, because it isn’t the same. But when I was growing up, it was still golden. Oh, dear

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-65870369557368877872011-10-15T03:00:00.000-04:002011-10-15T03:00:00.120-04:00

I'm glad to have Jayne Self here today. I recently interviewed Jayne about her writing and her new mystery, Murder in Hum Harbour. Tell us a little about yourself and where you're from. I am Canadian. I’ve lived coast to coast (Vancouver Island to Labrador) so it’s hard to say where I call home. I’ve been at my present address in southern Ontario for sixteen years—the longest I’ve lived

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-28643937491580468192011-09-29T22:48:00.000-04:002011-09-29T22:48:08.072-04:00

I have a confession. I've been coveting a treadmill desk for some time now. Spending a lot of time on a computer (for work and recreation), it seemed an ideal way to get a little more exercise in. But the cost seemed prohibitive. So I designed my own. First, I took a look at the treadmill: (Ignore the mess behind it.) But the first thing I noticed is that the side grab bars would make a good

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-20275579134063636492011-09-11T16:15:00.000-04:002011-09-11T16:15:59.736-04:00

Just in case you missed it, I made a trailer for my upcoming holiday release.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-42431451058174810372011-08-27T01:00:00.000-04:002011-08-27T01:00:00.138-04:00

I thought it might be nice to pair my book review of Lillian Duncan's romantic suspense Pursued on Inkwell Inspirations, with a more in-depth interview on my blog.Often mystery is pitted against suspense? Which is your first love? Which do you find more challenging/rewarding to write? BOTH-I love to read books that have both elements in them. Figuring out the killer's identity is great fun but

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-21571781075535999662011-08-23T08:29:00.003-04:002011-08-23T09:14:24.291-04:00

I have to admit, I think I agree with whoever first said that authors should set up a Google alert on their name. For those unfamiliar with the term, a Google alert is an automated feature where Google sends you new results to a search. In this case "Barbara Early." Now I can't say I've found too many people talking about me online. But I have had the added fun, since my last name is an adverb,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-78132981542436552312011-07-19T17:47:00.003-04:002011-07-19T18:20:10.497-04:00

I was doing some early research on the temperance movement and prohibition in the United States for a possible novel set amid the same conflict.Still considering it. The time period is rife with change and conflict, the perfect backdrop for a murder.But one recent statistic, tacked onto the end of a wikipedia article, jumped out at me:In 2010, alcohol is a factor in over 23,000 motor vehicles

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-81058251241752254872011-07-13T08:48:00.002-04:002011-07-13T09:15:42.148-04:00

Series arc maybe? I've been wondering what you would call a story line or subplot that extends over several books.Whatever you call it, Victoria Thompson does a great job in her Gaslight series. Yes, each book is a stand alone mystery--complete with catching the villain. But there are other threads running through the series, compelling you to read just one more book. Who killed Sarah's husband?

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-79182133045974888122011-07-04T08:12:00.005-04:002011-07-13T09:20:01.775-04:00

When was the last time you heard this verse of the "Star Spangled Banner"? Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand,Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued landPraise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,And this be our motto: "In God is our trust";And the

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-12623208328374760062011-06-28T08:25:00.003-04:002011-06-28T08:30:34.827-04:00

My cover art came back from White Rose, and I have to admit, I love it!

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-24789016335420425452011-06-25T08:00:00.004-04:002011-06-25T08:00:02.826-04:00

Writers love to network.Since that includes Facebook, writers tend to have a lot of "friends," some of which they've even met. When the friends list grows longer, many start a fan or author page (nothing unreasonable about that.)But since I've elected not to do that at this point, I utilize lists so my friends and family do not get buried in the deluge of posts.How to create a facebook list:1.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-60980191573458250902011-06-22T09:20:00.004-04:002011-06-22T11:14:49.060-04:00

I came across an author's blog, with an invitation to connect with her on facebook. All about networking these days, I clicked it. And was given, not the option of friending her, but liking her. A fan page.Don't ask me why, but I haven't signed up for too many author fan pages. I have a number of authors as facebook friends, but being asked to be a friend and being asked to be a fan seem like

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-32926978667004657212011-06-20T13:03:00.003-04:002011-06-20T13:38:07.226-04:00

While puttering around on the internet, trying to build a web presence prior to the publication of my first book, I set up a Google alert for my name.If you're not familiar with the term, a Google alert will allow you to enter a search term, and Google will email you a new occurrence of that search term. Not that I'm paranoid people are talking about me. I actually hope someday maybe someone

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-4970742627344551422011-06-17T07:48:00.006-04:002011-06-17T08:57:11.892-04:00

Just the other day I got a nice introductory email from my newly assigned editor at White Rose. I read it, send a note back. Everything seemed peachy keen.Then at three in the morning (no lie), I woke up in a panic. I have an editor?!?And then the anxious thoughts started, as I worried through a series of idiotic requests my sleep-hazed mind decided an editor might want. Yes, my inner

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-1040122866174053152011-06-12T09:00:00.000-04:002011-06-12T09:00:05.258-04:00

This week the mystery writing community lost a legend. Lilian Jackson Braun died at the age of 97. But in her lifetime she authored 29 published novels and several short story collections.It was shortly after my mother passed away that I read the first in the Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun. For those who might not have had the pleasure, it's worth the read. These are the books that

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-70102399366695197942011-06-10T08:00:00.001-04:002011-06-10T08:00:19.239-04:00

I was watching a story on the Casey Anthony case. If you need a brief recap, she's on trial for killing her young daughter, a case featured by Nancy Grace.But some new evidence introduced at trial was her Google records, where she searched for neck breaking, internal injuries, how to make chloroform, and a few other heinous topics--several months before the child went missing.Which makes me

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-30972184748189312072011-06-08T20:40:00.003-04:002011-06-08T21:03:22.277-04:00

For those who have been following my blog, you know I've been promising a few changes. One of which is the title. Instead of "Cozy Craft" which focused on crafting a cozy mystery (but also led people to believe I was talking about knitting and cross-stitch), I've decided to broaden the focus, just a tad, to embrace more of who I am.Faith. This doesn't mean future posts will all be preachy. But

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-58486576525487594612011-05-05T20:17:00.002-04:002011-05-05T20:22:40.016-04:00

While I revamp my personal blog, please visit my team blog at Inkwell Inspirations.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-61249945130166089312010-09-15T16:53:00.006-04:002011-01-26T13:11:55.883-05:00

The American Christian Fiction Writers' annual conference will begin on Friday, and advice is swirling around on the internet as writers--published and aspiring, ascend, descend or otherwise arrive in Indianapolis, with one-sheets, business cards, synopses, and full proposals in hand. Waving enough paper to decimate a small rain forest, we're hoping to catch the eye of an agent or an editor, or

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-18458194084247696772010-07-11T20:12:00.004-04:002010-07-11T22:26:45.738-04:00

There's a nasty disease going around. The CDC has released no information, but I can tell you all about it, because I've had it more than once. And no matter how many times I catch it, I seem to develop no immunity.Primadonnitis often attacks writers, especially unpublished ones. The symptoms include a grimace and/or scowl while reading, rolling of the eyes, tension headaches, emotional

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-29190297635006584432010-05-29T05:49:00.003-04:002010-05-29T06:51:49.298-04:00

As an acne-covered teenager, I squealed with delight at the scene on television. Nancy Drew, frightened at the sight of a bat in her room (in Transylvania, I believe) rushed out, clad only in her nightgown, into the waiting arms of Frank Hardy.Yes! Forget Ned. Forget the Bayport/River Heights commuting time. Forget the fact that Nancy was not a damsel in distress, but a strong detective in her

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-7662436983699986792010-05-18T07:02:00.004-04:002010-05-18T08:04:59.229-04:00

For those who may not have heard the news, this week I was thrilled to learn I was a finalist in the ACFW Genesis contest, in the mystery/suspense/thriller category. For me, this was a turning point. I think for every aspiring writer, there comes a point where you question "the dream." Is this a pipe dream I'm pursuing--a pie-in-the-sky daydream with little hope of realization? Or is becoming

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-1728423036985142472010-04-22T08:37:00.004-04:002010-04-22T09:33:25.071-04:00

I love this old Larson cartoon. Here is a guy expending a lot of energy lecturing his dog--and by the time the dog hears it, it is only "blah, blah, blah, Ginger."But it got me thinking--which can be a dangerous thing--that we all filter the world. Two people never see or hear the same thing. Eyewitness accounts are notoriously unreliable. We see and hear only part of what is going on, and

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-51277714929033761542010-04-12T10:40:00.004-04:002010-04-12T11:42:41.733-04:00

I'd gone to bed last night thinking about a character I'm developing for a new WIP. So far, I knew a few details of Ami's life, her career, her appearance, and her turbulent marital status. But her personality was just not coming to life. At three in the morning, during a period of wakefulness, I suddenly realized that she was a huge Dr. Phil fan, and her perception of life and relationships

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-36821641832642014972010-04-02T07:14:00.003-04:002010-04-02T08:03:55.532-04:00

Yes, the Easter egg mania seems to have gotten to me too, at least from the title. (My apologies for that.)I was thinking a little about reader expectations as I watched Bones last night. Dr. Sweets rode on the subway next to a young man who received a text message telling him he'd just won his long battle with cancer. He bubbled over, exciting Dr. Sweets, a stranger to him, with the good news.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-86286232561817947422010-03-07T17:59:00.004-05:002010-03-07T19:49:57.666-05:00

I was thrilled this past weekend to head down to Pittsburgh. Mystery Lovers Bookshop was hosting a talk and signing by one of my favorite authors, Joanne Fluke.Now this was my first trip to the bookstore, which I'd heard people rave about. The edifice is not all that impressive, and you might get more of a selection of mysteries from a large Barnes and Noble. HOWEVER...it is one of the largest

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-17441492147462859722010-02-27T20:14:00.002-05:002010-02-27T20:47:06.506-05:00

Well, I obviously haven't been blogging much (more on that later), so what have I been doing?Well, besides spending countless hours playing mind-numbing games on facebook, I've been reading. And not just paperbacks and hardcovers. Earlier this year, I made the jump to ebooks, when I was given a Nook for Christmas. And the verdict is...I love it! Yes, I'm a bit of a bibliophile. I love

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-18636181534109481192009-10-02T09:05:00.002-04:002009-10-02T09:11:00.963-04:00

Anyone with any cartoon knowledge knows it is coming. The mask is ripped away revealing that the spooky specter in the episode was…the caretaker… the fisherman… the diner owner?But whoever the villain was in the Scooby Doo episode, he or she would always boast that they would have gotten away with it—if it weren’t for those meddling kids.But why should they meddle? In the construction of a cozy

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-4768232250126875642009-08-31T09:49:00.003-04:002009-08-31T12:53:57.569-04:00

While I plot and begin writing my second, I thought I'd revisit the basics of mystery writing.First, the characters:Protagonist--this is the detective, professional or amateur, who will solve the crime.Villain--this is the person (or people) who committed the crime. Victim--the person (or people) who is harmed (often killed) by the crime. Now, you could have a mystery with only these people,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-86884997930607716702009-08-25T10:22:00.003-04:002009-08-25T10:46:47.837-04:00

I like collecting advice from other writers. One thing that has stuck with me is to expect rejection. And now that I've emailed off my proposals, that's what I'm doing.Now, don't get all Pollyanna on me and tell me I need to believe in my dreams. People who believe in dreams are most often delusional.The standard answer to a query or a proposal is a "no." That is, if you even get an answer at

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-45243045821426860042009-08-21T05:41:00.003-04:002009-08-21T05:56:03.938-04:00

Okay, one proposal sent, and I just need to spiffy up a cover letter and tweak a few things to personalized the second. Whew... That's a relief.Or is it?Pressing the send button on my email proposal had to be one of the most gut-wrenching, anxiety-producing aspects of writing so far.Consider this analogy. Completing a manuscript is like having a baby. The gestation period may vary from months

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-63259863666591746952009-08-18T08:36:00.002-04:002009-08-18T08:46:47.397-04:00

My last post was titled, "Don't Wake Me Up." I considered naming this one "Okay, Go Ahead and Wake Me Up."I've experienced another bout of 'writing avoidance.'Now, I've heard of writing avoidance before. It is the tendency for writers to drag their feet on their latest project, perhaps as an attempt to shield themselves from failure. The project that is never completed can never be rejected.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-66223499834699566012009-08-10T07:54:00.004-04:002009-08-10T08:46:26.769-04:00

I think I dreamed I attended the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference (Write His Answer) last week. But I've been assured that the events I am about to relate to you actually happened. Even so, I don't have signed affidavits, so take this all with a grain of salt.First of all, I have to say, I loved the conference. I got a lot out of the workshops and continuing sessions. I hope

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-45441690350842984362009-07-07T11:58:00.003-04:002009-07-07T12:16:20.848-04:00

While finishing editing my manuscript, I also started drafting some promotional material--a query letter, synopsis, and most recently, a one sheet.Now, the specifications for a "one sheet" (a one-page document used to pitch to agents and editors personally) don't seem to be as rigid as those for preparing a manuscript. But most one sheets I've seen contain the following elements.A tag line. One

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-34819387291371622222009-07-03T19:08:00.003-04:002009-07-03T19:36:22.161-04:00

Those who have been following this blog for any length of time may have noticed I've been doing fewer book reviews. And there's a reason for that.I used to think I knew how. Read a book. Tell what you think of it--good, bad, or indifferent.But it seems there is more to it than that.Lately I've come across the idea that writing a negative review, especially of Christian fiction, is a no-no for

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-27461598602323969772009-07-01T14:34:00.002-04:002009-07-01T14:52:12.689-04:00

I've been writing just long enough to realize that the writing life is hard to balance. In writing, one needs to balance plot,character development, dialog, description, grammar, and a whole bunch of other things just to create one manuscript.But that's not all. While writing, one must not forget to keep learning, to keep improving. So it is not enough to write, one must study writing and

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-38727119436715349772009-06-24T11:21:00.003-04:002009-06-24T12:42:16.316-04:00

Microsoft Word's grammar checker drives me batty. It is terrible for fiction writing. Not only does it gig me for every contraction, but it hates fragments--something necessary for authentic dialog. But it finds some things--perhaps one good gig for every 10 idiotic suggestions, so I run it anyway. And rant about it later.One good gig? "Shower head" should be "showerhead." Who knew?

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-15405015571544109272009-06-23T07:32:00.003-04:002009-06-23T10:24:47.606-04:00

Last week, I was very sneaky. A friend and I planned a trip to surprise another friend. And we had a wild and crazy time. But with my friends, a wild time means absconding with the peanuts from the Texas Roadhouse and multiple games of Scrabble while watching Monk. Yes, it was a riot. I had a great time.But planning the trip and keeping it a secret from my very bright friend was a challenge.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-37941330279083864062009-06-15T12:55:00.006-04:002009-06-15T13:24:58.873-04:00

I have to admit, I'm a fan of incontinuity. Or is it incontinence? Eh, better stick with incontinuity.I know that sounds like an odd statement. But I love finding errors in films and television shows. My favorite continuity issue in a film is the coffeepot that gets picked up twice in White Christmas, while the sisters are in their dressing room at the nightclub in Florida.My favorite

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-53374253469696071582009-06-09T08:20:00.000-04:002009-06-09T08:19:46.843-04:00

A recent critique of my WIP yielded an interesting comment. Apparently I overuse passive voice. And the "apparently" in the previous sentence does indicate a bit of skepticism on my part, because the sentence the "critter" marked wasn't even in passive voice.Here's the problem: somewhere along the line, some critter circled a sentence in passive voice, said, "Tsk, tsk," and then shoved the

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-81392107288111867902009-06-03T16:19:00.004-04:002009-06-03T16:31:30.110-04:00

Way back three million years ago when I taught grammar, before I'd forgotten half of what I knew, students would argue with me about odd plurals.Now, I'm not sure of the technical name. I probably knew it, and have since forgotten. But I'm talking about compound and hyphenated nouns that aren't just made plural by adding an 's.'Like passerby. Plural? Passersby. Seem odd? To some, yes. But

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-81111855584145755292009-05-28T17:02:00.003-04:002009-05-28T17:46:23.148-04:00

OK, so you get a twitter account, find a few friends already on, then what should you do? Who else should you follow? And how do you find those people?How about other writers? Here is a great list, all organized by genre:http://mashable.com/2009/05/08/twitter-authors/Or agents, publishers and publicists? Try this list:http://editorunleashed.com/2009/01/15/twitter-tips-for-writers-25-

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-40350859708578599332009-05-27T15:46:00.003-04:002009-05-28T17:51:10.296-04:00

But only occasionally. I'm not a die-hard Twitter enthusiast, at least not yet.In preparation for this blog post, however, I've spent the last couple weeks increasing my Twitter footprint. If that is even a phrase. If it's not, it should be.Twitter, for the newbie, is an application used in social networking, where users can send out "tweets," or short messages of 140 characters or fewer.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-27333014982338817832009-05-25T16:35:00.002-04:002009-05-25T17:21:57.406-04:00

Once registered on facebook, the key to effective networking is finding and making "friends." Now, I haven't done this as rabidly as others have. In fact, I think there is an advantage to building a facebook network slowly over time. How can you effectively interact with people if they are only a name? And I don't friend everyone who sends me a request either. 98% of the time I do, but I

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-35685683178849085432009-05-20T14:59:00.003-04:002009-05-20T15:59:45.750-04:00

All writers should be on facebook.I always have trouble with universal statements like that. But I heard this one enough that I had to check out facebook for myself and draw my own conclusions. Are you ready?I like facebook.Why? Not entirely sure. Maybe it is the illusion that I have friends. Or perhaps it is the social interaction that makes writing a slightly less solitary occupation.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-68018717587733270152009-05-19T11:11:00.002-04:002009-05-19T11:39:21.643-04:00

Okie dokey. Just when I changed my blog title from "Learning to Write," I'm going to revisit the topic. And here's why: literary agent Rachelle Gardner's great post entitled "How Do You Learn to Write?" There's a checklist (I'm a sucker for a checklist), and I just have to see how I stack up.Check out her post here: http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-do-you-learn-to-write.html→ You

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-71444508599039188432009-05-18T18:00:00.004-04:002009-05-18T19:26:03.281-04:00

When I was in high school, our math texts had a number of word problems involving a widget factory. We all joked with the students who were naive enough to think that there really was such a thing as a widget.Well, now there is...A widget is a little bit of pre-written code that you can add to your blog. Almost all the items on the right hand side of my blog are widgets. What can you put there

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-58994136436250440192009-05-16T17:38:00.002-04:002009-05-16T17:41:40.929-04:00

Developing main characters for a mystery is a lot of work. How about:He's a sword-wielding chivalrous househusband on a mission from God. She's a warm-hearted hip-hop Valkyrie with the power to see death. They fight crime!orHe's a one-legged dishevelled senator with a mysterious suitcase handcuffed to his arm. She's a psychotic out-of-work bounty hunter with a knack for trouble. They fight crime!

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-74129253773446997902009-05-14T13:02:00.007-04:002009-05-14T18:51:40.114-04:00

One of the buzzwords I'm seeing everywhere is "branding." And in all honesty, it is still coming in a little fuzzy. While I go adjust the rabbit ears (yes, I'm giving away my age a little), there are a number of people who seem to know what they are talking about, so I'm going to defer to them.I got a link to this blog this afternoon: http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/2009/05/

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-47910226788900696702009-05-13T15:56:00.003-04:002009-05-13T16:53:08.817-04:00

Once you do decide to blog, you immediately face two questions: Where should I set up a blog? And what should I blog about?Where should I set up my blog?While there are a number of places you can set up a blog, my decision to switch to blogger (blogspot) was pretty easy. I read many blogs on a regular basis, blogs by writers, agents, and publishers. They are listed in the widget (sidebar) on

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-85218609287474716382009-05-12T16:04:00.002-04:002009-05-12T16:42:41.655-04:00

Shortly after I began writing, I encountered the advice: If you're going to write you'd better blog, FaceBook, and twitter. I started my first blog shortly after that, and proceeded to make almost every mistake in the book. So while going over the basics today with some writing friends of mine (who just returned from a conference where they were told that if they're going to write, they'd better

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-81714639890338379212009-05-09T09:16:00.007-04:002009-05-09T13:08:36.276-04:00

So, the analysis of first chapters ends at three. Why? I think I got it. I opened a few more cozy mysteries, skimmed them, and I'm beginning to see a pattern. So I abruptly stopped researching, and started rewriting my first chapter. But I think it might be a good idea to revisit what I've learned.Recipe for a beginning a Cozy:1. Start with character. Without exception, the cozies I

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-84752654563024300252009-05-01T08:13:00.008-04:002009-05-01T10:07:56.227-04:00

This is the third in a series of blog posts in which I'm studying how various successful cozy mystery writers structure their first chapters. The Quiche of Death, by M.C. Beaton, is the first book in her successful Agatha Raisin series. (3rd person)You can read the first few pages here: http://www.amazon.com/Quiche-Death-Agatha-Raisin-Mysteries/dp/0312939167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-30314359832856924892009-04-25T12:07:00.007-04:002009-04-29T22:26:35.409-04:00

This is the second on a series of blog posts analyzing the first chapters of cozy mystery novels. Murder with Peacocks is the first in the successful Meg Langslow series, written by Donna Andrews. This book won the Agatha Award for best first novel. (First person POV.) Meg is awakened by multiple phone calls regarding three weddings she had agreed to be maid-of-honor for, each requiring her

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-75108939692441196152009-04-25T09:54:00.010-04:002009-04-28T20:54:10.568-04:00

The first in a series analyzing the starting chapters of popular cozy mysteries. This book by Joanne Fluke is the first of a highly successful series of cozies featuring cookie-shop owner Hannah Swensen. (3rd person POV)Fluke takes her time building her cozy world, developing her characters, and giving their backstory. We meet multiple people from the town, with an extensive introduction to the

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-42330313147684936502009-04-25T09:23:00.008-04:002009-04-28T13:47:44.916-04:00

Someone was asking me how my WIP was going, so let me give you a little status report. The draft is finished. And it is dreadful. But that's okay. It is supposed to be. I've been taught to get it on paper and fix it up later. And that's what I hope to do. And to that end, I got my first professional critique from a writer a week or so ago. One big comment: my first chapter lacks

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-37047334064554654252009-04-25T07:17:00.009-04:002009-04-25T08:08:50.605-04:00

Last post of pictures from my trip last week to the Mad Anthony Writers' Conference and Writers' Police Academy in Hamilton, OH. These are all from the second day, which included a number of courses on various aspects of police procedure, and included some hands-on show-and-tell sessions.Assorted handcuffs and leg-irons. Quote of the day: "Yeah, you can try them on. Did anyone bring a key?"

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-15739717229547379862009-04-22T09:58:00.014-04:002009-04-22T12:22:53.024-04:00

Of course, I mean the writers' police academy. I meant to post this yesterday, so for all those waiting with baited breath, try Altoids. ;)But anyway, after departing the morgue, we headed off to the police station. Now if my choice of pictures seems odd, it is because I was trying to get pictures of things and places that I might have to describe, at some point. So oddly enough, there were

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-82510953468060834832009-04-20T19:53:00.014-04:002009-04-21T09:01:12.249-04:00

I had a great time at the Mad Anthony Writers' Conference and the Writers' Police Academy. It was a long trip, and I was hoping it would be worth the expense and the time, and I think it was. I learned a lot and had a fantastic time.Friday was spent in presentations and tours. This is the best picture I could get of the canine part of the canine unit. I have three other pictures of various

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-34998119562450042812009-04-11T06:57:00.004-04:002009-08-10T09:21:14.283-04:00

Many of you already know that I read mysteries for two purposes: 1) I enjoy them. 2) I study them to help me write my own. For that reason, while these entries often have some aspects of a book review, I usually veer off at some point and talk about writing.This book is a later addition to a series of which I have only read the first two books. I picked it up because it was the book of the

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-72455344694495825012009-04-05T15:27:00.003-04:002009-04-05T18:48:23.154-04:00

I was reading an email loop the other day, and a couple of writers were saying how much more they enjoyed rewriting than writing. They said, now that the book had taken shape, it was much easier to work with the raw materials they had. It kind of makes sense. Now that the back-breaking frame of the story is done, doing some of the smaller things to fix it up should be much easier. After all,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-85842306227435570722009-03-31T07:50:00.005-04:002009-03-31T08:59:29.942-04:00

OK, most of you know the drill. I'm an aspiring mystery writer, reading mysteries to glean techniques and tips to improve my own writing. So while this entry will have some elements of a book review, generally I diverge and talk about my own work. You've been warned. :)I almost always begin reading a series at the beginning. But I had wanted to check out a sample from this popular cozy series

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-15828211275958751802009-03-27T08:57:00.002-04:002009-03-27T12:12:18.468-04:00

I reached a big milestone on my first dreadful novel. I finished it. Well, I really finished the draft. I am truly of the school that says, "Get it all down on paper, and then fix it later." And despite the fact that my friends love it the way it is, I know it needs a lot of work.I should let it rest. Letting it sit before I try to edit the thing would be the best way of finding my own

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-5606056209200728162009-03-22T18:21:00.004-04:002009-03-22T21:18:15.611-04:00

Okay, to repeat the drill, I'm an aspiring writer of cozy mysteries, dissecting and studying the books I read, to glean techniques to help myself improve in the craft. So while this will have some elements of a book review, I do it mainly because writing these entries makes me consider things I would otherwise miss.The Cat Who Saw Red is the fourth book in the popular series featuring news

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-6919385079122311842009-03-21T17:22:00.003-04:002009-03-21T17:44:44.476-04:00

Just got back from my mother's memorial service. It went off very nice, by the way. The most tearful moments came when Grandma saw my mother's picture in the front of the church. We knew that was going to be tough.But the people of my dad's church were very gracious. Sometimes we forget about the ministry of the little things. There were people there who never even met my mother, but they

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-59538317368379196352009-03-20T22:02:00.001-04:002009-03-20T22:03:45.756-04:00

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-42537039558399332322009-03-17T19:41:00.003-04:002009-03-17T19:50:19.969-04:00

Yes, I found another one when I was reading this afternoon. Rather than being the grammar police, I thought I'd see if one of my readers could pick out the problem in the following sentence:Unfortunately, after awhile many of them would start acting wild and running in packs.The first person to correctly answer will win... um, the unofficial title of "Grammar Guru of the Day." I'll just sit

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-63945450333994463292009-03-14T15:49:00.002-04:002009-03-14T16:26:31.035-04:00

Another in a series of lessons which I am learning by reading the mistakes of others. Consider the following scene, which closely mirrors one in a book I am reading: The young couple remembers their first meeting. He was nine. She was seven. The sun twinkled in her eyes and the dandelion fluff floated around her. And he knew he would love her forever.Yep. Unintentional comedy. Think for a

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-26107564981084330612009-03-13T08:52:00.001-04:002009-03-13T08:54:51.277-04:00

Continuing my anonymous lessons taken from the writing mistakes of others:If you herald the beginning of spring in chapter one, it is probably not a good time for the protagonist to enjoy a healthy vegetable salad made from local produce. Think about it.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-46312062704460595802009-03-12T20:25:00.005-04:002009-03-19T16:47:28.730-04:00

I have to confess. I've just had a change in heart. For some time now I have been 'reviewing' mysteries for my own learning purposes. I've been dissecting them and studying them, and I have found it incredibly helpful. I have learned so many things by watching what other people have done, seeing how they solve problems, admiring what they do well, and considering what I think they could have

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-27952009644590785132009-03-10T22:20:00.004-04:002009-03-11T08:52:44.981-04:00

Someone posted this link, which is supposed to analyze your writing style and tell you which well-known writer your prose represents:http://www.ofaust.com/Default.aspxI entered a few paragraphs from a short story I had written, and it told me I was 32% Mark Twain. Now if I only knew if that was a good thing...

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-19126211870008182842009-03-08T13:05:00.002-04:002009-03-08T13:27:57.237-04:00

I've been letting this thought stew for a little while. I asked a few people for a critique on my synopsis (for which I am extremely grateful!) and I got one comment I didn't quite 'get.' Next to the the place where I had said "Buffalo-area church" someone had said, "not relevant."Not relevant? Since when is the setting of a cozy mystery not relevant? So I did what any beginning writer would

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-61727735464023905732009-03-02T11:52:00.005-05:002009-03-03T12:15:48.513-05:00

I was thinking about entering my WIP in a contest, and the directions say I can include a one-page synopsis. Sure, no problem. I wasn't dreading writing a synopsis at all, until everything I read on them told me to calm down. That's when I really started getting nervous.Here's a collection of the web resources I discovered to aid the process.Overcoming the Fear of Writing a Synopsis... by

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-12844273094816643402009-03-02T09:27:00.004-05:002009-08-10T09:35:00.105-04:00

The second in the series. I'm beginning to think you really don't get the flavor of a series until the second or third book. Agatha Raisin continues to develop, and that's a good thing. I'm not sure characters that can be revealed on one book can hold a series. She continues to struggle--I loved the scene in the ladies' room where she replaced a light bulb so she could see (and hide) a zit,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-72334768056102917992009-02-26T14:21:00.004-05:002009-02-27T08:17:48.539-05:00

I love reading the Absolute Write Message Board. There are writers of all skill levels there-- seasoned experts, budding young writers (some still in high school), dedicated professionals and semi-professionals struggling to improve their skill, and just a smattering of complete idiots who make me feel better about my own writing. (These usually perceive themselves as seasoned experts.)And I've

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-62996982416982560252009-02-26T07:39:00.004-05:002009-08-10T09:41:37.180-04:00

Here's the drill for anyone who may have missed it: I've been reading mystery--particularly cozy mystery--to help me develop my own skills in the craft. I'll take a book, tear it apart, dissect and analyze, to pull out the things that would help me best in my own writing.This book is the first book in the very popular Agatha Raisin series--at least 19 books to date. And I could almost

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-70984979501012457022009-02-24T20:59:00.006-05:002009-02-25T07:36:22.816-05:00

There are a lot of little notes and quizzes on Facebook, and I've been tagged on a few of them. There was one that I was hoping would not come my way. But today I got it: the book that changed me.Now I have a hard time picking my favorite book, much less the one book that changed me. I think any book you read will change you, and hopefully for the better. But I'm going to answer this one

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-38156946021823520932009-02-23T19:46:00.004-05:002009-02-24T09:18:39.835-05:00

Yep, recently tagged with this list on Facebook, so here we go...1. Do you like blue cheese? No. Sacrilege in Buffalo, but better for my cholesterol.2. Have you ever been drunk? Unfortunately yes... once... over two decades ago. Haven't touched any since.3. Do you own a gun? No. Took the permit course once, but never followed through.4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape...

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-66480729773414706912009-02-23T19:11:00.002-05:002009-02-23T19:37:56.454-05:00

Kate White's third point in her article entitled, "How to Write a Murder Mystery" was, and let me paraphrase, to start with the characters in motion, and accelerate from there.Anyone reading this blog (if there were anyone reading this blog) would know that there was a big gap before my post of part two, and three. The reason for this? I was rewriting my first chapter... again.It wasn't that my

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-19501981315169355982009-02-17T16:15:00.002-05:002009-02-17T16:18:46.313-05:00

I just entered a contest. The challenge was to write a query letter in haiku format. The winner will get a critique of their real query letter. It was fun. Here is my entry.Wendy's to-do list:Cater wake... Watch victim's kids...Catch the murderer.Now the problem is that if I win, I have to write a query letter.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-67023126269201193172009-02-12T21:31:00.004-05:002009-02-14T09:16:19.241-05:00

Kate White's second point in her article entitled, "How to Write a Murder Mystery" was to create a character with good demons.Yep, Demons. There not just for paranormal literature anymore.Now, I'm not sure all of the great detectives have figurative demons. Some are not quite so troubled. They seem just quirky. Others garner interest because being a sleuth seems ill-fitted to his or her

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-47614881148796317752009-02-11T20:53:00.006-05:002009-02-12T13:44:31.051-05:00

I recently came across an article by Kate White, titled "How to Write a Murder Mystery." This one really got my attention. She gives serious references to Nancy Drew and Adrian Monk, two of my favorite detectives. So not only must I give the article a good look, I might just have to buy and read all her books as well. Anyone who likes Monk and Nancy can't be half bad.But in the meantime,

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-35962187920079833662009-02-10T16:23:00.003-05:002009-02-10T16:25:55.923-05:00

My daughter came across this on the web. Will it make its way into a mystery novel?

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-74934992111987190302009-02-08T08:53:00.000-05:002009-02-08T08:54:14.859-05:00

I believe I first read it in Hallie Ephron's book (Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel)--the third person omniscient POV doesn't work well in mysteries. The proposed reason was that readers would feel manipulated. If we can get into everyone's head, why not the killer's?Since then, I've been paying close attention to the POV in the mysteries I've been reading, and I've encountered first

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-65933554564893935652009-02-03T07:50:00.006-05:002009-08-11T14:25:13.854-04:00

OK, this is the first post of this type on the new blog site, so let me go through the whole drill. I've been reading mysteries for two purposes. I enjoy them, but I'm also studying them (sometimes by a brutal dissection) to help me learn more about how to write my own. Because of that, while some of what I say may resemble a book review, even books that I like might get a full forensic

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-45876941136777329052009-02-02T05:59:00.002-05:002009-02-02T06:48:54.839-05:00

Yes, I was recently tagged in that insidious Facebook prompt to write 25 things about myself, and pass it on to 20 friends--or however that goes. So here we go.1. I don't feel bound by email and tags that ask me to forward things. I might just pass it one to a few people. The chain stops with me, and if that means I'll have seven years bad luck, or get warts or something, so be it.2. When I

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-47900810115436959922009-01-28T08:56:00.002-05:002009-01-28T09:49:18.854-05:00

When I was taking high school physics, my teacher was big on lab reports. Every week we were assigned a lab report which was to range between seven to ten pages. We would turn it in at the beginning of lab, and the instructor would go into his 'office', really a lab storage area, while we worked on the experiment for that week. At the end of lab he would emerge with all the reports graded. We

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-62452141557575072412009-01-25T13:40:00.004-05:002009-01-25T14:59:09.053-05:00

I was reading a blog this morning, and the writer was encouraging people to think of the ten most memorable villains. Since I hadn't had my coffee yet, I could come up with nothing. So when the thought struck me later, when I was in church, it is not surprising that I came up with villains from the Bible. So here's my list of Bible villains.Cain. The first murderer ever. Consumed with

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-56485449431060734572009-01-23T09:12:00.003-05:002009-01-23T09:36:04.731-05:00

A recent blog post by Nathan Bransford included a survey asking readers whether they considered themselves an above-average writer. It let into a discussion as to why writers tend to trash other writers.Well, the idea has been rattling around in my head. It's probably the guilt. Many aspiring writers are a bit snarky when it comes to books they don't like. And yes, I've done it too. We study

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151806073390035358.post-21221687170836545372009-01-20T21:20:00.001-05:002009-01-22T09:04:20.567-05:00

Someone (ahem) has told me to get a real blog. So today is moving day. I hope to move some of my better blog entries here from the old site, and then continue to post my great adventures in writing. Or something like that.

Barbara Earlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02446880500278578170noreply@blogger.com1