Wild Writers Literary Festival Series – How to Kill a Man: The Secrets of Mystery Writing

Here is the fourth installment of the Wild Writers Literary Festival Series.  Missed the previous ones?  Read them here #1 #2 #3!

This workshop was animated by Brad Smith, author of the Virgil Cain mystery series.  It took the form of a casual chat between the participants and the writer.  Here is what emerged from the exchange.

• The writing process is much more important than where the idea came from.  Chances are authors will prefer being asked about the former rather than the latter.
• Newspapers can be a great source of inspiration for subplots.
• Writing is a mental and physical process.  There are no right or wrong.  You have to do what works for you.
• You can work with or without an outline.  One way is not better than the other.
• Macguffins are great tools to get the readers into the story.
• Don't switch P.O.V. in the middle of a scene.
• Do your research.  Although Google is an amazing tool, to really "get" a place, you need to go there.
• Write your first draft then do the research.  That way, you'll know what you need.
• Pay attention to your secondary characters.  Give them quirks, traits that don't necessarily help the story.
• Create a back story for your characters.  You don't need to put it all in the story, but it will help you create more believable characters.
• Eavesdrop on other people's conversation to create good dialogues.  Find a voice for each characters.  Be aware of rhythm and cadence.
• Use your others senses.  See things from a child's point of view.

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Wild Writers Literary Festival – Making the Most of your Blog

This week I bring you the second installment of the Wild Writer Literay Festival Series.  Missed the first one?  No problem! Follow the link.

"You don't need a blog..."

...is the first thing Kerry Clare, professional blogger for Canadian Books website 49th Shelf, said when she began her workshop. Which was strange, since she was there to talk about blogging. She explained. Of course, blogs are a great way to express yourself, talk about your personal experiences, network, build a platform, etc.  But despite what editors and publishers would like you to believe, blogs are not a necessity.

Clare believes that reading is a transaction between two people and proceeds to prove it by having the workshop's participants talk to their neighbors about book they're currently reading.  Immediately, the room started buzzing with energy.  And this is what blogging is about; it's about sharing your passion.

During the workshop, Clare went on to say that blogging wasn't easy and that it required commitment.  However, blogs are more personal and you should not try desperately to build a platform through it.  It's important to be yourself.  As for the content, no need to obsess over it.  A blog is a work in progress and problems can always be smoothed later.

For the authors who want a blog (or need to want one because of their editors), Clare suggests talking about the following:

• research that didn't make it to the book
• the characters themselves
• places that inspired the book (with pictures!)
• writing (from a position of authority.

 However, her most important advice was to "Blog like no one is looking."  D
o it for yourself.  If you build it, they will come.

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