Selecting A Niche

http://www.rincon.org

When selecting your niche as a writer, everyone tells you to talk about what you know. I'm fortunate to have chosen a topic that forces me to visit places from the Arctic to the tropics, from mountains to sandy beaches. Very soon, I'll be writing this blog live from Rincon, Puerto Rico, where I'll be researching my latest Kary Turnell Mystery.

New Blocks on the Kid

My friend Becky N asked about writer's block. We've all been there. The problem started while writing my first book, Judson's Island. I was terrified (aren't we all nervous our first time?) that I was in over my head. My recommendation is to put down that Mont Blanc (or shut off your computer) and immerse youself in a favorite pastime. In my case, I went to a spring training game to watch my beloved Braves. By the time I returned home, my "on" switch was flashing green. End of writer's block. Try this idea and let me know what happens.

This is a fine kettle of fish

"How in the world did you start writing murder mysteries(?)," is a frequent question. Would you believe, I'd never READ a mystery until I was in my mid 40's? The second one I read was my own creation. When my university said field courses were too expensive, I decided to create my own fictional community. I was so blown away by a John MacDonald novel I'd just finished, I wrote Judson's Island...a tourism planning text in the form of a murder mystery. JI has been read by students from NH to FL and AZ, and in two universities in the Subarctic. With that early success, I decided to keep writing.

Be careful, or I'll put you in my next novel

You may have been dying to write a book, but equate it with swimming the English Channel. Believe me, it's not. While drowning in hyperbole is a constant threat, cramps are rarely a problem. Twice a week, I'm going to introduce you to my world as a writer. Be ready to laugh and to gnash your teeth.  I'll share stories and an occasional photograph, to give you the best possible view. And, don't forget to ask questions...nothing (almost) is sacred.