I'm writing another mystery novel. Not because my first manuscript has been scooped up by a publisher, but because I listened to professionals and laid aside the first novel to work on something new. Advice from those same pros pound in my ears. "Grab the reader with the first lines, keep the plot moving, build scenes to crescendo to an arc, and tie up all the loose ends before … [Read more...] about Dissecting a stinking manuscript by Violet Carr Moore
Blog
At least they aren’t shooting at us by Lani Longshore
With the publishing world in turmoil over the future of paper books - real books to many of us - I started thinking about the first great revolution in publishing. The printing press brought book ownership to the masses, which is good. Literacy spread; also good. There was a down side, however. While the Bible was the first book printed by Gutenberg, cheap novels (in every … [Read more...] about At least they aren’t shooting at us by Lani Longshore
Missed opportunities by Lani Longshore
For the last eight months I've been working on one project, the sequel to Death By Chenille. That book took fifteen years to write, but my co-author suggested we write the next book to coincide with her art quilt seminar - in April. We didn't make our deadline. Since I shelved three other projects to work on the sequel, I haven't been pleased with myself. Until last week. I … [Read more...] about Missed opportunities by Lani Longshore
Concealed permits by Lani Longshore
My sister-in-law just passed her final test to obtain a concealed gun permit. This is the sister-in-law with an MFA, who does exquisite pastel sketches of wildlife, and whose favorite outdoor activity is hiking in quiet mountains. Knowing that she also wanted a concealed gun permit - although not the reason why - got me thinking about my characters. What tiny secret … [Read more...] about Concealed permits by Lani Longshore
What is mine to give up by Lani Longshore
There is never enough time in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done. Sometimes, that stops me cold. My plans to write get buried under the need to clean or go to the grocery. Then I see someone who manages to write every day, and clean and get to the grocery. The next thing I know, a new task appears at the top of my to-do list - feel guilty. I thought about what I … [Read more...] about What is mine to give up by Lani Longshore
Reality is in the foot of a cat by Lani Longshore
While wandering in an antique shop, I noticed a simple but elegant bookcase filled with beautiful linens. On top of the stack on the highest shelf was a very realistic toy cat. I had to stretch to reach it. I tugged on its foot to determine if it was stuffed with kapok or buckwheat. The foot was warm. The cat's expression was not. I considered myself lucky that a killer … [Read more...] about Reality is in the foot of a cat by Lani Longshore
Be a bridge by Lani Longshore
To be a leader, be a bridge. - Welsh proverb Tri-Valley Writers been a bridge since 2005, bringing writers together to share information and ideas. Club members span all generations and all genres. While we still boast of members who joined when the corner stones were set, we are growing month by month. We are also growing year by year, changing venues and meeting styles, … [Read more...] about Be a bridge by Lani Longshore
What Is A Club Historian? by Annette Langer
I was assigned as historian for our Tri-Valley Branch of the California Writers Club. I wondered just how old one had to be to be named "historian" but figured they knew what they were doing. My uncertainty was mollified when I read the job description. The duties were described as "maintaining the archive of documents, programs, licenses, and related materials for a historical … [Read more...] about What Is A Club Historian? by Annette Langer
