Some time ago I read an article by a man who was vastly in favor of AI, especially for writers. “It’s just a tool,” he claimed, “the same as a pen or a typewriter”. Pardon me while I stop laughing. I have this image of a typewriter taking every word ever typed on it and…Read more How Bored Do We Have to Be?
writing
‘Tis the Season (for murder)
In the spirit of October, I'm posting an old poem of mine from seasons past (sung to the tune of "My Favorite Things"): Mysteries in millions And novels with corpses Bright copper daggers And all the pale horses Brown paper packages dripping with gore These are my favorites So let’s have some more! Cream-colored cupcakes…Read more ‘Tis the Season (for murder)
Rejection, anyone?
Rejection: a fact of life for writers. Recently in the Short Mystery Fiction Society, someone asked what was our worst rejection. In my long life as a struggling writer, I've been lucky with tactful, encouraging rejections. The only bad one I ever got wasn't really a "rejection", at least not of a finished work. Long…Read more Rejection, anyone?
Just a quick update:
INAUGURAL DERRINGER AWARD FOR BEST ANTHOLOGY FINALISTS The Short Mystery Fiction Society has announced the Finalists for the Inaugural Derringer Award for Best Anthology. Congratulations to all! First finalist listed: Devil's Snare: Best New England Crime Stories 2024, edited by Susan Oleksiw, Ang Pompano, and Leslie Wheeler. Containing my story "A Christmas Cat in the…Read more Just a quick update:
One of the best ways to spend a winter day in Vermont.
I'm not a winter sort of person. I used to live in Southern California. If I heard about an outdoor venue where I could promote and sell my books, it was an easy decision. Drive out, set up a table or share one, and sit back to enjoy whatever happened. At the very least, I…Read more One of the best ways to spend a winter day in Vermont.
A little Mystery in Life?
I love journals – what writer doesn’t? I'm sure you've heard it before: the smell of the paper, the feel of the covers, the bright promise of clean pages. Long before I dreamed of writing my own stories, I loved the pure hope contained in all those blank pages. The promise and possibilities can’t be…Read more A little Mystery in Life?
Come join us!
And bring your questions! On Aug 29 at Alumni Hall in Haverhill, NH, I will participate in a panel discussion about writing and publishing. I know I will have a great time comparing notes with authors Bernie Marvin, Zoe Tilley-Poster and Michelle Sherburne, moderated by my good friend and writer-buddy Hilary LLewellyn-Thomas.
Can I Get Here From There?
I spent most of my adulthood in the Southwest where the name “Garcia” (pronounced Gar-see-ah, or if you’re a snooty Spaniard, Gar-thee-ah) is as ubiquitous as Smith. So that’s how I pronounced the name of the little road here in New England until I was gently corrected. According to the folks here, it’s not Spanish…Read more Can I Get Here From There?
To AI or not to AI
A friend recently shared this article from “The Verge”, about authors using Artificial Intelligence. I read it out of light curiosity, believing such technology had no connection to me. It made me incredibly sad and depressed, not least because of the initial description of the woman who needs to finish a new novel every nine…Read more To AI or not to AI
Creativity Blooms
This is how I write. I find a seed. Doesn’t matter where or how. This seed calls to my mind. I hold it, roll it around, blow the dust off so I can see it more clearly. Then I press it onto the white loam of an empty page. I water it with words, maybe…Read more Creativity Blooms
Genie in a Box: Words and thoughts from Eugenia Parrish, Author 