It’s a Pitch Party in the 603

authors Susie Spikol and S.M. Stevens holding their books

Time to report in on two recent writing events I attended. NHWP 603 Writers’ Conference I was thrilled to be one of five finalists in the "Pitch Party" competition at the 2023 603 Writers' Conference sponsored by the New Hampshire Writers' Project (NHWP) on June 3rd. My submission was for my work-in-progress, a novel entitled … Continue reading It’s a Pitch Party in the 603

Free Reading Guide for Book Clubs

I recently put together a Reading Guide for a local Book Club whose members were reading my novel Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Compiling a list of the questions that were floating around in my mind when I wrote the book, plus the ones that actually drove the manuscript, was a lot of fun. Even more … Continue reading Free Reading Guide for Book Clubs

Book Signing in the Catskills

promo image for meet the authors event

Never have I ever* been as excited as I am now, to announce I'll be participating in a Meet the Authors event in a few weeks. Take that, COVID-19! Or should I say, vaccinations to the rescue! As I know probably every single one of you can relate, it has been too long since we've … Continue reading Book Signing in the Catskills

Book Fun in the Sort-of Sun

books stacked on table fuller library hillsborough nh

I recently had the privilege of participating in a local author event at the Fuller Public Library in Hillsborough, NH. Library director extraordinaire Samantha Gallo organized the event with 7 local authors. The forecast called for cold and rainy but Mother Nature was on our side. It turned into a beautiful day, partly sunny yet … Continue reading Book Fun in the Sort-of Sun

The Best Character Description Ever

cover of novel the gargoyle

I recently read The Gargoyle (Anchor Books, 2009) and am compelled to share one of author Andrew Davidson's character descriptions--one so amazing I had to re-read it right then and there, and immediately deemed it The Best Character Description Ever. Authors often struggle to find new and interesting ways to portray their characters as there … Continue reading The Best Character Description Ever

Narrative Choices – Podcast Interview

promo waverly estate trilogy, black-and-white, hand, books

Thanks to author M.T. Maliha for inviting me to join her podcast and talk about the narrative choices authors face. The Dusty Wood Podcast showcases interviews with guests who talk about writing and life, sometimes together. M.T. Maliha is a lovely author and an even lovelier person. Her Waverly Estate trilogy includes Ghost Dance and … Continue reading Narrative Choices – Podcast Interview

“Composing Sermons & Dreaming Up Murder”

A fellow New England author I am fortunate to know is Reverend Jane Willan, whose latest cozy mystery was published a few weeks ago. More details on Abide With Me in a minute, but first you may have questions: What is a cozy mystery? Cozy mysteries, also called "cozies" are a form of crime fiction … Continue reading “Composing Sermons & Dreaming Up Murder”

Reading: “Sullied at the Police Station”

What happens when an attempted rape is reported at the police station? This reading from my novel Horseshoes and Hand Grenades gives you an idea. The story is set in the 1980s but how much has changed since then? You be the judge. This reading, which I call "Sullied at the Police Station", was recorded … Continue reading Reading: “Sullied at the Police Station”