"Just So Crazy" - What Words Do You Overuse?

I recently took a story to critique group, and after the discussion, I realized I had used certain words like "just" and "little dog" way too many times. I can't tell you how many times I read through my work. I didn't catch them. My fellow writers used "just," "so," and "crazy" so many times that became the meeting mantra. 

Create a list of your overused words and phrases and use your search feature to find them. Most of the time, they can be eliminated or changed to another word that improves your writing. Also search for "was/were" and other "be" verbs. Many of these sentences can be restructured with stronger, action verbs. Look at all of your adverbs ("-ly" words). Most of these can be cut. 

I'm southern, and I do this a lot. Remove prepositions after verbs (e.g. jump up, click on, or open up). It should be jump, click, or open. 

Here's my list. What would you add to it?

• Absolutely
• Completely
• Etc.
• Finally
• Get
• Got
• Just
• Literally
• Really
• So
• Some
• That
• There
• Totally
• Very

Computer and Data Security for Authors

I returned from a rainy week in Orlando to buckets of rain in Central Virginia. I went to an IT conference and heard about all kinds of new technology. One of the highlights was when I had liquid nitrogen ice cream. Literally, too cool. The smoky fog (and probably all the rain outside) gave me flashbacks to the "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "Swamp Thing."

While I was there, I had the pleasure of attending Dr. Eric Cole's keynote presentation on IT Security. Many of the key points relate to authors. It's important to protect your data and your devices.

He reminded the audience that most people buy security/alarm systems AFTER a break in. Security should be a constant thought in order to defend against hacks and attacks. You need to be prepared.

As a user, you need to be aware of passwords. Don't use the same one for everything. You're giving a hacker the keys to the kingdom. Be careful what you click on and what attachments you open. You are one click away from being compromised.

The risks of compromise will always be there. You need to minimize or mitigate these risks. Don't click on strange links. Make sure that your security settings on your device are set.

Regular patching is important to ensure that known vulnerabilities are corrected. Make sure that your PC/laptop gets its regular updates. 

Know the value of your data. And know where your critical files are. He talked about his million dollar laptop. He has files and client work on his device. Add up the value of what you've stored. Data is king. What would it cost you if you lost that document. Regular backups are important.

Also, free doesn't always mean "free." Games, apps, and services that are free are often mining or monitoring your data. Read the user agreements before you access them. And watch your children's free games. Many of them monitor or share your location. 

If you're traveling to parts of the world where hacking is rampant, he suggested taking a "throw-away" device for use there. Don't access your critical information (e.g. banking, etc.). Don't use the device when you return. 

Security often becomes an after-thought in today's busy world. Be careful. The chances of being hacked are high. Be prepared and do what you can to mitigate the risks.

My Best Plotting Happens While Driving...

I do a lot of presentations and workshops about mysteries and writing, and one of the most frequently asked questions is, "Where do you get your ideas from?"

And my answer is always, "Everywhere." I'll read something or see a TV show that sparks an idea. (I record a lot of history, science, and home renovation show. Mythbusters is a wealth of information for mystery/thriller writers.) I've keep a notebook with me. I am always jotting down snippets of conversations, a cool name, or something unusual. I used to save newspaper clippings and magazine articles. Now, I add interesting pictures and links to my Pinterest boards.

Sometimes, a story or a plot line starts with an interesting location or event. I noodle on it for a while and come up with a plotline for a novel or a short story. When I visit places, I take pictures, so I can describe it later.

I usually outline my writing. I color code areas where humor, romance, and mysteries appear, so I can see if I spread them out enough. I tend to do my best plotting while I'm driving. There is a fairly straight stretch of interstate on my way home from the city. I've plotted many a mystery or murder during that commute. 

Google Maps is a great tool to find locations and to see what they look like. Is there a lake near that housing development? Does that road go through a specific town? Are their fields or mountains nearby? Where is a great place to hide a body? 

The Internet can be a big distraction. I went online to check something and ended up watching cute puppy videos. But it is a FABULOUS reservoir of information. It makes getting in touch with SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) so much easier. Twitter is great for putting out ideas and receiving feedback from others. I've posted questions, and people in the know are always kind enough to respond. 

I know that I'm going to have to explain my Google searches one day. Honestly, I was just checking on that kind of poison for a mystery that I'm writing.

Life is full of experiences that make their way into my writing. Be observant. You'll never know what you'll encounter. 

Making the Most of Book/Writing Conferences

I just returned from Malice Domestic, a traditional mystery conference in Bethesda, Maryland for readers and writers. I had a fabulous time. I got to meet and mingle with so many talented writers and chat with mystery readers. Here are some things I've learned over the years...

Before the Event

1. Decide if you want to attend an event that focuses on writing (e.g. the craft, mechanics, etc.) or readers (e.g. programming geared for readers and fans). Look over the conference materials. You probably won't find book marketing and writing tips at a fan-based conference, and you usually won't find too many readers at an author-focused event.

2. Decide if you want to participate in a panel. If so, make sure that you sign up early (it's usually part of the registration information).

3. Make sure to fill out all registration and applications ahead of the deadline. If you miss early bird deadlines, the prices go up. 

4. Make sure to keep copies of all confirmation emails. I keep them in a folder, and I print them for the trip.

5. Many conferences sponsor an anthology of selected authors' short stories. If you're interested, make sure you're aware of the requirements and deadlines.

6. Many conferences have special events (e.g. banquets, luncheons, breakfasts, and other meet ups). Make sure you're aware of all the registration requirements, so you don't miss out.

7. Check out the website for the dress code for special events.

8. You're going to do a lot of walking. Make sure you have comfortable shoes.

9. If there is a book dealer, make sure that you contact him/her before the event to find out if your books will be there. Some do consignments with authors. Make sure you have all the details and know whether or not to bring books.

10. Always bring plenty of pens, bookmarks, and business cards. You'll never know who you'll meet.

During the Event

1. Get a copy of the schedule of events and plan your time. I attended one conference where the panels and book signings were in different hotels. I had to make sure I had enough time to get to the locations. 

2. If you're on panels or have book signings, make sure you know when and where you're supposed to be. Most panel moderators contact you before the event to review logistics and discussion topics. 

3. If you flew to the conference, most hotels have a business area where you can ship things back home. Many conferences provide give-aways (and lots of books). Some conferences have hospitality rooms where you can donate books that you don't want to travel with.

4. Find the "meet up" places (e.g. lobby, bar, and entry ways). These are usually great places to find old friends and meet new ones.

Best wishes with your next conference. I always have a great time at these events. And there are lots of choices out there, depending on your interests and genre. What else would you add to my list?

And you'll never know who you'll meet...

Pet Sidekicks

I love pets, and I'm drawn to mysteries and thrillers that have pet characters. My sidekicks are two crazy Jack Russell Terriers, Disney and Riley. Disney's been the model for Darby in my story, "Moving On," and Bijou in a cozy mystery that I'm working on. I started listing authors who have pets in their mysteries. I found lots with cats and dogs. And only one with a hamster. And I found lots to add to my TBR (To Be Read) piles.

Dogs

• Robert B. Parker's Sunny Randall and Rosie the miniature American Bull Terrier

• Ellery Adams' Olivia Limoges and Captain Haviland the Standard Poodle

• Robert B. Parker's Spenser and Pearl the Wonder Dog

• Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker, a Corgi

• Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie Mystery Series

• Dashiell Hammett's Nick and Nora Charles and Asta the Terrier

• Judith Lucci's Michaela McPherson's Angel the German Shepherd

• Waverly Curtis' The Barking Detective Series with Pepe the Chihuahua

• My Delanie Fitzgerald Series with Margaret the English Bull Dog

Cats

• David Baldacci's John Puller and AWOL the cat

• Lorna Barrett's Tricia Miles and Miss Marple

• Lilian Jackson Braun's Jim Qwilleran's Koko and Yum Yum

• Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy and Sneaky Pie Brown

Lots of Pets

• Krista Davis' Pens and Paws Mystery Series

• Sparkle Abbey's Pampered Pets Mystery Series (Their pen name came from their pets.)

• Bethany Blake's Lucky Paws Petsitting Mysteries

• Annie Knox's Pet Boutique Murders

Hamster

• Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Rex the Hamster

Who else would you add to the list?

What's Your Favorite Type of Sleuth?

There are so many sleuths out there: professional, amateur, female, and the list goes on and on. Do you have a preference? I've grouped some of my favorites by type, but they're in no particular order. What other authors and sleuths would you add to the list?

Hard-boiled Detectives - This character type is usually male and tough. He can survive in the gritty world, and he often works in a big city. This type solves mysteries by stick-to-itiveness and street smarts. He usually is a private detective or some sort of fringe law enforcement who solves crimes because the police are ineffective. This subgenre came from the pulp fiction magazines in the early 1900s.

1. Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade
2. Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlow
3. Robert B. Parker's Spenser

Cozy Amateur Detectives - The Cozy subgenre derived from the British mystery traditions. Originally, they were set in pastoral or smaller settings. There was an amateur sleuth who solved the crime because law enforcement was bumbling. There was a small circle of suspects, and violence and sex happened outside of the plot and not in full view of the reader. This subgenre was often called soft-boiled, and it has evolved into all kinds of themed mysteries. Many of the sleuths have interesting jobs or hobbies.

1. Agatha Christie's Miss Marple
2. Diane Mott Davidson's Goldy Bear
3. Ellery Adams' Molly Appleby
4. Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow
5. Sherry Harris' Sarah Winston
6. Maya Corrigan's Val Deniston
7. Rhys Bowen's Lady Georgiana

Private Eyes/Bail Bondspersons - This subgenre has a sleuth who has some training in law enforcement, but he or she is not with the police. The stories can be hard-boiled or softer.

1. Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum
2. Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes
3. Michael Crais' Elvis Cole/Joe Pike
4. P. D. James' Cordelia Gray
5. Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy
6. Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot
7. Carolyn D. Hart's Max Darling
8. Edgar Allan Poe's C. Auguste Dupin
9. Spencer Quinn's Chet the Dog
10. My Delanie Fitzgerald

Police/Military/Federal Law Enforcement - There are mysteries or thrillers with law enforcement and/or retired officers as the sleuth. Some have a military or federal investigative jobs.

1. John J. Lamb's Brad Lyon
2. Bill Crider's Dan Rhodes
3. Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch
4. P. D. James' Adam Dalgleish
5. Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire
6. David Baldacci's John Puller, Michelle Maxwell, and Sean King
7. Lee Child's Jack Reacher

Lawyers - I like legal mysteries and thrillers. These sleuths are either lawyers or investigators in law offices.

1. Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller
2. Lisa Scottoline's Roato and Associates
3. John Grisham's Many Stand-alone Thrillers

What other types of sleuths would you add to my list?

How Do You Eat Your M&Ms®?

We decided in an unofficial work poll this week that you can tell a lot about how someone's personality by how he/she eats their M&Ms®. One of my co-workers has an old fashioned gumball machine, and he keeps it stocked with M&Ms®. Several folks had stopped by his office before our meeting, and everyone showed up with handfuls of the coated candy. Here are the results of our "experiment."

1. The majority of people in the room ate their candies in color order. They finished one color before moving on to the next. I'm in this camp. When I was kid, and the dyes were different in the 1970s, I could tell the color by the taste (especially the red ones). 

2. Several of the folks always ate two M&Ms® at a time.

3. One person arranged the candies by color in rows, and she ate one from each row to keep the rows even . Her preference was an orderly presentation over the color sorting.

4. One person ate them by the handful. He liked the candy and didn't waste time arranging them.

5. One person arranged them into shapes or pictures before eating. He liked to make art before snacking.

When I Googled it, I was surprised that we're not alone. Check it out. There are lots of opinions on the best way to eat the candies. What's your preference and which color is best? (Blue!)

What's Involved in the Writing Life - A Post for New Authors

When I was younger, I thought writers worked in really cool places, wrote great books, and got lots of royalty checks. I had no idea about what it was really like -- writing, publishing, networking, and marketing. Here are some things I've learned along the way.

Blog/Website - You need to have a professional Internet presence. If you can't build and maintain it yourself, hire someone to help. If you do hire someone, make sure you can keep the content fresh. People don't return to your site if the content never changes. A blog (on your website) is a great way to have new content regularly. Decide what blogging schedule works with your writing life and commit to that. I used to blog three days a week, but it became too time-consuming. I post once every Friday now.

Social Media Presence - Time spent on social media sites can get out of control quickly. There are so many out there, and it takes time to develop relationships and followings on each of them. Figure out what works for you and your readers and focus your time on those. My primary social media sites are Facebook and Twitter. Previously, I used LinkedIn for my IT life, but I do promote my blog posts there now. I like Pinterest, so I hang out there for fun. I have a presence on Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, and BookBub.

Professional Photo - If you're going to invest in something for your writing career, get a good headshot that you can use for your branding. Put your photo on your website, blog, and social media sites. And if you haven't updated your photo in the last ten years, it's time. 

Press Kit - Put together a press kit (photo, short and long biography, book list) and make it accessible on your website. Have two to three biographies of different lengths. When you're asked to do events, the hosts want this information. Make sure that you keep your biography current.

Press Releases and Blurbs - For me, these are harder to write than the book. If it's not your strength, find help or resources on the Internet. You will need these. And it's better to have them written and ready.

Public Speaking - I enjoy panels, workshops, and interviews, but I've been a teacher, trainer, and Toastmaster through the years. I was surprised at the amount of public speaking that I'm asked to do. If you're shy or don't like to speak in front of groups, you may want to try Toastmasters. It's a friendly environment to practice in with constructive feedback. Many libraries and book groups ask for speakers. 

Time Management - There is a lot involved in the writing life. I'm in two writers groups and two critique groups. I work, blog, write, volunteer, and do family stuff. Sometimes, it's a challenge to balance everything. Watch your time. Make sure that you make time for writing and revising. Book marketing and social media can take up a lot of your resources.

Happy writing!