The importance of a book review Whether you are avid reader, a devourer of books, a casual reader, or someone who only picks up the occasional bestseller just before heading off for vacation, writing a brief book review can have a huge impact to readers and authors. From a reader’s… Read More »BOOK REVIEWS 101 by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer
After many years writing feature articles for national publications such as The New York Times, The L.A. Times, and Wired, as well as several nonfiction books for Penguin, Random House, and other publishers, a few years ago I plunged into writing my first novel. I hope it’s as fun to read as… Read More »How a Boy from Queens Ended Up Writing a Historical Novel About Detroit by Warren Berger
Since I write mysteries, people die and my sleuth, Leadville saloon-owner Inez Stannert, must ferret out the criminal and the crime. This latest book in my series takes Inez to Manitou Springs, a fast-rising health resort and tourist destination, where there was a whole lotta dying going on, not all… Read More »Eat Well and Thrive…or Not by Ann Parker
Inspiration. It’s a strange and capricious friend. It can’t be chased; it arrives unexpectedly; and can disappear in a flash. Yet where would we be without it? In every walk of life, nothing would get done or created without inspiration – along with ambition, determination and a healthy dose of… Read More »Inspiration for Thores-Cross by Karen Perkins
A novel with main characters based on historical figures presents a set of challenges to authors. History gives the principals who influenced and affected the course of events, but propaganda and poor record-keeping can alter impressions. Research provides information about particular incidents in the lives of historical figures. Yet, biases… Read More »The challenge of “true” historical fiction by Lisa Yarde