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Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to a reported haunted house for research. I’m now racing toward the finish line for RACKED and edits come back for SILENT MAYHEM tomorrow…
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What is Adipocere or Corpse Wax?
After deciding to use a specific decomposition process in my WIP, I called my consultant at the Grafton County Medical Examiner’s. I hadn’t spoken to her in a while. Our last conversation wound…
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One Writer’s Personal Struggle with Pain
This isn’t an easy post to write, because it’s so personal. I’ve received emails from many of you, asking if Murder Blog is gone. It isn’t. I love this blog and have worked…
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10 Building Blocks of a Psychopath
The long-standing debate, Nature vs. Nurture, will never be settled. Both sides have valid arguments whether a serial killer is “born bad” or created by their environment. In this post, let’s look at…
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Behind-The-Scenes Look at a Real Murder Interrogation
I have a special treat for you today. Danny R. Smith spent 21 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the last seven as a homicide detective, and he’s here to give us…
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Writing Tips, Editing Tips, Perseverance, and More on Dying Words
Garry was crazy kind enough to invite me back to the Dying Words blog for a fun talk. We discuss writing tips, characterization, POV, the Oxford comma, self-editing, SCATHED, and lots more. Hop…
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Writers, Have You Found Your Voice?
Voice is an elusive creature that creeps in the shadows, mocking us, daring us to find it. Voice is also near-impossible to define. I gave it a shot back in 2016 on the…
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Microchips and Shoe Leather: Gumshoeing in the Modern Era
Ever wonder about the lives of Private Investigators in the modern era? My guest today is a former Police Officer, Insurance Fraud Investigator, and has run a successful Private Investigations business for 20…
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Carbon Cycle: How Decomposition Benefits Ecosystems
Eventually, all living things die. Our ecosystems need the death to occur in order to breathe new life into something else. This cycle is called the Carbon Cycle, and you and I are…
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10 Ways to Murder Your Lover
With Valentine’s Day upon us, lots of love posts float around the web. Love can be a wonderful emotion; it also borders hatred. I do include relationships in my books. Sometimes my characters…