An earlier post on Irish Roots Author discussed writing scenes out of order. Why? It can…
Elaine Orr & Elaine L. Orr
What Rules Your World?
By Elaine L. Orr I think about what rules our lives on different days. For example,…
When the First Draft Becomes a Way to Reorganize
By Elaine L. Orr I am a fairly efficient writer — I wrote nonfiction for work…
When You Want to Write Something Other than Books
By Elaine L. Orr In another universe, or at least another part of my life, I…
So Many Writing Resources to Choose From
First of all, I was so tempted to say, “From which to choose,” but I chided…
Am I Trying to Write Two Books Instead of One?
By Elaine L. Orr I’ve been working on New Lease on Death (13th Jolie Gentil cozy) for…
How Much is too Much in Describing a Fictional Universe?
Writers need to know a great deal about their characters and the worlds in which they…
Check Out Janice Hardy’s Fiction University
At least once a week I read about enhancing writing skills. In the “old days” I…
Why Do We Think We Know What Pets Think?
My family did not have pets growing up until after I left for college. Then my…
The Difference Between “My Bad” and “I’m Sorry”
Admittedly, I’m not the youngest author on the block. However, I only began hearing the phrase…
Finish (or Start) that New Book for the New Year
I usually pound away at books throughout the year. In 2022, I had a bigger mix…
Give Yourself a Break with a Book
In many countries, the time between mid-December and New Year’s is fraught with frenzied activity. It’s…
Is it Book Marketing or Relating?
It’s been a while since I’ve written a post about marketing books. I let readers know…
What do Dragons and Mice have to do with Writing?
Turns out dragons and mice are very relevant. Lancelot Schaubert’s piece (November 29, 2022 on Writer…
The Best Advice Top Authors Received
And some they offer to others. At the Prime Crime at the Columbia Club conference the…
Authenticity Plus Creativity = a Well Researched Book
The Prime Crime Panel “Research: Write What You Know or Study Up?” brought together four panelists…
A Panel on Research in Writing
As someone who did analytical research for years, I like to delve into almost any topic.…
In a World Where Makeup Matters
I followed a link in something I was reading (can’t remember what, truly) and it took…
Why is it so Hard to Write Sometimes?
“Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty…
When to Keep a Secret and When to Tell Readers More
Authors who write a series — whether sci fi, fantasy, mystery, romance, or family saga —…
Writing in First Person vs Third Person
I write four mystery series, two in first person point of view (Jolie Gentil and River’s…
Remember When People Thought 50 Was Old?
My friends and siblings and I have discussed that we feel (and sometimes look) younger than…
My Family’s History Contributes to Mysteries
Each summer for twenty-seven years, I’ve headed to Southwest Missouri for the reunion of Orr and…
It’s Fun to See Who Buys Your Books
I often tout the benefits of selling my books at all online retailers (termed “going wide”…
The Frantic Finale — Finishing a Book
I am a very methodical writer in the sense that it’s my job and I keep…