The first reaction to this post’s headlines may be: What? Only five? No, I’ve made many more than five mistakes when writing my first fifty pages of my thriller novels. We’ve all heard not to begin a novel with description, dialog or a dream, but here are my most frustrating mistakes: 1. Endlessly rewriting theContinue reading “Five Mistakes Writers Make in the First Fifty Pages”
Tag Archives: writing
Thrillers That Make You Think
I posted this Listmania List on Amazon. I’d love to hear what YOU think and if you have any recommendations to add to this list. I’m always looking for thrillers for thinkers! Thrillers That Make You Think A Listmania! list by Pamela Hegarty “pamelahegarty” (New Jersey) Share with friends The list author says: “If you’reContinue reading “Thrillers That Make You Think”
Should Indie Publishers Offer a Goodreads Giveaway?
If you are wondering if a goodreads.com giveaway is worth a try, the short answer is Yes! I love the idea of reaching readers directly. I offered one signed copy of The Seventh Stone as a giveaway on goodreads.com for a time span of two weeks to give it a try. I tweeted to spread theContinue reading “Should Indie Publishers Offer a Goodreads Giveaway?”
The Advantages of a Series Character in Thriller Fiction
Lee Child, bestselling author of the Jack Reacher thrillers, offered these insights in a workshop which I attended: A series character makes it easier for a reader to buy a book, and sometimes encourages them to buy previous books in the series. You can’t design a series character to be succesful. Let the character beContinue reading “The Advantages of a Series Character in Thriller Fiction”
Wall Street Journal’s Article on Indie Author Becoming Best Seller
If you haven’t read it yet, check out the Wall Street Journal’s article on how Darcie Chan’s The Mill River Recluse became a best seller. Review the comments, too, for an intriguing discussion on the new opportunities for both readers and writers through the world of e-books and self-publishing. Congratulations to Darcie Chan. Persistence and faith paidContinue reading “Wall Street Journal’s Article on Indie Author Becoming Best Seller”
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Ring – History remembered
By Pamela Hegarty Prince William honored his late mother, Princess Diana, by passing on to his fiancée, Kate Middleton, the stunning sapphire ring that Prince Charles had given Diana. To me, it is a reminder of another sapphire ring in Britain’s history, belonging to Saint Edward, and the undeniable attraction of gemstones. In researching myContinue reading “Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Ring – History remembered”
The Da Vinci Code – Decoding Plot-driven vs Character-driven novels
Robert Langdon, literature’s most famous symbologist, is called in to solve a bizarre murder at the beginning of The Da Vinci Code. The murder sets the plot in motion, driving the hero into a race to solve the puzzle before the villains. Certainly, The Da Vinci Code must be a plot-driven novel. BUT Robert LangdonContinue reading “The Da Vinci Code – Decoding Plot-driven vs Character-driven novels”
Is There Anybody Out There?
No, I’m not talking about readers. I do have faith that you are out there, no matter what my Amazon ranking implies! When I see these amazing NASA images of the vast universe, I am both humbled and inspired. And I’m reminded that the best fiction is those stories that leave us with questions, notContinue reading “Is There Anybody Out There?”
Top Ten Reasons to Read a Thriller
By Pamela Hegarty Here are my top ten reasons to read a thriller novel–before the world ends! 10. The world is supposed to end in 2012. You want to know how. 9. And who is going to save us. 8. Thrillers dominate the bestseller lists. Yes, it is a conspiracy. 7. Seven out of tenContinue reading “Top Ten Reasons to Read a Thriller”
Three Key Elements of a Successful Thriller Novel
By Pamela Hegarty Thriller novels range across a spectrum of exciting subgenres, including international thrillers, spy stories, political skullduggery, crime novels, paranormal threats and more. My personal favorites are quests for artifacts that delve into the meaning of life, the universe and everything. The three key elements I focus on when writing or reading a thrillerContinue reading “Three Key Elements of a Successful Thriller Novel”
PAMELA HEGARTY 