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Showing posts from March, 2019

WHAT'S REAL IN YOUR FICTION? by Heather

Recently, I was asked, "How much research do you actually do for fiction and how much of your work is true?” There’s quite a bit of research that goes into writing mysteries. I want to make sure that my stories are plausible and as accurate as possible. Readers notice when writers make mistakes. I mix quite a bit of “real” in my short stories and novels. All of my settings are actual places. I tend to put my works in Virginia cities and counties because I write what I know.  If a crime occurs, I make up that location's name. I wouldn't put a horrific or violent event at a real restaurant or store. But if you've been to the cities, you'll recognize landmarks, neighborhoods, and street names. I get ideas for crimes and capers from real cases, but I usually take liberties with the details. In my short story, "Washed up," in Virginia is for Mysteries , a beat up suitcase washes up on Chick's Beach, and it's filled with some mysterious contents.

BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS

ATTENTION BOOK CLUBS!  If your club is reading To Fetch a Thief, Four Fun Tails of Theft and Murder,  then be sure and check out discussion questions to help you foster lively discussion. Questions are on the "THE QUESTIONS" tab of this blog, or click here to be whooshed away immediately.