Early in my writing career, I had the incredible good fortune to study with National Book Award winner Alice McDermott. The story of how she got started writing …
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5 Fun Tips on Writing and on Life – from Agatha Christie on the Occasion of her Birthday
Agatha Christie was born 123 years ago today--an old bird by any measure, and yet she remains one of the most read authors ever. Here are a few tips from the …
Nick Taylor: How to Put Women Where There Were None
I'm delighted to welcome Nick Taylor back to 1st Books. Nick did the 4th post ever here back when his first novel, The Disagreement, was published in May of …
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Writing Advice and Inspiration from Elmore Leonard (1925 – 2013): #10. Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.
I heard on NPR this morning that Elmore Leonard passed away, and immediately thought of his wonderfully funny - and simply wonderful - 10 Tips for Writers. What …
Mostly Books, Tucson AZ
A cool bookstore--in so many ways! I was just on tour for The Wednesday Daughters, and landed in Tucson, where my mom's bestie lives. So I got to see Dritha's …
Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale AZ
I grew up reading Agatha Christie, and mysteries remain my weakness--in a good way. But I'm not generally shelved on in the mystery section, so it was with …
One true story I perhaps shouldn't admit…
One true story I perhaps shouldn't admit: The original title for my first novel, The Language of Light, was "Emma." My dear friend and mentor Madeleine Mysko - …
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Warwick's, La Jolla CA
Warwick's knows books, and luncheon menus, too! When I was told I was going to do two events with Warwick's on tour for The Wednesday Daughters, my reaction …
6 Weeks in the English Lakes #5: At Opposite Ends of the Coffin Route
Wordsworth and his brother were walking in the English Lakes in late 1799 with fellow poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge when they came upon the modest Dove …
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6 Weeks in the English Lakes #4: Beatrix Potter on England's Fells
"The fells are never twice alike." – Beatrix Potter, from a February 28, 1938 letter to Josephine Banner One of the loveliest ways to spend a day - or many …
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