text: Posted by: nancycurteman | February 21, 2018
  One of the most frustrating things writers can experience is the inability to get a chapter just right. We try everything—revising setting, character descriptions and conflict, changing sentences, adding and removing paragraphs, rewriting the chapter. We even consider tossing out the whole chapter. But often we can't because it's integral to the plot so we have to labor through it. The problem is how to get the chapter right. Translation: how to get the chapter up to the level of perfection we want.
  Before we explore some strategies that might help us get the chapter right, we should remember two old sayings: A writer who thinks his work is perfect is usually a bad writer and Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on how to get the chapter just right if not perfect.
  Read your chapter aloud. This is a great way to diagnose problems. Maybe your rhythm is off or your character is acting or speaking out of character.
  Write a synopsis of your chapter. This will allow you to see any elements in your scenes that slow the plot pace.
  Critique groups help. Take your chapter to your group and ask them for ideas. Others can see what you don't see.
  Write mentally. Take a walk and add ideas and changes to your chapter in your mental computer.
  Write the next chapter. Leave the troublesome chapter and keep going. Choose a new chapter to work on. Return to the problem chapter later.
  Pause and rethink. Take a couple of days away from your chapter to recharge.
  Calm your Inner Critic. Chances are your chapter is not as bad as you think. Remind your Inner Critic that you will fix problems in rewrites.
  These are some strategies for getting the chapter just right. If you have some ideas I'd love it if you would share them with my readers.
  Posted in First Drafts, How to Conquer Writers' Block | Tags: editing novels, Mystery novels, writing craft, writing tips
  Posted by: nancycurteman | January 20, 2018
  I am delighted to announce that my 6th novel, "Murder Lurks in the Fog," ranked #3 in the 2017 Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll.
  "Murder Lurks in the Fog" joins "Murder Casts a Spell" (ranked #1) and "Murder Down Under" (ranked #5) as Readers Poll winners.
  Thanks so much to all my readers who took the time to vote for my novel.
  You can find all my mysteries on Amazon page.
  Posted in Global Mysteries, Global Mysteries: Travel the World in Mysteries, How to Market Your Mystery Novel, Murder Lurks in the Fog, Writing Awards | Tags: Awards winning mysteries, best mysteries, Caliifornia, Preditors & Editors Readers Poll, San Francisco
  Posted by: nancycurteman | December 29, 2017
  Just want to let you know that my sixth novel, "Murder Lurks in the Fog," has been nominated as best mystery novel of 2017 in the Preditors and Editors Readers' Poll. I'd love it if you would consider voting for me. Simply go to this site and follow voting instructions. http://critters.org/predpoll/
  Voting closes on January 14th.
  https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Lurks-Lysis-Weston-Mysteries/dp/0983463131/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1514171178&sr=8-1
  Posted in Award-winning mystery novels, Best Mystery Novels, Increase Readership of your novel, Murder Lurks in the Fog, Popular Novels and Authors, Top-rated Mystery Novels, Uncategorized | Tags: murder, mystery, Preditors ad Editors Readers' Poll, writing contests