Tag: Writing

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A Writer's Diary Sam Smith Mystery Series

A Writer’s Diary #1

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The writing of Family Honour, book seven in the Sam Smith Mystery Series, is complete. Over the next two weeks I hope to edit the manuscript and prepare it for the proofreader. Then the book should be on sale in May as an eBook and in June in print. An audio book should follow somewhere down the line.

Meanwhile, I have been storyboarding Sins of the Father, book eight. I storyboard all the stories in detail and find that helps greatly with the writing. I am halfway through the storyboard with firm ideas for the second half. I create character profiles before the storyboarding and the ideas flow from them.

As with all writers, getting readers to believe in you is the hardest part. It seems that readers are only attracted to hyped books these days. Personally, I dislike that aspect of the business and try to avoid it, in my reading and writing. I am fortunate in that I have a core following who have loyally read my books from book one. These readers mean a lot to me and if any of you are reading this then please accept my sincere thanks for your support.

Categories
Hannah's Diary Novels Private Detectives Sam Smith Mystery Series

Questionnaire

A short questionnaire I answered for goodreads.com

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Hannah Howe: My stories develop from the characters, which I create in depth before writing. So I never (touch wood!) get writer’s block.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Hannah Howe: The freedom to explore issues and subjects that matter to you. And the thought that people enjoy your stories and connect with your characters.

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Hannah Howe: Deal with subjects that matter to you. Be true to yourself.

What are you currently working on?

Hannah Howe: I am currently writing Ripper, book four in the Sam Smith Mystery Series, and researching material for book five.

How do you get inspired to write?

Hannah Howe: I write books that I like to read. So I ask myself, “what would I like to read next?” Then sit down to write that book.

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Hannah Howe: My ideas always come from the characters. Basically, I take the point Sam is at in her life and add the hirer who walks into her office. On this occasion, The Big Chill, that person entered Sam’s office to shoot her, and the story unfolds from there.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/10801352.Hannah_Howe/questions

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Categories
Hannah's Diary Novels

Kurt Vonnegut on Storytelling

A five minute film featuring Kurt Vonnegut where he explains the essence of storytelling. Within the humour of the film is a basic truth, which Kurt Vonnegut used to great effect in his novels. And here is one of many quotable quotes from the great author.

“If you want to really hurt your parents, go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”