by Susan Van Kirk | Apr 28, 2025 | Blog, suspense, writing novels
Several years ago, I was at a writer/fan conference which focused mainly on cozy mysteries. I did indeed have a cozy out. I also had my first horror out. I was in the lobby talking about books to readers I’d just met. I’m fine with talking to a roomful or...
by Susan Van Kirk | Feb 3, 2025 | Blog, mystery, reading, suspense, writing novels
It’s probably not a good idea to chase an armed burglar. But, in my husband’s defense, he didn’t know the man fleeing our house had a gun. At least not at first. Then the young man stopped, pulled a semi-automatic, aimed it at Danny’s head, and threatened to kill him....
by Susan Van Kirk | Oct 28, 2024 | fiction, mystery, suspense, writing novels
When it comes to real world mysteries, certain settings stand out as the most compelling. An opera house is one, and in my Julia Kogan Opera Mystery series I use the mischief and mayhem found behind those golden curtains to portray the setting as an important...
by Susan Van Kirk | Apr 22, 2024 | Blog, mysteries, writing, writing novels
I first met Jim Jackson several years ago through the Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime, and he talked me into being the president of the online SinC chapter. (He’s very good at that!) It’s been a great experience for me, so I’m glad he was so...
by Susan Van Kirk | Mar 11, 2024 | Blog, mysteries, suspense, writing novels
It doesn’t matter where I’m speaking, about what, or to which group, eventually someone wants to know where the stories come from. I really want to say that’s a tough question, but I find inspiration in the darndest places. Mostly because I can’t keep my nose out of...
by Susan Van Kirk | Feb 26, 2024 | Blog, mystery, suspense, writing novels
Today I’ve invited Linda Norlander to my website to talk about her mystery writing. All writing careers are not alike, and Linda’s is pretty funny! Take it away, Linda… Back when I was in my mid-thirties, I created a character I named Elizabeth...
by Susan Van Kirk | Feb 5, 2024 | Blog, fiction, mysteries, reading, writing novels
There’s a lot to love about cozy mysteries. Almost always, they begin in a picturesque small town filled with quirky characters we can easily imagine as our neighbors and friends. While a thriller might keep us on the edge of our seats, a cozy mystery pulls us into...
by Susan Van Kirk | Jan 17, 2024 | Blog, mysteries, Susan Van Kirk, writing, writing novels
Back in August 2021, I wrote in my blog post: “Once upon a time I had three children who married and had children of their own. Now I have eleven grandchildren. I hadn’t thought I’d have such a bonanza, but four of them came as twins to my older son and his wife. Yes,...
by Susan Van Kirk | Jan 9, 2024 | Blog, publishing, Susan Van Kirk, writing novels
As I sit in my office in my small Midwest town, the snow continues to fall, and we may get over a foot over the next day or two. It’s beautiful, but I plan to stay inside today catching up on tasks I put off as I finished writing Death in a Ghostly Hue. Cleaning out...
by Susan Van Kirk | Oct 30, 2023 | Blog, historical fiction, mystery, writing novels
I’m welcoming back Marlie Wasserman, historical fiction crime writer, who has a wonderful new book out from Level Best Books. Her new novel is inspired by an 1899 New York City fire at a luxury hotel in Manhattan. Historical crime fiction includes both novels...
