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...
by Susan Van Kirk | Oct 22, 2023 | Blog, historical fiction, reading, writing novels
The past few months, I’ve been uploading posts from my fellow Level Best Book authors. Today, I’m posting a review of a most remarkable book from that publisher. I love historical fiction books, and Jane Rubin’s new novel, In the Hands of Women, is truly an amazing...
by Susan Van Kirk | Sep 18, 2023 | Blog, fiction, writing, writing novels
Liz Milliron is a Level Best Books author who writes the Laurel Highlands Mysteries set in southwest Pennsylvania. Featuring a Pennsylvania State Trooper and a Fayette County public defender, the series is up to the sixth book, which comes out on September 19....
by Susan Van Kirk | Aug 14, 2023 | Blog, mysteries, reading, suspense, writing novels
Today I’m welcoming Arlene Kay, a Level Best Books author, to my blog to talk about her latest mystery and her love affair with bad guys! Welcome, Arlene… Mystery writers populate books with an array of suspects who may or may not be the culprit. Creating...
