Here’s a typical Christmas scene, relatives or friends baking. How would you use this in a Christmas mystery? Share below! “Did you put in the vanilla?” Aunt Delia asked. “Yes.” I stirred the thick batter. “I’ve made this a hundred times.” “Doesn’t hurt to double check.” I stopped stirring. “Do you think it’s dumb or… Continue Reading →
Monday Sparks — Writing Prompts: What’s the Christmas Story?
This month on my blog, the theme is Christmas. Anything and everything Christmas. For Monday Sparks, I’ll post a photo and suggest a style of writing or genre for a Christmas story. For the photo above, I chose historical fiction because it looks like sleighs are gliding ahead of a horse with a rider, who… Continue Reading →
What’s the Ending?
I love the expression on this little guy’s face, so he inspired me to include him as a prompt. What’s the ending of a story in which he’s the main character? I’m thinking a middle grade story, possibly a mystery. Here’s my ending: Okay. So the squad and I didn’t deduce the identity of the… Continue Reading →
Monday Sparks — Writing Prompts: What’s Your Favorite Christmas Song?
My theme this month is music, not just Christmas music, but I thought I might as well tie it in with the holiday. I’ve always like songs in minor keys, so some of my favorite Christmas songs are “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”, “What Child is This?”, and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I also… Continue Reading →
Writing Tip — Christmas Music as Writing Inspiration
My kids and I have broken out our collection of Christmas music and listen to it whenever we are in the car in December. I have a firm rule that we don’t listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving and we quit after New Year’s Day. So we need to cram in a lot of… Continue Reading →