A mystery depends on plot. Yes, characters are important, even critical. The technical details behind the crime are important. The locale is often essential to understanding the story. But plot is king. I am not a great plotter. Sure, I am very creative when it comes to coming up with strange, off-the-wall ideas. But when …
I’m ashamed to say that over the past year or so, my writing performance has severely declined. I can blame it on Covid; I can blame it on the uncertainty in our country’s political situation. But I can mostly blame it on my own laziness. But I can also blame it on my editor, who …
While MacFarland is not much of a football fan, I am. I enjoy watching a game that is actually a lot more than braun (which is what I thought of the game when I was a kid). I now realized that it takes more than talented players to win a championship. Of course, talented players …
In the Crying Camper, MacFarland finds himself pitted against an adversary he didn’t anticipate. But before he can get justice for old wounds, he has to save children who are being trafficked into prostitution and slavery. This is one of my favorite stories in the Hot Dog Detective Series. I enjoy it for several reasons. …
I am working on the re-write of The Vacillating Vigilante. Re-writing is always a challenge, and I’ve heard some writers express a dislike of re-writing. But for me, it’s a chance to see my novel in its entirety, to make sure that all the threads are woven into the appropriate fabric, and to see how …
Reviews are the lifeblood of a successful writer’s career. When I get a favorable review, I feel pleased that I was able to satisfy a reader of my story. When I get an unfavorable review, I wonder why am I pretending that I’m a serious writer and why don’t I just take up bagging groceries …