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Great Lakes Fiction Writers

| authorbarbarahoward

2024 has opened a wonderful door. I stepped into the role of president of the Great Lakes Fiction Writers. I am honored and look forward to serving our writing community and building strong relationships and mutual success.

Are you a writer searching for community and connection with others of shared interests?

Look no further – the Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW) community is calling your name! We’d like to extend a warm invitation to you, whether you’re a seasoned author or just dipping your toes into the world of romance writing or stories that include romantic elements.

GLFW is a diverse community where traditionally published and indie authors come together to celebrate the art of writing craft. We believe in the power of community, and we encourage writers from all walks of life to join us.

Why Join?

Monthly Meetings: Engage in discussions with fellow members, gain insights from industry professionals, and participate in workshops that will elevate your manuscript to a new level.

Critique Group: Receive valuable feedback from fellow writers dedicated to helping you polish your manuscript. It’s like having your own team of literary cheerleaders!

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse array of professionals – from seasoned authors to editors, educators, librarians, and small press entrepreneurs.

Supportive Community: Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Our group is a family where we celebrate each other’s successes, offer guidance during challenges, and share the love of the craft.

Renew Your Membership!

To our existing members, thank you for making our group fun! It’s time to renew your membership and continue the journey with us. Your stories, experiences, and friendships are what make our group special.

How to Join?

Simply visit our website www.greatlakesfictionwriters.com to sign up and become part of the GLFW community.

A Match Made in Murder, The Clover City Files #3

| authorbarbarahoward

“In the heart of Clover City, love is a grand affair orchestrated by matchmaker extraordinaire, Fiona Murphy. But this Valentine’s Day, her twelve perfect weddings become a chilling mystery. As the Boat House transforms from a haven of romance to a crime scene, ‘A Match Made in Murder‘ unveils a tale where love and betrayal intermingle, and uncovering the truth becomes the ultimate act of love.”

Release date: February 14, 2024

How Do I Balance Description With Action In My Writing?

| authorbarbarahoward

Balancing description with action in writing is akin to orchestrating a delicate dance where both partners—the narrative details and the dynamic events—move in harmony. Effective storytelling hinges on finding the sweet spot between vivid descriptions that paint a sensory-rich scene and the kinetic energy of action propelling the plot forward. Too much emphasis on description can bog down the pace, while an excess of action may leave the reader disoriented. Striking equilibrium involves interweaving descriptive elements seamlessly into the action, allowing readers to visualize scenes without sacrificing momentum. This integration ensures that every detail serves a purpose, contributing to character development, setting the mood, or propelling the narrative.

In this delicate ballet, consider embedding descriptive elements within the action itself. Instead of presenting a static scene description, infuse it with movement and purpose. For instance, instead of a standalone depiction of a room, describe the protagonist navigating through it, interacting with the environment. This not only maintains the narrative’s flow but also invites readers to experience the setting in motion. Strike a judicious balance, letting the pace ebb and flow naturally, creating a dynamic reading experience where description and action harmonize to propel the story forward.

Black Friday thru Cyber Monday Sale on The Taste of Rain eBook

| authorbarbarahoward

In “The Taste of Rain”, we follow the story of Amira, a college student who works part-time as a health aide at a local nursing home. One day, she meets an elderly resident, Claire Stewart, who confides in her that her husband was killed years ago, but nobody believed her.

Amira is hesitant to believe Claire at first, but as she gets to know her better, she realizes that there might be some truth to her story. Amira decides to investigate the case and help Claire find the killer.

She must navigate through the complexities of the past and present to find the truth and bring justice for Claire.

Along the way, Amira faces challenges both personally and professionally. She must balance her college studies with her part-time job and her investigation. She also learns to confront her own biases and assumptions about aging and the elderly.

“The Taste of Rain” is a mystery that explores the themes of trust, aging, and justice. It is a heartwarming tale of the unlikely friendship between a young college student and an elderly resident, as they work together to uncover the truth, and solve a decades-old murder.

Wedding-Themed Cozy Mystery Anthology, Malice, Matrimony, and Murder Now Available

| authorbarbarahoward

The bride wore an orange jumpsuit…

Everyone loves a good wedding—and a good mystery. Combine the two and what do you get? Malice, Matrimony, and Murder!

Over two dozen authors have teamed up to offer you this wedding-themed collection of brand-new cozy mystery and cozy crime fiction stories that will keep you wondering whodunit and what’s next from the first page to the last. Between bad bridesmaids, conniving caterers, greedy guests, ill-mannered in-laws, savvy sleuths, and vengeful villains, this anthology has it all! All of the stories are clean and fun, with a general feel-good tone. If you read to be entertained, surprised, and uplifted, then this collection is for you!

Even better, YOU get to be an armchair sleuth! The anthology as a whole contains an overarching wedding whodunit woven throughout. As you’re reading, collect the clues, identify whodunit, and access a special ebook filled with bonuses and extras. Inside you’ll find recipes, character interviews, bonus stories, and more!

If you’re drawn to shorter mysteries that are light on gore and language, and high on humor, entertainment, and happy endings, then you don’t want to miss out on Malice, Matrimony, and Murder. But this collection is only available for a limited-time, so grab it now before it’s gone forever!

Our stories:
• “The Groom’s Club” by Joslyn Chase.
• “A Wedding Planner’s Nightmare: A Persimmon Worthing Mystery” by Charlotte Morganti.
• “Cinderella at Midnight” by P.M. Raymond.
• “Ring Robbery: A Cozy Cat Caper Mystery Short” by Paige Sleuth.
• “What’s a Little Murder Between Friends” by Teresa Inge.
• “Icing on the Cake” by Sally Milliken.
• “Love and Death in Madison, Georgia” by Rebecca Olmstead.
• “Second Chances Are…Murder: A Vermont Radio Mystery” by Nikki Knight.
• “Wedding Vows & Vipers” by Shari Held.
• “The Bride Wore Death” by Barbara Howard.
• “Chill: A Naomi Sinclair Short Story” by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier.
• “A Bit of a Do” by KD Sherrinford.
• “Goes Around” by Stephen D. Rogers.
• “Jilted” by Elaine Togneri.
• “Sabotage and a Murder Mystery” by Lynn Hesse.
• “Til Death Do Us Part” by Margaret S. Hamilton.
• “A Wedding Most Bitter: A Lara’s Detective Agency Series” by Stella Oni.
• “Better Late Than Murdered” by Robert Petyo.
• “Charm City Wedding” by Pamela Kyel.
• “The Other Wedding Crasher” by Karen McCullough.
• “Marriage, Neighbors and Best Friends: A Wally and Ollie Series” by Wil A. Emerson.
• “The Wedding Dress in the Middle of the Road” by Jack Bates.
• “Death, the Unwanted Wedding Guest” by J. Aquino.
• “We Haven’t Had Cake” by Sharyn Kolberg.
• “To Have and To Scold” by Becky Clark.

How Do I Write Effective Foreshadowing?

| authorbarbarahoward

Foreshadowing is important in your story since it gives it depth and suspense. With that small poke, readers receive a taste of what’s to come, whetting their hunger for more. So how can you become an expert at foreshadowing?

Consider foreshadowing at first as a trail of crumbs. Readers gladly follow the intriguing, covert cues you provide along the way, like breadcrumbs. Drop hints that will later be related to important narrative twists or revelations early on in your novel. These clues might be a character’s mysterious past or a seemingly unimportant item that becomes crucial as the plot progresses. The secret is to make careful, rational decisions.

Second, think about the genre and tone of your work. The environment you’ve established should be effortlessly incorporated into any foreshadowing. While it could take on a more menacing tone in a dark thriller, it might entail charming, unobtrusive clues in a cozy mystery. To make your foreshadowing seem like a natural part of the plot, stay loyal to the tone of your story.

Last but not least, keep in mind that foreshadowing is a craft that frequently manifests itself during edits. You’ll find opportunities to improve your foreshadowing as you edit your book. Be flexible in order to improve your storytelling. When used skillfully, foreshadowing may transform your story into a thrilling quest for knowledge that will leave your readers wanting to learn the mysteries you have weaved into your plot.

How Do I Handle Subplots In My Writing?

| authorbarbarahoward

Hello, wonderful book lovers! The question of how to manage subplots in my work is one that’s frequently asked, and since you’ve been with me on this amazing writing adventure, I felt it was about time we have a nice discussion about it. The key is to strike the ideal balance.

Subplots are like the seasonings in a meal; they give the main course character and complexity. Whether it’s illuminating a character’s past, adding an exciting twist, or examining a new perspective of the story’s topic, each one should have a distinct purpose. Subplots are those fascinating side storylines that make reading more enjoyable. Like a skilled cook, I also aim for the ideal balance.

Your tale may seem flat if there are too few subplots. While an abundance of them might be overpowering. In order to make sure they support the main storyline, improve character development, and add to the broader narrative tapestry, you need to carefully evaluate each one. Creating a story that is as rich and gratifying as a favorite home-cooked meal is all about harmony. I appreciate you joining me on this beautiful journey.

Cheers!