writing

Festive Mayhem 4 Crime Fiction Anthology

| authorbarbarahoward

The successful funding of our Kickstarter campaign for Festive Mayhem 4 is truly a cause for celebration! I am absolutely thrilled at the thought of sharing my short story, “Chocolate Kisses, Deadly Wishes,” with eager readers. As an added treat, the companion cookbook is among the exciting bonus rewards available in the Kickstarter campaign. Festive Mayhem 4 is a captivating multi-author mystery and crime fiction anthology, featuring 13 captivating new short stories contributed by me and my esteemed author peers.

The Kickstarter rewards offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this compelling collection, with three exclusive limited-edition Crime Collections up for grabs. Each volume is thoughtfully curated to include a selection of the Festive Mayhem 4 stories and comes with digital signatures from the contributing authors. It’s important to note that access to these Kickstarter-exclusive volumes will be limited once the campaign concludes, so I encourage you to seize this opportunity without delay and show your support by backing us today!

For more details and to discover the various ways you can contribute and get involved, please visit our Kickstarter page at Kickstarter page. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share this thrilling anthology with you. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!

Barbara Howard on Sisters in Crime Writers’ Podcast

| authorbarbarahoward

I had the awesome privilege of being a guest on the Sisters in Crime Writers’ Podcast. The interview was fun and covered many topics that are near to the hearts of both indie and traditionally published authors. Sisters in Crime (SinC) is one of the top international organizations chosen by crime fiction authors in search of community, resources, and industry news. You can hear the full interview wherever you listen to podcasts or follow this link to the Sisters in Crime Writers’ Podcast page.

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.

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.