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Randy Overbeck

The Age Old Question of Plotting vs. Pantsing
 The Age Old Question of Plotting vs. Pantsing 1024 576 Reader Views
The question of how to approach writing your novel—whether you should plot out every detail or “write by the seat of your pants”—has been raised and answered more times than I can count. On this issue, I’ve learned much from several great writers, from Stephen King to William Kent Kreuger to Stephanie Evanovich. And I’ve tried to put these lessons to work in crafting the narratives of my new series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries. There is no perfect advice here, but perhaps my observations may prove helpful. read more
A Truly Apt Setting Sets a Story Apart
 A Truly Apt Setting Sets a Story Apart 1024 576 Reader Views
Any good writer knows the importance of the right setting for their narrative, of creating the appropriate “world” the reader can inhabit for hours at a time. While this is a common mantra for science fiction writers—world building is a critical part of that genre—it is equally true for all fictional genres including mysteries. Sometimes this “world” can be as familiar as a small resort town or as unusual as a completely different time or place, even one the reader has never experienced. read more
“Maybe Writers SHOULD Sweat the Small Stuff”
 “Maybe Writers SHOULD Sweat the Small Stuff” 1024 576 Reader Views
Most of the time we think a novel’s success depends on good plots, great writing and engaging main characters, and we’d be right. But, as I’ve read and studied some of my favorite authors, I’ve come to realize that these talented writers invest considerable time and effort in creating real, three dimensional characters for even their minor players. read more