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The Magic of Mystery
Sometimes I hear people refer to mystery as puzzles, little brain teasers for the reader to figure out. That may be one approach to writing mystery, but it isn’t mine. To this writer, mystery is about magic. When a character sort of “peeps” in and out of the main storyline, you get the feeling there’s something more going on than what you can see. Tidbits … Continue reading The Magic of Mystery
Voice like Billie’s
When Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, or even Lady Gaga sings a tune, you know exactly who is singing before anyone tells you. Another person could sing the same lyrics in the same tone, but wouldn’t have their unique voice. For example, here are clips of Billie Holiday and Janice Joplin singing Summertime: Great writers also have a unique “voice,” –but if it isn’t in their … Continue reading Voice like Billie’s
Reverse Perspective: an unexpected funhouse
“It’s about an artist who paints in reverse perspective,” I say and invariably the response is, “What’s reverse perspective?” Explode the back: Reverse perspective is an art term with a specific, distorted meaning. Put simply, objects in the background are portrayed larger than objects in the front of the image. Hereâs a video that explains it: . In Distortion, I use reverse perspective first as … Continue reading Reverse Perspective: an unexpected funhouse
Distortion
A Kindle Top Ten Murder Mystery Feb. 2014and Kindle Top 20 Nov/Dec. 2013, thanks to YOU! Distortion is a dark crime novel told from the point of view of the “bombshell” who isn’t stupid, evil or blonde. An artist, Adele Proust paints a crime scene in reverse perspective and turns a murder investigation backwardsâonto her friends. Much appreciation to: Reviewers are saying:“Riveting”“The intrigue and lies … Continue reading Distortion
For Art Focus: Photo/Synthesis
Some exhibits are so big I can barely walk through without a lunch break. Will Wilson’s Photo/Synthesis was not that huge physically. I didn’t need a sandwich. Photo/Synthesis was mammoth on my mind. It invigorated my curiosity, dismantled my preconceptions and surprised me with controversy–yeah, we’ll get to that. I came to see powerful portraits and found those plus… Featured image: Will Wilson (U.S., Navajo; b. … Continue reading For Art Focus: Photo/Synthesis
Acoustic Neuroma? What the heck?
(The image above is “Patient Girl,” by LA artists, the Clayton Brothers. Experience more of their work at Print Magazine or their website. Used with permission.) I wanted to share a few facts about that little stowaway inside my head. First, an acoustic neuroma (AN) is a tumor of the ear/brain/balance/facial nerves. Here’s what a small one looks like: Mine was the size of a golf ball … Continue reading Acoustic Neuroma? What the heck?
In Faceted Shadows
Always curious about new ways of seeing, I’ve been exploring 3D shadows in my next book. I used to experience them in downtown Houston between skyscrapers at night. They most often appeared like the image above (look past the lights into the shadows). Sometimes they seemed to suspend spectral shapes in midair. More recently I enjoyed them in the Chihuly exhibit at the Oklahoma City … Continue reading In Faceted Shadows
The Best Advice
I love writing six-word memoirs and the biggest purveyor of them, Smith Magazine, is featuring one of mine in their latest collection with St. Martin’s Press along with sixes by Goldie Hawn, Mollie Ringwald, Madeline Albright, Piper Kerman, etc. I’m so honored. Continue reading The Best Advice
