We’re finding so much wonderful info for readers and writers online right now. For example, there’s a free series from Gotham Writers called Inside Writing. In this episode we see author Megan Collins talk about writing her novels The Winter Sister and Behind the Red Door.
Favorite parts:
- Megan reveals she is a fan of true crime. She considers listening to podcasts like My Favorite Murder as research for her novels.
- Her agent Sharon Pelletier says a big twist at the end should be believable and satisfying, not simply a big surprise.
- Sharon also says the little details have to be accurate/realistic or it will put off readers.
- Megan suggests tuning out the pressure to create something completely new and fresh because it can be paralyzing. Tell your story.
- Sharon doesn’t want to see the ending/answer to the mystery in the pitch.
The Winter Sister* by Megan Collins
(*Amazon Affiliate link)
Persephone died sixteen years ago and her murder remains unsolved.
When her sister Sylvie returns to her hometown to care for her mother, the mystery of what happened to Persephone is forced into her life again. She must deal with why her mother rejected her after her sister’s death. She also runs into Persephone’s boyfriend, who was the last to see her alive. Can she face the secrets kept all those years?
