by Kaye George

Craft

I’m enjoying reading Harlan Coben’s Plot Twist: A Memoir on Writing a lot, and it’s given me some ideas of my own. I’ve given advice to other writers from time to time, and I hope I’ve helped someone along the way. Others have certainly helped me. Here are some of the key elements.

For instance, I paid Chris Roerden to edit the first fifty pages of my Neanderthal novel, eventually titled Death in the Time of Ice, the first People of the Wind mystery. I’d been told that it was an excellent idea to end a chapter on a cliffhanger. So I did. She, however, advised me that ending every chapter that way became predictable, so I shouldn’t do it for every one. I decided I liked that advice and I took it.

This brings me main piece of advice to pass on: Take the advice that feels right to you. Don’t take the advice that does not.

Another thing I’ve been told, along with many writers, is to have a routine. Set up a consistent time and write every day. That mostly works for me. I’m not a morning person, so late afternoon is my consistent time. Most days. Not all days. Sometimes I have to write earlier because something is busting out. Again, this is an instance of doing what is right for your own self.

And the place where you carry out this routine? I have to be in my office at my desk with my desktop computer. No laptop for me. I much prefer to type on a real keyboard at a real monitor. However, if a laptop and a Starbucks works for you, then that’s what you should do.

Atmosphere? I like silence. Some writers like music, some like the bustle of the above-mentioned Starbucks. I DO like to eavesdrop on conversations at places like Starbucks and take material home with me, though. Please don’t tell the Starbucks patrons. I don’t want them to stop talking about their relatives and lovers and all the other things they discuss there.

It’s important that you listen to the advice other writers give you and consider it. But only use what feels right for you.

About Kaye George:

Kaye George is an award-winning and best-selling novelist and short-story writer who has written in several subgenres of mystery, and a bit of horror. Her 17th novel came out in April 2026, and anthologies, magazines and others, have published over 60 of her short stories.

For More Information:

Website: http://www.kayegeorge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaye.george