We’ve been lucky to escape many natural disasters despite living in the American South for 20 years. But all good things must pass. We arrived home after a short book event weekend a few weeks ago to discover how badly our home and city has been ravaged by the after-effects of Hurricane Helene. Parts of the city is underwater. Our home is still standing but buried under giant trees. Many businesses we have come to love and adore are devastated.

I usually talk about writerly stuff at SleuthSayers, the mystery blog, but this week I naturally felt compelled to share my eyewitness report of what we’ve experience on the ground here in Asheville, North Carolina…

As a gentleman of a certain age, I suppose I am shocked that Steven Spielberg’s film Jaws is fast approaching its 50th Anniversary. It’s not a film I saw as a kid. (I was 10 when the film debuted at the drive-ins of my youth.) But as an adult, I’ve not only watched it numerous times, I actually love it as a great film and a great piece of storytelling. Recently, when my wife returned a trip with a girlfriend to Martha’s Vineyard, where the film was shot, she brought back some Jaws swag for me that sent me down a rabbit hole of nostalgia and research…

The only real occupational hazard as a writer is that many people will ask you if you can help them write their book. The only appropriate answer to this question is “Hell no!” For lots of reasons. If they’ve never tried to write before, such people think it’s incredibly easy to write a book. You just sit down and type whatever comes to mind. How freeing! What could be easier? Well, it’s not easy. It’s the toughest and yet most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. And sometimes, despite my misgivings, I help others achieve their dreams. But most people get the brush-off. Why?

I spotted a book online that grabbed me as soon as I read the premise. The great thriller writer John Grisham agreed to coach a personal friend of his write a first-time thriller novel. I was hooked, mostly because I was curious what Grisham’s advice would be. I’m a professional writer, and I’m always fascinated by how highly successful commercial writers work their magic. This book seemed too good to pass up. The book is called Writing with the Master, and before you run out and buy it, I think you ought to read my article first, because…

Some writers are fans of outlines. Others aren’t. Hence the age-old dichotomy of pantsers and plotters. When I write journalistic work, I tend to use an outline because nonfiction lends itself to “easier” organization. When I write fiction, my brain just doesn’t want an outline crowding it in. That’s when I prefer to make it up as I go along. Turns out, there’s a way to have your cake and eat it too. Here’s how…

Our friend, the thriller writer Robert Swartwood, recently swung through town to participate in the author interview event my wife Denise runs once a month at a local cocktail bar. I’ve known Rob for a number of years, and he’s always a breath of fresh air. I have fun with him every time I see him, and learn so much about the world of publishing. This time was no different. He was in town promoting his new thriller, The Killing Room, which is freaking awesome. (Affiliate link alert.) One of those breakneck novels that keep you guessing, and then blow your mind at big reveals you didn’t see coming…