Okay, friends, it’s time for the spoilers! edition of #Ask Me Anything about The Professor of Eventide. This is the first time I’ve done a spoilery Q&A about one of my books, but I’ve had some questions that require divulging more specific information. As an author, I feel strongly that readers should make their own … Continue reading What Really Happened in The Professor of Eventide? (Spoilers!)
Mysteries
The Books I Read to Write The Professor of Eventide
Whenever I begin a new novel, I do a lot of reading around that project. Whether I’m researching a certain historical aspect or I’m looking to see what other authors have done with that topic, I enjoy learning as much as I can. While not everything I read ends up in the novel (in fact, … Continue reading The Books I Read to Write The Professor of Eventide
Why Some Fictional Mysteries Don’t Want To Be Solved
Last week, I wrote a bit about the differences between traditional mysteries and inverted mysteries. I realized when I finished that post that I had more to say on the subject, so this week I wanted to talk a bit about the endings of mysteries and how sometimes there isn’t a convenient ending for some … Continue reading Why Some Fictional Mysteries Don’t Want To Be Solved
What Makes a Mystery an Inverted Mystery?
Some of the more general questions I’ve received lately have to do with inverted mysteries and what specifically makes an inverted mystery. To put it in its simplest terms, an inverted mystery reveals the central event (the murder or whatever the mystery is about ) early in the story. Instead of focusing on the solving … Continue reading What Makes a Mystery an Inverted Mystery?
Writing My First Mystery: The Challenges No One Warned Me About
I love to watch mysteries. I’ve watched all of Poirot with David Suchet several times. I’ve watched two different Miss Marples. I've also watched all three Morses (Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour). I’ve read a number of mysteries too (mostly Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, and the Inspector Morse books). Finally, in Spring 2024, I decided to write … Continue reading Writing My First Mystery: The Challenges No One Warned Me About
How Atmosphere, Ambition, and Mystery Inspired My #WIP
I'm nearing the end of writing my current #WIP. It's not done done but it's getting there. I've completed the fourth draft, and I'm currently giving the manuscript (and myself) a rest for a week or two. The way things stand now, the novel will be published in 2026. As soon as I have a … Continue reading How Atmosphere, Ambition, and Mystery Inspired My #WIP
How to Write a Historical Mystery That Brings the Past To Life
Historical fiction is kind of my thing. I was the executive editor of a literary journal of historical fiction for more than 20 years, and most of the novels I've written are historical. Last week I shared some general mystery writing tips. This week, I want to share what I've learned specifically about writing historical … Continue reading How to Write a Historical Mystery That Brings the Past To Life
How To Write a Mystery That Keeps Readers Guessing
There’s something just irresistible about a good mystery. While I’ve loved to watch TV mysteries for as long as I can remember, I’ve only started reading mysteries within the last year or so. When I decided to try my hand at writing one, I had to learn how to write a mystery novel. True, a mystery … Continue reading How To Write a Mystery That Keeps Readers Guessing
A Sneak Peek: An Excerpt from The Professor of Eventide
I’ve had so many questions about The Professor of Eventide, which makes me very happy, so keep them coming. You can always send your questions to me through the Contact link above or at meredithallardauthor@gmail.com. Right now, readers mainly want to know when the book will be published. If you’ve been following me for any … Continue reading A Sneak Peek: An Excerpt from The Professor of Eventide
Poe and the Gothic: Researching His Literary Style
Sharing More Book Research Since I shared my research into the nineteenth-century spiritualism movement last week, I thought I’d share some research into one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. Yes, if you’re wondering, this research also plays into my new novel, though I can’t say how yet. I’ve read so many biographies about … Continue reading Poe and the Gothic: Researching His Literary Style