Jonathan Santlofer The first page of “Anatomy of Fear,” my novel about police sketch artist, Nate Rodriguez, was the last…

Elizabeth Zelvin In medias res, ( Latin: “in the midst of things”) in narrative technique, the recommended practice of beginning an epic or…

Gigi Pandian Writing a series is tough. I’m not talking about a lack new ideas to keep the books fresh.…

B.K. Stevens The first sentence of a newspaper article, experts say, must answer five basic questions, usually referred to as…

Edith Maxwell (also known as Maddie Day) I’d like to break down the first two pages from Flipped for Murder,…

Melissa Yi Mystery writer Kris Rusch/Nelscott ran a mystery workshop where she first asked us what historical time periods we…

Erik Therme “Enter the scene late; leave the scene early.” I can’t remember where I originally heard those words, but…

Michael J. Cooper “I never sleep well under mortar fire. Last night was no exception. The flares hadn’t helped either,…

Paula Gail Benson Sometimes a strong image inspires me to write a short story. Watching a PBS cooking program where…

Kaye George Fat Cat Spreads Out is the second book in the cozy Fat Cat series. Cozy mystery lovers expect…

R.S. Brenner “Devil for a Witch” is a title I’ve been hoarding for years on my brain shelf, waiting for…

Susan Spann The start of a novel is always critically important, but the challenges multiply when the book is part…

Jane Gorman Opening lines are tough. The first line of my first book — well, that was a killer. I…

B.K. Stevens Usually, in the opening pages of a whodunit, we have to hide our bad guys– make them look…

Steven Wishnia “The Sacrifice of Isaac,” my story in Jewish Noir, opens with the sound of breaking glass. It’s a…