Author: Terry Carroll

It’s a time of uncertainty, just before you start a book.It’s difficult to have faith, to believe you can do it again.What’s the next story about?Where do ideas come from?Will they be any good?Should you just start writing?Why would any sensible person try to write a book?Sounding a lot like a business coach, let me […]

I’m reading a wonderful book, THE OUTLANDER by Gil Adamson. On the strength of the writing, it won the Hammett Award June 7, 2008, although it’s literary fiction with a crime at its core, not at all what you’d expect to win such an award. I don’t usually have a must-read list for writers, but […]

To be a good rewrite man, begin with the premise that the first draft is pretty bad, and you will seldom be disappointed.

I’m having a look at, and reading if possible, all the contenders for best novel in the Arthur Ellis Awards sponsored by the Crime Writers of Canada. Here’s what’s on the list: 1 cozy set in a Quebec village 1 suburban thriller 1 19th century book set in Toronto, involving slavery 1 19th century book […]

For writers, here’s one of the more memorable lines from the movie Capote, starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman: “Plus, I finished my novel yesterday.” The line is spoken by Capote’s friend, Jack. My question is, “How did he know he was finished?” Perhaps, back in the day, using a typewriter, a novelist would know. Now, on […]

Last night, I was a guest presenter at Patron Appreciation Night at the West Lorne, Ontario, Public Library. After my presentation, a high school student approached my table and asked if I would autograph a well-thumbed copy of Body Contact (a previous mystery novel published by Mercury Press). “Of course,” I said. “It’s my favourite […]

At the risk of criticizing widely known and respected practitioners of the craft … I’m of the view that many mystery novels are simply too long. Perhaps that’s the fault of fans, who love to enter a world created by writers they love, and don’t want to leave. I understand that. I’m a mystery reader […]

A mystery writer may spend years on a book, so a dedicated reader can absorb it in a day.

It’s hard to maintain confidence in your own work. Here’s what happened when I was on a mini-tour to promote an earlier novel called BODY CONTACT. As I approached the microphone, the following thought came from somewhere, “What if the book is all crap?” Having had that experience, I now do everything I can to […]

Publishing three mystery novels with The Mercury Press out of Toronto has given me a few insights into the world of small press publishing. It’s a wonderful experience to work on a book with an editor like Beverley Daurio at Mercury. Sometimes she seems to understand my manuscripts better than I do. On the business […]