What a podcast taught me about writing, community, and staying the course How a Small Idea Became Seven Years of Conversations Nine days ago, my sister texted me: “Happy 7 year anniversary of your podcast!” My reply: “I had no idea!” Her Facebook feed surfaced a “Memory” of my November 26, 2018 post announcing the […]
Author: staceyhoran
Being Your Own Storyteller
Why it matters–especially in interviews Storytelling is a Superpower A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending the First Coast Romance Writers semi-annual retreat, where I led a workshop on author interviews. (I also recorded interviews with a number of the participants—more on that below). My goal? To help authors show up with […]
Setting Isn’t Just Scenery—It’s Strategy
Crafting immersive worlds that do more than decorate. Setting is more than simply “Where” and “When” A few months ago, I participated in SleuthFest, a conference for mystery, thriller, and suspense writers and fans. The event was organized by the Florida chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, and I was fortunate to be seated […]
Don’t you love it when someone “gets” your work?
It’s feels like the best gift ever. Well Read Magazine’s Review of the Old City Mysteries This month, Well Read Magazine features a review of my Old City Mysteryseries written by author Claire Matturro. When I read the article, I was so excited that I wanted to revisit all the books—again! (And believe me, I’ve read them more times than […]
Modern-Day Pirates Can Be Found Anywhere
Even in my latest book. New Release: There Will Be Pirates I’m thrilled to announce that my newest novel, There Will Be Pirates, will be released on April 30th! This third installment in the Old City Mystery series has been brewing in my mind for years—inspired in part by a bit of family folklore, but mostly by the idea […]
A Little Bit of Encouragement
It really does go a long way. Exciting News—Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist! I am thrilled to announce that my book, A Place for Good and Evil, has been shortlisted for the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in the Mystery category! I was enjoying a weekend getaway with my husband when the email […]
Better Late Than Never
That’s probably true for most things. The Little-Known Groundhog Day Cactus. Apparently, there are three types of holiday cacti: the Thanksgiving Cactus (which blooms October to November), the Christmas Cactus (which blooms November to January), and the Easter Cactus (which blooms “around” Easter). Surprisingly, despite their names, holiday cacti aren’t true cacti. They are epiphytic […]
Why Does the TBR Stack Never Shrink?
Tallying the Books I Read in 2024 I didn’t reach my goal, but I am hardly disappointed. Most (if not all) writers will tell you that you need to read in order to write—or, more specifically, to write well. The general advice is to read deeply within whatever genre(s) you write but also to read […]
WRITERS & THEIR GOALS
It’s a love-hate relationship, isn’t it? The Fatigue is Real I have to admit that I hate setting goals. To me, they are a necessary evil that propel me forward (or sometimes drag me kicking and screaming) and enable me get s#*t done. Upfront, let me say I’m no expert on goals—setting them, sticking to them, […]
To be (on a podcast) or not to be . . .
That is the question facing a lot of authors these days. Bouchercon 2024 This year, Bouchercon 2024 was held in Nashville, TN. For those who have never been, Bouchercon (more formally known as the Anthony Boucher Memorial World Mystery Convention) is an annual event for fans and creators of mystery and crime fiction. Each year, […]