A WRITER'S NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Some people believe that the beginning of a new year is a great time to make resolutions. I used to do this. I stopped after realizing that simply resolving to do something doesn’t mean you’ll actually do it. Real change has its own timing, and it may not come just because it’s January.

But just for fun, what if I made resolutions about my writing? Would they look something like this?

1.  I’ll stop rewatching true-crime documentaries and calling it “research.”
2.  I’ll resist using the names of people I don’t like for my villains. (Well, I’ll try…)
3.  I’ll stop giving every character a dark secret … some people are allowed to be boring.
4.  I’ll stop Googling “the best way to hide a body” on public Wi‑Fi.
5.  I’ll remember that suspense doesn’t mean no one ever laughs.
(Even serial killers deserve a punchline.)
6.  I’ll write with fewer distractions.
Wait… did you hear that noise behind me?
7.  I’ll try writing one scene where no one’s praying and running at the same time.
8.  I’ll resist the urge to turn every helpful pastor into a secret villain.
9.  I’ll add more hope between the gunfire.
10.  I’ll remember that forgiveness doesn’t always require a car chase first.
11.  I’ll limit my villain’s mysterious Bible quotes to two per chapter — max.
12.  I’ll stop saying “God’s plan” every time my outline falls apart.
13.  I’ll let my main character sleep at least once before the final confrontation.
14.  I’ll trust the plot — and God — to work everything together for good… even on draft eleven.

So do you make resolutions? Wanna share? Leave a comment and you could win a Kindle copy of DARK DESIGN.

As she began to lose consciousness, she realized that she'd just made a very serious mistake. She tried to call out for help, but she couldn't see anyone on the shore.

There was no one to save her.

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, she joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, in Virginia. Their reunion, only a few months after fending off an eerie killer in the woods of Tennessee, is bittersweet, as Kaely has been tasked by the FBI to recruit Erin's help to identify a suspect. The FBI's team is stumped by the murderer who re-creates killings from the books of multiple authors, with only ominous notes left behind. As Erin is drawn further into the web of fear and chaos, Kaely begins to fear for Erin's safety.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. As she struggles on multiple fronts, the enemy looms closer than ever--and Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Don't forget that book three in The Erin Delaney Mysteries is now available for preorder! Baker Book House is offering 40% off and free shipping! 

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