JOHN BAIRD, author

The All Important First Line

2011-12-21T10:52:00.000-08:00

First lines are like first impressions. A good opening should hook the reader in. There are many ways in which this may be done. Take the novel: you might wish to make the reader laugh, gasp or grimace, or prefer to write a line as memorable as it is surprising.

When it is all said and done, killing my mother came easily.

The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

Your first sentence should raise questions, without using a question mark. Take the line below: What was feared? And why is it worse? I want to know.

It was worse than I feared.

Gang Petition by Peter St. John

Conflict can be introduced straight away or at least hinted at. Usually something has gone wrong or is about to.

Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him.

Brighton Rock by Graham Greene.

Introducing two characters works well when the relationship between them creates mystery and captures the imagination.

The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King

Showing characters in unusual settings or situations can be another attention keeper.

They had flown from England to Minneapolis to look at a toilet.

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

By starting at an important, pivotal moment in the story, the reader is more likely to want to continue so that he or she can discover what will happen next.

It was dark where she was crouched but the little girl did as she’d been told.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

There is no formula for the first line but it should set the tone of the book and reflect its genre. Every author has a unique voice and this is the first chance they have to establish it.

Slowly and painfully, I breathe in, appreciating the life it restores in me.

Hues of Blackness by Rosey Thomas Palmer

My last point is that you shouldn’t get bogged down with perfecting the opening. The best first lines are often written after a novel is completed.

Book Festival for writers and book lovers! Nottingham, Oct 7th/8th.

2011-08-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Free talks and workshops from some great guest speakers. Click HERE for the details.

Full Programme www.newwritersuk.co.uk/festival.html

Writers unite for Queensland

2011-02-08T02:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a short story selected for inclusion in the new anthology 100 Stories for Queensland. All of the profits from sales will go to help the Queenslanders affected by the unprecedented flooding and Cyclone Yasi. As you are no doubt aware, much of the large state has been declared a disaster zone and many communities have been devastated. Some families have lost everything.

The driving forces behind the book seem to be Jodi Cleghorn (in Brisbane) and New Writers UK member, Trevor Belshaw. I thank them and all of the editors, proofreaders, designers and authors from around the globe who have committed time to this project.

From March the 8th the anthology will be available in digital and print form as well as an audio book. Please consider buying a copy.

Chasing Shadows. The eBook has landed.

2011-01-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

DOWNLOAD THE BOOK HERE

A Brief History of Crime

2010-09-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

The first detective story is widely considered to be Edgar Allan Poe’s The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841). It concerns the killing of a woman and daughter. The Detective, Dupin, became the model for the sleuth that dominates mystery writing. Dupin is a well-educated eccentric who lives in seclusion. Through science and reason, he amazes his younger partner with his deductions whilst he shows the dim-witted police how to it’s done. Forty years on Arthur Conan Doyle used this formula for his Sherlock Holmes stories.

Dupin and Holmes both used the smallest external traces to infer the thoughts of others. They relished the intellectual challenge of pitting their abilities against the police. It is a similar challenge that attracts readers who love to interact with the detective in a race to piece together the clues. This formula has been adopted by Dorothy L Sayer, Agatha Christie, and countless novelists since. After all, the causes of - and motives for - crime have not changed; mainly money, passion or insanity. Underpinning modern TV shows like Monk, The Mentalist and Lie to Me, is the notion that crimes can be solved through rational, scientific thought. Logic and reasoning is used to understand human behavior.

Poe’s idea of a semi-independent investigator, with their own expertise, exists today with James Patterson's Alex Cross and Jeffrey Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme, to name a couple. But it’s not just the character Dupin that has created the genre, Poe’s plots did too. The Murders in the Rue Morgue is also the first locked-room mystery, an idea enormously fashionable among writers in the Golden Age of detective fiction. The idea being if the room was locked how was the crime done? Deaver’s The Vanishing Man being one of many modern examples of these author set puzzles.

Poe’s The Gold-Bug, revolves around the deciphering of a code leading to buried treasure. Stevenson used the idea in Treasure Island, Conan Doyle employed a similar device in The Dancing Men, and Dan Brown has proved that code breaking remains a popular hook.

Another branch of crime fiction that owes much to Poe is what I call forensic fiction. Deriving solutions from forensic science (in Poe’s case the markings on a bullet) is prevalent in much of today’s crime. Step forward Kathy Riech, Patricia Cornwell, and a plethora of CSI shows.

It would be wrong of me not to mention the impact of other writers on contemporary crime fiction. The hardboiled, urban crime writing, popularized by the pulp magazines and Noir cinema remains influential. Raymond Chandler (influenced by the 1st hardboiled novel The Jungle) adopted a style and voice that changed the genre and a new detective was born. The 35 to 45 year old hard drinking, chain smoking, coffee loving, gun wielding, fist throwing hero, who lives and works in a big city with a rootless population.

Whoever your influences one thing is for sure, the sleuth who endeavors to fathom, defeat, or solve, through reason and action, is not about to go away.

Formulaic?

2010-08-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

The supermarket shelves are awash with crime fiction, but how much choice is out there?

The Titles: Usually short. Often containing one or more of these words: Blood, Dead, Die, Murder, Bones.

The Blurbs: Likely to include any three of the following: Discovery, Daughter, Distraught, Darkest, Dangerous, Destroying, Disastrous, Deadly.

The Plots: A body is found (or missing), a young woman, she’s been brutally murdered. A clue at the scene (poetic note/sketch/taunt) will connect the victim to a) an old case, or b) other killings.
Meanwhile, the protagonist has a secret that haunts to this day. A past that is now (due to a plot twist) putting him/her (or their offspring) in peril, unless the killer is stopped.

Readers like what they like. Publishers want what they can sell. The result:

The Fields of Death, Death Message, Play Dead, From the Dead, Better Dead, Book of the Dead, Call for the dead, Play Dead, Dead Wrong, Dead Man’s Footsteps, Dead Silent, Dead Kill, Dead Simple, Dead Like You, Darker than Death, Die Back, To Die For, Worth Dying For, Fear the Worst, Darkest Fear, Dark Fire, Die Trying, Beg To Die, Dying To Please, Skin and Bones, Playing with Bones, 206 Bones, A Thousand Bones, Skin and Bones, Lucky Bones, The Fever of the Bone, Bone Man’s Daughter, The Kills, The Killing Kind, Killing Floor, Killing a Stranger, Killer Instinct, The Killing Place, Postcard Killers, Faceless Killers, The Perfect Murder, Blue Murder, A Murder of Quality, The Murder Game, Mortal Remains, Grave Sight, Buried, In the Dark, Dark Blood, Blood Dancing, Bloodline, Blood from Stone, Blood Simple, Blood Diamond, Innocent Blood, True Blood, First Blood.

New Writers UK Festival 2010

2010-08-25T03:04:00.000-07:00

A Blog To Follow

2010-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to point you the way of Helen Hollick’s blog. My friend and fellow CallioCrest author has posted a number of interesting articles, offering a real insight into the writing and publishing process. Her latest post concerns the creating of - and importance of - book covers, and features input from designer, Cathy Helms, of Avalon Graphics.

Here comes the link
Helen's Blog

New UK/US Publisher

2010-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

From the 1st of August 2010, Chasing Shadows will be available from my new publisher, CallioPress. I am to be published under their mainstream imprint, CallioCrest.

CallioPress are a global, independent publisher that are aiming to provide worldwide access to their books via the internet, high street book stores and other retail outlets. With offices in London and Florida, I am excited that Chasing Shadows will be reaching an American audience.

Callio Press

Why I write crime thrillers?

2010-05-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

As a guest on Dolly Garland’s ‘Writer Revealed’, I was asked: why write crime thrillers? This is how I replied:

Crime thrillers allow me to explore human emotions at their extremes, whilst writing about what interests me, such as, love, death, betrayal, vengeance, the pursuit, and the pursued. By placing an ‘everyman character’ (one that people can identify with) in a criminal world, I can invite the reader to experience a dangerous journey from the safety of their imagination.

There is an old adage that you should write what you know. I prefer to say, you should write about what interests you. It follows then, that you should write in the genre that you most often read. My enjoyment of fast-paced, plot-driven, American crime thrillers inspired my desire to write and influenced my style.

Over time, my reading developed a familiarity with a structure that would enable me to entertain and excite to maximum effect. In a vague chronological order:

1. An event/action that poses Intriguing questions.
2. The presence of obstacles or Conflict.
3. Chapter ending - what next? - Hooks.
4. Gripping Suspense.
5. Unexpected revelations and Twists.
6. More conflict - pile on the pressure to an enthralling Climax.
7. A surprise Resolution.

The key to keeping the pages turning is the need to know; what happens next? This need is why I read and write thrillers.

John Baird, author of Chasing Shadows, coming to America in the summer of 2010.

Website: www.johnbairdauthor.com

Blog: johnbairdauthor.blogspot.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/JohnBairdAuthor

Three is the magic number

2010-04-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

In the words of David Frost: ‘Hello, good evening and welcome.’
Q: Why is it that repeating something three times is effective?
A: Because our brains love the pattern of three.
It's true, place three items on your mantelpiece and see how nice they look.
Three is so effective that by simply repeating the same word three times gives impact. Education, Education, Education. And that’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Sports use the power of three. Athletics and swimming begin with a version of ‘On your marks, get set, go!’ And football matches end with three blows of the referee’s whistle.
The recent election debates as reveling in the dynamic of three, as the third cog provides all the drama. You see, three’s a crowd and that creates conflict.
Stories love conflict and use the magic number all the time. From the nativity with its three kings (and Christianity its holy trinity), to the three bears, blind mice, little pigs and musketeers. Three characters are all you need for a ratings busting soap opera (they adore love-triangles) or lauded movie (e.g. The good, the bad and the ugly).
But it’s not just drama that loves the number. Jokes are often created with a set up, anticipation and punch-line (e.g. The Englishman, Irishman and Scot).
And quotes are made memorable by its use. We are taught road safety with the mantra ‘Stop, Look and Listen.’ Then learn to drive with, ‘mirror, signal, maneuver.’
Remember these?
“Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over, is it now.”
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
“Friends, Romans, countrymen.”
“Lights, camera, action.”
“Blood, sweat and tears.”
etc, etc, etc.
Perhaps most importantly, is its use in novels. What would they be without a beginning, middle and end?

What's in a title?

2010-03-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Samuel L. Jackson said of Snakes on a Plane, “All I needed to hear was the title and I knew I wanted to be in this film.”
Snakes on a Plane may be a dubious movie but it has a title Ronseal would be proud of - it does exactly what is says on the tin. But is it even necessary for a title to hint at its content? As Homer Simpson once said, “I read To Kill A Mockingbird and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds!”

Maybe there are no rules when it comes to great titles: You just know one when you see it.
John Gray didn't get much attention with his book What Your Mother Couldn't Tell You and What Your Father Didn't Know. He shortened it to the now famous, Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus.

In 1924, F. Scott Fitzgerald sent his new novel - Trimalchio in West Egg - to the publishers. They hated the title so he changed it to The Great Gatsby.

Jane Austen's father submitted an early version of Pride and Prejudice to a publisher, under the title First Impressions. It was rejected by return of post.

Strangers from Within was the title of William Golding's first novel until an editor changed it to Lord of the Flies.

You get the idea!

Titles can benefit from being snappy, symbolic or memorable but most of all they just need to look and sound right.

Crime: Short Story V Novel

2010-02-24T03:10:00.000-08:00

In the consumption of a novel, not every reader will have invested money but they will all have invested their time. It is this commitment that places demands on the author. The upshot of which: readers will put in the hours, providing the following is met: a) The crime is solved. b) The protagonist survives relatively unscathed. c) The bad guys get their comeuppance.

Breaking these rules is doable, but risky. Novel writers aim to cultivate a deep emotional attachment between the reader and their characters. This restricts what the author can get away with. Ultimately, good has to prevail. My point is this: The more time a reader invests, the more they will expect to be rewarded with the payoff, and that folks, means a happy ending.

Pssst, keep this to yourselves. Short stories are different, not all the rules apply.

The engine of the novel is the what happens next, each passage should be crafted with the purpose of keeping those pages turning. Short stories are concerned with the what happens now.

Authors of short stories can ultimately shock in any way they please. By all means kill off your heroes, reveal them as evil, or end with the bad guy becoming the true victim. But aren’t these twists familiar to novels? Nope, they break the formula, and are therefore rare and hard to pull off. Readers won’t accept a journey of trials and suffering only for your main character to be unmasked as the murdered. In a short story, you don’t even have to root for your hero, you just have to be interested in them. (Sit-coms are aware of this. Characters like Basil Fawlty, Blackadder and David Brent, work well in the short - 1/2 hour - format).

So short stories are easier to write than novels, right? Wrong.
Shorts are best set over a short period of time, usually an event, or in the case of crime writing, the crime itself. But crimes are concerned with much more than this. Predominantly, crime novels are about how the perpetrators are caught. But motive must be also explained and victims sympathized with etc…All of which is difficult in a short story. Your protagonist hasn’t the time to fail a few times, or overcome obstacles, before solving a case. There is only one pace to a short story. FAST. Writers of short stories and novels can be as different as a sprinter and a marathon runner. One is built for power, for full-throttle energy. The other is a master of pacing, tactics and timing (whilst holding enough back for a final burst).

Short stories can still follow the basics: The Hook, The Conflict, The Climax, The Resolution, but often they fail because they do just that!

Where do you get your ideas?

2009-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

This perennial question is feared by writers, mainly because we are expected to offer up a hidden insight that only we are privy to. Some authors shrug off the question with a quip, such as, from the merchant if ideas. Others go with the truth: Ideas come from everywhere and everything, the trick is in selecting the good ones. Of course this is not what people want to hear. They want to know the secret.
Well here goes: Think of any idea that involves conflict and turn this idea into a, what if? Once you have this, the story is simply down to plotting, or repeating a new question, what next?
Fine, but that doesn’t tell me where the ideas come from? I hear them groan. Then try this: Take two existing and different ideas, now gel them together, thus, creating a fresh story. By the time you’ve re-shaped your tale you’ll be hard pushed to find any resemblance of the originals.
Alternatively, eavesdrop. Recently I overheard one woman gossip to another, “They’d been taking each others drugs by mistake.” If that line doesn’t conjure up an idea or two, you can’t be helped.
And be forewarned, the next time I’m asked: Where do you get your ideas? I’ll be sure to reply: From standing on my head in a bath of brain dust.

Links for Writers

2009-11-24T02:39:00.000-08:00

A list of websites/blogs that may be useful to authors or aspiring writers:
The Most Common Mistakes I See in Fiction Manuscripts
http://www.webdreamer.com/gross_fiction_mistakes.html
from Jerry Gross
Ten Mistakes Writers Don’t See (But Can Easily Fix When They Do)
http://www.holtuncensored.com/hu/the-ten-mistakes/
from Holt Uncensored
5 Editor’s Secrets To Help You Write Like A Pro
http://www.remarkable-communication.com/5-editors-secrets-to-help-you-write-like-a-pro/
from Remarkable Communication
How to write a book proposal
http://www.bubblecow.co.uk/2009/09/how-to-write-a-book-proposal/
from BubbleCow
Creating realistic characters with depth
http://www.kriscramer.com/how-to-create-realistic-characters-with-depth/
from kris cramer
Write Characters, Not Mary Sues
http://bethanyharvey.com/blog/posts/2007/07/write-characters-not-mary-sues/
from Born Liar
How to Create Suspense in a Story
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_4406265_create-suspense-story.html?cr=1
from eHow
How to Use the ‘Rule of Three’ to Create Engaging Content
http://www.copyblogger.com/rule-of-three/
from copyblogger
How To Write A Fight Scene
http://community.livejournal.com/start_writing/38697.html
from Start Writing Fiction
How To Spice Up Your Writing With Dialogue
http://www.archetypewriting.com/articles/writing/spiceUpWdialogue.htm
from Archetype
Ending a Scene by James Thayer
http://www.authormagazine.org/articles/thayer_james_2008_12_15.htm
from Author Articles
An independent directory of online writing resources http://www.websitesforwriters.net/
from Websites for writers.
10 Ways to Improve Your Writing
http://www.teflspin.com/2008/04/10-ways-to-improve-your-writing_07.html
from Tefl Spin
Writing Links
http://www.internet-resources.com/writers/wrlinks-wordstuff.htm
from Internet-Resources.com
Checklist of Fiction Faults
http://raynelson.com/fictionfaults.html
from Ray Nelson
The 3 Most Important Elements of Fiction Writing
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/3_elements.htm
from Absolute Write
15 worthy blogs for writers
http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2009/10/09/15WorthyBlogsIJustDiscovered.aspx from The Writer’s Digest
How to Write a Novel Using the Web
http://mashable.com/2009/09/16/write-novel/
from Mashable
Tips for Creating a Compelling Plot
http://trutor.net/plot.html
from Debbie Lee Wesselmann
50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/06/28/50-free-resources-that-will-improve-your-writing-skills/
from Smashing Magazine
10 Free Resources Every Writer Needs
http://writetodone.com/2008/12/15/the-10-free-resources-every-writer-needs/
from Write To Done
17 writing secrets
http://www.writersdigest.com/article?p_ArticleId=5387
from Writer’s Digest
Fiction Writer’s Character Chart
http://www.epiguide.com/ep101/writing/charchart.html
from EPIGUIDE.COM
Character development in fiction
http://character-development.suite101.com/article.cfm/getting_to_grips_with_character
from suite101.com
Read first chapters
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/books/chapterone.htm
from The Washington Post
Tips for Writers
http://writetodone.com/2009/08/10/the-nearly-ultimate-resource-176-tips-for-writers/
from Write To Done
13 writing tips
http://chuckpalahniuk.net/workshop/essays/chuck-palahniuk
from Chuck Palahniuk
How to Write a Great Novel
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574513463106012106.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_lifestyle
from The Wall Street Journal
50 Tools to Improve your Writing Skills
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/07/50-tools-that-can-improve-your-writing.html
from Dumb Little Man.
8 rules for writing unstoppable shorts
http://io9.com/366707/8-unstoppable-rules-for-writing-killer-short-stories
from i09
10 Tips for Creative Writers
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative/shortstory/index.html
from Dennis G. Jerz
The 10 Best Books for Writers
http://editorunleashed.com/2009/04/08/the-10-best-books-for-writers/
from Editor Unleashed
50 best websites to download eBOOKs FREE
http://www.bestonlinetools.org/50-top-websites-to-download-ebooks/
from Tech tools
52 short stories
http://www.fiftytwostories.com/?page_id=7
from Fifty-Two Stories

Originality. Is it dead?

2009-11-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Are there any truly original stories left?

Harry Potter – the tale of an orphan living with his aunt and uncle, from where he is rescued by a wise, bearded man, who turns out to have magical powers. It is revealed to the young gent that his father also possessed these powers. Later, in the finale, our hero is forced to see off a threat from a bad man who we understood killed his parents.

Original? Well here’s the story of Luke Skywalker.

Star Wars (1977 – Episode IV) - the story of an orphan living with his aunt and uncle, from where he is rescued by a wise, bearded man, who turns out to have magical powers. It is revealed to the young gent that his father also possessed these powers. Later, in the finale, our hero is forced to see off a threat from a bad man who we understood killed his parents.

Plagiarism? No, they just share a similar story, and this has been going on for as long as tales have been told. Take the following from a few thousands years ago:

A child is born on Dec 25th; a boy, born to a virgin, and the only son of God. The birth is heralded by a star and announced by angels. He grew up, going on to resist temptation and walk on water. Death came in the form of a crucifixion and he was buried in a tomb, from which he was resurrected after three days and hailed as the savoir of humanity.

You might recognise this story as the tale of Horus, allegedly written thousands of years BC.

Just don’t upset the children.

2009-10-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Nursery rhymes are being altered in order for them to have happy endings. In a recent BBC broadcast Humpty Dumpty was not beyond repair, if fact all the King’s horses and all the King’s men were able to make Humpty happy again. Then on a CBeebies channel near you, Little Miss Muffet was spotted welcoming the spider that sat down beside her. Is the santisation of children’s literature a good thing, or should we be preparing our little people for the harshness of life?
Well, which of the following do you prefer?

Three blind mice, three blind mice,
See how they run, see how they run,
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life,
As three blind mice?

Three kind mice, three kind mice,
See all their fun, see all their fun,
They all looked after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut them some cake with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life,
As three kind mice?

Personally, I like happy endings, but only after the characters have suffered on a difficult journey. Many fairytales aren’t far off the mark. With their goblins, witches, and trolls they are the stuff of nightmares but, by and large, they end in a happy place and all is forgiven. Imagine the Brothers Grimm trying to get published today. “It’s a horror story for kids. The title ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, basically a wolf disguises himself as a grandchild in order to eat her Granny.” Good luck with that!

And another thing, If the fun police are to insist on protecting little Timmy from violence then they should start with computer games.

Reviews matter!

2009-10-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

Reviews matter! They shouldn’t, after all they’re only one person’s opinion and not everyone will like your book, but for new writers, they really matter. So in thanking Borders for the following review, I do so with great gratitude.

Danielle Siddons at Borders Book Store, Leicester:

‘Wow! What can I say? Chasing Shadows absolutely blew me away! It was like a cross between 'Life on Mars' and '24', with ample doses of action, gore, thrills and humour! Never a dull moment, the plot doesn't halt for a pause with twists, turns and new discoveries unfolding in every chapter. The characters were beautifully put across, in equal parts our protagonist was heroic and wholesome, made massively credible by his witty and dry sense of humour, and the 'bad guys' were deliciously detestable. With its short chapters and John's concise, to-the-point writing style, this book was unstoppable; it had me gripped from the first page until the side-splitting, shocking and genuis conclusion. A fantastic book!'

X Factor or ex factor?

2009-09-21T13:55:00.001-07:00

I have given up watching this bobbins and yet millions tune in every week. Why? Even with the addition of a live audience it’s a tired format.
Here goes the structure:
After the obligatory ‘coming up’ spoilers, the judges enter the arena with all the fanfare afforded to returning gods. Following this, a procession of deluded wannabes are paraded in front of the mocking nation. Many of these dimwits are accompanied by their entire family, a mob of genetically hamstrung individuals who take issue with the judges. About this time a sob story will pull at the heart strings and some unlikely council worker will rise up from the dross and blow away the judges. If only they would. The chuckling Louis and smug Simon sit there like bookends spouting innuendos designed to keep them in a closet they should have left years ago. Meanwhile, Dani – who sits there no less obsolete than Arlene Philips – can only look on in envy as Cheryl basks in the kind of public affection last offered to Princess Di. TV has no jury like a woman scorned.

Book Launch

2009-09-20T13:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday saw the 2009 NewWritersUK festival where Chasing Shadows was launched to great success.

Big thanks go out to all of you who turned up to see me. I really appreciate your support and your presence made it a wonderful day. Full pictures will be put on my Myspace page this week so have a look (via my website). I must also thank everyone who helped with the event and all of the punters who purchased a copy.

Derren Brown

2009-09-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

What did Derren Brown do? He gave us all six lottery numbers after they were announced. Key word folks, AFTER! He claims that he had already selected his six predicted numbers beforehand but Camelot wouldn’t allow them to be revealed until the draw had been made. Yeah right. Now let me make two predictions of my own. One: Wherever Derren goes people will be asking him for the lottery numbers. Two: This will get on his nerves.

Website

2009-09-09T03:28:00.001-07:00

As of today my website is up and running.

www.johnbairdauthor.com

Making a thriller thrilling.

2009-09-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

I will be talking at the NewWriters festival (see earlier blogs for details) at 12:15pm. The subject matter: What makes a thriller thrilling?

Great thrillers provide a roller coaster ride of adrenalin, but what makes this possible?

Memorable characters aside, I view the following as the crucial elements that go to make up a thriller.
They include:
Establishing plot.
The importance of conflict.
Providing hooks.
Creating suspense.
Planting twists.
The ticking clock.
The surprise ending.

Festival Launch

2009-08-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

The 19th Sept see the launch of Chasing Shadows at the New Writers UK Festival V
I'll be giving a talk and signing books and if that's not enough you can check out the following:

Creative writing workshop : Guest speakers : Independent Publishers : Book stalls : Snapshot presentations : Support for new writers: Secondhand Books : Raffle : Refreshments : Free Admission and Parking

Date: Saturday 19th Sep 2009, Assembly Rooms,County Hall,West Bridgford,Nottingham NG2 7QP,
From: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Our Guests: Helen Hollick, Author and Scriptwriter Mark Thornton, Proprietor, Mostly Books, Abingdon Simon Potter, Publishing Manager, Print on demand– Worldwide, Steve Bowkett, Educational Consultant and Author, Raj Pathak, Film-maker and the Producer Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor David Taylor. AuthorHouse UK Ltd and Discovered Authors, Historical novels, crime, thrillers, true-life stories, children’s and teen fantasy adventures, ghost stories, non-fiction and more.

Special Event:Prize presentation to winners of the Creative Writing Competition for Children at 2.00pm. Prizes presented by Des Coleman of BBC East Midlands TV

New Writers UK

2009-08-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

The NewWritersUK are a non-profit making, ever expanding group, supporting authors and prospective authors alike. If you live in the UK and have ever written - or would like to write - a book, then check out what we have to offer.
From getting published to selling you novels, NewWritersUK is here to help in all aspects of the writing process. Members include: editors, cover designers, web specialists, and authors of fiction and non-fiction, covering practically every genre.
Our members have access to an online forum where you can post questions and discuss all aspects of the writing/publishing/marketing process with fellow authors.
Every year we hold a festival in Nottinghamshire, at which non-members are
welcome to attend.
For more information, or details on how to join us, visit www.newwritersuk.co.uk

John Hughes

2009-08-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Just heard that John Hughes has died of a heart attack, aged 59. Hughes is the writer behind - and often produced/director of - many wonderful films such as the Home Alone movies, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Dennis, Baby’s Day Out, Uncle Buck, The Great Outdoors and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. His accessible humour, both visual and verbal, together with his capturing of what it’s like to grow up, made Hughes one of the great exponents of the family movie. Never preachy, he made touching, emotionally moving films which avoided over sentimentality. RIP John.

Twitter

2009-08-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Follow me, JohnBairdAuthor, on www.twitter.com. As a productive hermit I can’t promise any more than a few laughs and the odd tip.