Posted on November 26, 2019 at 4:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Your characters’ backstories don't just serve your readers — they serve you, the writer. But, says Zara Altair, that’s why...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Posted on August 22, 2019 at 4:37 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Zara Altair wants to ensure your reader is just as invested as your sleuth is in solving the mystery in...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Posted on August 6, 2019 at 4:24 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

It’s a toss-up whether the beginning or ending of a story is the toughest part to write. But there’s no...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Posted on July 30, 2019 at 3:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Writers who seek middle ground between full-blown outlines and complete improvisation have another option. Zara Altair compares the four-act structure...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Posted on June 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

TV and movie producers have it much easier when it comes to depicting their stories’ settings — do a quick...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Scenes, Setting, Zara Altair

Posted on May 5, 2019 at 12:00 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Zara Altair makes a keen observation about the mystery novel: While the detective/sleuth is generally the hero, the victim might...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Posted on January 23, 2019 at 3:45 PM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

You’ve likely heard a million times at this point that audio is the future. So you know what to do...

Categories: Behind the scenes

Tagged As: Audiobook, Zara Altair

Posted on October 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

If you’re new to writing mysteries, Zara Altair wants to introduce you to an important character with whom you might...

Categories: Behind the scenes