I’m currently revising my first book manuscript, but in the meantime I thought it would be fun to play around with  a short story I wrote a few months ago that I know is dying to be expanded.  Starting October 1st, I’m introducing my Purgatory podcast series.  Halloween is a great inspiration to me, and I think of this as my tribute to my favorite holiday.

I am fortunate to live in an area that has a fantastic literary center for writers, The Loft.   I recently found out that the Loft is hosting a Mystery, Crime & Thriller festival in November.  I almost passed out with excitement.

New York Times best selling author (and MN native) Vince Flynn is the keynote, and there is smorgasbord of experts sharing their crime and thriller know-how with our writing community.

Patricia Cornwell was really my first introduction into medical thrillers, and I have been addicted to any story with a tough female medical examiner protagonist ever since.  I’m currently busting my way through Karin Slaughter’s Grant County series for the same reason. (Side note: How cool is it to have the last name Slaughter when you are writing thrillers?)

Although horror is my first love, the crime thriller comes in a close second.  I usually have a hard time wrapping my brain around some of the violence; mostly because I know that is how real life works.   Working with the paranormal and giving it just enough believeability to freak you out is more of my cup of tea.  I’ll leave the real life villian’s mind to others, but I still appreciate the writing.