Great post, Sharon! I enjoyed reading your book excerpt, thanks for sharing. And you're right. Writers are spies and smugglers in our own way. I was just at a Metallica concert and had lots of inspiration for different characters. :)
Ha! I love this . . . I'm definitely a spy (in the author sense of harvesting conversations for inspiration.) LOL And I want to read that Parisian cooking school murder mystery.
Sharon, you're right. Paying attention in public spaces pays off. Years and years ago, Len and I were sitting at a pub table with two couples at the table next to us. I was shamelessly eavesdropping. The waiter came to their table and was about to remove a nearly empty drink glass from one of the men. With a big smile, the man grabbed it back and said, "Young man, never, ever, waste marinated ice cubes." I loved it and subsequently used it in one of the Sean McPherson novels.
You are right. Authors are spies and smugglers. I was glad to be reminded to keep observing when I am in a cafe. Nice story that does more than advance the plot.
I loved reading about the history of the word Smuggle. This was so interesting. Thanks for sharing how you captured the idea for one of your books. And for the excerpt.
Sharon, I thoroughly enjoyed this post! So much resonated with me: spies and smugglers as metaphors for writing; the staircase; Dodie Smith and her books; your stellar writing, especially your ability to capture and communicate setting; and your fluid dialogue. Thanks for a delightful read!
Very entertaining look at spies, smugglers, and how to use them creatively in a story.
Thank you.
Your dialogue is stellar, Sharon. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks so much. I love writing dialogue.
Excellent essay! I am definitely using this as an excuse to shamelessly eavesdrop while I am sitting alone in public spaces.
Wonderful essay!
Great post, Sharon! I enjoyed reading your book excerpt, thanks for sharing. And you're right. Writers are spies and smugglers in our own way. I was just at a Metallica concert and had lots of inspiration for different characters. :)
Ha! I love this . . . I'm definitely a spy (in the author sense of harvesting conversations for inspiration.) LOL And I want to read that Parisian cooking school murder mystery.
Sharon, you're right. Paying attention in public spaces pays off. Years and years ago, Len and I were sitting at a pub table with two couples at the table next to us. I was shamelessly eavesdropping. The waiter came to their table and was about to remove a nearly empty drink glass from one of the men. With a big smile, the man grabbed it back and said, "Young man, never, ever, waste marinated ice cubes." I loved it and subsequently used it in one of the Sean McPherson novels.
You are right. Authors are spies and smugglers. I was glad to be reminded to keep observing when I am in a cafe. Nice story that does more than advance the plot.
I loved reading about the history of the word Smuggle. This was so interesting. Thanks for sharing how you captured the idea for one of your books. And for the excerpt.
Sharon, I thoroughly enjoyed this post! So much resonated with me: spies and smugglers as metaphors for writing; the staircase; Dodie Smith and her books; your stellar writing, especially your ability to capture and communicate setting; and your fluid dialogue. Thanks for a delightful read!
Thanks for sharing the track of your prolific imagination. Love it!
Love this post, Sharon! Thanks for sharing!