13 Comments
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Bruce Landay's avatar

Very entertaining look at spies, smugglers, and how to use them creatively in a story.

Thank you.

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Pamela Ruth Meyer's avatar

Your dialogue is stellar, Sharon. Thanks for sharing this.

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Sharon Michalove's avatar

Thanks so much. I love writing dialogue.

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Sharon Lynn's avatar

Excellent essay! I am definitely using this as an excuse to shamelessly eavesdrop while I am sitting alone in public spaces.

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GP Gottlieb's avatar

Wonderful essay!

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Kathleen Donnelly's avatar

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. :)

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Valerie Biel's avatar

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.

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Laurie Buchanan's avatar

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.

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Carl Vonderau's avatar

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.

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Tracey S. Phillips's avatar

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.

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Sherrill Joseph's avatar

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!

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Saralyn Richard's avatar

Thanks for sharing the track of your prolific imagination. Love it!

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Margaret Mizushima's avatar

Love this post, Sharon! Thanks for sharing!

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