When people ask me the best way to become a writer, one of the first things I tell them is to read books. Read the kinds of books you’d like to write. If you want to be a mystery author, you should be reading mysteries. Simple as that.

However, don’t limit yourself to only books in the genre you wish to write. Expand your literary palette by reading in other genres, too. In fact, read books that can’t be categorized by genre.

The trick, of course, is to find the right books to read, regardless of genre. If you start reading a mystery or other book and find you simply can’t get into it, quit wasting time and find one that you can. None of us live forever. Use your time on earth productively and don’t waste it on crappy books you don’t like.

This is why I like to post book reviews, which I now do on YouTube (mostly).

So, here’s a mystery I highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the Sam McRae mystery series!

BTW, the other thing I recommend to anyone who wants to learn to write mysteries is to take a course. Back in the day, I took a course in mystery and horror writing at my local community college. Now, I’m offering a beginner’s course for mystery authors online!

mystery author, writing, beginner's guide

In fact, throughout January, I’m doing a 50-50 Special on my beginner’s course for writing mystery fiction. The first 50 people to sign up will get 50% off the usual course price. That’s a bargain!

Just click the link here and you’ll get the signup page with the discounted price factored in. If you know anyone who might be interested, feel to share this!

Sale lasts until end of the day on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. So act now!

PS: My novel Identity Crisis is one of many ebooks that are part of the above giveaway! Just click here and download away! 🙂

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