PRESENT TENSE: Suspense Fiction and More

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How to Write a Sex Scene
Thoughts on which words to use (and not), what makes a sex scene good (at least for this author), and tips on how to get yourself to actually sit down…
Published on The Plot Doctor by Donna Freitas • 
Let's Talk About Presumed Innocent
Why we should care--or not--about Rusty Sabich
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
5
When a Novel is a Masterclass in Suspense
Lessons from Tracy Sierra’s debut thriller, NIGHTWATCHING
 • 
Kristin Offiler
8
Tell us what you're reading...
during your hot summer holiday, or what you hope to read in weeks ahead!
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
8

June 2024

The problems with dual-timeline novels
And how I tried to fix them
Published on Craft by Vera Kurian • 
Keep Your Monsters Close
Trial-and-error lessons for suspense writers
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
4
Why Books Shouldn’t Depend on Twists
A guest post from Erin Flanagan
 • 
Caitlin Wahrer
13
The Value (& Fun) of Adding Humor to Suspense Writing
Contributor Liz Alterman, author of The Perfect Neighborhood and The House on Cold Creek Lane (forthcoming in August) shares the how and why of humor
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
 and 
Liz Alterman
7

May 2024

Due dates as deadlines
A surprise / update from Caitlin
 • 
Caitlin Wahrer
15
Genres Aren't Boxes, They're Planets
How contributor E.K. Sathue found her way into horror, with help from podcasts, movies, and books
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
1
writing self-destruction, exploring grief, and hiring an outside publicist
Kate Brody on her debut, RABBIT HOLE
 • 
Caitlin Wahrer
12
A Mother's Story
An excerpt from The Deepest Lake, Chapter 5
 • 
Andromeda Romano-Lax
4
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