The following are notes I (Mark Zeid) took from panel discussions at Killer Nashville 2024. These are personal observations and opinions.

Writing Tips No One Ever Tells You

Remember your audience. Avoid terms and acronyms that are unique to a specific group or profession. If you do use them, define and explain then to the reader.

Ideas come in stages, bits and pieces. Start with any idea such as a scene or a character. Put these ideas on paper—get words on the page. If you can write a good scene, then you can write a good story.

Write the first draft, just get it down from beginning to end. If you lose your connection, go back to your original impulses, ideas, emotions. Go back to the places, music, movies, etc. that gave you the connections.

Before doing revisions, take time away from the manuscript. Work on something else—spend time doing something that does not involve the manuscript.

Character development comes from something that is missing and the character is seeking, or something is wrong and the character is trying to correct it. Think of obstacles in the person’s way. What does the person want and what steps does he/she take to accomplish his/her goals. Some character struggles are simple and on the surface such as troubles with the boss or car trouble. But there are deeper struggles such as never having a parent’s approval or dealing with guilt over not saving a person’s life.

Plot is what the character wants and what he/she must do to accomplish the tasks. Plot includes the obstacles and other things that hinder him/her from accomplishing the goals. Tension comes from things being unresolved, unfinished, or unsaid; and motivates the reader to see these things are resolved.

Building Your Newsletter List (presented by Kelly Oliver)

Newsletter mailing list builds you a following and keeps you readers engaged. It’s a personal connection between author and reader.

Offering a “reader magnet” such as a free novel, novella, or short story in exchange for newsletter sign-up is a good way to increase your audience.

Be sure to make the reader magnet offer on all your social media, newsletter swaps, and paid advertising.

One way to create a free reader magnet is through VELLUM to make PDFs or e-pub files. It is worth the time to write a book that you can give away.

To deliver your reader magnet, you can use BookFunnel to deliver PDFs or e-pubs. You can also set up email automations to trigger book delivery using your Email Service (MailerLife, Active Campaign, Mail Chimp, Convert Kit, etc.) Make sure your emailing service is integrated with your website.

What to put in your newsletters? In addition to promoting your books, include lots of personal content. Write about your trips, your daily adventures, your pets (everyone loves pictures of pets), short stories, essays, helpful tips and recipes, fun pictures such as turtles in your yard eating the cat’s food. You can include your novel’s character background or short stories about where you got ideas for your novels. Another good thing is to ask questions of your readers, such as what their pets are like or what foreign countries have they visited and what were their experiences. (Recommend you request they do not include military or combat tours.) Make it FUN.

Be aware that many of the platforms mentioned above cost money.

Always Coming Back: Writing Memorable Villains

What makes villains memorable? Villains are equal to heroes. They have intelligence and cunning enabling them to outwit the police. They have strong motivation and personalities. They are driven to commit their crimes, often because of how they view the victims, either as a threat or an obstacle to their goals. Readers should be able to identify with the villain through physical characteristics, habits, interests, personal quirks, and how they behave in certain circumstances.

Are villains completely evil? Rarely. They are real people with families, jobs, pets, and homes. Yes, there are villains such as Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator. But real villains do have some redeeming characteristics.

What motivates a villain? There are many motivations: greed, hate, brainwashing, political conviction, love, revenge, fear, need to protect themselves from being caught, desperation.

What are some difficulties in making memorable villains? One is making them two-dimensional—just evil. This makes it hard for the reader to understand the motivation of the villain. Another problem is in cozy mysteries or who-done-its, the author wants the villain to remain a secret until the end. Therefore, the villain is not seen as evil, but as a normal person until the motivation for the crime is revealed.

Always Together: Writing Memorable Sidekicks

What makes sidekicks memorable? Many of them have distinctive physical characteristics such as physical limitations (being in a wheelchair, a dwarf, blind, etc.). Their personality is another factor, are they always excited, easy-going, eating, drinking, etc. Other characteristics such as having a photographic memory or paranormal relationship with a ghost can make good sidekicks.

 What makes a good sidekick? Sidekicks compliment heroes, a kind of ying and yang. Most sidekicks have intelligence, are dependable, and loyal. Of course this depends on the depth of the relationship. Think of Ben Johnson’s characters in John Wayne movies. No matter how bad the situation is, Ben Johnson is always there to support John Wayne.

What are some problems with making a memorable sidekick? Writers often turn them into clowns or fools for comic relief. Another problem is turning them into servants without any real personality. For example, look at Della Street in the old Perry Mason shows. While Della Street is a great assistant, she has almost no personality.

Sidekicks should help move the story forward. They can act as a sounding board to the heroes, can bring out thoughts and back story of the characters. They can find out and do things the heroes can’t do, either for professional reasons or because it would make readers dislike the hero. For example, Doc Holiday with Wyatt Earp. In literature, Wyatt Earp was a man upholding the law and Doc Holiday was the one who went after the gunman that Wyatt couldn’t. (Remember fiction is not reality.)

Readers need to be able to identify with sidekicks for them to be memorable.

Sidekicks can provide comic relief through sarcastic banter and being different from the hero. A good example of this is the TV show Monk.

Sidekicks can also hinder investigations, usually through their mistakes.

Another idea is to put the sidekick in danger, especially if the conflict helps to develop the relationship between the hero and the sidekick.

Animals with their instincts and abilities can really be great sidekicks that are helpful in the story and can provide comic relief.

They Don’t Sell Themselves: You Must Market Your Book

What is the job of your book? Is it to buy the next book? Is it to entertain the reader? Is it to like the author and buy all the author’s books?

You need to make a plan to market your books.

Look at how much time you have to market your book and how much money you have to spend on marketing your book.

Look at where are your readers. Most mystery readers are at home, so how can you reach them.

Social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn often do not promote book sales.

However, newsletters, on-line promotions, podcast interviews, and the use of local media such as magazines and newspapers are more productive. Don’t forget local newsletters at churches, libraries, and community organizations such as veteran groups.

Readers want to learn about the author, so post things other than books. Post stories about recent trips, activities, projects (working for a community event for veterans, feeding the homeless, etc.), pets, character backgrounds, funny stories, book birthdays, etc.

Look into newsletter services. Think of “who” and not “how”. It’s more important to hire good people than anything else.

Remember, the number one way to promote books is through word of mouth through friends. Get them to write reviews. Reviews can be short such as “It’s a good book”. It’s the number of reviews that matter, not how long they are. Ask friends to post reviews.

Getting It Right: What Really Happens in the Emergency Room

The best suggestion was to go to an ER similar to what would be found in your novel and watch what happens. You need to let them know you are a writer and you want to simply sit in the waiting room and observe. At no time should you try interviewing anyone or interfere with what is going on. Just take a lot of notes. It is also suggested that you go at different times on different days. The activity is different depending on the day and time.

Note who is actually in the hospital. Surgeons are usually not in the hospital. They schedule their operations on certain days and at certain times. There usually is a surgeon on call, but he or she is not at the hospital.

Note that when something dramatic happens, such as the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing; surgeons, doctors, nurses, and others will voluntarily go to hospitals where they work or are known and help out.

Normally, the head nurse is the person in charge of the ER.

Paramedics and medical personnel will notify the police about all gunshot wounds.

Hospital personnel will do everything possible to identify all victims.

Family members with the patient should take notes for afterwards patient care.

87 Ways to Sell More Books

You need to learn about the industry. Writers should always be learning about the industry and how it’s changing. For example, more books are sold via the internet and face-to-face book sales than are sold in bookstores.

Books published through traditional publishing houses can take up to three years before being published. Small and independent presses are faster, less than a year, and authors have some limited control over production. Self-publication (indie publishing) give authors total control, but no support. There are no barriers to writing or publishing for indie writers.

For good marketing, always have your business cards with you. Give them out whenever you can.

Have a good website. Make it easy for others to find your books.

Successful marketing depends on making writing a business, not a hobby. Think of productivity and planning. Successful marketing depends on producing more than one book a year.

Look at promoting your books at libraries and bookstores. Ask friends to take their pictures with your books or take pictures of your books with your pets.

Face-to-face selling is good for meeting fans. Go to events such as open markets, farmers’ markets, bazaars, flea markets, etc. Even if you don’t sell many books, you get your name out there and meet fans.

Use the media: print, radio, TV, podcasts, newsletters, etc.

Go to conferences to learn more about the industry and make connections. Look into making impressive displays and talking to others

Look into joining organizations such as Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

When possible, enter contests. Being a finalist or a winner helps promote your books.

Not Just One Book: Writing a Series

Series titles need to have a group name such as the protagonist names, place name, group name, unit name—what connects them. One example is Murder in the Master, Killer in the Kitchen, and Peril in the Pool Room. Another example is Bakers Dozen Detectives.

Covers are important, they need to tie the series together.

Every book should be a stand-alone but contain enough information on the back story for readers to understand the relationships of the characters. But limit the back story to what matters to the current novel.

Covers are important in the series. They need to tie the novels together. For example, certain animals are always on the cover.

Some series use slow burn characters—people who appear in the first novel and develop into becoming a more important character, maybe even the protagonist in later novels.

Keep a record of each character: their physical description, habits, personal relationship, certain expressions (i.e. “I was voluntold,” “ Do it to it,” and “Saddle up. We’re moving.”), likes and dislikes.

Book one and book two should come out close together. A good idea is to include Chapter One of book two at the end of book one.

A good marketing trick is to offer books seven, eight, and nine at a special price for a limited time (maybe for two weeks). If readers like them, they will buy the others in the series.

Generate Great Sales and New Readers Through In-Person Promotions

Some stats about book sales. More than four million titles, more than 11,000 a day, were published in 2023. Average sales of a book is six copies in the lifetime of the novel (this is an average taking in account those who sell one or two books and those who are best sellers).

Best way to sell books is through presentations to groups, clubs, and organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary Clubs, veteran groups. These groups are not interested in your books, but interesting and revealing stories such as interesting stories about historical events (especially personal ones)

Make part of the presentation interactive by asking questions such as “Do you believe in ghosts?” Then tell interesting ghost stories. Another issue is crime statistics such as “How many burglaries are committed on unlocked cars?” or “How many weapons were stolen from unlocked cars last year in this county?”

The last three to five minutes, promote your books. Try limiting yourself to a 30-second plug for each of your novels (limit yourself to less than five).

It is recommended not to do book talks during December, January, or February. These take planning in advance. If you are traveling, look for groups or clubs in the area and contact them several months in advance. Send out letters to at least two people in each group. Know that response is limited, usually about 10%.

Creating the Optimal Author Website

Remember your audience is readers, not other writers.

The benefits of a website are it brings readers and opportunities to the writer and generates more professional opportunities. Writers must keep it updated and refreshed. Some good examples of authors’ websites are Ken Follett’s and Jack Carr’s.

Have a way for readers to contact you. Recommend a separate email linked to the website.

Your website is the cornerstone of your social media platform. Think of it as your business card.

Include pop-ups to sign up for your newsletter.

People do not  want to click more than three times to find what they are looking for. People have short attention spans.

Avoid flashing lights and animation because they do not work on cell phones. Make sure your website can be viewed on cell phones.

One primary goal of the website is to gather more readers to your newsletter and your books. Link your books to a point of sale and author pages on GoodReads.

If trying to sell a book, give out two pieces of information about it before trying to sell it. For example, background on the story or how you created the story. Another thing is the background of your characters.

You should buy your own URL. This cannot be done through WordPress

When making changes to your website, turn it off, change it from public to private; that way you can fix it if it breaks.

The Nuts and Bolts of a Criminal Case Presentation

Lewis Allen, a criminal defense attorney and author of the novel A Mouse in the Box, gave this presentation.

The case starts with an arrest or charges.

You must clearly state you want a lawyer. Ask for one whether you think you may or may not need a lawyer.

For grand juries, presentation is by the prosecution only, defense attorneys are not present.

For preliminary hearings, the defense has no information, there is no discovery. This is when most attorneys meet their clients for the first time. Regardless of the evidence, the defense will always enter a “not guilty” plea.

A grand jury or preliminary hearing happens within 72 hours of an arrest. Many times, a grand jury will occur and determine if an arrest will be made. Until then, the defendant is free and not in custody.

Discovery is available after arraignment. That’s when the defense has the right to confront witnesses, right to a speedy trial, etc.

At this time, there are three paths: go to trial, plea bargain, or file a motion.

Motions create great areas for writing: a motion to repress evidence, (Denny Motion)—cannot accuse a person during trial, self-defense motion which is an affirmative defense.

Motions determine what evidence is allowed in court (fruits of the poisonous tree). The judge determines what evidence is allowed in court. The jury determines the validity of evidence and witnesses.

After the trial, there is sentencing. This is a good place for extenuating circumstances.

Keep it simple, explain the law for non-lawyers. Dialogues between lawyers and clients are good places to explain the laws.

The defendant only makes three decisions: how to plea—whether guilty or not guilty, whether to have a bench trial or a jury trial, and whether or not to testify. In truth, lawyers are the defendants’ mouthpiece

Brady Violation is when the prosecutor hides evidence that might prove the defendant innocence.

Writing the P.I. Series

Private investigators are private citizens. They do not have the authority to make an arrest. If they find evidence, they must turn it over to the police or it cannot be used in any criminal proceedings.

Private investigators are licensed by the state. They require individuals to have years of investigative experience, anywhere from two to five years, or twenty years of law enforcement experience. They must qualify with their weapons and pass a background check. Some states require them to take a test before they get their license.

Private investigators do not work active police investigations. If they become involved in an active investigation, it is through a separate case they are working on their own.

Police do refer individuals to private investigators when the police can no longer pursue the case, such as a missing person.

Private investigators are usually hired by lawyers or insurance companies. They also get hired to investigate a case when the client (usually a business) wants to handle the situation quietly without involving the police. However, if the perpetrator refuses to accept the terms of the client, the client can always go to the police.

For writing about private investigators, research the state requirements for where the novel takes place. Think about the skills an investigator must possess. Most crimes are solved because of the investigator’s interpersonal skills and powers of deduction, not by forensics.

If you do know a private investigator, or a criminal defense attorney who can refer you to one, ask to meet and talk with them. Share a cup of coffee and chat. They will not discuss any current cases they are working on, nor will they give you the names of any clients. But they can give you an idea of what they do.

Note that many private investigators focus on certain types of cases. Maybe the person focuses on missing persons, or on financial crimes, or on divorce cases.

Private investigators have a network of people helping them. They know several police officers, news reporters, and others who meet with lots of different people for various reasons (bartenders, beauty shop workers, prostitutes, etc.).

The key is figuring out how to bring your private investigator into the mystery and the crime the police are working on.

Perry Mason Was a Terrible Lawyer and Other Secrets of the Trial Lawyer

Perry Mason was a terrible lawyer. Many of the things he did in his shows would have gotten him disbarred from being an attorney or gotten him arrested (yes, he did break the law at times).

Here are some myths about trial lawyers that come from television.

Myth 1—Lawyers are sexy. No, they’re not. They are normal people.

Myth 2—Lawyers will do anything to win a case. Yes, but only within the bounds of the ethics of the state. If they violate these, they get disbarred and are unemployed.

Myth 3—Lawyers work one case at a time. No, they work several cases at a time. There is a lot of preparation and research done before the trial. During the trial, which rarely lasts that long, is the only time a lawyer focuses on a single case.

Myth 4—The plot twists in novels and television are stupid. People do not jump up in court and admit to being the killer.

Myth 5—Don’t model your lawyer on the Perry Mason character. He is always using the SODDI defense (some other dude did it). Also, lawyers will not interview witnesses; his investigator does. (All lawyers use investigators. This is in case the witness changes his/her testimony, the lawyer can call up the investigator. If the lawyer interviews the witness, the lawyer can’t testify about what he/she heard.)

Myth 6—Prosecutors are evil. No, they want to be the hero just as much as the defense attorney. They want to be seen as the true supporter of justice. The DA Offices don’t want bad lawyers working for them because if they are determined to be incompetent, then all of their cases get reversed.

Myth 7—Judges are wise old men. No, they are real people. Yes, they have experience in courtrooms, but they want to do right by the people.

Myth 8—Clients are grateful when the defense attorney gets them acquitted. Not really. Most clients aren’t that grateful, but then most of them are career criminals.

Myth 9—There are surprises in court. No. One of the first rules lawyers learn is to never ask a question they do not know the answer to. They know exactly what will happen and what to expect from witnesses in court.