Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

I dreamt last night. And in this dream, I found myself in a leather jacket leading the investigation of a heinous murder case that took place in a high-rise apartment building. It was my first case as a detective and I had to prove myself. In true Laura fashion, it took me 10 minutes to find a walkie-talkie that worked and I got stuck in the elevator trying to reach the 11th floor with no success. I woke up when I not only couldn't get to the 11th floor, but also couldn't get off the damn elevator. Thoughts bounced around my head as I laid in bed...could I do this in real life? No. I'm the farthest thing from an authoriatrian. Then I thought how that might segue into my stories. I tend to gravitate towards writing stories with amateur sleuths, characters that aren't tethered to strict rules that police must obey. So, it might be time to push through the comfort zone and try giving one of the characters in my WIP a more authoritarian role to contrast the main charact...

15 Fictional Characters That Influenced Me etc.usf.edu Among the writers in the blogosphere, I've yet to find someone who wasn't a voracious  reader.  I would bet most have been this way since they started reading.  So, I've put together a list of 15 characters I met through the years that found a permanent place in my memory and what I've learned from them.     Addie and Max ( Addie Meets Max ): They taught me preconceived notions lead to confusion and pain, and to be open and unafraid of new friendships. Ottie ( Ottie and the Star ): He taught me people will always stand between you and your goals.  Find the strength to defeat the opposition and believe in your success. Catundra ( Serendipity Series): She taught me people who help us the most are the ones we least expect. Charlotte Monster (Don't remember the title, my memory is failing): I learned most people are mean and judgmental, but if you embrace yourself, friends worth...