I found my favorite private detective, Spenser, decades ago, brought to life by Robert B. Parker. In addition to the Spenser novels, Parker also created the interconnected Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone novels. Recently fans of Robert B. Parker’s enduring literary world have been treated to two fresh takes on his beloved characters: Buzzkill by Alison Gaylin, …
The dream of finishing a novel often feels daunting, especially when life’s demands leave little time for creativity. However, committing to just 15 minutes of writing every day can be the key to turning your idea into a completed manuscript. Writing daily, even for a short amount of time, helps you build momentum. Instead of …
Continue reading Why Writing for 15 Minutes a Day Can Help You Finish Your Novel
Mystery stories have long captivated readers with their suspense, intrigue, and clever twists. From gritty urban tales to charming small-town puzzles, the genre offers something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at five distinct types of mystery genres that have kept fans hooked for decades: 1. Hard-Boiled Mysteries For those who love gritty realism and …
Continue reading Exploring the Many Faces of Mystery: A Guide to Popular Genres
Happy New Year, everyone. As we step into 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share an update with all of you. The past few months have been quite the journey—both creatively and physically. First, a little about my personal journey: I’ve been recovering from back-to-back surgeries. In late 2024, I underwent sinus surgery, …
Continue reading New Year, New Stories: An Update from the Recovery Chair
I grew up a fan of mystery novels and shows. Agatha Christie was my favorite mystery author and the Rockford Files my favorite detective show, though I read and watched them all. Today my lifelong dream of becoming a mystery writer has become a reality. Final Judgment: A Jericho Novel, is the first book in …
This weekend and New York Times bestselling fantasy writer, Richard Knaak, and I, will be at Tremendicon in Springfield, Missouri, Friday through Sunday at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. If you are in the area, stop by and say hello. About the con: Our focus is on Education, Inspiration, Encouragement, Collaboration, and Charity. These …
I've loved crime/detective/thriller fiction ever since picking up and reading And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie way back in middle school. This continues today. I thought I'd share my top five favorite characters which make you think, sit on the edge of your seat and figure out who done it. You have homicide …
The Dead Man's Flood is now available in ebook and on Kindle Unlimited for free. If you love old time crime noir, then this story is for you. In the rain-drenched streets of 1937 Louisville, Kentucky, a city drowning in the Great Flood, private investigator Charlie Parker is a man with debts to repay and …
When Kentucky Monthly Magazine published my short story, Leaves of Departure, in 1998, they asked me if I was working on anything else and I told them I was working on my first detective novel. It was an idea which floated around in my head for years. I grew up loving the Rockford Files, Columbo …
Many authors ask me what should and should not be in a contract when offered by a small press. It just so happens I know a guy who is both a lawyer and an author in Stuart Thaman. I asked Stuart to put together a list on what you should be watching for and he …
Tony Acree 