Ask the Author: M.P. Black
Answered Questions (6)
M.P. Black
I write regularly and consistently. I read a lot, too. And I don't let perfection stop me from getting through a draft.
I used have lots of great ideas that I never finished. Since then, I've learned that the best ideas are the ones that you turn into a full manuscript – and then revise.
I used have lots of great ideas that I never finished. Since then, I've learned that the best ideas are the ones that you turn into a full manuscript – and then revise.
M.P. Black
There's an incredible feeling – let's call it "creative flow" – that happens when I'm writing within a fictional space, and the elements are all organically coming together. It's like being in love. A natural high. And if I can pass on a little bit of that storytelling high to my readers, it makes me so happy.
Oh, and it's a great commute, too. ;-)
Oh, and it's a great commute, too. ;-)
M.P. Black
Read, write, and share your work.
Don't wait for the right story or idea to come along – or to find your voice. It will come if you write, write, write. Get started on a tangible project right away, work hard, and finish it.
There are many great books, courses, and coaches, but in the end, the only way to write a good book is for you to do the work itself.
So, write the beginning, the middle, and the end. Finish the draft. Revise the manuscript to the best of your ability. Then apply what you've learned to your next book. With each book, you'll become a better writer.
Don't wait for the right story or idea to come along – or to find your voice. It will come if you write, write, write. Get started on a tangible project right away, work hard, and finish it.
There are many great books, courses, and coaches, but in the end, the only way to write a good book is for you to do the work itself.
So, write the beginning, the middle, and the end. Finish the draft. Revise the manuscript to the best of your ability. Then apply what you've learned to your next book. With each book, you'll become a better writer.
M.P. Black
I'm working on a few things: a short story featuring Bernie and her friends in Carmine, New Jersey; book #4 in the Italian-American Cozy Mystery Series; and the first book in a new series.
M.P. Black
I write every day and that itself feeds my inspiration. Plus, I'm always letting my curiosity lead me down strange paths by reading widely in fiction and nonfiction, researching fun (and strange) facts, and listening to people's stories. My idea for Bernie's first adventure in The Soggy Cannoli Murder came from a dream. So inspiration also strikes when I'm not at my desk!
M.P. Black
For the most recent book, Tastes Like Murder, I knew mostaccioli cookies played a part. And I immediately knew that Bernie and Angelica would discover a break-in at the bakery – I wanted the mystery to grab the reader from the first paragraph.
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