E.D. Rich's Blog: E.D. Rich - The Blog

You heard it here. I am the proverbial chicken, and I am running around without a head. Why? Let me tell you a little story first. My mom is Greek. She’s first generation. When she started kindergarten, she didn’t speak English, and she learned English via immersion in public school. She actually became an English teacher. My maternal great-grandmother lived with my mom, uncle, and grandparents. It was a different time and a lot simpler. That’s just what you did back then. There weren’t all the senior living options, long-term care insurance, and all the stuff to consider. Trust me on that one. My parents are at the point where we’re having to make some tough decisions.

But my great-yia yia lived with my mom’s family. They kept chickens. They had a garden. They lived in a city, but made some of the things we typically associate with rural life part of their urban life. If they were having chicken, my great-yia yia would wring the chicken’s neck, or sometimes she would take a little hatchet and do what one does with a chicken and a hatchet. My mom told me this: After the chicken lost its head, it would run around in the yard for a while. When I was little, I couldn’t wrap my head around this because, duh, the chicken had no head and couldn’t see where it was going. Did it run around in circles? Did it have some otherworldly ability to chase my mom and uncle? Did it run in a straight line? Did it run around for seconds, minutes, hours? I think its route was random and very happenstance and only lasted as long as there was ADP/ATP and troponin to fuel the chicken’s cells.

Right now, I have taken on some of the chicken’s situation, though my head is still firmly attached to the rest of me. I am in the throes of marketing and promotion and publicity for “It Could Have Been Murder;” I’m working through a LOT of edits for “Such a Fantastic Girl;” I’m writing “Crazy Murdering B*tches;” and then I have a couple little side projects. One of the side projects is a collection of short stories, which tend to trend toward flash fiction, and the other project is a novel I’m co-writing with the very talented Thomas Wetzel, called “The Effing Pool Boys,” which is going to be a very fun caper. Percolating in the back of my brain are four other books, two of which re-visit Diamond Teams–one will be a prequel, and the other will be a sequel. The other two books are going to be full of intrigue, and I’m very excited to get those books going, but there’s only so much time in the day.

Hence, chicken running around without its head. That’s me.

On a side note: My grandfather had the most beautiful heavily accented English, and I didn’t always understand him. He was a lovely, gentle man, with very kind eyes that held nothing but love for his wife, children, mother-in-law, eventually a son- and daughter-in-law, five grandchildren, and his life in America. In my short fiction, there are several stories that focus on adult children facing the hard truths of aging parents and the struggle of doing right by them. There are also other stories, like the angst Mr. Snuffleupagus feels toward Kermit the Frog. There’s also a fun little story of one of Santa’s elves who works down Santa’s Naughty List.

And, in case you’re wondering: I don’t eat chicken.

Lessons in Strategy from Healthcare to Fiction

“Everything has to be perfect, and all contingencies have to be considered at every step in the completion of the exercise.”

Kate (It Could Have Been Murder)

When people think of writing a novel, they often imagine a burst of inspiration leading to pages effortlessly filled with words.

But for me, writing It Could Have Been Murder wasn’t a spontaneous creative outpouring, and it wasn’t a carefully thought out project plan or strategy. I didn’t make an outline and allowed the story to be something that tooks its own shape as I led it along a path.

Whether working in healthcare operations or writing a novel, success depends on understanding the big picture while obsessing over every small detail and being nimble enough to pivot when it’s required.

It was this mindset that shaped my approach to writing.

Setting Goals and Adapting Along the Way

At the start, I aimed to write 30,000 words.

A manageable goal, inspired by a Ted Talk about tackling challenges in small, consistent steps. The speaker claimed you could accomplish anything in 30 days, and I believed I could hit 1,000 words a day.

But I did some fact checking, which led to this bomb: 30,000 words was novella length. Novel length, depending on genre, ranged from 50,000 to 80,000 words. This was kind of crushing because my 30-day project was going to exceed 30 days.

When I reached 25,000 words, I wondered how the heck I was going to get to 50,000 words, let alone 70,000. Then I reached 65,000 words, and I wondered how the heck I was going to end the book in the next 10-15,000 words.”

Like in healthcare, where plans often need adjustments, I reset my goals to meet the evolving demands of the project.

Writing is rarely straightforward, but being flexible kept me moving forward.

Structure as a Creative Tool

Healthcare systems thrive on well-designed processes, and I applied the same logic to my novel.

Writing 1,000 words a day wasn’t just a random goal—it was part of a structure I created to ensure consistent progress. Each day’s work built on the previous one, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together.

The same strategic mindset influenced the way I developed the plot and characters.

Much like a healthcare organization’s careful contingency aka business continuity planning, the story needed backup plans for every twist and turn.

Kate describes this perfectly:

“You HAVE to know every place where there can be a kink in the chain, and you have to be able to fix the chain as quickly and smoothly as possible without losing any of your momentum.”

Finding the Humanity in the Process

While strategy was crucial, writing also required heart. Healthcare is about people first—patients, families, teams—and so is writing.

At its core, It Could Have Been Murder isn’t just about thorough planning; it’s about the characters and their relationships, decisions, and emotions.

Lessons for Aspiring Writers

Set Manageable Goals: Start small—whether it’s 1,000 words a day or a single chapter outline—and build from there.Be Flexible: Just as healthcare plans change with new information, be willing to adjust your writing goals as your story evolves.When You’re Stuck, Walk Away for a Bit: Ask yourself ‘what if?’ and keep asking it; then talk to people and go through the what-if exercise with them.Stay Human: Never lose sight of the emotions and relationships at the heart of your story. Strategy gets you to the finish line, but heart makes the journey worthwhile.

Planning Isn’t Just for Plots

I love a great project plan, but I had to be open to my plan being very simple during the writing process: Write something every day and shoot for 1,000 words or more, and if the words aren’t there, stop. Don’t keep going. This very simplified plan was a gross departure from the plans I loved to write and follow, but it seemed to work.

If you approach writing with the same level of care and thoughtfulness, you can turn even the most daunting project into something achievable—and maybe even enjoyable.

As Kate might say:

“Everything has to be perfect, and all contingencies have to be considered.”

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Ever wondered how far strategy and teamwork can take you in a high-stakes murder mystery? I remember playing Assassin in college, and it was so much fun. I didn’t win, and I did everything I could to evade the person trying to get me, but in the end, I was thwarted outside the performing arts building, getting drilled in the back by a water pistol. I screamed from the surprise of it all. And if you know me at all, you know I’m the least stealthy person you’re ever going to meet. It was a complete miracle that I was able to pick off two of my targets because anyone would have heard my cackling laugh coming from a football field away.

Thirty-some years later, it all came back to me when I was thinking of writing It Could Have Been Murder. What if this were a corporate teambuilding thing? You couldn’t really advertise because, well, risk management. Think of all the people with grudges who’d line up outside the door. So. This book, I look at it like a business case. What would a successful murder adventure business look like? If you’re a fan of mystery, strategy, and mischief, It Could Have Been Murder would be a fun read for you.

This book combines elements of Assassin, teambuilding and teamwork, building trust both inside and out of work, and making difficult choices with real consequences.

Meet Kate, Sam, and Chris in It Could Have Been Murder. They are the principals of a successful boutique consulting firm. The three of them have been thorough, meticulous, clever, and always a few steps ahead of everyone. But when their business and their families are threatened, they find themselves caught in their own game of strategy and survival.

As Kate navigates the tension between work and personal life, she’s forced to reveal long-held secrets to the people she loves the most—her husband and kids—when it turns out they may be in the cross-hairs of a client who has become dangerously obsessed with revenge.

Experience the adventure. Grab the copy of It Could Have Been Murder. It is now available from the official website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Some people grow up knowing what it is they want to do with their lives. There are people who do what it is others expect them to do, and there are those who dream a dream, believe in it and create their own paths to turning the dream into something real.

What makes this book a fascinating read is how it begins on the precipice of a young person’s dilemma. If you don’t know what to do with your life right out of college, what do you do? The book, It Could Have Been Murder, opens with Kate not knowing what her next step will be post-graduation from college, but she likes the idea of venturing into the unknown, chasing an unconventional career.

Twenty Years of Secrets

Kate reunites with her best friend from high school and another close friend to turn her dream of a murder adventure business into a reality. Their families accept that they run a boutique consulting firm with government clients and top secret clearance, preventing them from sharing exactly what it is they do for their clients.

The whole business, in fact, has a clandestine air to it.  There’s no advertising or marketing. Clients find Diamond Teams by word of mouth. A careful vetting process limits who can or can’t be a Diamond Teams client. Many of the clients are C-suite executives, and the existence of Diamond Teams is almost an urban legend.

Unless you are or have been a client or have been turned away, the non-disclosure agreements leave a lot to the imaginations of potential clients.

Teambuilding by Planning a Murder?

It Could Have Been Murder stands out because the principals of Diamond Teams have created a company that curates murders without murdering any of the targets. Imagine a murder adventure game where players act out fascinating scenarios in real life involving team building and strategy sessions. This board game is more than just a game—it requires bringing people together to think, plan, strategize, build camaraderie, and, most importantly, learn to trust one another

Sharing a Secret

The novel brilliantly depicts Kate’s internal struggle when she eventually has to share with her husband and kids what it is her company does. The question arises: Would she have ever shared her secret if her family hadn’t been put in jeopardy by a vengeful client?

The surprise of It Could Have Been Murder doesn’t come from Kate or Diamond Teams, but a trio of individuals no one would have wanted to put in the driver’s seat of problem-solving.

Take the Journey

It Could Have Been Murder isn’t just a book about job struggles—it’s about following your passion, taking risks, and stepping into uncharted territory. E.D Rich invites readers to experience the thrill of teambuilding games, murder, and strategic thinking.

How do the families of the Diamond Teams principals react when the true nature of the business is revealed? Find out by grabbing a copy of It Could Have Been Murder now, from Rich’s official website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to plan the perfect murder—without ever committing it? It Could Have Been Murder by E.D. Rich offers a thrilling glimpse into this bizarre and unique world, where strategy, teamwork, and adventure collide in the most unorthodox way imaginable.

The book takes readers on a ride through the minds of an elite consulting firm that specializes in murder—but not in the way you think. They don’t kill—they simply plan it to perfection.

The Art of Planning

At the heart of It Could Have Been Murder is Diamond Teams, a boutique consulting firm offering one very unconventional service—murder planning. But don’t worry, no one gets hurt in their process.

Instead, the firm’s unique approach is rooted in guiding clients through every meticulous step, right up to the point where the murder would actually be committed. It’s a thrilling, high-stakes “assassin game” that blurs the line between strategy and adventure.

The narrative jumps into the world of teambuilding exercises where corporate leaders assume the role of assassins—but in a safe, simulated way. One notable story follows a senior leadership team that engages in a strategic assassination of a rival corporation’s leaders.

No murders are actually committed, of course. Instead, the exercise involved surveillance, social engineering, and executing plans so seamlessly that no one suspected a thing. Every move was calculated, every action rehearsed—just like a Chess, Risk, Go, or any other game where strategy is everything.

Precision and Strategy: Where Adventure Meets Danger

One of the most intriguing aspects of It Could Have Been Murder is the attention to detail. In one of the book’s most gripping moments, even the employees of Diamond Teams must work through the experience of taking justice into their own hands.

When the very existence of Diamond Teams is threatened, plans, backup plans, and countermeasures are developed. The stakes are high, and a failure to plan is a plan for failure.

There are edge-of-your-seat moments that showcase Ms. Rich’s ability to create tension while emphasizing the importance of planning, precision, and strategy.

A Business Model Like No Other

The unique nature of Diamond Teams doesn’t end with their unorthodox services. What makes this firm even more intriguing is their high profit margin and growing demand for their “assassination game.”

Despite never advertising their services, their client list grows through word of mouth. The company almost has an almost mythical presence, and there’s never a shortage of potential clients.

Experience the Thrill—Without the Crime

E.D. Rich’s It Could Have Been Murder is more than just a story about planning the perfect murder. It’s a deep dive into the psychology of strategy, teamwork, and adventure. The book’s interactive narrative will leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning every decision, every detail.

With the perfect blend of suspense and intellect, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a strategic adventure with a dangerous twist.

Are you ready to step into the shoes of an assassin, plan the ultimate strategy, and walk away without a single crime committed? Grab the book now, available from Rich’s official website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble and dive in to the thrilling journey of It Could Have Been Murder.

What happens when a simple game of Assassin takes a deadly turn? E.D. Rich’s It Could Have Been Murder plunges readers into a thrilling world where strategy, survival, and murder collide in ways you never imagined. If you’re a fan of gripping mysteries, clever mind games, and a dash of dark humor, this book is your next must-read.

Let’s jump into this murder adventure and explore why It Could Have Been Murder will have you on the edge of your seat.

A Game with Deadly Consequences

At first glance, the Assassin game played by Kate and her friends in their high school days seems harmless enough. Over Christmas break, they gather for pizza, laughter, and a little mischief at Kate’s parents’ house. Equipped with laser pointers, water pistols, and stopwatches, the group sets out on a thrilling adventure, each drawing a name from a coffee can—their target.

Little does Kate know the role the Assassin game will play in her professional life.

The Turning Point: Assassin Meets Reality

Kate founds a company, Diamond Teams, LLC, along with her long-time best friend Sam and another friend from high school, Chris. The company specializes in murder adventure as a corporate teambuilding exercise. Their job? To train clients in eliminating their targets—without ever committing the act themselves.

Imagine blending the thrill of a strategy game with the intensity of planning the perfect crime. That’s exactly what Diamond Teams offers, and Kate is at the heart of it all.

Early in the book, in a proof of concept effort, Kate and her first client, Chris, spend three days surveilling their target—Sam. They study her every move, from her work hours to her social routines, gathering data and planning their next steps.

But the question looms: can they pull it off without being detected by the target or law enforcement?

Why You’ll Love It Could Have Been Murder

What sets this book apart is its clever combination of murder, strategy, and teambuilding. E.D. Rich masterfully keeps readers hooked by weaving together suspenseful plots, intriguing characters, and thoughtful twists and turns. The story is about outsmarting, outmaneuvering, and outlasting.

Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the chase or the dark allure of planning the perfect crime, It Could Have Been Murder has something for everyone. As the game unfolds, you’ll find yourself questioning each character’s motives and eagerly turning pages to see who comes out on top.

Ready to Dive In?

Are you ready for a murder adventure like no other? It Could Have Been Murder offers a captivating mix of suspense, strategy, and a little bit of dark humor. With every chapter, you’ll be pulled deeper into the web of Kate’s world, where every decision counts and nothing is as it seems.

Don’t miss out on this pulse-pounding read. Get your copy of It Could Have Been Murder from Rich’s official website, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble and discover what happens when the game turns deadly. How far would you go to win?

I went for a walk with my sister one day, about 6 months after I had quit my job. We were talking about the next thing in my professional life, and I wanted to stay in healthcare, but the job-hunting landscape had changed pretty significantly with artificial intelligence software, aka applicant tracking software, doing the review of resumes and rendering scores based on keywords and then elevating the applicants for review by a human. I didn’t have a handle on the best keywords, and the interviews were few and far between.

While we were walking, though, I told her about a guy I had seen on a Ted Talk. He talked about determination, saying he could do ‘anything’ for 30 days. I think he decided he wanted to do a 5K, and he trained every day for 30 days, and at the end, he did a 5K. I can’t remember if he ran or walked the route or did a combination of running and walking, but the takeaway is that he achieved what he set out to achieve.

One of his initiatives was to write a novel. He said he would write 1,000 words every day for 30 days, and at the end of 30 days, he would have written a novel. He said it may not have been a great novel, but he could tell people he was a novelist. My sister said, “You should write a novel. You could do what that guy did.”

I thought about it. I could definitely write 1,000 words a day, but I had no idea what I would write about. Then I started thinking about a conversation I had had with my son and one of his friends. We were driving to Cincinnati around 4 years ago to visit colleges. We were talking about how to get away with a murder, and we thought the killing wouldn’t be the hardest part. We thought most murders get discovered because of the failure to dispose of the body properly. Then we started talking about how to get rid of bodies. None of us had any desire to kill anyone, but it was a spirited discussion.

When I sat down to start writing It Could Have Been Murder, I thought back to the Ted Talk, and pulled in the conversation with my son and his friend, and I went from there. I think the other big influence was being a healthcare worker for a large healthcare system. No one builds culture and leadership like a hospital or large system, and healthcare people know planning and strategy. I pulled a lot of what I used in my book from my experience in healthcare.

When I started writing, I also started doing little 1-2 minute videos on my phone and talked about the process of writing. To me the process is this: Get an idea and start writing and don’t stop until you run out of words or ideas for the day. When you’re stuck, walk away.

My goal was 30,000 words—based on the guy from the Ted Talk. Early in the journey, though, I wanted to know if 30,000 was too many or too few words or just right. I was taking The Three Bears approach to novel writing. What I found was that 30,000 words was novella length, and my goal was to write a novel. My 30 day journey to writing a novel required a different map, and I required a reset on my output to getting the job done. Now, I was shooting for 70,000-80,000 words. When I reached 25,000 words, I wondered how the heck I was going to get to 50,000 words, let alone 70,000. Then I reached 65,000 words, and I wondered how the heck I was going to end the book in the next 10-15,000 words.

The book didn’t take 30 days. I finished the first draft in approximately 4.5 months—August 1. When I placed the final period in the last chapter, saying goodbye to the story and characters felt great. It wasn’t a sad thing, and it wasn’t like seeing friends who have come to visit going back home. It was just a thing. It was done, and now it was time to move on to the next thing. But being finished with the process of writing something longer than a short story or term paper or lab report—I wanted to celebrate completion of this project.

And now, this book, sort of my kiddo, is out there in the world. Here’s hoping he or she isn’t the last kid chosen for dodgeball in gym class.