tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post1662675007142175873..comments2023-10-31T10:59:03.023-04:00Comments on INKSPOT Crime Fiction Blog | A Place for Mystery, Mayhem, Writing and Life: Breaking The RulesLinda O. Johnstonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512430135042480450noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-20793438192781533532013-03-18T19:58:43.968-04:002013-03-18T19:58:43.968-04:00Looking forward to it, Kathleen. And I agree with ...Looking forward to it, Kathleen. And I agree with everything you said. Thanks for commenting.Liz Lippermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01807045909635613933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-86014266173435774622013-03-18T15:43:38.527-04:002013-03-18T15:43:38.527-04:00Hi Liz - my series is soft-boiled too, and I'm...Hi Liz - my series is soft-boiled too, and I'm glad we can wave that banner. I look forward to your book. As for the rule...I disagree that every sentence has to do one of those two things. Sentences can sometimes establish setting, which is crucial for avoiding the white box syndrome. See you at Malice!Kathleen Ernsthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07009876100214388898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-151354505337433742013-03-18T14:53:33.235-04:002013-03-18T14:53:33.235-04:00Good points, Beth. I have one of your books on my ...Good points, Beth. I have one of your books on my kindle. Now to only find the time to read it!!!!<br /><br />I am a little nervous about the bad language because Lois mentioned once that readers griped at her for a few cuss words. But both Terri and Courtney assure me that it's okay. And I'm also a little nervous that although they said it would be marketed as soft boiled, it is on the website as a cozy. It is SO not a cozy.Liz Lippermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01807045909635613933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-32450157853918194782013-03-18T13:53:09.054-04:002013-03-18T13:53:09.054-04:00Loved this post, Liz! And "sarcastic potty mo...Loved this post, Liz! And "sarcastic potty mouth lover" Terri is a gem. My RM Outdoor Adventures MI series is soft-boiled, too, so I can get away with some foreplay, more violence, etc, than I can in my cozy MI series.<br /><br />As for Vonnegut's rules, I would modify #5 to say "start when the protagonist's life changes forever." Also, I don't agree with #8 either. I think you need to keep planting unaswered questions to pull the reader through the story. Beth Groundwaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13999372882748655834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-22463376225039211622013-03-18T13:25:21.762-04:002013-03-18T13:25:21.762-04:00My thoughts, exactly. Of course, you and I both w...My thoughts, exactly. Of course, you and I both write suspense!! Hey, Angi, thanks for commenting. I was feeling all alone over here.Liz Lippermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01807045909635613933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3529128955266044151.post-55134939128006231752013-03-18T13:11:24.589-04:002013-03-18T13:11:24.589-04:00I agree to disagree with the last rule. Excuse me....I agree to disagree with the last rule. Excuse me...WHY do I need to finish the book (or movie, or anything) IF I have all the information to finish the story. Come on writers...KEEP ME GUESSING what's going to happen and 'who dun it'. I don't want to know in the beginning and love it when I guess incorrectly (as long as the writer has laid down all the clues).<br />~AngiAngi Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17568009648101184027noreply@blogger.com