The Chopping Blog

Plot is the transformation of the internal by the external.

Coincidence works when it ignites trouble, not when it puts out fires.

“Ito offers a soul-searching memoir about the lasting effects of childhood emotional neglect… A compelling, honest, and ultimately victorious memoir.”
—Kirkus Reviews

The charm of the amateur sleuth lies in contradiction: they don’t belong in the world of crime, yet somehow they thrive there.

Intentionality is how you earn readers’ trust.

Grafton straddles the two mystery worlds—noir and classic—to create something unique.

Every book signing is one step forward—practice for the next connection.

"There are many elements to a good submission, but the main one is making sure you put the unique aspect of your story first and foremost in your query."

"As always, it’s about the writing. Always."

Email marketing is one of the best ways to promote yourself as an author.

If your novel wants to break the fourth wall, go ahead. Just make sure you have something to say when it does.

The story may invite multiple levels of interpretation, but its emotional engine is the same as drives every good mystery: someone is hiding something, and we want to know the truth.