The Chopping Blog

At the heart of noir is a central tension: the world is corrupt, maybe even irredeemable—but the protagonist refuses to be.

"One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned along the way is to protect my creativity at all costs."

"Be tenacious. And find fellow writers who challenge you, and who understand this crazy journey is absolutely essential to staying sane and leveling up your craft."

"I finally did get that contract, about 25 years after I started."

The Maltese Falcon doesn’t just shift the tone of crime fiction—it shifts the structure.

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The novel is structured differently than a traditional mystery. Instead of a tightly wound plot with a single overarching case, it unfolds in a series of smaller unrelated mysteries, making it feel more like a collection of vignettes than a traditional whodunit.

A premise should create instant friction—between people, values, desires, timelines, or survival. This will be the lifeblood of your story.

The best subplots add layers, create obstacles, resolve internal conflicts, and enrich the main storyline. They create depth rather than merely taking up space.

"We're always looking for unique ideas showcased by stellar writing."

Every reader is a detective, searching for answers. The craft lies in making the search irresistible.

The closed-circle mystery, distinct from a locked-door puzzle, amplifies tension through containment.