Writing Tips Thanks to ThrillerFest 2011

In honor of ThrillerFest, which I attended today, I figured I would post a journal for those writers who love to read and write in the thriller genre. I admit, it’s not the normal writing contest that I post on Fridays.  But this journal (The Strand Magazine) pays, so getting published there would be just like winning a writing contest!

The Strand Magazine is the original home of Sherlock Holmes short stories.  It’s got quite an impressive history.

What They Want:  “mysteries, detective stories, tales of terror and the supernatural as well as short stories” of 2,000-6,00o words

When They Want It:  anytime.  Rolling submissions.

How They Want It: Snail mail ONLY.  Submission guidelines

Official Submission Response Time:  4-6 weeks.

My Personal Submission Response Time:  n/a

Prize/Payment:  $25-$150

Also, thought I’d share some Writing Tips Curtsey of David Bell, Toni McGee Causey, Harley Jane Kozak, Robert Liparulo, Amanda Kyle Williams, and John Lescroart:

1. Don’t use drunks in your writing just for stock laughs.  Characters like Otis from the Andy Griffith Show don’t work anymore.
2. Don’t wait until you have a near death experience before you start committing yourself to your writing.
3. If you’re writing about something you don’t know first hand–like legal thrillers–get a professional to read through and double check your facts and details.  You want it to reflect real life situations.

Fitting with today’s post theme, this interesting NY Times essay argues that all writers are actually mystery writers.  Do you agree?  (I’m particularly fond of the essay because it’s set in Gramercy Park, which is the neighborhood I’m currently living in :] )