As you probably already know—there are two things that make a great book: an engaging plot and interesting characters. So how does a writer create memorable characters?
1. The character must want or better yet, need something. This need will be so strong that it drives the character (and reader) through the story. If the character needs something …
Over the many years I have practiced before the judges of Minnesota, I have found them to be hard-working, honest, and fair for the most part. But there are some funny stories about what judges do behind closed doors and behind the courtrooms.
1. One day I came into a judge’s chambers while his clerk rushed out. He …
I know this subject has been written and argued about in many other forums by people much wiser than I am. I don’t intend to re-hash all of the pros and cons about the death penalty. But after years of working with criminal personalities as a Public Defender, I have a few “inside” comments.
I practice in a …
At the Edina Art Center in Minnesota, I host a program called “The Author’s Studio.” We’re starting our fourth year. I interview local authors from a variety of genres in front of a live audience while it’s filmed for TV and YouTube. It’s been fun and I’ve worked hard to introduce good writing and fascinating authors to the …
As a writer, I go to many book events, bookstore signings, and book festivals. They’re all fun. I enjoy meeting readers and other writers. But the best events are book clubs. Here’s why:
1. Food!! Wine! Most book clubs have great food and wine. My friend, writer and humorist Lorna Landvik, says she judges all book clubs by …
I host a program at the Edina Art Center in Minnesota called, The Author’s Studio. I interview local authors from a variety of genres. It’s great fun for me and great for the audience because they get to meet many writers. Recently, I interviewed best selling mystery writer, William Kent Krueger.
His popular series stars Cork O’Connor and …
As a criminal defense lawyer, I get asked one question more than any other: How can you defend a guilty person?
If you know the client did the crime, how can you represent a guilty person? There are three answers to that:
1. Very few clients ever fully admit they’re guilty! Most lie and deny everything. Even though …
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