On Writing

The Writing Life

The itchiness of the ever-present Muse, his constant pervasion of one’s dreams, waking thoughts, imagination, always there prodding the writer onward. As a Sherlock Holmes author, I know how lucky I am to have this inventive Muse in my life and to share a similar awe to Dr. Watson’s.  Proof for the all-out characteristic of…

Doyle’s School for Writers

“. . . when the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes and the mystery clears gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads on to the complete truth.” ENGI. In writing a new Sherlock Holmes novel such as These Scattered Houses, it is essential to look to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s…

The Once and Future Muse

“Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should dwell” (COPP).        Beginning with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the first to write his stories. As a muse, Sherlock Holmes has lived over many lifetimes and inspired generations of writers, performers, musicians, and artists.…

PODCAST – I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere – MX Publishing

MX runs on passion, creative intelligence, and dreams A. Conan Doyle and J.M. Barry would approve. And supports a large number of charities incredibly well and highly successfully.” Everyday I am more and more grateful for finding Steve Emecz and the MX community. Find out why by listening to the I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere…

Huzzah!–Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia

“A trusty comrade is always of use, and a chronicler still more so.” (TWIS) Hip Hip Hoorah! This is a toast to the Arthur Conan Doyle Encyclopedia and to its creator, Alexis Barquin. Also to its many knowledgeable contributors. This splendid resource was and is a daily helpmate during the writing of my Sherlock Holmes novels,…

These Scattered Houses Review by Geri Schear

The author also captured Holmes’s voice very neatly. As I wrote my first three novels from Holmes’s point of view, I know all too well how difficult it is to make that voice sound authentic. The story takes place during The Great Hiatus, that period in Sherlock Holmes’s life when the world believed he was…

These Scattered Houses Review by Craig Stephen Copland

“Of the hundreds of Sherlock Holmes pastiche mysteries available to the Sherlockian, very few can match this book for a depth of historical research, finely crafted sentences and paragraphs, and a heart-stopping thrill of a story.” Ms. Altabef takes the reader on a journey during the great hiatus and brings Sherlock Holmes to New York…