Today on Mystery Mondays we welcome award-winning author Garry Ryan of the Detective Lane Mysteries and Blackbird Trilogy. Garry has some advice on making scene descriptions vivid. Here is what he has to say:
***
If you’re a writer, carry your phone. It has a camera. Use it.
Use it when you see something striking,
something out of the ordinary,
something inspiring,
something provocative.
Keep a file of these photos.
When a scene requires an image,
it’s there for you to paint with.
Since 2004 Garry Ryan has published nine novels with NeWest Press. The second, The Lucky Elephant Restaurant, won a 2007 Lambda Literary Award. In 2009, Ryan was awarded Calgary’s Freedom of Expression Award.
Next week on Mystery Mondays we welcome Debra Purdy Kong.
Creative Story Editors 
The reason I love to read Garry Ryan’s books is that they always give a view of a world that I was not really aware of. I love learning and his books encourage that. I look forward to the next one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Liliana. Lane will be traveling to Cuba in the novel after the next. I hope you will enjoy the trip.
Garry
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Liliana, Garry is one the writers where I have read all of his books. I love them too. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
Good advice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Linda, Garry was my mentor through Crime Writers of Canada and has provided me with endless writing advice. He’s very generous with his knowledge.
LikeLike
What a beautiful inspiring entry. Not surprised it came from Garry Ryan. I love his books. Plus he’s a wonderful person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So agree Cathy!
LikeLike
Nice post, interesting. I hardly ever turn my phone on (it may be smart, it seems, but I am obviously not). Shall make more of an effort to turn it on and take photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep my phone with me all the time, more for photos than for talking. Couldn’t live without it.
LikeLike
What would we do without our phones?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Be very very lost.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice, Garry. I rarely think to pull out my phone when I see something interesting, which is too bad. I’ll try to do better in future 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know how it works for you.
LikeLike
Debra, once you get in the habit it gets easier 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you all for reading and responding. And thank you Kristina for the opportunity.
Garry
LikeLike
Garry, It’s a pleasure having you.
LikeLike
Simple, useful advice. I shall start doing so immediately! Hey – a rational use for a cell phone.
LikeLiked by 1 person