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From Kristen Weber - 10 Things I Need Every Writer to Know

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  I tend not to post too much writing advice (mainly, with one novel under my belt, I hardly feel like an expert), but I have learned a few things along this long road. I got this from Kristen Weber (you can find her substack) and found it to be really solid, so thought I'd share. Any thoughts? 10 Things I Need Every Writer to Know After years of editing manuscripts and talking writers through everything from first drafts to crushing rejection, there are certain truths I keep coming back to again and again. Not “rules.” Just the things I most wish writers understood earlier before they wasted time, lost confidence, or convinced themselves they were failing when they were actually learning. Readers, Agents, Editors and Publishers do not owe you anything. Your job is to give them a story they cannot put down. Start the story sooner. Too many writers spend chapters preparing to tell the story instead of actually telling it. Make sure the plot is invited in…fast. Pretty wri...
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The Importance of Setting

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  One thing I’ve noticed in a lot of books that “don’t work” for me, is that they aren’t steadfastly grounded in a realistic, well-described setting.  And this is a shame, because a great setting can really be an enhancement to any book, and if done well, can even become a “character” in the novel.  I don’t mean endless descriptions of architecture or itemizations of all the furniture in a room like a moving list, but a sense that the book takes place in a real setting, with consistency of the surroundings, and enough telling details in the description to really root the reader.  With that, the buildings, their location, the weather, all become living breathing aspects of the book.  It adds a much-needed layer of verisimilitude to the story. So, let’s explore setting for a while.  My novel, Deadly Vision, is a Medical Thriller, so naturally I needed to create a University Medical Center.   Our hero lives in San Francisco, so my direction...
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 As part of the Clive Cussler Adventure Writers Finalists competition, the organizers made this amazing book trailer to play for those attending the awards convention. Kinda blew me away.    BTW, Deadly Vision won the Grand Master First Place prize in the Clive Cussler Adventure Writers Competition.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sMsposY9AM 
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Top 20 Bestseller on Amazon!

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I have to say, my mind has been completely blown away! Since Deadly Vision came out, I've been watching the Amazon rankings, wondering, hoping, that one day I'd break into the top 100 for Medical Thrillers.  I came close a couple times, up to #125, but the rankings would go up and down.  I checked today.   The novel crashed into the Top 100, landing at #83 for the paperback version, and the audio book has premiered at #16 on the list for Medical/Forensic Thriller!  It also ranked #44 in Political Fiction and #52 in Medical Fiction.  Wow!!! Thank you all so much.  I really hope you enjoy this little tale of one man's quest for redemption, forgiveness and love, amidst the mire of political machinations, espionage, madness, and murder.  Thank you again, sincerely. 
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Some Reviews Just Blow Me Away

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    ⭐️ Book Review: *Deadly Vision* by T.D. Severin A heart-racing medical thriller packed with tech, tension, and terrifying visions Rating: 5/5 artificial arteries --- 🧠 What's It About? Imagine Grey’s Anatomy , Black Mirror , and House of Cards had a high-adrenaline baby. That’s Deadly Vision . This is a medical thriller with a capital T for technology—and terror. In just ten days (plus two killer epilogues), we’re thrown into a world of cutting-edge science, political scheming, and mind-bending hallucinations that blur the line between reality and sabotage. Dr. Taylor Abrahms is at the center of it all—a brilliant surgeon piloting a breakthrough technology: virtual reality-assisted heart surgery. But when a patient arrives with disturbing injuries and even more disturbing secrets, Taylor finds himself entangled in a deadly conspiracy. As the bodies start piling up and hallucinations creep into his every move, Taylor realizes this is more than just a tech g...
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A Cutting Edge Thriller on the Suit Up! Podcast

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I was incredibly honored to be a guest of Terrance Layhew on the Suit Up! podcast, talking about craft, creativity, inspiration, and . . . comic books! Thanks so much for having me, and so thrilled that you enjoyed Deadly Vision as much as you did.  Check it out.    Normal warning . . . I babble.  A lot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=gVEvKlmbemY&fbclid=IwY2xjawMHJ4tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpcueq0Ah1qFoi7LR7shGXm69NEqWAWrSF84-asnqQvNktEhYXHsZ6r2xAff_aem_R_FeT6TPovoiYzlsEEg5sA
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Simply, Made Me Smile

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      Just got this amazing review and had to share.  Lots to digest here. "Deadly Vision is straight-up next-level thriller vibes—like if Black Mirror met House but with that extra political edge. Dr. Taylor Abrahms is this tech genius trying to push medical VR into the mainstream, but everyone’s out here scheming to shut him down. The book’s got that perfect mix of biotech geekery and high-stakes drama, with sabotage, murder, and a dash of political chaos that keeps you hooked. It’s smart, fast-paced, and hits emotional beats without getting cheesy.    If you’re into brainy thrillers that feel like a Netflix binge but on paper, this one’s a must. Definitely a page-turner for anyone who loves tech, drama, and a little bit of that underdog hustle energy."
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