James Scott Bell

She's back...and the punks in L.A. are about to get knuckled under... Sister Justicia Marie, the rogue nun who burst into action in FORCE OF HABIT, is back with a vengeance. Determined to love her enemies by kicking their butts, Sister J is getting on everyone’s bad side--her superior at St. Cecelia's school; her confessor, Father Dom; the criminal boss who calls himself the Pope of Los Angeles; and any number of thugs and criminals who think they can get away with murder. Not with Sister J on the case. "They are the knuckles," she says. "I am the ruler." And this crime novelette is another great read in the FORCE OF HABIT series. James Scott Bell is the bestselling and award winning author of many thrillers and books on the craft of writing. He makes his home in Sister J's town, Los Angeles.

Jake Denney has hit rock bottom. His wife has left him. He's drinking again. And his five-year-old daughter is in the middle of it all. When a judge calls him "a disgrace to the legal profession," Jake starts thinking things might be better for everyone if he wasn't around anymore. Then a childhood friend's mother phones him. Her son, Howie, has been accused of murdering his wife. Jake takes the seemingly hopeless case in a last-ditch effort to save his client and his fading career. Meanwhile, Howie's little sister, Lindsay, has grown into a beautiful woman. Though Jake is drawn to her, there's something about her he doesn't understand, even though it may be the very thing he needs to reclaim his humanity. With the evidence mounting against his client, and a web of corruption closing around them both, Jake Denney faces the fight of his life--not only in the courtroom, but in the depths of his own soul. "Move over John Grisham. James Scott Bell has done it again with Blind Justice. A must read!" - Nancy Moser, author of The Invitation and The Quest

Conflict pulls readers into a story and suspense carries them along until its conclusion. Expert author of over 15 thrillers, James Scott Bell offers proven techniques that help writers craft fiction that their readers won?t be able to put down. Learn how to believably weave conflict and suspense into a story, how to pace your story and keep the pressure on throughout, and how to bring it all to a gripping conclusion.

She thinks she knows who she is and what she wants, but when the web gets terribly tangled, is her game of deception a clever lie or a deadly trap? Two bodies in an isolated canyon on the edge of L.A. One with saddlebags filled with diamonds. That's how it begins for Liz Towne, a stunning blonde with a devout husband who has given up a prime job for reasons Liz cannot understand—for "Mac" MacDonald, a Gulf War vet who's done time in prison and is just now finding his way back to normal life—and for Roxanne "Rocky" Towne, Liz's sister-in-law, who suspects things she cannot prove. All three are thrown together after a tragedy in Pack Canyon. After finding the stolen diamonds, Liz is faced with an escalating set of Truth or lies? Stop or keep moving? All in or played out? A stunning suspense thriller from bestselling author James Scott Bell.

A vigilante nun cleans up the streets of Los Angeles. Sinners beware.Just who is Sister Justicia Marie? And what is she doing to some of the toughest thugs in L.A.? When a nun is viciously attacked, Sister Justicia takes it upon herself to find out what happened. The cops don't like that. Neither does her Mother Superior at St. Cecelia's. But when a couple of hoods try to stick up a liquor store and Sister J brings them down, something is unleashed inside her...something that will either confirm her calling . . . or destroy it. From "one of the best writers out there, bar none" (Library Review) comes the start of a new series featuring a heroine unlike any other in crime fiction--Sister Justicia Marie, rogue nun. If criminals are the knuckles, she is the ruler. So be good. An original novelette from national bestselling suspense author James Scott Bell.

America’s favorite vigilante nun is back ... and she’s hot on the trail of a stolen cross! And not just any cross. It’s the iconic Hollywood Cross that overlooks Tinsel Town. In different incarnations it has stood on a hill for almost 100 years. Until, somehow, it’s gone! Who could have carried out such an outrageous theft? What would be the motive? Sister Justicia Marie of the Sisters of Perpetual Justice is determined to find the answers. But she’ll have to kick some serious keister to get them. Once again, some bad people in L.A. think they can gather ill-gotten gains...but end up with nun!

There is one sure-fire way of improving your novel fast. . . You may know the fundamentals of how to write fiction. You may be more than competent in plot, structure and characters. But if your dialogue is dull it will drag the whole story down. On the other hand, if your dialogue is crisp and full of tension it immediately grabs the reader. And if that reader is an agent or editor, sharp dialogue will give them instant assurance that you know what you're doing as a writer. Writing a bestseller or hot screenplay is no easy task, but dazzling dialogue is an absolute essential if you want to get there. The best part is, the skills of the dialogue craft are easy to understand and put into practice. #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell has put together and expanded upon the dialogue lectures from his popular writing seminars. In How to Write Dazzling Dialogue you'll What fictional dialogue is ... and isn't The 11 secrets of crafting memorable dialogue The 5 essential tasks of dialogue 5 ways to improve your dialogue ear 4 can't-miss methods to increase conflict and tension in any dialogue exchange The top 10 dialogue issues, and how to resolve them You'll also see dazzling dialogue in action with examples from hit novels and screenplays. Don't sabotage your chances of selling your work to readers or publishers because the dialogue is unexceptional. Dazzle them with what the characters say. How to Write Dazzling Dialogue will give you the tools to do it.

Type Hard. Type Fast. Make Dough.That was the formula of old-school pulp fiction—plot-driven, popular and gobbled up by a reading public hungry for more. And it produced many writers who hammered out a living selling “cash-and-carry” stories and novels. Some of these writers were among the best America has ever produced. Writers like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett and John D. MacDonald. Others are numbered among the bestselling authors of all time, including Erle Stanley Gardner, Lester Dent, and Frederick Faust (better known by his pen name, Max Brand). What were the secrets of these successful pulp writers? And how can any writer, of any genre, use them to produce fiction that sells? How to Write Pulp Fiction will teach • how to be more prolific • the secrets of pulp plotting • how to elevate your pulp prose • the fiction “formulas” of some of the best pulp writers of all time • the bestselling genres • how to harness the power of the series character • the most effective publishing strategies • how to market your pulp fiction Added bonus! The Start-A-Plot Machine, a brainstorming partner that will help you instantly generate a story or novel idea. You’ll never again wonder what to write next. There has never been a better time to be a writer. By tapping into the vibe of the pulp writers of old, and making use of the tools of publication available now, any hard-working writer has a serious shot at realizing steady income from their fiction. “James Scott Bell is my go-to writing guru!” - Terri Blackstock, New York Times bestselling writer

His face did not twitch. In fact, its normally ruddy tones had disappeared. Now there was a dull grayness to the skin. His lips were the color of old plums. Which was when the first chill winds of disquiet blew inside her. “Pinky?” Nothing. She grabbed his jaw. His face was cold to the touch. She turned his head from side to side. And then Keely Delmonico—the former Rachel Fisk of Bismarck, North Dakota—backed away from the bed and tried to catch her breath. For call girl Keely Delmonico, having a client die was a new one. Now she has to avoid the cops and all their nasty questions. She manages to get out of the fancy hotel free and clear. But lurking in the shadows is another danger, a deadly one—a killer who is determined to make Keely's next step her last call. From "one of the top authors in the crowded suspense genre" comes a taut novel of murder and mystery set in Los Angeles and the bright lights of pre-pandemic Las Vegas. Rated The material in the book would have been acceptable in a 1960s cop show like Mannix or Mod Squad or Hawaii Five-O.

Sister Justicia Marie is just a nun trying to make L.A. a little bit safer. So why are so many people out to get her? Sister J, and her young charge Sister Xuan, have started a new order, The Sisters of Perpetual Justice. Now they're running a shelter for the homeless but also preparing for the streets. Which means mixed martial arts and kick boxing and other items not on the Vatican's approved list. For there is still a criminal element out there and Sister J is convinced God has called her to stop the evil...by any means necessary. But when a shocking murder takes place on the grounds of the shelter, a new threat emerges, one that has a very clear message for the nuns: "There is going to be hell to pay, and hell always collects." James Scott Bell is the bestselling, award-winning author of many thrillers and books on the craft of writing. He makes his home in Sister J's town, Los Angeles.

Craft an Engaging Plot How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With "Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure," you'll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including: Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and endsEasy-to-understand plotting diagrams and chartsBrainstorming techniques for original plot ideasThought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapterStory structure models and methods for all genresTips and tools for correcting common plot problems Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, "Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure" gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.

Spot and Fix Manuscript Missteps Don't let the revision process intimidate you any longer. Discover how to successfully transform your first draft into a polished final draft readers won't be able to forget. In Write Great Fiction: Revision & Self-Editing, James Scott Bell draws on his experience as a novelist and instructor to provide specific revision tips geared toward the first read-through, as well as targeted self-editing instruction focusing on the individual elements of a novel like plot, structure, characters, theme, voice, style, setting, and endings. You'll learn how to: •Write a cleaner first draft right out of the gate using Bell's plotting principles •Get the most out of revision and self-editing techniques by honing your skills with detailed exercises •Systematically revise a completed draft using the ultimate revision checklist that talks you through the core story elements Whether you're in the process of writing a novel, have a finished draft you don't know what to do with, or have a rejected manuscript you don't know how to fix, Revision & Self-Editing gives you the guidance you need to write and revise like a pro.

Story loves structure...and so do readers! Super Structure represents over two decades of research on what makes a novel or screenplay entertaining, commercial, original, and irresistible. Contrary to what some may think, structure is not a nasty inhibitor of creativity. Quite the opposite. Properly understood and utilized, structure is what translates story into a form readers are wired to receive it. And it is only when readers truly connect with your story that they turn from casual readers into fans. The material in this book greatly expands upon the chapter on structure in Write Your Novel From the Middle. Super Structure can be considered a companion to that book, but it also stands alone in its treatment of the elements of a solid and pleasing plot. Here's more good Super Structure will work for any type of writer--those who like to outline, those who just fly by "the seat of the pants," and those who do a little of both. That's because Super Structure stresses the concept of "signpost scenes." There are fourteen signpost scenes, or beats, that can be used to create an entire plot, the skeleton of an idea, or a map to help you figure out what to write next. Every signpost is given its own chapter and explanation, along with a section called "Helpful Hints for Plotters and Pantsers," showing you how to apply what you've learned and adapt it to your own style of writing. Never write a weak novel or screenplay again. Super Structure is a proven foundation that never fails. It frees you to add your original voice and vision, all of which adds up to bestselling fiction and hit screenplays. "I need three things before I tackle a new Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!” - Kami Garcia, #1 NY Times & International Bestselling author

Successfully starting and finishing a publishable novel is often like fighting a series of battles - against the page, against one's own self-doubt, against rebellious characters, etc. Featuring timeless, innovative, and concise writing strategies and focused exercises, this book is the ultimate battle plan and more - it's Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" for novelists. Tactics and exercises are provided on idea generation and development, character building, plotting, drafting, querying and submitting, dealing with rejection, coping with envy and unrealistic expectations, and much more.

The keys to success as a writer are yours for the thinking! All success begins in the mind. For writers, the mind fuels the imagination and creates stories. But for authors who are productive and resilient, and see a good return on their efforts, there is another factor at work. They are winning the mental game of writing. Successful writers have the ability to inspire themselves to produce consistently, improve systematically, overcome obstacles and keep up a positive mental attitude. In this book, #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell takes you through the mental landscape of the successful author. He shows you not only how to stay on your game, but how to improve it. He gives you insights, strategies and techniques for blasting through walls and jumping over hurdles, setting you free to concentrate on what you love most – writing. You'll learn how to define true success, formulate goals and plans, find courage and commitment to write, unleash your creativity and write with joy. You'll also be given steps to handle challenges like stress, burnout, envy, expectations and the trap of comparison. In short, you'll learn to get all your mental jets going full blast so your writing can reach new heights! "I need three things before I tackle a new Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft." - #1 NYT Times Bestselling Author Kami Garcia

Sister Justicia Marie goes viral. Will it mean a new chapter for the church? Or the final chapter for her life as a nun? She doesn't go looking for trouble, but when trouble finds her Sister Justicia Marie of the Sisters of Perpetual Justice is prepared to shut it down--with her martial arts training, if necessary. One night she tries to stop a drug buy and is forced to break the arm of a drug-dealing gang leader. Someone captures the video and suddenly Sister J goes viral. Much to the chagrin of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Now Sister J is under pressure to stop her unorthodox ways. Yet at every turn she runs into more crime, and even a demonic driver who tries to kill her. What is going on in the City of Angels? What is a nun who can kick serious butt supposed to do? She calls out for God for an answer, and she gets it--but in a fashion that lends new meaning to the phrase, "God works in mysterious ways." James Scott Bell is the bestselling, award-winning author of many thrillers and books on the craft of writing. He makes his home in Sister J's town, Los Angeles.

One of Writer's Digest Books' most popular series is now available on one searchable CD! Readers will learn the ins and outs of fiction writing with this comprehensive five-book series covering Plot & Structure; Dialogue; Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint; Revision & Self-Editing; and Description & Setting! The Write Great Fiction series covers all the essential elements of fiction, from learning how to write believable characters, to utilizing various story structure models, to revising an earlier draft. CDs feature entire book contents in PDF format, so they'll work on almost any computer (PC or Macintosh) and can be viewed with Acrobat Reader (a free program anyone can download online). Plus, each searchable PDF features individualized bookmarks to help with navigation! Also available as a download!

A powerful secret, and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction! What's the best way to write a "next level" novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called "pantsers," because they write by the "seat of the pants." Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the "plotters." The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach. But what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story? According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process. Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life. "I need three things before I tackle a new novel: Diet Coke, a laptop, and my dog-eared copies of James Scott Bell's books on writing craft!” - Kami Garcia, #1 NYT Times & International Bestselling author