Creating A Page Turner by Kat Martin

August 29, 2019 by in category Guest Posts tagged as , , , , , with 0 and 0
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“I couldn’t put it down!” Those words are some of the most satisfying comments an author can receive. Nothing pleases me more than a note from someone grumbling about staying up late to finish one of my books.

It’s music to my ears.

There are lots of ways to earn those precious words. Writing a fast-paced novel is one of them. It is certainly my goal every time I start a new book.

Beyond Danger | Kat Martin | A Slice of Orange

My latest, THE DECEPTION, was no different. I knew I would be writing Hawk Maddox’s story. Hawk had been on my mind since he first appeared in a previous novel, BEYOND DANGER. I knew what he was like—strong, determined, tough as boot leather, and at six-foot-four, two-hundred-twenty pounds, a total beefcake hunk.

He was also a bounty hunter, which made him an interesting character with an interesting job. I always try to find the hero’s perfect match, and Kate Gallagher was just right for Hawk. Tall, blonde, and curvy, she loved country music and drinking tequila at the Sagebrush Saloon.

But that was her secret side. She also owned her own business consulting firm, so she was smart and hard-working.

I like to read books that draw me in and won’t let go, books I can’t wait to pick up again to find out what’s going to happen next.

There are lots of ways to do it. Pairing down description makes the story move faster—or as Elmore Leonard once said, “I try to leave out the parts people skip.”

A Hollywood movie trick is to jump right into the scene. Leave out the the Hello, how are you? I’m fine, how are you? and just start talking.

I try to use hooks at the beginning and end of chapter, though some authors end a chapter in the middle of the action to keep you turning the pages.

I’ve found I do a lot of characterization by showing how the hero, heroine, and sub characters react in a situation, rather than telling about their past. For instance, I don’t mention what the heroine did in high school unless it’s important to how she’ll solve the problem she’s facing.

These are a few of my techniques, though every author has his own style and there is nothing wrong with any of them as long as they work.

In THE DECEPTION, Kate Gallagher is devastated when she learns her sister has been murdered. Determined to find Chrissy’s killer, Kate hires lethal bounty hunter, Hawk Maddox. Working together, they follow a trail of clues that lead them deep into the city’s underbelly. Though Hawk warns Kate of the danger, nothing he says can convince Kate to walk away.

I hope you’ll watch for THE DECEPTION and that you find it a fast-paced, high-action page-turner.

Until next time, all best wishes and happy reading, Kat


Kat Martin | A Slice of Orange
Photo by Juan Carlo, Ventura Country Star

New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the
University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and
also studied History. Currently residing in Missoula, Montana with her Western-author
husband, L. J. Martin, Kat has written sixty-five Historical and Contemporary
Romantic Suspense novels. More than sixteen million copies of her books are in
print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries. Kat is currently
at work on her next Romantic Suspense.


Books by Kat Martin

BEYOND REASON

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BEYOND REASON

BEYOND DANGER

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BEYOND DANGER

BEYOND CONTROL

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BEYOND CONTROL

WAIT UNTIL DARK

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WAIT UNTIL DARK

THE CONSPIRACY

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THE CONSPIRACY

THE DECEPTION

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THE DECEPTION

SHADOWS AT DAWN

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SHADOWS AT DAWN

PIVOT

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PIVOT

THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL

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THE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL

COME MIDNIGHT

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COME MIDNIGHT

THE PERFECT MURDER

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THE PERFECT MURDER

THE LAST GOODNIGHT

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THE LAST GOODNIGHT

THE LAST MILE

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THE LAST MILE


Author Details
Author Details
A Slice of Orange started in 2004 as a group of authors from Orange County, California. We have expanded to include authors from around the globe–from the UK, all across the US to New Zealand. Our authors include the multi-published and writers at the beginning of their publishing career. In addition to authors, we feature blog posts from editors, PR professionals, and cover designers. The bright segments of the writing and reading community that make up one perfect entity—A Slice of Orange.
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    A Slice of Orange started in 2004 as a group of authors from Orange County, California. We have expanded to include authors from around the globe–from the UK, all across the US to New Zealand. Our authors include the multi-published and writers at the beginning of their publishing career. In addition to authors, we feature blog posts from editors, PR professionals, and cover designers. The bright segments of the writing and reading community that make up one perfect entity—A Slice of Orange.