Category Archives: Books

The Comfort of Innocence

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Mark Aidan Bergin

 My Enchanté column from June 12, 2014 By Mark BerginHe spent much of his early life in a forest before traveling hundreds of thousands of miles. He’s only got a few good friends, but has millions of fans who span several … Continue reading →

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Jeffery Deaver’s “The Kill Room”

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Jeffery Deaver’s newest thriller, The Kill Room, is not what I expected; it’s better. International intrigue, moral issues involved in new kinds of wars, drone kills, rogue government bureaucrats hiring killers to clean up crime scenes, the military-corporate world and some … Continue reading →

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So you want to be a writer? Character Development

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Character development is one of the most complicated aspects of writing a novel. Too much back story and the reader feels insulted or, worse, bored. Too little, the reader’s lost. Neither do you want the reader to muse, “methinks he doth … Continue reading →

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Writing Advice – how “readable” is your writing?

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

How “readable” is your writing? I’m a member of a writers’ group, and I realized at our meeting last week that “readability,” or the ability to assess it, is a more obscure concept than I thought. Most people don’t know … Continue reading →

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Writing tools – practical advice

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

In followup to “Sick Boy McCoy’s” comment that “most of writing happens conceptually before we type/write one word,” I’m in full agreement. Writing doesn’t happen when you sit down at a keyboard. I’m almost transcribing thoughts at that point. Much … Continue reading →

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Image tells a story

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Just received an email questioning how a single image can actually “tell a story.” I offer this photo I took of Drombeg Stone Circle in Ireland. The photo has only been slightly edited. It was a very grey day with … Continue reading →

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Becoming a Writer

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Mark Aidan Bergin

At least once a week I’m asked how much time I spend writing per day. I make my living as a writer—yes, it is possible. I include my photojournalism work in that. I create images with words and tell stories … Continue reading →

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Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

It’s the time of year that’s made for curling up by a window at home or in a library. Winter weather is always so beautiful when viewed from inside, especially if you’re in a comfy spot with a good tome … Continue reading →

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So you want to be a writer

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

“I want to be a writer.” So many people say this to me. Or I might hear, “I’m a writer, just like you.” Or, worse, “You’re so lucky; you’re a writer.” Luck has nothing to do with it. “What are … Continue reading →

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Cold Vengeance – by Preston and Child

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Mark Aidan Bergin

Preston & Child’s Cold Vengeance is another superb thriller. Any reservation I might hold in recommending it results from a feeling that you’d enjoy it even more if you had some history with FBI Special Agent Aloysius Pendergast. This novel is … Continue reading →

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