Learn how to master pacing in slow-burn psychological thrillers. Discover why ebb and flow in tension is key to gripping storytelling—and see it in action with the upcoming Samantha Leary series, Murder House (2026).
Author Archives: J.E. Nickerson
Creating the Spine of Your Story: Why Architecture Matters in Complex Thrillers
Learn how to create a strong narrative spine for your story, guiding your plot, characters, and pacing from start to finish. Includes practical tips and examples for writers.
Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos: 5 Steps to Center Yourself
Feeling overwhelmed? Learn 5 practical steps, breathing techniques, and calming mantras to stay centered and calm—even during the most chaotic days.
02 The First Crack: A Samantha Leary short story
“Samantha Leary faces a chilling threat in the rain while uncovering a hidden clue in a wife’s mysterious disappearance.”
Heart of Writing S2 E7 Writing Characters with Quiet Strength
Exploring characters with quiet strength—the ones who act with courage, resilience, and subtle power, shaping their worlds in ways big and small. Dive into the psychology, the storytelling, and what makes these understated heroes unforgettable.
Samantha Leary’s next adventure The House on Teller Hill Now Available
Samantha Leary uncovers obsession, secrets, and deadly traps in The House on Teller Hill. A dark psychological thriller for mature readers.
Why Headings Matter: How to Make Your WordPress Articles Easier to Read (and Easier to Find)
Learn why headings matter in WordPress. Discover how to use H1, H2, and H3 tags to boost SEO, improve readability, and make your blog posts easier to scan.
01 Silent Night of Horrors: A Samantha Leary short story
The morning after Christmas, a body is found. Samantha Leary analyzes the scene, piecing together clues while shadows watch. Who killed her? A chilling teaser from the Samantha Leary series.
The power of resting—Why Writers Need to Listen to Their Bodies
Creativity thrives when writers care for their bodies. Learn why rest, hydration, and mindful breaks are not distractions from writing but essential parts of the creative process.
The Beating Heart of Suspense: How Mood and Timing Create Page-Turners
Suspense is the lifeblood of mystery writing. Learn how to build tension with mood, pacing, and restraint—using lessons from films like The Score, Abandoned, Cape Fear, Shutter Island, and The Birds.
We Are Wise Thinkers 