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The story behind the story. Philip Porter was kidnapped on June 26th, 1969 and has never been seen since. He was the 16-year old son of the Mine Manager in Kimberley, BC, my  old home town. A mine employee and neighbour demanded a ransom, was caught, charged with extortion, and jailed for three years. No one was ever found guilty Continue Reading

We hope to see you at BOUCHERCON-2026 in Calgary, October 21st to 25th. You’re invited to join us to meet great Canadian writers at the WRITERS REFUGE where for the launch of THE ARTHUR ELLIS SOCIETY and WWAP- Writers With A Purpose. Meet with our members and other writers for quiet discussion on issues and common purpose. Learn more at Continue Reading

Oh Canada! Let’s celebrate Canadian Writers On the occasion of Canada Day and the 159th Anniversary of the Dominion of Canada, let’s celebrate Canadian writers who give a damn and write with a purpose. They may be crime writers, novelists, journalists, screenwriters or songwriters, but they write not just to tell a story or sell a few books, but to Continue Reading

What I’m reading While I’m writing! Reading something similar to what you’re writing, while you’re writing it, is not generally recommended. It can be a distraction. Or another excuse to procrastinate. I’m doing research! When you’re also a writer it’s hard not to be a critical reader, analyzing every word choice, every paragraph break, and following the plot threads looking Continue Reading

Be Nice!  Or be awful?   In discussions with other authors and listening to agents and publishers trying to pick the next breakthrough blockbuster novel it becomes ever more clear that no one really knows what makes for a bestseller. No one can confidently and consistently predict it in advance, nor explain it after the fact. Everyone has an opinion Continue Reading

Why do writers write? Good question! Different writers have different answers. I like David Baldacci’s explanation best. When he received another Mystery Writers of America award for Best New Novel in a Series at Bouchercon in New Orleans last year, he said he’s often asked, “After all these years of success with your bestselling novels, why do you keep writing Continue Reading

Author Update – March 27th, 2026 And more free books, including mine! As you may know I’m trying to focus on finishing the first draft of Dale Hunter novel #7, RIVER OF REVENGE and refusing a shave or a haircut until I reach that important milestone. If it takes much longer, I may have to change my author photos. As Continue Reading

Author Progress Report. And  more FREE Books Making progress on Dale Hunter #7 In case you’re wondering who’s that wild bearded long-haired guy on Del’s Facebook page … Yes, it’s me. I’m trying to add motivation to my push through the first draft of Dale Hunter novel #7, RIVER OF REVENGE, by not shaving or getting my hair cut until Continue Reading

Author Update  And FREE Books! Author news: Here’s what’s next for me in crime fiction for the Dale Hunter Thriller Series and The Kid from California Short Story Series. The Dale Hunter Thriller Series started with NO EASY MONEY in 2018 introducing the young entrepreneur, Dale Hunter, and his crime-fighting buddy, Frank the Fixer, in an explosive mix of crime Continue Reading

Too many choices. What to work on next? Any suggestions? The abundance of appealing  choices for my next writing project is giving me paralysis from analysis or some form of writers block – essentially an excuse to procrastinate. I’m not making any progress while trying to decide what to work on next. Should I focus on the next Dale Hunter Thriller Novel Continue Reading