No Gorillas in the Mist

So far, the manuscript I'm working on is what I'd always dreamed writing would be like. Knock wood.

Yes, it's work, but it's incredibly gratifying. The story is there, I don't need to go hunting (much) for it. It's all in a wonderful refreshing mist hanging right in front of me. All I need to do is pull the molecules together and get the words down. This is the first time I've ever experienced an almost living organism with my writing, and hope this is the way things roll for me from now on.

What's the difference between this one and the others I've worked on?

1. The entire story began with a mystery. A tiny news story caught my eye, and my Intrigued Button was pushed. Pay attention to those little headlines that make you look twice.

2. I've worked hard at learning the craft of writing. The critiques and edits and courses I've taken are giving me confidence. Finally.

3. I began with some solid research into the story concept before I ever wrote a word. Research has a way of redirecting your story. It adds both credibility and depth because, with good research, you don't have to gloss over a story concept in hopes no one will look too close.

4. I found some amazing characters. Strong, flawed, passionate and unafraid. These characters came to me fully formed, even those who withheld their secrets. They've brought in sub-plots and issues I hadn't originally considered.

5. Brainstorming. Friends who are also writers are the greatest gifts I could have (aside from a puppy). From fleshing out plot ideas, to seeing the best motivation, to knowing what the first scene absolutely had to be.

6. A road map. Brainstorming early (alone and with another writer) led to notes and a rough synopsis. Not everything is spelled out (I'd be so bored) but the major plot points are there for me to know in which direction to aim.

7. The Story. And I'm back to the beginning. The initial concept had to be intriguing enough to mushroom into more. Without depth and color and mist-ery, a writer can only go so far. I just hope I can meet the challenge of the story.


Right now I'm in Writer Nirvana. Hoping that if there are any gorillas in the mist, they're there to bring tension to my characters, not to me.

Have you found an evolution with your writing?




CR: Rain Gods by James Lee Burke.

It's all better with friends.

Idea Generation

Ripped from the Headlines

My current wip involves black market organs, and the greed and fear that drive that business. It's been in the news, so you know what it's all about.

There are two current, local news stories, that have held my attention. One is the case of Tim Masters, who spent years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and finally gained his freedom when DNA evidence overturned his conviction. But it wouldn't have happened without someone pushing from the outside.

The other is JonBenet Ramsey, whose murder pretty much everyone in the world has heard about. Because of DNA advancements, her killer may yet be found. Again, not happening if there isn't someone passionate about justice (and yeah, maybe a little publicity) and can't just let it drop.

International stories would have to include the one about the father who said his daughter had run away but kept her hidden in the basement. With the children he had fathered. That one was a shocker.


What if . . . ?

What if, as the First Family's possessions are moved into the White House, someone is able to access an item and do something nefarious?

What if there was a cure for breast cancer, but the money generated by research was just too great to lose?

What if someone had a real-life evil twin and they didn't know it?


Science and Technology

Have you heard about the cell phones that are actually guns? No kidding. They hold four rounds.

What about the latest discovery that the African blue-tailed butterfly's saliva can negate psychotic behavior? (Okay, I'm making this one up, but all you need is one idea to get running.)


I store ideas in a file. It's by far the thickest one I have. There's little likelihood I'll ever need to take a peak, but it's there.

So many ideas, so little time.




CR: I'm still reading The Sudoku Puzzle Murders.

It's all better with friends.