Welcome to the inner workings of my creative process—a journey into the heart of my mystery writing. As an author, crafting stories is a deeply personal and unique endeavor. I invite you to step behind the scenes and discover the intricacies of my approach to weaving tales of suspense and intrigue.
In this exploration, we’ll delve into the magic that unfolds before the first word hits the page. From the contemplative prewriting phase, where characters are born in my thoughts, to the moments when I decide who meets their fate and why, we’ll uncover the building blocks of storytelling. I’ll share how I navigate the twists and turns of my narratives without the aid of traditional outlines and how a simple paper calendar helps me maintain the delicate thread of time within my stories.
But it doesn’t end there. The editing and rewriting process is where the story truly comes to life, where I refine, polish, and bring out the hidden gems. And woven throughout it all are the unexpected and unplanned details that become running threads, adding depth and resonance to the tale.
So, join me on this journey as we peel back the layers of mystery writing, exploring the intricate web of creativity, logic, and intuition that brings my novels to life.
Prewriting Contemplation
Before the first keystroke, there’s a period of deep contemplation. I immerse myself in the world I’m about to create, pondering every aspect of it. Character development is a crucial starting point. I think about their names, their backgrounds, and their histories. It’s during these quiet moments that the essence of my characters takes shape. Interestingly, many of these details may never explicitly make it into the final story, but they act as the invisible foundation upon which the narrative rests.
Take, for instance, Caitlin Murphy, one of my characters. She hails from Irish heritage, a fact that, unbeknownst to me initially, would become a pivotal influence on her character arc. It’s these subtle details that breathe life into the story, even if they remain behind the scenes.
Mapping the Mystery
One of the defining moments in my writing process is deciding who meets their untimely demise, and more importantly, why. It’s a decision that shapes the entire narrative. What’s intriguing is that I don’t always know who the culprit is from the start. For “Murder at Sunny Lake,” I had a clear understanding of the killer’s identity from day one. However, in the second book of the series, the killer’s identity underwent three significant changes. The final twist, which added layers of intrigue, occurred after I had already penned the confession scene. It’s a testament to the dynamic nature of storytelling, where the plot can evolve as organically as the characters.
Linear Writing
When it comes to the actual act of writing, I find comfort in a linear approach. I tackle each chapter methodically, starting from the beginning and progressing toward the end. While some writers may opt for a more haphazard approach, I derive satisfaction from following the narrative thread in a straightforward manner. It allows the story to unfold naturally, much like reading a book from cover to cover. The absence of a traditional outline might seem daunting to some, but for me, it’s the flexibility to let the story breathe.
Retro Outlining
To maintain a cohesive timeline and ensure consistency in the story, I employ a rather unique method. I utilize a paper calendar, its pages adorned with notes and changes in erasable ink. It serves as a retro outline, created after I’ve already written the events of each day. This unconventional approach helps me keep track of what happened when, ensuring that the timeline remains logical and coherent throughout the novel.
Handling Rewrites
One of the challenges I encounter due to my linear approach is the time it takes for editing and rewriting. Because I don’t rely on traditional outlines, editing becomes a meticulous process. It often takes double or even triple the time it took to write the initial draft. Yet, it’s during this phase that the story truly comes to life. I refine the narrative, sharpen the characters, and weave in the subtle details that make the story memorable.
Unexpected Details
What never ceases to amaze me are the unexpected and unplanned details that find their way into the narrative. These elements become running threads, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the story. Take, for example, the recurring symbol of the color orange. It’s a detail that emerged organically, despite having no particular affinity or aversion to the hue. Yet, it weaves its way through the story, adding a layer of symbolism and complexity that enriches the reader’s experience.
As we draw the curtain on this glimpse into my writing process, I hope you’ve found it as intriguing and enlightening as I’ve found the act of writing itself. Crafting mystery novels is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, both within the narratives and within the creative mind.
From the initial contemplation to the final edit, from linear writing to retro outlining, this process is a dynamic and evolving endeavor, unique to each author. It’s a testament to the infinite possibilities that storytelling offers.
And so, I leave you with a promise—a promise that the world of mystery writing will continue to unfold, revealing more secrets, more surprises, and more tales of suspense. As we part ways here, know that there are many more stories to be told, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Until our next adventure in the world of words, happy reading, and happy writing.
Later, friend.
P.s. thanks to Pixabay for the photo
Be First to Comment