“Remember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.”
—Ray Bradbury, WD
—Ray Bradbury, WD
So as I
embark or writing a crime series I have subscribed to the Crime Writers
Association newsletter. So far I have haven’t had time to read much of it but
the its I have read have been informative and helpful. In particular the
contents of the article entitled ‘Are Crime Writers psychopaths?’ http://www.thecra.co.uk/2014/02/14/featured-author-friday-pauline-rowson-2/
written by Pauline Rowson rang true.
In another
article of the same news letter Pauline Rowson also gives valuable advice about
the characterization/character development for the detective of your piece. The
detective should not only solve the crime but also learn something about
themselves along the way. This is not very Midsomer Murders. I can’t remember
Detective Barnaby learning anything about himself whilst arresting the vicar
for murder, but it is quite true of most detectives. Take for example DCI Banks
which has been on the telly recently. His on screen relationship with his
colleague develops though each episode and through different cases we learn of
different facets of DCI Bank’s character. He realizes things about himself he
never knew before especially when a case pushes him to the limit. It draws us into his life more. We want to
watch the next episode- why? Not just to find out who the killer is but to also
find out whether DCI Banks will get together with the colleague (her name
escapes me). I think this is one of the key ingredients of a good crime
series.
I have also
finished reading The Memory Game by Nicci French. It’s set in the 90’s nut
nevertheless it was an interesting read. The characters well crafted each with
flaws that you can identify with. I particularly liked the ending which I
didn’t see coming and I would definitely recommend this as a read. Strangely it
focuses on amnesia after a traumatic event. Perhaps I should have read it
before I wrote The Bittersweet Vine. Eerily I felt that parts of the books are
similar but altogether different at the same time. It just goes to show the
different views and facets of amnesia and just how interesting this topic is.
Amnesia makes for a great plot thickener doesn’t it?!
Anyway as
my last post said I am half way through editing Poison in the Water. My
collaborator on Indian Diaries has also got back to me with her corrections.
I’m not sure whether I should start editing those 10,000 words or if I should
finish Poison first. Decisions, decisions!
I have just
started reading The Book Thief yesterday and it looks promising… lets see how
that goes.
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