The Muddle

Just read a wonderful post on Laurie King's blog http://laurierking.com/wp.php in which she says that the first draft of her work in progress is complete --it has "a beginning, a muddle, and an end." Not a typo -- but a very recognizable mile post in the marathon of writing a novel.

Here I am in the 'muddle' of my own WIP -- trying to keep straight all those dates and prior references so I don't contradict myself; trying to rachet up the action without giving away too much, too soon; trying to lay down some false clues for the entertainment of the reader -- while all the time playing fair, of course; and trying to see exactly who Miss Birdie is, both from her own point of view as well as through other eyes for a fully rounded picture.

I mentioned already, back on February 6, how this character Myrna Lou suddenly emerged out of nowhere. Well, in the past few days, Calven, the boy who Dorothy 'adopts' in Old Wounds, has insisted on a voice of his own and I've had to go back and insert an early chapter. Law, but these strong-willed characters do seem to have minds of their own.

Remember -- Each time you put a comment on any of my posts from 3/5 to 3/30,you'll be entered (only one entry per day) for a drawing for an early copy of In a Dark Season.
I'll name the winner on my March 31 post, so check back then!