Continuing the Journey

From the first conception of the Zelda Harcrow series, I had a vague idea of what the plot would look like for each book. Some of this has changed along the way. I have already envisioned Zelda’s ending when I finally complete the series. My job is to get her there by writing engaging mysteries.

Book three, The Page in the Cards, was always going to be a Mae and Zelda story. My inspiration came from brilliantly crafted Agatha Christie novels where she takes her characters out of their normal environment and into unknown waters. How will my characters respond to not having any type of support network? What if communications with family was limited?

Now that I have Zelda’s and Mae’s hands tied a bit, where do I put them? On an island? Or maybe a remote mansion? Keeping with my character’s personalities, I put them at a top-notch resort and spa. Didn’t see that coming, did you?

For it truly to be a buddy type mystery, they must be oblivious to the danger that is before them. They are at a spa to relax and rejuvenate. Then I’ll have to add my fantasy elements, my science fiction elements, and lots of twists and turns.

Now for the hard part. In order to craft the story, I will need a cast of characters. I compile a temporary cast list of characters and their traits. It is uncertain whether I will use them. I sometimes never know where the story will lead me and who wants to show up to play. Once I know who is who, I write out a summary of the story. There is a bunch of writing and scratching ideas out. Sometimes, I tear entire pages from my notebook and throw them in the trash.

Once I have a summary, I let it sit for as long as I can before I write the actual manuscript. This gives me time to rethink how the story moves, add subplots, or change the story itself. Sometimes a story can sit for weeks or months.

Next up is that dreaded opening sentence. The hook. The brief few words that compel you to read the paragraph. Occasionally, like in my second book, The Moon in the Cards, I had the manuscript almost complete before I had an opening line I was content with. With an idea of an opener, I begin my story in my notebook and write out dialogue and what I think should come next. That includes descriptions, or layout of a room, even a chicken scratch map that I scribble on the pages.

To keep myself organized, I use sticky notes on a corkboard to keep timelines straight. This also gives me an opportunity for flashes of inspiration. If a new idea to add to the story comes to me, I can easily add that in and reorganize how the story now will play out. This saves me loads of time. I don’t have to go back and reread my notes or what I’ve already typed.

I type as I create. In other words, I will write out scenes and dialogue in my notebook, start up my computer and begin typing away. Not everything from my notebook will make it on the page and not everything I type will be in my notebook. I like to get out of the way and see where things will take me. Does this make me a pantser or a plotter? Maybe something unique and in-between instead.

One thing I learned from my writing journey is there is no right way and there is absolutely no wrong way when it comes to getting your first draft completed. As long as you are creating, you are doing it perfectly.

I’m excited to be authoring Book 3 of Zelda’s mystery adventures, The Page in the Cards. I am looking forward to the moment when I can share it with you. The goal is to have it published in 2025. Make sure you sign up for my newsletters that come out about once a month to keep up with events, special announcements, ARC (Advance Reader) opportunities and more.