Head. Screwed. Back. On. Straight. First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who helped me screw my head back on straight after my last post. Boy, was I out in left field! Followers come and go; just ask Jesus, Buddha, or David Cassidy. Why should I be any different? I'm so over it. Those who want to read the fascinating things I write are more than welcome anytime, anywhere, anyhow, and the rest of the losers out there? Not my problem. I'm so thankful the brilliant folks who "follow" (oops!) my blog reminded me.
Current Work in Pro
gressWriting a mystery is a mystery. In my current WIP "Murder on Twilight Circle" I'm entering new and mysterious territory. Of course, it's a mystery, so what did I expect? It's just that no one told me there would be so much more to keep track of, and by "no one" I mean my "writing angel." (see Elizabeth Gilbert's amazing take on creativity) Does he or she think I know what I'm doing? Does he or she think I'm the reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes? Well he or she is wrong. I have no idea what I'm doing, and according to my past-life hypnotist, I was never Sherlock Holmes. Cleopatra, Mary Queen of Scots, and Lady Godiva, yes, but never Sherlock Holmes. Not that that's stopping me from plowing forward and having a damn good time in the process. I'm only 10,000 words in, but it's a fun roller-coaster ride so far and I have a feeling the ride's going to get a lot wilder as it progresses.
Let me explain what I'm up against. For starters, how did Amanda die? (For those of you paying particularly close attention, you may detect a problem here. The poor girl not only died, but had her name changed from Amelia to Amanda in the process. Poor Amanda, may she rest in peace.)
What will the computer forensics show?
And, of course, who did it?
Was it the creepy guy she met on the internet?
What about Sean, the nerdy engineer who took her to Starbuck's every Monday morning for a chai tea latte with extra cinnamon?
What about her anesthesiologist-husband who slices and dices tree trunks into strange "artistic visions" as a hobby?
Speaking of trunks, what about Father Groark? What was that thing he was placing in the trunk of his car?
And, do her uppity girlfriends know something they're not telling?
So, you can see, there's a lot to juggle here and I'm only up to Chapter Five.
(Please, people, help me out!)
In other news...
I've taken the dive into the querying ocean and I'm trying to keep my head above wate
r and salt out of my mouth (not to mention, keeping away from the "sharks" if you know what I mean.) Hopefully, one of the more astute and visionary agents I've queried will glimpse my literary genius and help me secure a six-figure publishing deal preferably before Memorial Day (I'd like to take an extended weekend someplace nice, like say Paris or Tahiti). Otherwise, remember that post I did a few days ago? Yeah, baby. I'll be hopping on board that train. Woo! Woo!
19 comments:
I got caught up on the whole 'stop-following' drama, and honestly, I can't figure out why anyone would be offended. Very little of that sounded serious.
Anyway. If you're writing a mystery, you're in plot-country now. I trust you have copious notes and a massive outline? Or maybe I'm the only dork who does that.
Ray, I don't do notes or an outline before I write. Never did and probably never will. I take notes AS I WRITE, so I can go back and make sure I've covered my bases. You, my friend, are a genius. I am just a wayward artist blowing in the breeze. I write books like I write songs. I just let them flow.;-) (Although, I do know who killed Amanda and how!!!)
I hope your mystery has lots of humor because you have a great wit!
Love to know your past life story too some day. Mine wasnt so crash hot which could explain a few things in this life lol!
I like wild roller coaster rides and it sounds as though you are enjoying it. Thats got to be the main thing. The best bit is you are not dreaming you are actually doing it.
It's Sean, the others would be too obvious wouldnt they? Who knows but I can't wait to find out!!
Congrats on jumping into the querying ocean, you will swim safely to shore. Thats my guess!
Glad you are feeling better. So many of the bloggers I read are worried about the followers thing. I am so far behind in everything else, I haven't had time to even think of that:)
I'll stop following your blog if I didn't kill Amanda in the library with a candlestick.
How's the chair?
Wow, you are truly "owning" the writing, with your Examiner gig, the mystery and querying. Best wishes on all counts, happy writing!
Lilly, It will definitely be a humor suburban mystery. One vote for Sean. I'll make a note of it (see Ray, I do make notes)
Debbie, You have so many followers that if half of them disappeared overnight you wouldn't notice. Of course, you deserve your rock star following!;-)
Mollie, I can't believe you just gave the whole story away. I guess I'll have to skip to writing something more sublime like 1800's French poetry. I might lose you there (and me as well!!) The chair's fine, thank you very much. And so is everything else, so far as I can tell...
Joanne, Yes, I guess I am "owning" my writing. I'm giving it all I've got. We'll see if anyone who's anyone think it's enough...! (And, don't worry - I'll keep on writing regardless!!)
I think you should write something called, "Sunshine in Pittsburgh." Now that's a mystery.
Broke, You literally make me laugh out loud, and there's nothing I enjoy more than laughing out loud! (OK, well maybe not nothing, but it's right up there with chocolate, red wine, and, well never mind.) I'll definitely keep that title in mind!
Smart lady, getting on with business writing another book as you send the first one out. I'm pulling for you!
Angie, I've been called a lot of things in my life, but never smart. Thanks for that. I'll forward your comment to my mom.;-)
omg, do not worry about followers. just worry about your writing which I love love love. If you get a six figure deal by memorial day don't just visit paris or tahiti, move there!
As for your last post, this is your blog. and you get to write whatever you want on your blog. don't worry about offending people...this is your place to write whatever you want to write about!
Blog on and blog proud!
I have mounds of admiration for people who write mysteries. I would be a mess of confusion. But I think it's so great you're already onto your next baby while the other is off in query land. That is my plan, too. Keep that creativity going, my sista!
Smores, Love your comment! How dare I waste one second of my precious life worrying about what others think? That's certainly not my normal gig. (Once a musician, always a musician!) I must have had a temporary loss of sanity. From now on, I'll blog loud and I'll blog proud!;-)
Vivi, I'm a big puddle of messy goo when I'm not actively engaged in the creative process. Writing a mystery is truly mysterious. I hope I can juggle all the details. It certainly is a challenge. BTW: I LOVE your blog pic with the coffee cup - it's a classic!
I would never leave you and you could not be too contraversial for me. Keep up the good work!
Elizabeth, Thank you so much - I'd never leave you either (even when you've tried to push me/us away!). You are such a great support, and I truly appreciate it. Best of luck to you with your submission!!!
I have become a follower. Good one at that.
Just a quick hello here before scooting off - but I read the query letter post (just left a "laughing" comment - lawd! haw!!!
Nsiyer, Welcome aboard, my friend! I hope I'll make you smile here and there.;-)
Kat, Thanks so much! I hope you're enjoying your trip. I'll pop over to my deviant post and see what you said. (*wink*wink)
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