A Mystery

Late last year I began writing a mystery novel. This presented a number of opportunities to doubt my abilities. Could I write dialogue? Could I write narrative? Be dramatic? Be funny? Could I create interesting characters? Could I create an interesting plot? Essentially, the question was, could I write a good story? And, most importantly, if I started it could I (would I) finish it?

As to that last part, I can't yet answer, but I've got 180 pages so far, with the essential elements of the story in place. Assuming that I can flesh it out and polish it sufficiently, I believe that the answer to all my questions will be yes. Those parts that I've read to friends, family and other writers have met with approval, and they laughed in the right places.

Of all the challenges I've been facing, there are two that I struggle with: one is to keep writing, day after day. I've had dry spells, but I'm encouraged by the fact that each time I'm able to return after a few days and attack the task with renewed vigor. The other problem is with the plot: I'm finding it difficult to keep the story moving from beginning to end. In some places it's become more a collection of scenes rather than a storyline that drives the reader from page to page. But I think I know what's missing there and what to do about it. More later...


Blog Tag: Chatter