The last couple of years have been slow going for me on the writing front. But now I’m mentally back and raring to go—very much wanting to get back into the “writing swing of things.” And I believe—inline with my blog tendency—sharing my meandering thoughts with you might be helpful in case I’m not alone as I make my way along this winding writing path!
I’m also thinking now is a good time to be jumping back in full throttle(mixed metaphor I know—but I like it,) because my earlier series of books aren’t selling well. So, my plan is to jump out and do some “writing things” differently; ie., POV, physicality and attributes of characters, and my approach to revealing the killer. Mysteries are what I love and wouldn’t consider anything else, but there are different styles of telling the story. And my writing heros vary in their approach to getting the story out there. Agatha of course has done it all!
Here are some of the ideas and approaches floating around in my head:
- Still third person POV, but from the two story tellers, not just one. (THANK you Gayle for the very good input you’ve given me in that area!!)
- Two men working together, or
- A man and a woman working together (with or without a love interest?)
- In both cases, telling the story while living the story, not just as detectives or sleuths
My writing tenants of scenery and characters are still the number one defining forces, but I’ll be approaching differently? Especially when it comes to story member participation vs narration participation. Tricky divides I think—first person versus third person combined with their story participation. Hmmm…
Now that I’ve written it out here, I guess I’m changing my own personal third-person “voice.” Not a concept or idea I’ve thought about before exactly in those terms…hmmm again. Maybe this winding road has turned in a sharp right or left turn angle—or a complete U-Turn? (just took my CA written renewal test and signs are still jostling around in my brain.) Also, now that I’ve written this all out (not sure if this chattering will help anyone else reading pursue their writing goals)—but for me, I’ve thought and written myself into being excited about writing anew. Starting this wonderful and adventurous trip anew!
Which leads me to the underlining writing concept — no matter what literary thoughts you’re having…if you’re static in your writing thoughts and protocols then you’ve made it! BUT, If you want to go in a different direction, genre, POV, location, etc.—go for it! Scary, but part of the joy of writing.
All thoughts are welcome!
Happy writing Trails
The Writers in Residence 
I sympathize with you and the dilemma you faced but your thinking (writing) aloud in this post is obviously working and it sounds as if you are well on your way to the solution. It’s great to challenge our style, method, etc. until we are embracing the passion again. I undertook several styles and genres when ghostwriting for clients, one of whom asked me to write a thriller, which then inspired me to write my own mysteries. Fate often throws us a signpost and writing my series gives me the deepest satisfaction. So, keep going!
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Jill, thanks for your supportive comment. I wrote you a long response already, but wordpress ate or….. Bottom line, which i didn’t get to, thank you! (maybe two comments will show up, ha!)
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Looking at the written word from a different perspective, as in “who’s talking,” is a great way for the writer to get out of the way and let her characters speak. And having a couple of them giving their individual POV in the same story is another way to get more than one perspective onto the page. After all, we writers just write down what these folks we have created are saying. And it does allow those “little gray cells” to come up with some marvelous stories. Have fun, Mad.
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Thank you, Gayle, for all your help always! Your encouragement and ideas have seen me through a lot of writing “tough spots”!
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Miko here. Experimenting with different approaches to writing will eventually lead you in a direction you want to go. What’s important is you’re inspired to write again.
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Thank you, Miko! I think yours right on both points, inspiration and different approaches. Much appreciate your encouragement.
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Love this!
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Thank you, Kitty! Part of my motivation is keeping you busy editing! (smile)
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Congrats on being ready to jump back in and try new things!
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Thanks Linda
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We’re always learning. Trying new approaches keeps our writing (and minds) sharp. The scariness is probably a sign that you should go for it! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Maggie, and you’re right, being scared is probably a good sign and motivator! And also about keeping one’s mind sharp! Thanks for the encouragement.
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Okay, Madeline, I’m waiting for this lucious, new journey to begin, where I can wrap my mind around your story as it winds tight and tense; see how TWO characters will interact well…or badly; and discover the the villain(s), however well you disguise him (or her). And then to lay your new book down, gaze into this distance reliving scenes, and try to think how in the world you did it!! You go, girl!
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thank you, Jackie, and I’m really getting excited! Working on look and feel of leads…it’s like starting over. WOW!
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Oh Mad, I’ve been there – and for far too long. Seeking the ‘raring to go!’ inspiration and jumping back in. Instead of the ‘one toe in the water first’ approach… But I like your brave idea of looking at different approaches – thinking out loud on paper here often helps! Stick with it!
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Thanks, Rosemary! Yep, diving right in, head first, not toe in the water…actually going in whole body was the way i learned to swim!
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Chiming in late (catching up on everything after my vacation) … your post resonated with me 100%. I think I’m in the same head space as you with changing the style/POV etc. of writing i.e. trying something NEW. I did some soul-searching when I was away. Before I was published, I wrote everything and anything with a sense of joy. Now I’m under contract, I write with the brake on rather than with gay abandon. I worry how my books will sell. In a nutshell -I want to rediscover that joy of writing. Your post has given me the courage to try something new and to stay out of the result. Thank you!
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Oh, Hannah, thanks for your comment which made my day! Always wondering if my writing trails ever resonate with other writers, and you’ve made me so happy that I’m not plunging down this trail alone. We will both rediscover tha Joy of Writing!!!!
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I’m so glad! To be honest, it was only as I was putting my thoughts down that I realized exactly what I was missing. I’m grateful that you shared yours – it’s helped me so much. This might go a long way to explain why I can’t move forward with this standalone that I’ve been tinkering with since 2017. I’m afraid. Maybe if I wrote it just for me (or my dogs) – the writing would flow. If you find out the secret before I do let me know!
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Miko here. As someone facing the same dilemma as you, I sympathize. Fortunately the characters will live on, on the page. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to old friends, your new projects sound intriguing. Sometimes, making a fresh start keeps writing fresh.
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