By Karen M. Davis
So, I finished my third Lexie Rogers novel, Fatal Mistake, in the middle of July and
I've now done everything on my "To-do-when-I'm-finished-the-novel-and-have-some-time" list. I've done
spring- cleaning, gardening, exercise etc and should really get back into
writing before the first edit comes back to me, but I must say, my motivation is lacking. Starting
again with a whole new story seems somewhat overwhelming.
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Deep breath... I sat down the other day and
thought and thought and thought, waiting for inspiration. When this didn't
happen straight away - I am not overly patient - I asked myself, "What do you
want to write about next?" And myself answered... "I want to write
something other than crime fiction. I want to write about new characters in a
different setting with a whole fresh set of dramas and conflict."
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The problem was: where to start? Then I
thought - in one of those few moments when an idea comes out of nowhere - I want to
write a murder mystery slash psychological thriller. I sat at the computer and just started to
write. I pictured an old house full of secrets perched on a hill overlooking
lush countryside. Byron Bay - perfect setting, I thought: twin girls with a
tragic past - one good, one not so good, living in this house with their
grandparents. Add into the mix a couple of ghosts, a rekindled romance, a bit
of jealousy and greed, and a wicked stepmother... Not quite, but a wicked
somebody... and all that's left to do is fill in the rest...
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If only it was that easy. I'm open to any ideas, by the way...
How do you feel about the prospect of starting again when one
manuscript is complete and it's time to start afresh?
I love to love being outside in my garden this time of year.
I love to laugh as often as possible.
I love to learn about how and where other writers get their inspiration.
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I love to laugh as often as possible.
I love to learn about how and where other writers get their inspiration.
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Hi Karen. It would be daunting to start something completely new and not related to your other books. The research would be fun though. For me I have a backlog of ideas just waiting but like you I still have to fill in the rest.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra, I suppose anything new and unknown is daunting. A challenge... its good that you have so many ideas in storage for a rainy day. Now its finding the time to write all of them...
DeleteHi Karen. I find beginning a new story pretty overwhelming, too, especially when you're attempting a new genre (as, like you, I am about to do). Your psychological thriller sounds fascinating - good luck with writing it.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn, thanks for your good wishes. Same back to you.
DeleteHi Karen, I loved your first two Lexie Rogers books and look forward to reading the third. A psychological thriller sounds like a fascinating challenge! I think I always need a bit of time between creative projects to allow ideas to form and "bubble to the surface" until I find the one I really would like to pursue.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon, thanks for your lovely comment about my books. I'm glad you enjoyed them. I'm looking forward to getting into my new "project" after having a bit of a break.
DeleteHi Karen. Beginning a new story is always overwhelming, so I like to let my mind wander until an idea or a character or a scene appears. Then I wonder about them and the story comes. I am enjoying paranormal and am thinking to blend it into medieval stories too. Lots of supernatural stuff went on the Middle Ages.
ReplyDeleteHi Enisa, I too love paranormal stories - real and fictional. It is so interesting. I'm sure much supernatural stuff went on in the past though you wouldn't want to be labelled "a witch" as we know what happened to them...
DeleteYour new story sounds amazing, Karen. Sold, already! I love reading psychological thrillers/murder mysteries, although I'm usually an emotional wreck by the time I finish. I love the way you generated this idea...what a crucial question to ask yourself - what do I want to write about? Well done you.
ReplyDeleteHi Malvina, thanks for the vote of confidence. However, the books not written yet... I hope I enjoy this new enture as much as I've enjoyed writing the Lexie books. I have a feeling I will. Since you love that genre you will be a great judge of the finished product.
DeleteThat sounds fabulous, Karen! I sometimes think the best way to start a book is to just wing it. Admittedly, they don't always work out, but when they do... they're the BEST fun because you surprise yourself.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new project.
Hi Cathryn, thanks for the advice. I might just try that.
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