Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

 

   Mystery_and_Darkness_by_Crazytyler29

 

This police procedural I'm attempting is a different experience for me in a lot of ways. Usually when I write a story, it all falls out on the page/screen in order. Rarely do I have to fill in blanks or go back to add or subtract significant passages. With this story, because I'm learning the procedures of police work, I've had to return to multiple places and add information, characterization, "scenery", and all kinds of things. Suffice it to say it's been a unique adventure and a total challenge.

I'm not going to say to you I will succeed. I'm 63+K words into this puppy with much thought, deliberation, and concern, not to mention hours spent writing down those words, but to pronounce with absolute assurance I can make this novel work? No. Can't do that. Not yet anyway. I hope I can pull it off. I do.

I love the characters. Yeah, I know: don't I always?  I don't want to leave them stranded in the cyberland of unfinished literary attempts. I'm not a quitter when I really engage in something unless there's just no way to get it done.

The real blessing about this WIP? Detective Patrick Morgan. He's been a huge help. If only I could figure out at this point in the story what exactly I need to ask him. And there lies the main problem. What to ask. Realizing writers have the freedom for "poetic license", there's only so much of a stretch there before mystery or suspense readers recognize the errors. I want to write authentically, and I'm concerned about assumptions.

Pray for me . . . if you would.

            

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Father, please provide what I need to do this work. Your instruction and insights are what I cherish. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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5 responses to “Work. In. Progress.”

  1. BK Jackson Avatar

    Just did! 😎

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  2. Barb Riley Avatar

    I so get the ‘what to ask’ dilemma. When you’re not familiar with a type of job or a location, it’s hard to pin down which aspects you’ll need to use to move your story forward…it feels a whole like putting the cart before the horse, particularly when you don’t even know what to ask. But it’s a necessary part of research. I’m working through my fear of trying not to sound like an ignorant fool when I don’t know where to begin with my questions. LOL

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  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar

    Prayin’, Nicole.
    How wonderful, though, that you’ve found an expert to talk to. For me, I’ve found that the most difficult part of writing. I’ve gotten more rejections from experts I’d like to interview than I have from publishers. 😉

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  4. Nicole Avatar

    You guys are awesome. Thank you is never enough, you know? And I’m reciprocating – just so you know. 😉
    Did you know Brenda Anderson has TWO in the semi-finals of the Genesis Contest?!
    My source is a friend of my oldest son. Love how God can arrange things. I’ve been fortunate to get email “interviews” and (email) question and answer sessions with an established film critic, an architectural designer, a State Patrolman, and now a detective. All local (from Seattle and the surrounding cities). And our veterinarian. Grateful for all their help. But, yeah, rejections from potential interviewees? Definitely. The original detective I talked to on the telephone blew me off.
    I don’t know what to ask now. And I need to ask some more questions. Your prayers will make the difference. Thank you so much.

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  5. BK Jackson Avatar

    Yeah Brenda! I was just reading through the Genesis list of semi-finalists. Congratulations! WOOHOO!!!!!!

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