If you set it up, you gotta pay it off
Years ago, I was reading an interview with a mystery writer, and while I can't remember their name, what they said stuck with me. They said: If you show a gun on the mantel, at some point that gun better be fired.
Now that I'm in the last seven chapters or so of The Trouble With Demons, in addition to taking the book to its conclusion, I'm making sure that I've fired every gun on my mantle. To do that, I've had to go back and start reading from Chapter 1, taking notes of any potholes, or guns that need to be fired. Main plot line, sub-plots, and all that cool stuff that pops up in between -- if I set it up, I gotta pay it off. And throw in a few extra last-minute surprises. ; )
Now that I'm on the last few chapters, I'm also remembering that they take longer to write than the others (for the reasons mentioned above). I've got about 10 weeks to do 7 chapters, polish and send TTWD off to my editor. Firing the guns, paying it off, wrapping it up, all while finishing the story ain't easy, but it sure as heck is satisfying when I type that last sentence. If you listen closely around May 1st, you just might hear the squeeeee! ; )
Coming up tomorrow: Growing your characters through the course of your book.
Lisa
Now that I'm in the last seven chapters or so of The Trouble With Demons, in addition to taking the book to its conclusion, I'm making sure that I've fired every gun on my mantle. To do that, I've had to go back and start reading from Chapter 1, taking notes of any potholes, or guns that need to be fired. Main plot line, sub-plots, and all that cool stuff that pops up in between -- if I set it up, I gotta pay it off. And throw in a few extra last-minute surprises. ; )
Now that I'm on the last few chapters, I'm also remembering that they take longer to write than the others (for the reasons mentioned above). I've got about 10 weeks to do 7 chapters, polish and send TTWD off to my editor. Firing the guns, paying it off, wrapping it up, all while finishing the story ain't easy, but it sure as heck is satisfying when I type that last sentence. If you listen closely around May 1st, you just might hear the squeeeee! ; )
Coming up tomorrow: Growing your characters through the course of your book.
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
11:38 AM
5 Comments:
You're almost there! I hope your experience re-reading all your previous chapters has many of those "damn, I'm good!" moments.
A little before May 1 there will probably be a huge "squeeee" from everyone getting A&M ;-) Are you going to do any signings or anything for it?
Love the quote about a gun. In Starcaster, I researched exactly what it took to load a circa 1810 cap-and-ball revolver. (It helped that I have actually loaded and shot a black powder rifle, which has a similar--if much easier--procedure.) Then I get my character dirty (literally) actually doing it. And yes, she uses the gun.
But, after reading this post, I realized that I do have a couple of "unfired guns" that I need to take care of. Thanks!
Otto, yeah I'll admit it. I had a couple of those moments. ; ) I'll be signing A&M at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh (that's actually two weeks before it's due to hit the shelves). And a fabulous local Barnes & Noble (Durham, NC) is throwing me a Book Release Party on April 29 complete with cake, balloons, prizes and giveaways. It's gonna be a blast!
Tia, you've shot a black powder rifle? Too cool!! Dang, but those things are loud.
It's got nothing on my .44 magnum.
I have not shot anything in years, however.
Me, either. My shotgun is in its case. A couple of years ago a friend took Derek and I to his sporting clay club. Now THAT was fun!
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