People often ask me about my process for writing books. It’s really pretty simple. I start at the beginning and write to the end, finding out what’s going to happen as I go along. I do NOT outline. I met outlining in Mrs. Watkins’s sixth grade geography class. I hated outlining then, and nothing that has happened to me in the intervening decades has changed my mind about that. Oh, there’s one more thing. Since I write murder mysteries, I usually start with someone dead and spend the rest of the book trying to figure out who did it and how come. Easy peasy, right? Well, not exactly.
I kicked Joanna #22 off in my usual manner—with someone finding a dead body. Since there’s a bullet in the back of his skull, clearly the he’s the victim of a homicide, but he doesn’t have a name yet though because the victim has yet to be identified. That’s what I meant when I mentioned out learning things as I go along, see above paragraph. To begin with, I was pretty sure the dead guy was also a bad guy. Now that I’m 10,299 words (I count the words every day) into this as yet unnamed book, I’ve changed my mind about that. At this point I’m pretty sure the dead guy was actually a good guy. I’m also reasonably sure about who’s responsible for his death although I can’t say that definitively, either, because I’ve yet to meet that particular individual.
You can chalk my being able to make changes like that along the way to my taking a page out of the Evie Busk Handbook of Sage Advice which reads as follows: A wise man changes his mind. A fool never does. Changing my mind about a character is something I’ve had to do on any number of occasions over the course of forty-plus years of writing close to seventy books. Ditto for discovering along the way that the person I originally thought was the killer didn’t do it. In one instance, I didn’t come to that surprise realization until two chapters from the end of the story. Believe me, it’s a whole lot easier to do that EARLY in a book than it is at the last minute.
Years ago I saw a production of August Wilson’s play, Two Trains Running. The central idea of the play is there are two trains running, one going south and one going north. If you don’t happen to like what’s going on at your end of the track, then get on board a train headed in the opposite direction.
Early on in writing this book I realized that the storyline was feeling like pretty thin gruel. Then, overnight one night, I realized there was a second storyline unfolding in Joanna Brady’s life at the same time, one that’s running parallel to the other one. Now though, with both stories chugging along in the right direction, I’m happy to be along for the ride.
As for why the book is still unnamed? So far suitable title hasn’t presented itself. I trust that will happen. After all, it’s always done so before.
Joanna #22 is currently at the 10% mark. As for the other 90%? Again, as Evie would say, if it is to be it is up to me, so stay tuned. In the meantime, I should probably stop working on the blog and go back do working on the book. The first thing I need to do on that score is to bone up on my Southern California geography. So no, I’m not off to see the Wizard. Instead I’m going spend some time communing with Apple Maps.
I love it! Months ago, I saw under your blog suggested questions for Meta. I clicked on the one about your writhing process , and Meta said said you outline. I corrected that silly idea, because I know from past blogs it was false.
Word to the wise: use AI, but take it with a large grain of salt.
Always eye opening to read about your writing process. Some of it is even a mystery to you, which is appropriate for a mystery writer.
I am so looking forward to all your upcoming books. And now I have a Brady one too! I miss all your wonderful characters that I’ve gotten to know. I used to think that was odd, thinking about your characters as real people. That was until you started explaining your writing process. They are real to you so why not me as well?
Always eye opening to read about your writing process. Some of it is even a mystery to you, which is appropriate for a mystery writer.
I am so looking forward to all your upcoming books. And now I have a Brady one too! I miss all your wonderful characters that I’ve gotten to know. I used to think that was odd, thinking about your characters as real people. That was until you started explaining your writing process. They are real to you so why not me as well?
Have you planned or written the last book in each series? I am thinking of Sue Grafton who left us hanging without finishing the series when she passed.
I am not hoping for your demise – far from it! Just wondering.
I’ll find out which one is my last book at the same time everybody else does.
I can see that people are having trouble seeing their posts after they write them. Me, too. Just trust that they’ll show up eventually—this one, too, no doubt.
That was heartbreaking! I think most people had no idea she was so sick.
When my children were young and I was a stay-at-home mom, I tried to write a book. I had, what I thought, was a good beginning, but alas. no middle or end, and absolutely no outline. Somewhere in my house today there is still that first chapter I guess, as I don’t ever remember throwing it away. The only time I remember it is when you mention outlines.
Now Joanna Brady #22 is on my “can hardly wait” list along with Beau’s #27 [The Taken Ones]
Blessing to you and Bill.
I love starting off my Friday mornings reading your blog. Sort of like reading a page from one of your books. Love to read them!
Wonderful as usual
Dear J.A.,
Thanks for sharing your writing process. It’s very encouraging to hear about a writer who wanders around ‘in the weeds’ rather than following a strict outline. I always liked the story about Agatha Christie working out her plots in the bathtub with apples floating around her. I guess she plotted until the water was cold and the apples were eaten.
Judy Trabert
On this Mothers Day weekend I want to thank Ms Jance for the gift she is to all of us who love murder mystery’s. Thank you for sharing your blogs also. You are truly a gift.
Loved hearing about your writing process and can’t wait to read the new Brady book.
So which book didn’t know the murderer until the last 2 chapters….. or will you make me go through all your books…. which sit in my bookshelves because I re-read and re-savor them.
Injustice for All. Someone asked me, “So did you have to go back and change the story?” I told him, “No, the guy was innocent the whole time.
Exploring Southern California locales…please consider Huntington Beach. First of all, we have the Pacific Ocean, miles of sand, and a great pier…located south of Long Beach, which is in Los Angeles County, next to the Seal Brach, the first beach along Pacific Coast Highway into Orange County. Following PCH along the coast is a gorgeous drive, south to San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico border.
Thank you for the insight into your writing process…I know Joanna 22 will be great!
Love knowing a Joanna is on the way. I love ending my Friday’s with your blog!
Can’t wait to read Joanna #22.
BTW, my friend Sandy, who comes to your book signings with me, is now at Aegis of West Seattle. Took a bad fall and couldn’t stay where she was.
I am so sorry to hear this. Please tell her hello from me.
Thanks for sharing some of your writing strategy! I love your books, and I am beyond happy to see that you think like I do!!!! Be safe, and God bless you!
As you mentally fly from Bisbee to Southern California, stop by in Yuma. You could visit the Sunshine Cafe for garden patio seating for a respite, or Nikki’s Chickie’s for fresh farm to table products. If vehicle trouble arises, Joe at Joe’s Garage will steer you right. If you need to spend the night, the Pivot Point Hilton will give you a view of the Gila and provide easy access to all the Wetland trails to get your 10,000 steps in before your travel continues.
Just south off I8 in Boulevard, from their website I copied this. “Wisteria Candy Cottage is a historic, family-owned candy shop in Boulevard, California, known for its homemade chocolates and nostalgic atmosphere, operating since 1921. Located on Old Highway 80, it’s a popular stop for travelers, famous for treats like chocolate turtles, and offers a quaint, old-fashioned experience with a wide variety of confections, including old-time sodas.” My great grandparents started a family tradition of stopping here for a gas and such in their Model T cars. It is a must every time we Arizona-raised folks travel that route.
If you, yourself, find your way to Yuma, the door is always open here, my friend. Have a great day. May Joanna #22 give you a smooth flow going forth.
10 thumbs up for this week’s blog, JA.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
Best to you and Bill. <3
10 thumbs up for this week’s blog, JA.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
Best to you and Bill. <3
Well, I love looking at maps. Travel maps of the whole United States. I love seeing all the small towns and their sometimes strange or funny names. Then I wonder where the name came from. I wonder about the folks living there.