This is a different Christmas for many. In my case, I'm missing the usual celebrations from Christmas Parades to our writers' group annual Christmas dinner. However, our family Christmas will be much the same as usual with the addition of a three guests--also relatives.
Despite what all is going on or not I've started planning a new Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery. In the last book, Tempe had decided to retire. When I wrote it, I thought it might be the last in the series. However, a trip to visit my eldest daughter gave me a great idea, so once again I'm in the planning stages.
No, I don't write an outline, however this is what I usually do when I'm beginning a new book:
First comes the setting. In this case, it will be a new place for Tempe. I've ordered a couple of books about the history of the town she'll be in, as sometimes historical facts give me ideas for the plot or side-plots.
Next, come the characters. Who is going to get murdered and why? I need a name, personality traits, physical description, and of course all the people who might want to see this person's demise and for various reasons. Which means developing more characters.
Oh, yes, I must not forget how the person was killed. Was there a weapon to be found? The crime scene, any clues?
I'm not very far along in the planning process, but I'm excited that I get to be with Tempe and her husband, Hutch, once again.
Have a great holiday no matter how you celebrate.
Marilyn
4 comments:
How neat that your encouraged to write yet another Tempe Crabtree book. You let life encourage you to keep on (sort of like the energizer bunny). You are great with your settings. I'm curious as to where this new one will be.
Merry Christmas, Marilyn.
Temecula is where the book sill be set--Southern California wine country.
You are amazing! Your writer's brain keeps spinning away, developing more great books! Keep it up!
I'm happy that at my age I can still keep writing!
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