Writing Urban Fantasy, Part 2 -- "Fact vs Fiction in Fiction"

Hi, my name is Jeannie, and I'm a researchalholic.

I admit it: One thing I love most about starting a new project is the research. Beginning with a kernel of an idea, selecting books and surfing websites to fertilize that kernel, pulling together disparate mythologies and cool modern science, and then watching my little kernel blossom into a carnivorous flesh-eating plant....*sigh* It’s magical.

In Part 1 of the "Writing Urban Fantasy" series, I said that -- aside from the basic rules of grammar, spelling, and story structure -- there are no rules to writing fiction, and this is true. However, this doesn't always mean you can make the stuff up willynilly and trust readers to buy into it because you, the author, says so. Readers are far more savvy than that, especially readers of urban fantasy. There is a proliferation of urban fantasy on the market and readers who enjoy this genre tend to read A LOT and have seen multiple mutations of various supernatural beasties so you're going to have to create something a little (or a lot) different as well as make sure your real world facts are in order.

With that said, I'm going to lay out my rules for researching an urban fantasy novel. Yes, I said there are no real rules to writing urban fantasy. However, there are rules for research...or at least there should be...and these aren't "rules" so much as "guidelines." They're holdovers from my college days and have served me well. Hopefully you will find them equally useful.

Research Rule #1: Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable primary source.

First, let me just say that I like Wikipedia and use it often. However, I do NOT accept any information I gather from the site as valid without verifying it in at least two other non-internet sources. Why? Because anyone can add information to Wikipedia and the information presented on the site is often inaccurate or unverified. Therefore, unless I can verify the information through outside sources, I usually discount it.

This is especially important for information regarding the real world. If Wikipedia tells me the state capital of Mississippi is Hattiesburg, I'm going to refer to A) a map of the state, B) the state's official website, C) a book on Mississippi state history. If verified, I'll run with Hattiesburg as the capital. (FYI: Hattiesburg is not the capital of Mississippi -- Jackson is.)

When we enter the supernatural realm of mythology, folklore, and things that go bump in the night, this level of inaccuracy isn't as important. After all, the key word in "urban fantasy" is "fantasy." Find the information that suits your particular project or make it up as you go along.

Research Rule #2: When in doubt, leave it out.

Confession: I know a little more than jacksquat about police procedures, and yet I write a series in which the main character is a federal agent. How am I able to do this? I researched my butt into oblivion before ever setting fingers to keyboard, and I probably used a tenth of the information I gathered.

Much of the information I left out dealt with forensics. I'm not an expert in the field nor do I want to become one. I have rudimentary understand of most procedures, especially with regards to crime scenes, and the rest occurs off-page because I don't fully understand the various tests and procedures. I gloss over the parts I don't know or understand and then manipulate the results to achieve my goals.

As an expert in the field told me several years ago, it's better to gloss over those bits and just present your results than to include inaccurate information because the real experts will call you out for it.

Research Rule #3: Go beyond the books whenever possible.

Writing a novel set in Grand Rapids, Michigan in November when you live in Honolulu, Hawaii can be challenging. Unless you're originally from Michigan and are familiar with the Grand Rapids area and all the nuiances that come from living in the northern US, you're going to have to do some research. Yes, books and websites are wonderful starting points, but nothing beats walking the city's streets in November and experiencing it first hand.

The same is true of law enforcement or hospitals or most professions. Nothing can compare to the actual experience of traveling 100+ mph along the interstate at 2:00am with lights and sirens as you respond to a radio call of "shots fired." This is something I've experience first hand and will never forget.

If you're setting a story in an unfamiliar location, try to arrange a trip to that location. Stay a few days. Take pictures. Talk to locals. Try to pick up "the vibe" of the area. You may not use everything you learn, but your story will be much better because you have that knowledge.

If you're writing a story about law enforcement, check with your local metro police or sheriff's departments. Some cities and counties offer "citizen acadamies" in which people from the community can interact with law enforcement officials from different branches. Many programs such as these will offer a ride-along program -- you get to spend time with an officer on patrol and see what they see. (That's how I ended up traveling 100+ mph along the interstate at 2AM.) If your community doesn't offer a citizen academy program, most law enforcement agencies have a public relations officer on staff. Reach out to him or her, explain your interest, and most are willing to work with authors.

The same is true of the medical field, although it's more difficult to gain access to "insider information" due to patient confidentiality laws. However, many hospitals have a volunteer program. While you may not have access to "the action," it's a great way to meet staff who may be willing to talk outside of work about what they do, and you're also giving back to the community. It's a win-win.

Now, I mentioned books and websites at the beginning of this post. I'm a bibliophile. I collect books. Yes, I have an e-reader and I love it, but I use it primarily for novels -- fun reading. When I'm researching, I prefer the feel of a real book. Plus, I also tend to make notes in margins and use a ton of stick notes to create a "road map" for myself. Again, it's something I've done since college and I doubt I'll change.

How much research you put in to your "fantasy" elements is really up to you. It does pay to know basics, especially if you're writing about spellwork or something in the magical arts. Again, people who really do know this stuff will call you on anything that seems to far outside the realm of believable. That doesn't mean you can't make anything up as you go. In fact, it's best if you do. However, a little research can spark all kinds of new ideas. Don't be afraid to see where the rabbit hole leads you. You're story could lie on the other side.

Below is a list of some of my favorite research books. Most can be readily found on Amazon or Barnes & Noble or even better, grab the ISBN and ask your local indie store if they have it in stock or are willing to order it for you. Others may be out of print and harder to find -- check eBay or Half. com for some of the harder to find books. Also, do be afraid to check the shelves at the local Goodwill, Salvation Army store, or other charity-based outlet. You may be surprised what you find. Estate sales and garage sales are also great resources for older books, as are library sales. Second-hand book stores are also great.

Here's my list of some of my fave research books...and please be aware these represent only a fraction of the books I actually possess and actively reference:

General:
Webster's Dictionary
Roget's Thesaurus
The Elements of Style - Strunk and White

Vampires:
Vampire Universe - Jonathan Maberry
They Bite! - Jonathan Maberry
Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and other Monsters - Rosemary Guiley
The Science of Vampires - Katherine Ramsland
Psychic Vampire Codex - Michelle Belanger
The Vampire Book: Encyclopedia of the Undead - J. Gordon Melton
The Vampire Encyclopedia - Matthew Bunson
The Vampire in Lore and Legend - Montague Summers
In Search of Dracula - Raymond T. McNally
Our Vampires, Ourselves - Nina Auerbach
Vampires and Vampirism - Dudley Wright
Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend - Mark Collins Jenkins
Vampyre Sanguinomicon: The Lexicon of the Living Vampire - Father Sebastiaan

Werewolves, Demons, Zombies & Other Critters:
Zombie CSU: Forensics of the Undead - Jonathan Maberry
Dictionary of Demons - Michelle Belanger
The Encyclopedia of Demons and Demonology - Rosemary Guiley
Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels - Gustav Davidson
The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits - Rosemary Guiley
A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits - Carol K. Mack
The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King - Aleister Crowley
Fallen Angels, the Watchers, and the Origins of Evil - Joseph B. Lumpkin
Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts - Bob Curran
The Werewolf Book - Brad Steiger
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures: The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings From Myth and Magic - John Matthews and Caitlin Matthews

The Fae World:
Faeries: Deluxe Collector's Edition - Brian Froud
Brian Froud's World of Faerie (v. 1) - Brian Froud and Ari Berk
Good Faeries Bad Faeries - Brian Froud
Goblins! A Survival Guide and Fiasco in Four Parts - Ari Berk and Brian Froud
Gnomes 30th Anniversary Edition - Wil Huygen
Giants - Julek Heller
Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia - Carol Rose
Fairies (Mysteries, Legends, and Unexplained Phenomena)- Rosemary Guiley

Magic:
Note: Books listed here are for reference only. I do not advocate the practical use of any information found within these tomes without proper research, study, guidance, and/or training.
The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells: The Ultimate Reference Book for the Magical Arts - Judika Illes
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs - Scott Cunningham
The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews - Scott Cunningham
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic - Scott Cunningham
Practical Candleburning Rituals - Raymond Buckland
The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Signs and Symbols: The Ultimate A-Z Guide from Alchemy to the Zodiac - Adele Nozedar
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen - Scott Cunningham
The Alchemists Handbook: Manual for Practical Laboratory Alchemy - Frater Albertus
Three Books of Occult Philosophy - Henry Cornelius Agrippa, James Freake, and Donald Tyson
Liber Null & Psychonaut: An Introduction to Chaos Magic - Peter J. Carroll

This concludes the second installment of the "Writing Urban Fantasy" series. Up next...character development!

Writing Urban Fantasy, Part 1 -- "Oh yeah? Says Who?"

I'm starting a new blog series--or at least attempting to start a new blog series--on writing, specifically urban fantasy and where I think the genre may go in the future. To kick off the series, let's start with the ever popular task of trying to define the undefinable.

What is urban fantasy?

Urban fantasy is often defined as having supernatural/paranormal elements layered over our recognizable modern or near-future world. The setting is a large city such as Los Angeles, New Orleans, or St. Louis. Often the main character is female and the story is told in first person point of view. The story can have elements pulled from other genres such as science fiction, mystery, horror, and romance and woven together in a cohesive manner with varying degrees of emphasis placed on each of these genre elements. Primarily, the plot will consist of a mystery to be solved or a problem to be corrected before some great calamity strikes. Romance, if present, is usually a secondary plot. Character and story arcs often carry for multiple books. These are "The Rules" of urban fantasy.

We could spend hours if not days debating the finer points of what is or isn't urban fantasy. That is time we could spend doing more productive things, like writing the next book in a series or even the first book in a new series. For me, the definition hinges on the romance and if it's the main focus of the story or not because it's the easiest way to separate urban fantasy from its cousin, paranormal romance.

Where did it begin?

Most "experts" will point to the initial release of Laurell K. Hamilton's GUILTY PLEASURES (Book 1 in the Anita Blake series) in the early 1990s as the beginning of the genre's mass appeal to readers. However, I believe Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE would also qualify as an early example of urban fantasy, even though the point of view character is male and much of the story is told as Louis's memories, the actual "interview" takes place modern times.

However, one could make a strong argument for finding urban fantasy's roots in the Romantic Movement in works such as Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN, Bram Stoker's DRACULA, Charles Dickens's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Edgar Allan Poe's MASK OF THE RED DEATH, to name a few. You're probably thinking to yourself "But these are classics! How can they be urban fantasy?" The answer is simple: At the time they were written, they were set in the modern era, in urban centers, and carried an element of the supernatural. Time moves forward but the written word doesn't. It's fixed on the page.

Pinpointing the start of urban fantasy is difficult and open for debate. Suffice it to say the genre has steadily gained popularity is now one of the most widely read genres because of its broad appeal to readers of other genres.

What are some common elements?

The most common element is the supernatural. Whether the supernatural takes the form of vampires, werewolves, fairies, zombies, aliens, shapeshifters, or something else isn't set in stone. Nearly any creature can make an appearance in urban fantasy.

What is the difference between urban fantasy and paranormal romance?

The two share 90% of their genre DNA. However, the main differences are this: Urban fantasy focuses on an issue outside of a romantic relationship between two characters. Paranormal romance focuses on a romantic relationship between two characters and how outside forces affect that relationship. The best litmus test to determine if a story is urban fantasy or paranormal romance is to ask the following question: "If the romance between Character A and Character B were removed, would the plot still stand as a viable storyline?" If the answer is "yes," chances are good it's urban fantasy. If the answer is "no," it's most likely paranormal romance.

Okay, so that covers the basics of urban fantasy. Are we clear on what is and isn't urban fantasy? We've all got "The Rules" firmly fixed in our minds? Good.

Now forget everything I just said.

Why?

Because it's fiction. When Mary Shelley wrote FRANKENSTEIN, she wasn't concerned with a genre. She wanted to write a ghost story. She wanted to write fiction.

You want to write urban fantasy with a male protagonist? Do it. The "rule" that says you must have a female protagonist hasn't stopped Jim Butcher, nor did it stop Mary Shelley.

You want to write urban fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world? Do it. Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series is a wonderful example of the broken "rule" that says it has to be a modern day or near future setting. You can even write a story set in the past. Edgar Allan Poe did. THE MASK OF THE RED DEATH uses the backdrop of the Black Plague for its setting even though Poe was writing in the 1800s, long after the plague had all but disappeared.

You want to write urban fantasy set in a small town? Do it. Look no further than the popularity of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series to see that small towns can be just as intriguing as large metropolitan areas. Charles Dickens's London wasn't the sprawling urban center it is today. Yes, it was still a large city but reading that story has the feel of being set in a smaller London.

You want to write urban fantasy with multiple character view points? Do it. Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage series began with BLOODRING and featured both first and third person points of view. Bram Stoker's DRACULA has multiple points of view and each is necessary to convey the story. This is important: The story dictates its needs. If it can be told from one character's point of view, great. However, if more than one is required, don't sweat it. There is no actual "rule" that says you can't have more than one.

My point is this: Urban fantasy is a label used to identify where a book falls in the publishing spectrum. At the end of the day, it's fiction. Aside from the basic rules of writing, such as grammar, spelling, and the structure of story, there are no rules. Some of the best fiction ever written has broken "The Rules." Urban fantasy as a genre has broken rules from Day One and it will continue to do so. In fact it'll be necessary for the next generation of urban fantasy writers to break even more rules.

Will we see urban fantasy set on distance worlds and trekking through the stars? I think so.

Will we see urban fantasy set in the Roman era with gladiators battling werewolves for the entertainment of thousands? It's possible.

This is fiction and in fiction, anything is possible.

Okay, so we have a basic working definition for the genre. In my next post, we'll discuss one of my favorite topics: researching the urban fantasy novel.

The Writer's Prayer

I've been in a bit of a writing slump for the past few weeks. Something about this time of year saps my motivation and drains all the smarts from my brains like a zombie on crack. My critique partners and fellow writers all gave me support and encouraging words, but still the slump continued and I kept searching for a way to break out of it.

And then it happened. Through the miracle that is Twitter, I was led to a marvelous post by author Chuck Wendig...a little inspirational boost he dubbed "The Writer's Prayer." (Click the link for the full text.) Here is but an example of the wisdom contained therein....

"This book is not the boss of my shit."

"My hamstrings might snap like high-tension cables and take out one of my eyes. My back may bend and bow until my scoliosis allows me to pleasure myself with my mouth. My knee caps might shoot off, striking a Yeti in the eye which makes him really mad and so he comes over and tears both of my arms off and beats me about the head and neck with my own gore-spewing limbs. My mind may crumble under the assault, driven to the very precipice of sanity, staring down into the deepest yawning yawping abyss and as the Yeti howls and my synapses fire I will smell the scent of funeral flowers wafting up from that abyss and I will find it peaceful and comfortable and will realize how easy it would be to just pivot my hips just-so and go tumbling down into that satisfying darkness, the darkness of ease, the darkness of acquiescence, the milk-livered niddering darkness of sweet sweet cowardice."

"I am a writer, and I will finish the shit that I started."

Thank you, Chuck. Your words of wisdom and gift of laughter have provided me with a much needed kick in the ass. I will now finish the shit that I started.

Delta Blues and Close Encounters of the Famous Kind

Forgetting for the moment that I'm under a crushing deadline to deliver the sequel to BLOOD LAW, I ran off to the Mississippi Delta for a weekend of debauchery with a bunch of writer friends.

The drive up was interesting in that Mark, my Official Marketing Genius (O.M.G.), and I were in our new "tour bus." Yes, that is indeed a Smart car. In fact, it's Mark's every day, drive to work and putter around town car, but he had a special "wrap" applied just for me and BLOOD LAW. (Ain't he sweet? And, yes, that's the original book cover on the car. We'll swap for the new soon.) After making a few wrong turns, getting lost, and finding B.F. Egypt, MS (yes, there is a town in northwestern Mississippi named Egypt), we finally arrived at our destination: Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.

GZBC played host to the DELTA BLUES mystery anthology launch party, aka Writer's Weekend of Debauchery. However, before the real party started, Mark and I met up with our friends Michelle and Alexis for a birthday celebration dinner in Mark's honor on Friday night. We headed over to Madidi, a restuarant also owned by Morgan Freeman, (Are you sensing a theme here?) and had a great time with great food. If you ever have an opportunity to eat at Madidi, order the garden spinach and parmesan risotto with the tempura shrimp. Out...of...this...world...good!

Saturday was a day of walking around downtown Clarksdale and taking in the sights. Of course, some of the best sights were in GZBC itself. Where else will you see this sort of decor? Yes, the patrons are encouraged to write on the tables, the walls, windows, blinds, curtains, and just about any other available surface. Thousands of people have left their names and notes behind. I even added my own name to the wall upstairs outside of the apartments.

Saturday was also the day the winners of the Delta Youth Writing Contest were announced. (Congrats to all of them!) On hand to extend his own congratulations to the winners was none other than Morgan Freeman! Squeee! Yes, I was in the same room as "god." Unfortunately, I wasn't able to actually meet him. (Photo of Mr. Freeman and Carolyn Haines with DELTA BLUES anthology snagged from Carolyn's Facebook page. Like I said, I wasn't able to get this close. He was long gone by the time I was able to get through the book sale line. *pout*) Following the awards ceremony, anthology contributors signed copies of the DELTA BLUES with $1 of all proceeds from the sale of DELTA BLUES benefiting the Rock River Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping the arts and literacy in the Delta. (Books are available in hardcover, paperback, and limited edition versions. If you were unable to make it to the launch party, please know that you can still help as $1 for each book sold will be donated.)

Saturday night began the true debauchery when the Blues Muse Band took the stage at GZBC. Made up of anthology contributors, the Blues Muse rocked the house. They even had groupies! Band members were:

Michael Utley—keyboard
Nathan Singer—guitar and vocals
Michael Lister—drums
Daniel Martine—guitar and vocals
David Sheffield—harmonica
Lynne Barrett—vocals
Charlaine Harris—back-up
Carolyn Haines—back-up
Alice Jackson—playing the box
Mary Saums—bass and vocals
Toni Kelner—vocals

The entire weekend was a blast! Thanks to Carolyn Haines for inviting me to come hang out with a bunch of great writers. It was much needed down time, and now it's back to work on the BLOOD LAW sequel! Wheeeeeee!

Confessions of a Twisted Mind -- Part 2: The Twist

I am not what most people would consider “normal.” I’ve been blessed -– or cursed, depending on how you choose to view it –- with an overactive imagination. Okay, so that part isn’t uncommon. The uncommon part is that my imagination skews to the Dark Side, and I mean Stephen King-level and beyond. It’s a great resource when you’re a writer…and a guy…not so much when you’re considered “a good girl” in the South.

My love affair with all things dark and disturbing began at an early age. I was six when I saw the 1932 film adaptation of Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. Vampires instantly fascinated me. The next time Mom took my brother and me on our monthly pilgrimage to the library I checked out as many books on the subject as I could, including a copy of Bram Stoker’s novel. From there I progressed to werewolves, demons, ghosts, fairies, aliens… You name it, I probably read about it.

As I got older, my interest in the supernatural continued, but I also developed an interest in psychology, particularly abnormal psychology. I read books on psychopathy, sociopathy, serial killers, cults –- pretty much anything I could get my hands on. I also read books on history, anthropology, and religion. This is all in addition to reading the fiction of Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, Edgar Allan Poe, and H.P. Lovecraft.

Books weren’t the only fodder for my imagination. Films sparked all manner of ideas, especially when I was younger. My older siblings let me watch scary movies when our parents weren’t around. Not a good idea. The Exorcist gave me nightmares for months, and after seeing Poltergeist, I was convinced there was a dimensional portal to Hell in my closet. (That was three weeks of hell for Mom that much was certain.) Then there was that unfortunate clown incident at the circus…

So, where does the twist come in to all this? The twist is that all these little things have accumulated in my brain over time and made me who I am.

For example, my husband and I live in Mobile, Alabama but my family lives in Mississippi. When we travel from Mobile to visit my family, the route we drive takes us past a couple of very lovely marshy areas. Mark, my husband, sees these marshes and says, “That would make a cool photo.” I see them and say, “That would be a cool place to hide a body.”

Another example: An innocent trip to the home improvement store takes a dark turn when I’m around. Others see common household and garden tools. I see murder weapons.

Even a walk through the toy section of a discount store gives me ideas. All those plastic ties that hold dolls and action figures in place in their packages? Others see annoyances that have to be removed quickly in order to stifle the demanding screams of a child. I see effective restraint points for a psychopath to use during a torture session.

My mind never completely shuts off, and I’m constantly composing scenes in my head for whatever book I’m working on at the time. The smallest thing can spark a full-blown creative fit. Does this make me “a bad person?” No, I don’t think so. Maybe a little creepy, but not “bad.”

So if you ever have an opportunity to meet me, and I seem to space out for a second or two, it’s nothing personal. I’m probably just thinking of ways to hide your body.

Confessions of a Twisted Mind -- Part 1

I have a confession to make. I have a secret...

All my creative talent...the plot lines...the character development...it's all the result of an addiction combined with a truly twisted and overactive imagination.

The Addiction:

I am a coffee fiend.

The typical day starts with unleashing the hound, dodging the cats, and firing up the laptop as I wander through the house like Theseus in the Minotaur's labyrinth on my way to the kitchen and the sweet brew that holds the secret to life itself. Ask my husband. I'm a complete zombie until the coffee is ready, and the brain simply doesn't fully function until the third cup. Even the smell is enough to start the process.

I've always loved the smell of coffee. My parents, especially my dad, were coffee drinkers. The house always smelled of coffee. Dad was also a natural storyteller. Most of his tales were of the tall variety, but that's what made it fun. Every now and then he would sneak me a small sip of coffee mixed with copious amounts of milk and sugar. I didn't like it much, but it didn't matter. It was time spent with him and it's a memory I cherish.

My love of the roasted bean didn't actually develop until I started writing, ironically. I was in college working on my bachelor's degree when I started writing and due to class schedules the only time I really had to write was late at night. Coffee -- more specifically the caffeine in the coffee -- became a necessity for staying awake. Any coffee would do as long as it was fully loaded.

Then my wonderful husband introduced me to Kona coffee. O...M...G... I fell in love but true Kona is hard to find in southern Alabama. When I am able to find true Kona, I savor it and make my supply last as long as possible. It becomes a guilty pleasure, indulged in only during celebratory times.


Coffee helped me through my undergraduate courses, but it truly became my special friend when I was working toward my master's degree. Graduate school is brutal. The classes are more intense. Professors expect more from you and in a shorter amount of time. (Hmm...that sounds familiar.) Plus, I sold BLOOD LAW to Bantam Dell just prior to entering my final semester of grad school. I needed coffee's boost to keep me going because not only was I taking classes in Modernist fiction (major snoozefest, by the way) and Shakespeare, I was working on my creative thesis -- a novel loosely based on John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost...and I was actively revising BLOOD LAW. Well, not so much "revising" as "completely restructuring and rewriting." When I finally tally all the catnaps and few hours of sleep caught here and there, I think I slept a grand total of three days that entire semester.


So, yeah, that's why I'm a coffee nut. I love my Kona and I adore Starbucks's white chocolate mochas. Yes, it overpriced but I don't care. It combines my two major food groups: coffee and chocolate. However, these are not for everyday consumption. No, on a daily basis, any fully loaded java will do to jump start the brain cells. I usually switch to straight water around noon but will return to coffee (or break open a Mountain Dew) when I need a mental boost. Even if I don't need the caffeine, I'll usually have a pot of unleaded (decaf) coffee on hand just because I like the smell.


I think that's why I eventually became a coffee fiend. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is like Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumbs or Theseus's string in the Minotaur's maze. When I'm lost in the strange labyrinthine worlds of my mind, having a cup of joe on hand helps me find my way back home.

Coming soon -- Part 2: The Twist

Blogging at The Magic District

I made my first post to The Magic District today! Yay! The topic I chose was "New authors and asking questions." Basically, as a first-time author, I know it's often hard or intimidating to direct questions to your agent, editor, and publisher, but it's also vital that we, as authors, do just that. So, I blogged about a recent event that forced me to overcome some of that fear of asking questions.

If you're interested in reading it, check out The Magic District...and don't be afraid to leave a comment or question. ;-)

Wandering in The Magic District

So, there I was, minding my own business when suddenly the wonderful, sassy, and somewhat scary Diana Rowland's name appeared in my inbox. Always happy to hear from a fellow Southerner, I opened the email to find an invite to join her at The Magic District group blog.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!

I composed myself and answered that I would be delighted to join. After much celebration, I have officially joined the ranks of The Magic District folk. We're still working out a complete posting schedule but once I have that in hand, I'll pass it along.

In the meanwhile, check out my fellow word-wizards at The Magic District.

Point. Plot. Conspiracy. She shoots. She scores!

So...still wondering what the point was to my previous post?

Thought you might be since you're still hanging around.

My previous post, other than showing my wonderful ineptitude in navigating downtown Mobile, Alabama, was to illustrate the wrong turns, U-turns, and chaos associated with plotting novel.

When I first began writing, I didn't give much consideration to the central plot beyond "Event A leads to Event B leads to Event C leads to end." The first novel I ever completed -- which is securely locked away and will never see the light of day -- taught me a lot. The plot was straight with no real twists or turns but I learned a great deal about character development, setting, world building, and pacing. Unfortunately, the plot itself sucked major rotten eggs.

There is a long standing argument in publishing of whether books should be plot or character driven. I'm a bit odd in that I believe a truly great book should be both. It's like driving a car. A driver (the character) guides the car (the plot) along the highway (the unfolding story). The car does not guide itself. (And don't give me the argument that some cars in the future or on other hard sci-fi worlds do. Those are still piloted by a computerized navigation system that is capable of making decisions regarding alternate routes...or even better, going completely bonkers and crashing the car.) In order for the car (plot) to arrive at its destination (story's end), the driver (character) must guide it there. However, without the car (plot), the driver (character) can't reach his/her destination (story's end). That's not entirely true since the driver (character) can make a choice to either stay with the vehicle, thus potentially ending the story, or continue on foot, thus continuing the story and therefore, the plot.

Which brings us to a new fork in this road... Did the car crash because of a random computer glitch or was it sabotaged? Either choice can make for interesting plot developments. Does the driver stay with the vehicle or continue on foot? If s/he stays with the vehicle, does s/he call for help or does someone come along and find them? If s/he continues on foot, what potential dangers do they face? Are they hit by a drunk driver? Picked up by a good Samaritan? Reach their destination unharmed? These are the twists and turns along the road that make the journey interesting. For example...

Penelope leaves her home in Golden, Colorado earlier than normal because today is her boss's birthday. She drives through her neighborhood in the pre-dawn hours and reaches Interstate 70. She then heads east into the Denver metro area and arrives an hour early at her receptionist job at a downtown law firm in order to prepare for the boss's surprise party.

Boring. Let's try adding a few twists and turns...

Penelope leaves her home in Golden, Colorado earlier than normal because today is her boss's birthday. She spills coffee on her blouse as she drives through her neighborhood in the pre-dawn hours. Pissed off that she ruined her favorite blouse she reaches Interstate 70 and heads east into the Denver metro area. Traffic ahead has come to a complete standstill. She waits forty-five minutes and finally traffic begins to move forward. By now she's drank all her coffee and is even more pissed off. Another driver in a bright yellow Hummer cuts her off as she's exiting the interstate to enter downtown. Cursing wildly, she swerves around the Hummer and passes it. The Hummer shoots past her on the right side. Penelope floors it and over takes the Hummer. The other driver speeds up. Both drivers fail to see a red light and rocket into an intersection, into the path of oncoming traffic. The Hummer makes it through but Penelope's car is struck by garbage truck. Penelope is shaken up but suffers only minor injuries. She calls her boss, a partner in a high-profile law firm, and asks if he would mind picking her up at the emergency room since she has no family in the area. He agrees and when she is wheeled out of the ER to his car, she discovers he drives a bright yellow Hummer.

Now, having established this chain of events, the story can continue in any number of directions. Is her boss responsible for her accident? If so, was it an accident or intentional? If not, was it someone trying to frame her boss? Why would someone want to set him up? Will Penelope and her boss work together to solve the mystery or will they become legal adversaries? Was the driver of the garbage truck a hapless victim or part of a larger conspiracy?

My point here is this: A story is just a story but characters turn that story into an adventure. However, that adventure would never take place without those characters. Different characters create different adventures. I can say Penelope drove to work and pulled off a surprise birthday party for her boss in the same way that I got lost in downtown Mobile. However, if I say Penelope drove to work and found herself at the center of a plot to assassinate her boss, then suddenly the story has become larger -- it's become an adventure. The same can be said for my previous post. I could've easily said, "Hey, I got lost in downtown last week." But, I chose to recount my actions, the actions of others, and give details of what happened. My story became an adventure.

That is the plot and point of any novel -- to have an adventure. So, go forth and adventure, my minions.