Life of a Writer. 24. Back to work on writing a mystery.

I have noticed this week that by 8.30 p.m., it is already dark. After hot days, I have not been thinking of the end of summer. But it is almost here. The seasons pass too quickly. How to enjoy each day, each moment and also get back to writing and revising the mystery? In one shape or another, that balance is often elusive. Even so, I have read up to page 175 of my latest revision of 'The White Ribbon Man' in the last few days and feel satisfied that the story is moving along up to this point. I know that around some corner in the next few pages, I will have to pause, reflect and likely regroup somehow from that point on.

Who murdered the woman discovered in the basement of the church? First of all, who is she anyway? When will the reader know? How do the  cops find out? Who is the murderer? How did the murder happen? It took me quite a while to figure it out myself. The challenge now is to make it plausible without making it obvious. So many questions to ponder to take this novel through to completion. It is almost as difficult for the writer to figure out as the writer hopes it will be for the reader. But the detective, Jack Cosser, will solve the case likely before the reader figures it out, possibly even before the writer does.

Life of a Writer. 23. Writer as Reader (continued).

One of my favourite reads of late, Lisa Moore's 'Caught'. A thriller with a difference. Hard to put down, characters I felt I knew, poetic descriptions. And not only that, it is a Canadian thriller. And a literary one. The latest novel in the hands of one of our most exciting up and coming authors. Although that description is probably not accurate any longer as Moore has already arrived, and sparkles, on the literary scene. Indeed, we know already to watch for her work.

Another favourite read was by the established and Pen/Faulkner award winning American author, James Salter. 'All That Is' is a haunting novel of the life of one man that begins in the final days of WWII in the Pacific. After that it wends its way through Philip Bowman's life and that of his friends as he succeeds in the world of the literary editor and flounders in his personal life. The landscape is the American publishing industry and the story of this one man's personal journey through many entanglements. Beautifully written, I also gobbled it up.

Other Readers?

Life of a Writer. #22.Moosecall 10. Moose in Wonderland. Chapbook Launch.

Every two weeks, the writers of the Moosemeat Writing Group meet to critique each others work. It is a productive group with a structure that allows everyone a turn to comment followed by a free for all and finally for the writer being critiqued to respond. Often just to say thank you for the feedback. It is never easy for the writer in question, as the critiques are wide ranging and thorough. However, it is always the prerogative of the writer in question to decide what to use in further revisions. Some suggestions are helpful, others get rejected. In my experience, the work improves as I consider what has been suggested. Early on in my experience of this kind of critique, two stories of mine were published. So I have continued, and continue,  to value the feedback of the group and the interaction there. Also when I am not subjecting my own work to this scrutiny, participating to offer constructive feedback to other writers continues to sharpen my eye and motivates me to come back to the solitary work of writing.

All of this commentary on the group is prelude to saying our annual chapbook launch of this year's flash fiction occurred last night in Toronto at the Arts and Letters Club. There wasn't a dull moment as Isabel Matwawana and Jerry Schaefer co hosted with good humour and creativity the readings of thirteen of our members. Lots of laughter, lots of applause! And a performance of a song sung by Isabel with Jerry on guitar was a lovely surprise addition to the evening. Needless to say, there was also lively conversation during the intermission.

The weather was quite threatening, as it has been often this summer and was last year for our launch as well. It didn't daunt our spirits and everyone turned out accompanied as well by friends and relatives.

Life of a Writer. 21. Writing in Summer.

When the weather is fine, I would rather be outside than writing. And often am! Even so, the mystery progresses with Jack Cosser, the detective, unravelling the identity of the murder victim. And starting to seek out the killer. The writer eventually needs to know who this is also. Actually, I do know, but won't reveal that, of course. For now, just that Jack will close in on this villain sooner or later. How and when and why remains in my hands and I am working on it.

However, today on this gorgeous day, I will venture out into the sunshine. All too precious after the record breaking rain just a few days ago in Toronto.

Life of a Writer. #20. Writing a Mystery. Progress Report.

This is a brief update on the mystery I continue to revise.  The detective has morphed from Alistair Cosser to Simon Cosser to Jack Cosser. Detective Sergeant Jack Cosser. I like his latest name. I hope you do, too!

 The murder happens in Toronto, so these photos aren't representative of the novel's plot. They are from my January trip to Morocco. They make me think of twists and turns in plots as well as highways, for instance.

Life of a Writer. 19. Waiting for the next book! Would I Lie to You?

No, of course I wouldn't lie to you. Would I Lie To You? is the title of my next book, another novel, just accepted by Inanna for publication in the not too distant future (date yet to be announced!). It still doesn't feel quite real, but nonetheless it is exciting. Once I stop shouting from the hilltops and come up for air, I will get on with the mystery. But for now, I am still shouting!

Here is a very brief synopsis to whet your appetite.

As her husband lies dying, Sue goes to see a psychic who tells her there is someone like a son in her life. She dismisses this, but at Jerry’s funeral his son turns up, a son Sue didn’t know existed.  She regrets never telling her husband, or anyone else, about the baby girl she gave up for adoption when she herself was only sixteen. At the same time as she starts to look for her daughter, she begins to rely on Hans and discovers he is struggling with difficulties in his own marriage.

Wandering in Montreal. June 2013