Working on revisions - red herrings, clues, characters and endings

I spent nearly all day yesterday working on the next Inspector Horton novel, except for a break to have my hair cut. It was a good day's work but at the same time one of those frustrating writing days, not because the words didn't flow but because I am on revisions and I was tying up the last three chapters of the novel and trying to make sure that everything fell into place.  Once I've worked my way through the ending it will be back to the beginning again to ensure that the novel flows and all the clues are there, and they are if you look for them; it may be just a hint, a throw away line in a conversation, or something tucked in the middle of a list or in a dialogue, but clues and red herrings abound.

I'll also be examining the characters, perhaps adding a little more colour to them, now that I know their motivations so well, and then ensuring that the novel has pace and the sequence of events is accurate taking into account the quirks of the characters and Andy Horton's constant desire to go off on his own and solve crimes his way and not his boss's way. 

So, after writing my blogs and catching up on my e mails it will be back to Andy Horton crime novel number six, and I have a feeling that today will prove less frustrating on the writing front than yesterday.

P.S Tomorrow is official P Day - publication of Blood on the Sand, the fifth in the Inspector Andy Horton series.  There is no launch party (but I'll raise a glass or two of wine to Andy) and I'm looking forward to a mini book tour of the North East of England in March and more talks and book signings throughout the year.

Comments

Anonymous said…
People think that writing is glamourous, that we simple sit down and let it flow on the page, unedited, perfect the first time. If they only knew that some days ARE easy, but there are just as many that we struggle to give our best. Congrats on the book release and good luck with the edits.

Teagan Oliver
www.TeaganOliver.com
www.TeaganOliver.blogspot.com
Pauline Rowson said…
Thanks, Teagan. Good luck with your writing, too.

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