Writing Ennui

When I wrote my first novel, the book took many twists and turns I had not anticipated. Once I got to know my characters and they began to trust me to tell their stories, I let them lead me. And, though my outline kept me (and them) on track, it was never etched in stone. It constantly evolved with the telling of the story.

But, my second novel did not go as smoothly. I made many changes to the outline along the way and many of the scenes were not planned the way they eventually played out. I began to realise, about half way through, that I didn't know if I wanted the story to end. Many nights I avoided my computer, all the while my characters were anxious for me to get back, to finish their stories.

Now, I am two-thirds done with my third novel, and I have reached that point again. I know how the story will end (according to my outline), but I don't know how my characters and I shall get there. And, I am loath to sit at my computer and write. For writing the end means the end of this journey with my characters.

When I outline a novel, it is with great anticipation: of the story, the characters, the direction, and the ultimate outcome. Once enmeshed, I want to know how the story will end, but it is also with a great deal of anxiety. For when it does end, I am left empty, sad, and lonely. My characters are alive to me - they populate my waking and sleeping mind, nagging me about a plot point they don't like, or urging me on when the action is fierce.

So why the avoidance? I don't believe in writer's block, but I have writer's ennui. I get to a certain part in my novel and I don't lose interest, I just don't want it to end. I try to hold off, as long as I can, to write the last few chapters. Because I know, it is emotionally draining, fraught with high tension, plot resolutions, and ultimately the end of the novel. And, then, I am left to start anew, but with a sense of loss. One story behind me and another ahead, some characters still sharing the journey with me, others left behind for now, or worse.

So, when writing a novel, or in my case a novel series, keep in mind that although there is a beginning, middle, and end to every novel, it isn't always that clearly defined, or easy to write. We become our characters and we need them as much as they need us.

How Much Is Too Much

I have been struggling with some critical scenes in my third novel, The Savagery of Set. Though tension in a mystery novel is a good thing, can there be too much?

As a novelist, I know that our characters must face danger, unusual situations, and more drama than occurs in most lifetimes. And, our characters must endure or perish. I have grown attached to my characters, like old friends. I feel comfortable with them, and they with me. Which is why they share their stories, so I may be their storyteller.

But, that doesn't make me feel any better when I place them in jeopardy. My protagonist lies unconscious, and in ancient Egypt, the prognosis is not good. Most individuals with head trauma would die, though mummies have been found who had their skulls chiseled into and survived. Fortunate for me, as the writer, since historically, my protagonist can survive.

The challenge of writing a novel, keeping up the action, and keeping it historically plausible is daunting, but it also gives the novelist a chance to experiment, push the envelope, and keep the readers' coming back for more. And, as this novel is the third in a series, I would hope they will keep coming back.

So, when faced with a difficult situation, always look for plausibility. Your reader will accept a lot, but will not accept the impossible. Make them cheer for the protagonist, make them worry about him, but never make them disbelieve in him, or you.

A Day of Mourning

Today is not a day to be dispensing writing advice, it should be a day of remembrance and reflection. Our lives were irrevocably changed ten years ago today. Hopefully, it will never again happen on American soil, but we must be vigilant.

We often forget that in order to be free, we sometimes must give up some freedoms. Travel has become cumbersome, but I would much rather feel safe, than live in fear each time I board a plane. Because freedom is not free - it is costly, in money, time, and lives lost. A member of my family is currently deployed in Afghanistan, doing his part to protect us, and allow us to enjoy our way of life.

So, today, remember, reflect, and never forget that freedom is difficult. It requires sacrifice and courage, from each and every one of us, not just the members of our armed forces. We all need to do our part to protect our freedom, our way of life, and those who are most important to us.

More on Writing Difficult Scenes

Another scene that seems to give writers pause is the love scene. Obviously, some books do not need them, while some include them for no reason, yet still others are richer for them. And, some writers really have no clue how to handle such a scene.

Since I write historical mysteries, my love scenes have to be faithful to the time period, so words become quite important, as do descriptions. Words that could be used in contemporary fiction would seem vulgar and out of place in a historical setting. The emphasis therefore is on the interaction between the characters and the deep feelings they have for one another.

A further note, a love scene does not require page after page of detail. Belabouring the point is not necessary; if the scene is handled properly, it may only cover one or two pages. Since my main character is married, it is only appropriate that he is portrayed at home, with his wife. And, in ancient Egypt, the nobles had a great deal of leisure time, so it is natural that such scenes will play out on paper.

These are scenes I don't have to outline, as opposed to a fight scene or chasing after a fleeing suspect. A love scene should flow onto the page, while a fight scene needs to have structure and stay within the confines of realism.

As writers, it is important to write what we know, but it is just as important to write what may be difficult for us. In exploring emotions which are strong, we grow as writers, testing the boundaries of our comfort zone, and, sometimes, even amazing ourselves.