Jan
Just Plotting Along
I put out a call for writing-related questions on last Thursday’s post and got some really good ones in response. So, today, I decided to answer Dru’s…
How do you come up with the plot for each story and/or character?
For those of you who have read, SEW DEADLY (the first in my new Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series), you know that my main character, Tori Sinclair, is in a sewing circle. The circle is made up of women of all ages–personalities in their own right, that’s for sure!
Now, while the series features Tori as the protagonist, I utilize the members of the circle to drive the main plot in each subsequent book. In the second book–DEATH THREADS (which will release May 4th)–the action centers around Debbie Calhoun’s husband. He’s a semi-famous author. In the third book–PINNED FOR MURDER (release date TBA)–I use Rose Winter’s former career in education to be a springboard for the plot.
What’s fun about writing a series like this is the fact that the side characters offer me so many wonderful opportunities for plots. Each character is a different age, has/had a different career, etc., which fuels ideas all on its own.
For the fourth book (which I’m working on now), I made a list of all my circle members. Before I was even done, two of the members jumped out at me as having a connection worthy of exploring. Once I noted that, the ideas started swirling until I had a plot that I’m quite excited about.
I hope that answered your question, Dru. If my answer fires off a different (related or otherwise) question for any of you, let me know.
Keep the questions coming!
~Elizabeth
January 21st, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Sooo, do you always know all of those characteristics or connections of the minor characters, or do you sometimes get an idea to create another aspect of them that will then drive the story? Not sure if I’m being very clear about that!!
January 21st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I’m so glad to hear that we get to know more about Tori’s friends and what drives them because their action drives our heroine in her adventures.
I’m also thrilled that we have at least 2 more stories to look forward to reading.
January 21st, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Nikki, you’re clear. Sometimes new characteristics come, but for me they need to make sense with what’s already there or I cry foul on myself. Meaning, let’s say I have a character that is a health food nut in book one. I can’t have her eating chocolate in book two unless there’s a darn good reason (and then I’d probably have fun with the set up).
Does that help?
January 21st, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Dru, I find that I’m really loving the side characters. They really bring the spice, you know?
And, as a side note…you can count on at least FIVE more. Hopefully more as time goes on. But I’m contracted for six for sure.