Not so long ago, I had the great good fortune to be part of
a writer’s workshop. While the numbers fluctuated each month, there was a core
group of very dedicated, talented people who came together with one thing in
mind. Becoming better writers. Our backgrounds were dramatically
different. So were the type of stories
we were creating.
Since some of my efforts have been published, they often
turned to me with questions. I told them up front that my knowledge was
limited, based merely on what worked for me. But we often discussed topics such
as creating characters, polishing dialogue, and enhancing conflicts.
Earlier today I received a message from one of the group.
Even though I’m no longer part of that action, it’s a pleasure to keep in
touch. And that message reminded me of one session when someone stated ‘You
should write whatcha know.’ The ensuing
laughter ran for several minutes.
I write mysteries. They have always intrigued me. Following
the clues, uncovering motives, spinning theories. But I’ve never solved a crime. I’ve been in a
few police stations for visits and tours (never in handcuffs, thank you very
much) and did a ride along with a state trooper while researching “Devious”. I’ve met a number of police officers and a
couple of FBI agents over the years. On occasion, I may pick their brains. But do
I know exactly what goes on in an investigation? Not hardly.
That’s where imagination comes in. A germ of an idea starts
the process and begins to percolate. With a little nurturing and prodding, it
may lead to something bigger. Or it may fizzle out. You never can tell.
Write whatcha know?
That sounds like flirting with disaster.
I’ll just keep making it up as I go along.
Here’s an excerpt from “Devious” that fits the bill. In this scene, Jamie and Malone are still
getting to know each other.
It was
after ten when we went out for breakfast. My cupboards were barren. I promised
Malone I'd go grocery shopping today. Over waffles and bacon, he caught me
staring at him. I was having grapefruit and coffee. I was willing to control
one appetite while the other was being satiated.
"What's
on your mind, Jamie?"
"I
don't know where to start."
"Make
believe it's a book. Try the beginning."
I laughed.
"I never start at the beginning. I usually work from the middle, then
write the ending and work backwards."
"Okay,
start in the middle." I noticed the twinkle had returned to his eyes when
he smiled.
"Let's
start with you. Do you realize, it's been two weeks since we’ve been seeing
each other, and I know more about my dry cleaner than I do about you?" I
swiped a piece of bacon from his plate, hoping he wouldn't notice.
"What
do you want to know?" He motioned the waitress over to refill our coffees.
"Everything,
Malone, I don't even know your first name."
"What’s
in a name?” His eyes were turning me on, making it difficult to sit still.
“Does it really matter?”
"I
guess not."
He
chuckled. "How about if I give you a profile? I'm forty-two, divorced, no
kids, like skiing, sailing, baseball and football. I've been a state trooper
for seventeen years and never wanted to be anything else. I like classical
music but not opera, jazz but not reggae. Don't even mention rap. I prefer to
sleep in the raw. I drink coffee black,
without any fruity flavors in it. Good enough?"
Some profile.
My character sketches are more detailed than that. "For now. But you still
didn't tell me your name."
"I
only use Malone. Your turn."
"For
what?"
"Your
profile. Pretend it's for a famous magazine ad." He held his coffee cup in
both hands as he sipped, letting the steam rise before his eyes.
"Okay.
I'm thirty-one, never been married, seven kids by seven different men, I like
opera and reggae and some rap. I like almost all sports. I have a degree in
journalism. All I’ve ever wanted to do is be a writer. I don’t even know where
my diploma is. I’m a packrat, but when the seasons change, I make it a point to
throw stuff out, like old boyfriends, and get organized.”
The look on
his face was a cross between disgust and humor. "Rap music?”
"Some
of it’s good.”
"How’d
you get the scar on your stomach?"
"Appendix
burst when I was a kid." I got serious after the waitress cleared away our
dishes. "Tell me more about work. How long have you been on
afternoons?"
“Three
years. I like it. We can request any shift every three months, depending on
seniority. I prefer the afternoon slot. It gives me the mornings and early
afternoons free. Sometimes we work seven or eight days straight. But every
third weekend, I get four days off in a row.” Malone settled back against the
chair and watched me.
“What about
court appearances?”
He
shrugged. “We go whenever the judge requests us. There is overtime pay for
anything not part of your regular shift.”
“What was
the big meeting about yesterday with Nowalski?” It felt funny referring to Bert
by his last name. As far as I knew, Malone was still unaware of my relationship
with his boss. For now, I wanted to keep it that way.
Malone’s
eyes narrowed slightly. “You don’t miss much, do you sister?”
“Not if I want to do my job well.
There must be music. While I didn't originally have a song in mind, this one seems appropriate, particularly since I mentioned it above. Here's Molly Hatchet with an rock and roll hit.
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