Archive for the ‘Writing Process’ Category

So far, I have yet to meet a librarian that I didn’t like, but the Friends of the Milltown Public Library have set the bar really high in terms of hospitality. It was a wonderful turnout of ten people including Poet and one my editors, Debbie. I don’t think I laughed so much at a reading yet, so it was a lot of fun. Kind of a dry spell between this last reading and New Richmond. Guess I’ll just have to do some more writing.

As the third book, “Cop Incognito,” gets going, I’m noticing a pattern starting to emerge. There is a severe lack of trust with many of the characters in this third installment in the series. And, you know what? I’m happy with it.

There are some fantastic writers out there whose whole job security depends on the steadfast, unwavering nature of their heroes. These characters are always strong, always right, always morally correct. Doubts, schmouts. Well, bully for them.

My characters are not good at being saints. Sometimes they do some really stupid shit. They make mistakes. They make poor decisions. They lie. They cheat. They swear. They have sex, sometimes regrettably. They have prejudices and preconceived notions about the world around them, based solely on their ingrained beliefs, and, yet, I really feel for them.

Life is not easy. Choices are not always cut and dried. Sometimes it simply comes down to the consequences you are willing to live with. Even though my characters live in a world completely in my control, that doesn’t mean I’m going to make their lives easy. Why should they get off? I don’t get to.

So, here’s the deal.  After my reading in Amery, I got down to 5 books, 2 of Book 2, and 3 of Book 1. So I ordered 15 copies of each book on the 19th. Today is March 29th, and they are not here yet. I have a book reading in Milltown this evening at 7pm, and I’m going to have to show up like a nimrod and apologize for having no books. I have to hand out vouchers. Ugh.

What did I learn. Order books as soon as humanly possible and keep a consistent inventory in stock. There still might be a chance that I go to the post office in an hour and a half and have two heavy boxes waiting for me…but I’m not holding my breath. Of course if only three people show up, well then I’m probably set.