Small Town Mysteries. Big Time Suspense.
Today I’m doing an author interview for M. Liz Boyle on her site, discussing why I write for teens, research I conducted for A Storm of Doubts, and my early plans for the next Rae Riley mystery. Please click here and join the conversation and also learn about Liz’z adventure novels for teens.
I thought it’d be fun to give you a glimpse behind the scenes of A Storm of Doubts with a reimagined scene. Since the Chief of Police, Eric Simcox, is a reoccurring character and a rival to my main character’s father, I wanted to work him into Storm, even if it was only in a short scene. Here’s how I wrote that scene the first time.
Dad hung up the phone. “Simcox.”
That name said it all.
When Dad and I entered the lobby, Chief of Police Eric Simcox waited by Liz’s desk, his posture I-beam straight, like he was still in the army. About my height, the chief was built out of sharp, square angles—dark brown flat top, squared jaw, severely cut shoulders.
“I was on my way to lunch and decided to stop in and ask if there was any breaks in the Carlisle case.” He inclined his head a fraction. “Glad to see you’re all right, Miss Riley.”
“Thank you, sir.” Based on our past brief history, I reckoned his relief was a mere formality. Like my thanks.
Dad said, “I’d call you if they were.”
Simcox nodded in one snapped motion. “You still don’t want to call in BCI?”
His patronizing tone made me itch to rip his tongue after enduring the heaps of sneers from Troy and Egypt.
“Agents for the attorney general don’t want to help on a missing person case when we don’t know if a crime is involved.” Dad kept his gaze steady. “I know you think I can’t be objective because of my friendship with Jason Carlisle, but you’re wrong.”
“It’s easier to maintain a professional relationship with the public if you aren’t personally involved with them.”
“As sheriff, I have to be. I’m required by law to live in the county I serve. I can’t blow off every citizen because he or she might one day be involved in a case. Besides, people in rural counties like to know their cops.”
“That’s one theory.”
Obviously, it wasn’t the chief’s.
“I’ve served here long enough to know that’s a fact,” said Dad.
Simcox looked ready to offer another objection, but Dad went on, “I appreciate you and your officers volunteering your own time to check out some of the back roads.”
“I’ve got the list right here—” Liz patted her monitor “—if they want to cover anymore.”
“Local agencies should cooperate,” Simcox said in his toneless voice. “Keep me posted.” He marched out.
Liz twisted in her chair to follow him as he passed by the front window. “He’s not serious about you calling in state help?”
“Probably not. He just likes to remind me how I’m not fit for this office, how my connections to the citizens of Marlin County are a weakness.”
“But if you know people personally,” I said, “doesn’t that make you a better cop? I mean, you know people’s histories, and who hates who, and who’s friends with who, and all those sorts of relational things?”
“Yes, it does. And if people know me and my mom and my kids, it makes me look like a human being, and not just a cop, but I’ll never convince Simcox of that.”
“Nobody’ll ever mistake the Chief for a human being.” Liz spun back to her desk.
Dad glanced at his watch. “Rae, you’d better get moving. Liz, I’m going over to the jail to talk to my one conscious perp. If he says anything I can share with you,” he added, reading my expression, “I’ll tell you. But I’m sure what Troy told us will mostly jibe with anything Joseph or Falk will say. If it doesn’t, he’ll just claim they’re lying.”
Then I began editing and needed to make some sizable cuts. That’s my editing style. I overwrite and then cut. When I realized that it didn’t make sense for Rae to go with her Dad to his office, I kept them in the setting from the previous chapter–their farm. And I turned the confrontation into a phone call.
The landline rang.
Dad picked up and listened. His entire body went rigid.
“Yes, she’s fine, Simcox. Everyone in my family is.”
My eyebrows rose.
The Chief of Police hadn’t called out of any concern for Dad’s relatives. Not when he was still fuming over losing the election to Dad.
Dad listened again, his face growing redder and redder. “Excuse me for a moment.” His voice was hoarse.
He handed me the phone and placed my hand over the mouthpiece. Then he went out the back door.
My thoughts whirling, I lowered myself onto a stool by the counter.
A sharp roar made me jump, and in another minute, Dad returned to the kitchen. The deep scarlet in his face had faded to puce, and he gestured for the phone.
“I’m back, Simcox. Sorry for the delay. No, I don’t think I need to call BCI in on this case. Houston can handle it.” Dad went quiet, said good-bye, and hung up.
Bending his head, he gripped the counter.
“What did the Chief say?”
Dad shoved himself upright. “The case with Joseph and Falk is too tough for my department, so I should call in agents from the attorney general’s office for help. That’s just an excuse for him to remind me that he thinks I’m unfit for office.” He shook his head. “I shouldn’t let him get to me. Usually, he doesn’t because I’ve come to expect his insinuations. Today, I took it wrong.” He glanced at the clock on the microwave. “You’d better getting moving.
I still like the first version better, but sometime you have to sacrifice your “darlings” in order to make the book better.
It’s always fun to introduce to a new author here at JPC Allen Writes. My guest blogger Madisyn Carlin releases her first novel, Deceived, on April 25 and offers tips for the writer beginning to wade into the unknown waters of writing his or her first novel.
I arrived late to the writing scene. Instead of being bitten by the storytelling bug in my early years, I finally decided to apply imagination to paper at age sixteen. With some hefty encouragement from my mom, a homeschool assignment to write a novel in a year, and a vague idea that came from nowhere, I set out to see if I could be a writer.
I learned something within the first few chapters. Writing your first novel—and seeing it to completion—is not as easy as it sounds.
Dear writer, you will experience setbacks, writer’s block, disappointments, discouragement, and, perhaps, even the temptation to give up and call it quits. When that happens, here are five methods to help you see your novel to completion.
I know it’s exciting to watch those words appear on the screen or on paper, but don’t run headlong into writing. First, spend time in prayer. Pray God will guide you as you write and that the words you write are for His glory. Dedicate your story to Him.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. Write your book with the anticipation of creating a product that will glorify God. This will help keep you from worrying about potential criticisms and the fact not everyone will like your story.
There are two basic types of writers. The plotter and the panster. The plotter details their story through outlines, meticulously writing their story from beginning to end—in that order. The panster writes scenes and chapters out of order and returns to piece them together. Determine which type you are.
During what time of day do you have the most inspiration? Nighttime? Daytime? Afternoon? Midday? Are you an early bird or the night owl? Furthermore, what provides inspiration? Going on a walk and letting your mind wander? Listening to music? Looking at pictures? Does another hobby, like baking, yardwork, or exercise, give you bursts of ideas? Find what provides inspiration and utilize it. This will not only keep your mind limber and ready to write, but it will help lessen writer’s block.
Find Bible verses, pictures, music, settings, colors, quotes, and more that inspire you. Create a mood board or aesthetic. This can be done by pasting pictures and links into a writing document or using photo editors/collage creators. Refer to this daily; definitely just before you begin writing. If you like to draw, sketch your characters. If you like graphic design, create a mock cover.
This goes without saying. After you’ve sufficiently prepared yourself using the three aforementioned steps, sit down and write. Focus on your story and let the creativity flow. Don’t edit as you write. There will be time for that later.
It’s said the only guarantees in life are death and taxes. For the writer, one more thing is added to the list: writing struggles. These include, but are not limited to, writer’s block, discouragement, disappointments, and outside distractions. Sometimes, these tempt us to give up on our novel. When those struggles come, and they will, endure. Push on. Fight for your story. Don’t give up on the dream God has planted in your heart.
Writing is an adventure. You never know where your characters and plot will take you. As you embark on this journey, remember first and foremost that you are writing for God, and second, that you can do this.
Thank you so much, Madisyn, for your words of encouragement. It’s something every writer needs!
***
In a land built upon lies and deception, uncovering the truth can be deadly.
Therese Westa is sick of death, but taking lives is what provides for her younger sisters. When a client approaches her with an unusual request, Therese takes the job offer, which includes the condition of “no questions asked”. As Therese uncovers the reason for the request, she is faced with a choice: kill an innocent man or save her sisters.
Therese’s hesitation to carry out the assassination thrusts her into the aftermath of a dangerous chain of events. Caught between security and truth, Therese must choose where her loyalties lie, for the answer will determine who survives.
***
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.
Connect with Madisyn below::
Blog: https://madismusingsblog.wordpress.com/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/madisyncarlin/
Instagram handle: madisyn_carlin
JPC Allen Writes