linda collison's Sea of Words
charting a course from imagination to publication
Franks and Franciscos
Here we are in Tucson, Arizona… Wish you were here!
Nothing like a hole-in-the-wall diner to cure a Sunday morning hang-over. Note the bullet hole in the window next to the table where we sat tucking into some of the best huevos rancheros in Tucson.
It’s a “mixed neighborhood” as they say. The hardscrabble side of town. Sure, there are plenty of trendy, up-scale places to dine in Tucson but I don’t want to blog about those. I’m not a food critic, a Yelper, I’m a novelist. I collect characters, settings and interesting little details and then sit back and watch what happens when you put them together.
Life is a novel, a rather messy one at times. Always a random fly buzzing around, a tired eyed waitress behind on her rent, a sinkful of dirty dishes, and a drive-by shooting when you least expect it. But what Frank serves up out of that greasy kitchen tastes sooo good, fills our bellies and cures our hang-overs. Now I’m ready to go back to The Page, to do the day’s work.
Except I don’t know what’s going to happen. Where’s this story going anyway? Outlines don’t mean shit some days.
Just get out and walk. Find some hole-in-the-wall restaurant, open your eyes, fill your belly. Listen to what Frank is saying to the waitress, and note the way she laughs but rolls her eyes. Smile at your partner across the table, that man you love. Remember this moment.
Bullet hole in the window next to our table.
Last night Capt. Bob, my in-house editor, and I discussed my story arc for Rogue’s Island, as well as the following two books in the series. Normally I’m reluctant to discuss my works in progress, even with my husband (especially with my husband!) for two reasons:
1. Too much talking about the story releases the pressure needed to write the story.
2. Bob has a keen eye and a ruthless red pencil. He is invaluable when it comes to copy editing, but if I show him my early drafts (which are dreadful but contain promise) his remarks can be disheartening. Reminds me of my high school English teacher, Mr. Eaton…
But as a brainstorming partner, our minds and tongues loosened by a bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio, my husband had some excellent advice to offer. I realize part of my writer’s block I’ve been suffering from lately, comes from some story arc and timing problems I hadn’t fully considered. In writing an historical fiction series an outline is essential. I’ve always hated outlines, yet I’ve learned you have to have some idea of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there for it all to come together. Characters can still surprise you, and the outline has to be tweaked or even restructured, but the grand story arc should be in place, as well as the major plot points. Otherwise, you risk writing yourself into a corner with no way out.
Capt. Bob, my in-house editor
Rogue’s Island is taking me to colonial Rhode Island and St. Croix in 1765. Some characters from Star-Crossed are resurfacing, and will play a role in future books as well. My brainstorming session with Bob last night has opened possibilities to me I had not considered. Instead of diminishing my need to write the story, it has fueled it. Thanks, honey, for your thoughts — and for fixing dinner. (Spicy stir-fried shrimp, yummy!) Tonight it’s my turn to cook. But first I have some writing to do…
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