This past week I held an event at Monte Vista in Mesa, AZ to sign copies of my latest novel, “Too Soon For Sunset,” the second in the Superstition Murder Club mysteries. I was very happy as I nearly sold out and got writer’s cramp from signing so many books.
Many people asked what it takes for me to write books.
Kaine (right) displays her books with her fans.
Creating a book from my imagination is not easy, and mystery novels are even more difficult. There are many plot elements that must be sewn together, clues that must be revealed at the right time and a solution to the mystery that is both surprising and satisfying. The plot, the characters, and the details must all work together to build a story that people will enjoy reading.
Because “Too Soon for Sunset” is the second in the Superstition Murder Club mysteries, it was easier to write because I had created the main characters in the first book.
Once I came up with the storyline, I just turned them loose in different scenes and situations, and they took over, sometimes going in unexpected directions. Once they went into a blind alley and couldn’t find their way out. It took me months to figure out how to get them out of that alley.
The solution was drastic. I had to cut about half of what I had written! So painful. After years of writing, I must admit my characters take on a life of their own and sometimes all I can do is let them go and follow them, even if they go the wrong way.
A writer must be courageous because she has to be willing to cut scenes, pages, even chapters, if necessary. The characters may object, but in the end we all want the same thing — a satisfying conclusion and a happy Reader.