I am deep in revision. As I write, I think about what I love most as a reader. Plot twists, guesses, insights, surprises . . .

One of the most challenging aspects of writing mysteries is orchestrating all the parts and paths. I got stuck toward the end of my novel revisions. I have an ending. There is a reveal, but things are not coming together in a satisfying way. I feel like I’m stuck in a maze of what-ifs that don’t lead anywhere. I took a walk, and as I reached Channel Road, it hit me. Fortunately, what hit me was a thought (not a hunk of wheeled steel). The maze I constructed had turned into a path that led directly to the ending I wanted.

I was kind of mumbling to myself as I walked. Perhaps it was more than a mumble. As soon as I got cell reception again (part way up Spring Point Road), I used my voice-to-text microphone to get it all down.

Back at my computer, I had to tear apart scenes and move things around. Add and delete. I’m still working, but the manuscript as a whole grows before me, logical and layered and, I hope, worth the read!

A Recent Sunset From the Ferry