Did it take you long to come up with a story line?

When did you first get the idea and how did it develop for you?

Peter. Aka Pip. (His childhood name)
The raindrops sparkled on the shoulders of his black raincoat in the light from the dimmed chandeliers as he came into the theater auditorium from the street.
Alex watched him from the shadows on the unlit stage.
He walks through the auditorium towards the stage, and spots his mother’s old domestics Edna and Dorrie admiring the renovations that are underway. He calls to them. They come to him.

I have to confess this was a scene from a dream. Here I had my two protagonists. Alexandra and Peter.I knew the two domestics were from his childhood in this dream. So what was it like for him during his childhood? What were his parents like? What economic background did he come from? What were his dreams and goals? The same questions were applied to my heroine. How did Alexandra turn up in his life? What role did/does she play? This is a piece I am saving for the end of my novel So therefore I had to start from his childhood and their first meeting. How did that happen? Chapter 1.On The Doorstep. I'm trying to keep present day, but with the story spanning a few decades it is going to be a challenge.

Thankfully during my course with Winghill Writing School I had an insight and directions on how to develop a character. It's fun. In the 90 day too it gives you guidelines on character building.

I choose my antagonists from several sources. One strong insight I gleaned was from the movie Gone Baby Gone. It was set in a New Jersey neighborhood in New York state USA I think. Also my hubby and I have been foster parents over a thirty year period. (Retired in 2005) When we took up the work again in 1992 in Toronto,we had in our care newborns who's mother's had been drug abusers. The darling babies struggling from withdrawal was difficult to see.I certainly had an insight into the seamier side of life. Our home was set up as an adoption home, so when all the court procedures were done, our little ones were adopted and at least the Catch 22 for them was over. the cycle was broken.

To get further insights int the dark side of life I enjoy Elizabeth Georges novels, a good reference. I have picked up several reference books on crime. Another excellent source of info for the bad guys is the London Metropolitan Police web page. They are very good in helping you to keep things straight. Of course it all depends what genre you are writing in. Romance should be romance, I lean towards mystery and thriller. So I have to create conflict along the way. That's difficult for me. I would rather sit by a quiet river and daydream.

As I said before photo prompts will get me thinking very often. People in the street. Material is everywhere.

Oh I wanted to ask you. How do you want to keep in touch when you begin your work? I have a regular e:mail. vhoney@sasktel.net. If you are a Face book member there is always the message program to use. Just let me know. If I can give you an insight into the contents of the 90 day let me know.

from Val H. x