Mysterious Musings

I just started reading “Mumbo Gumbo” by Jerrilyn Farmer. I can tell already it’s going to be an enjoyable read. 

I purchased the book at the California Crime Writers Conference conference after listening to Jerrilyn Farmer’s presentation, “You, too, can plot.” She was outstanding and really helped me to understand the principles — and the fun — of plotting. 

Jerrilyn said that the best plots please three separate groups: 1. The writer. 2 The characters and 3. Your readers. 

Obviously, you as the writer decide the tone, theme, setting and social commentary of the book. That’s your right as the creator of the story. But Jerrilyn pointed out that the characters can’t do things that they normally wouldn’t do. You as the writer have to figure out what would motivate your characters to behave in the ways you want them to behave. 

Finally, you have to consider your readers. Basically, she said, consider what kind of writing moves you as a reader. That is a great clue to what you should write. For example, if you love character-driven books, that is the kind of book  you probably should be writing. 

Another interesting point she made was about the theme of the novel. In a murder mystery, she said, the motive for the murder is often an echo of the theme — dishonesty, betrayal, need for fame, etc. — of the book. 

Jerrilyn has written eight books with her Madeline Bean mystery character. She’s also co-written a mystery with Joan Rivers. She made it clear that she loves the plotting work for her novels. 

As a new mystery writer, plotting for me is the hardest part. I plan to embrace the fun side of it too!