Write What You Know

One of the things writers learn early on is to write about what they know. Toward that end, the setting for my first three Malone mysteries is the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio, my hometown. But, in my fourth book, Mistaken Identity, I decided that it was time for my characters (and me) to step outside of their comfort zone and travel to Fripp Island, South Carolina, an island I visited on vacation one year.

Even though I write fiction, I want my books to be as accurate as possible. So, whenever I travel, I pick up brochures, maps and any literature I can get my hands on – and I save it – because I never know when I’ll use it in another book. As we all know, places change constantly. Streets are renamed, buildings are torn down, etc. and, even though lots of information can be found at the library and online, having information on hand for the time period I’m writing about is worth its weight in gold. For example, one of the times I visited Charleston was in 2009, which is within the time frame for my series. Fortunately, I had gotten a street map, brought it home and kept it. Believe me when I tell you that that map is going to come in handy in a future book. 

When I write, I use settings I'm familiar with because I need to have a "feel" for a place in order to write about it. So, in Mistaken Identity, which will be published by Post Mortem Press in just a few months, I also used Charleston, Beaufort and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, other places I’ve been. I do a good bit of research for my books too but, to me, nothing beats “hands on” experience. And I take lots of pictures wherever I go. (Go to “Places” under “Pages” on the right side of my blog to see several photos of locations that will appear in Mistaken Identity.) 

What's Next?

A couple of weeks ago, I finished writing Mistaken Identity, the fourth book in my Malone mystery series, and I did the dance of joy! I was so excited that I even announced it on Facebook. What a great feeling it was to type “The End.” 

Months and months of writing, researching and rewriting had come to an end. I put the book aside and focused on getting some other things done, things I’d neglected while I was finishing the book. Then, it was time to go back in to read the book all the way through and to do my final editing. A couple of days ago, I sent the manuscript and the synopsis to my publisher. And, once again, I did my happy dance.

So, what’s next? Well, my editor will read the book and we’ll set up an appointment to get together to go over her suggested edits. (I’m very fortunate to have a local publisher and editor.) After that, I’ll make any necessary changes, send the completed manuscript to my publisher and we’ll work on putting together the cover. Once all of that is completed, I’ll wait until he gives me a publication date, sometime late Spring or early Summer, so that I can set up a book launch event, etc.

I know it sounds like I’ll have some time off while I wait but I won’t. Because writers are always writing even when they're not sitting at their computers. Before long, it will be time to start working on my fifth book. (I'm already starting to come up with ideas.) That’s one of the things I love about writing a series. I’m always eager to see what will happen to my characters next.