Joe Moody's Home Page

novel writing, web spinning, dune jumping

After getting through the gritty first-draft experience, I’m a convert to the power of outline. Forget word count, forget forcing myself to write a chapter just to write a chapter, know the story.

As a writer, I know the value of free flow and stream of consciousness, but when it comes to a mystery story, there’s a structure to know before setting the first clues.

Would an architect get a bunch of builders together and just wing-it? Know the blueprint, the model, then make the real deal.

For us self-flagellating writers, it may seem like a sin to sit back and let the muse speak when she wants to speak, instead of pounding the keyboard like a jackhammer.

But as in life, good stuff can happen when it’s allowed to happen, not forced.

Stay tuned … #buildingamystery