Working Backwards

I am normally a linear writer. I mean, after the rather messy planning, I know exactly where I start and have an idea of how it will end up, then allow the middle to take care of itself as I rattle along. A year or so ago, I had the pleasure and honour of meeting Ann Cleves and exchanging a few words. She told me she also works that way. I couldn’t even think of another way to write.

But, in this new genre, and now writing the second book in the Curiosity Club of St Foy series, I am trying out something completely new. I have written the first five thousand words. I should now be checking the plan from time to time, setting a target and getting on with it.

But, that isn’t working, this time. I don’t know why not. I can’t put my finger on it. So, I’ve taken a deep breath and set off down a new path, from which I can’t see either the direction or the sides (rather like the picture above). I’m now writing the end, the final five thousand words. This time, I have more than an idea about the ending. I know exactly ‘who dun it’, why they dun it, and how each and every character relates to the ending.

It feels rather odd, but exciting. Not just the trying something new, but now having to work out the major watershed points in the rest of the book, planning backwards from the denouement.

So far, so good. Once I have it pinned down, I will start to share a few details about the basic plot. But that’s for another blog. Soon.