Write like it's career suicide.

When I used to write mostly nonfiction - business and technical books - I was supervised by someone on the publisher’s editorial staff. I had to submit an outline, which was then approved. I wrote to a schedule, often one or two chapters a week. And if I planned to depart from the outline, I had to seek permission from the editor and explain why.

I’m sure there are fiction writers who approach their work the same way. But I’ve discovered - especially when writing mysteries - that making it up as I go along can generate surprising results. And if I can surprise myself, perhaps I can delight the reader.

This approach requires letting my subconscious mind lead the way. That’s why it feels risky and often scary.

This is Thinking About Thinking.

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