Claire Q asked Jacqueline Winspear:

I've read all your Maisie books and have really enjoyed them -- especially "Journey to Munich". I am an aspiring mystery writer myself and would love to develop a historical series like you have done. My question is twofold -- how do you conduct your research without getting overwhelmed with the tiny details and how do you plan your plots so they come together without being too 'easy'?

Jacqueline Winspear Claire, these are tricky questions because like most writers everything seems to come together organically, and I don't "plan" nor am I very prescriptive. Research is like an iceberg - only 7% should be visible above the surface. It is there to support the story - and as a novelist, the story is the most important thing. I am not writing narrative non-fiction - and it's always important to remember that. And you know - it's those tiny details that often make the story. In fact, I am looking for the tiny details to drop in, to illustrate an experience or to frame a plot point. And in truth, I don't really plan my plots - I have a rough template in my head, but after that, I allow myself to dance with the moment. Elizabeth George has always said that "Character is Plot, and Plot is Character." And she's right - take care of the characters and their journey, and the plot will take care of itself. My books are not plot-driven, and I don't write whodunnits. I am interested in delving into character.

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