A Good Thriller discussion
Group Read Archive
>
Read Along And Q & A with David Staniforth - Imperfect Strangers - From September 1st
David wrote: "Some time since I wrote the book, Jan, so my recollection is a little foggy. I'm also keen for my interpretation to not be taken as absolute, one of the reasons that I left the ending open. Those t..."Pete does say call the police, you are correct :) I was curious on Sally's motivation (or lack of) to act immediately. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with the ending, putting my own spin on it! It's just fun to know what the author had in his mind as well so thanks!
Cameron wrote: "Try this again, David said, "I know some readers felt 100% empathy for Sally, whereas some felt she got all she deserved. I probably sat bang in the middle."I love this type of writing and the ab..."
I'm with you Cam, I was NOT team Sally!
David wrote: "I’ve given some more thought to your question, Jan, in regard to the ending. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to talk a little about the way I write, as that might help with my answer. Maybe other ..."
You must have posted this as I was typing my response....I love this answer! Partly because I get to pat myself on the back for how I resolved the ending in my mind but also because I completely get it. If I were able to write, that is how I would want to do it-get inside the characters head and try to feel what they would be feeling to help you write it out. Awesome!! :)
Phew! Thanks, Jan. That took some thinking about :~)
David wrote: "I’ve given some more thought to your question, Jan, in regard to the ending. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to talk a little about the way I write, as that might help with my answer. Maybe other ..."
I always wondered about the ending David!! I loved how it kept me thinking days after i finished reading the book!
I pictures Keith taken to a psychiatric hospital and taken charge of!! Some other days i imagine that he run away, started over in some other city, starting the whole thing about some other girl!
And i like this, how i feel part of a book! Maybe it's a bit silly but that's how i act when i love a book!!
As for Sally, she had a narrow escape, she surely deserved more, but i can't help to sympathize a bit with her!
Your response is just what I'd hoped for, Faouzia, and not silly in the least. It's kind of like thinking about people you've come across in life that you've since lost touch with, and wondering what they are doing now.
Yes exactly David!! You know, in a way it similar to your fantasy book, in both i felt part of them!!Can't wait to see what you have for us next :D
That is good to know. Thirteen chapters into the writing of the next book, Faouzia. Hopefully early next year.
David wrote: "That is good to know. Thirteen chapters into the writing of the next book, Faouzia. Hopefully early next year."Yay!! Fantasy or thriller?
Psychological thriller, Jan. Again leaning more to psychological, but with a stream of mystery running through. At least thats the plan; we'll have to see where the characters take me :~)
David wrote: "Psychological thriller, Jan. Again leaning more to psychological, but with a stream of mystery running through. At least thats the plan; we'll have to see where the characters take me :~)"This sounds really good David!! Good luck with it :)
Thank you.Right this chap is off to bed. Hope for more questions/discussion tomorrow :~)
David wrote: "Psychological thriller, Jan. Again leaning more to psychological, but with a stream of mystery running through. At least thats the plan; we'll have to see where the characters take me :~)"Wonderful, looking forward to it!
I found the thread after all!I finished the book last night and I really liked it David! I kind of felt exactly like how Faouzia did- kept thinking what would've happened to Keith. I loved the twist in the head! Multiple Personality Disorder!! Who would've guessed? I thought he only heard those voices in his head or maybe even imagined them coming from places but I never could've guessed he made them himself! Terrific! Where did you get the inspiration for the characters and the story? How long did it take for you to write something you've never tried before? Having written a psychological thriller once, does this other book you're writing- relatively speaking- come more easy?
But another person I've been thinking about was Mrs. Sewell. How long has she known about Keith's condition and how long has she kept it a secret for? And why won't she admit him to a facility where he could get the help he desperately needs? She's clearly concerned about him. Has been the only caring hand he's had since his childhood, I would understand if she was in denial but she's not. So why not?
Sorry I did not read the entire discussion so I'm sorry if my questions come repeated. Why did you pay so much emphasis on prime numbers? What was it that fascinated Keith about them so much? I think I read something about it in the book but I wanna know if that's the only reason? There was a moment in the book where he was really nervous so he just started reciting a series of prime numbers. That got me thinking.
Ishita wrote: "I found the thread after all!I finished the book last night and I really liked it David! I kind of felt exactly like how Faouzia did- kept thinking what would've happened to Keith. I loved the tw..."
Ishita wrote: "I found the thread after all!
I finished the book last night and I really liked it David! I kind of felt exactly like how Faouzia did- kept thinking what would've happened to Keith. I loved the tw..."
Hi Ishita! For threads you want to keep track of, scroll down to the bottom and on the right side just above the comment box in small print you will see Email me when people comment. Click on that. Then click the edit button and pick the type of notification you would like. You can always click edit again and chose no notifications once you are done with that thread, etc. Hope this helps!
Before I dive into Ishita's questions, I'd like to say if anyone looking in feels like commenting on a question someone raises or would like to expand on an answer that I give, based on their own interpretation, please feel free to do so. I genuinely do not believe that my interpretation of the text is the only valid one, and it would be great to get some in depth discussion going.Thank you to all that have joined in so far :~)
Some good questions there, Ishita.As I state above, my interpretation is only one of many possible interpretations. I deliberately incorporated ambiguity to allow for this. I feel many authors direct the readers too much with authorial asides. Some readers may like this, but as a reader, I don’t. Therein my answers are just like those of any other reader, and are based on my interpretation of the situation at the time of writing based upon my life experience. Had I written the book at the age of twenty, even if the plot had been the same, the characters would not have been. Consequently, the outcome would have been different. Same if I had written this book twenty years from now. When I was younger, I had a much simpler view of life. It was more black and white. When I’m twenty tears older, I will likely look back at this age and think the same.
So, the multiple voices… I believe we all suffer from this. For every given situation there are multiple thoughts going around our minds that help us decide upon a correct course of action. These are founded upon society expectations and have been implanted by parents, teachers, friends, characters in books etc. Most of us are able to filter them out however. Keith was so haunted by his past that he is unable to filter them out in times of stress. In my thoughts, at the time of writing, the stress built to the extent that voices resided not just in his mind as they had in the past, but came out as if real people.
The inspiration came from going to university as a mature student and noting how readily young people let complete strangers into their lives. A situation similar to this story arose.
This book took me around twelve months to write in a physical sense, but it had been developing in my mind over several years before I wrote a word of it. The genre change didn’t really influence the time it took as to me there isn’t a lot of difference. I’m simply going on a journey with characters, putting them in certain situations whatever the setting, and seeing what comes out based on the personality traits I’ve given them. In many ways, my method of writing renders me to that of a reporter. Consequently, it doesn’t make the writing of the next thriller any easier or difficult. The difficulty is always in understanding the characters well enough to make their actions believable, but again that is a believable character based upon my life experience.
Mrs Sewel… She’s been a neighbour for many years, and would have seen a mother struggling to cope following the death of her husband. She dealt with this by making sure he didn’t starve. My thoughts are that Keith hid his problems well. We see people in society like this everyday. I don’t know if it is peculiar to English culture, but it seems to me that people do not think it appropriate to get too involved. Even if they do, they can only do so much. Even parents struggle to make certain that their own children (especially when they become young adults) take their medication. Even for something like depression this is the case, and can have tragic outcomes.
Prime numbers… The only research I did for Keith was through observation of real people. I’ve since been told by people with first hand experience, that he would be diagnosed as having Aspergers syndrome. To my mind his life experience would have exasperated this condition. The prime numbers, as I understand it, would be his coping mechanism; concentrating on the numbers takes his mind away from the thoughts that are troubling him. Of those that I have encountered in real life, one obsessed about buses in the city where I live. He knew the route and timetable of every single bus off by heart. Another checks the movement of music in the charts, and is unsettled if there comes a day when he can’t check it (if the internet is down, for example). As with the other person, he knows the chart position of most albums for any given day of any given year going back to his childhood.
I agree, I enjoy the kind of books that allow space for my imagination to run wild. An authoritarian claim by the author limits and ultimately hampers the experience a bit. And touche, David!When did you first conceive the idea of this book? Was it going to the university that the age you did, your "calling"? What do you mean when you say like "a reporter"?
Keith and Miss Sewel were based on your real life experiences? Could you tell us something about this new character you're working on?
I don't think it is peculiar to the English culture only. It is a general belief amongst people that minding their own business is the best way to maintain what little harmony we can in a vast society. It isn't indifference. If anything, I think it rather considerate. My uncle suffers from severe depression. Has been for nearly a decade now. I can say how difficult it is for my grandma to live with him. The major concern with such patients, greater than taking their meds on time, is acceptance. Having said that, now when I compare the two situations- that of my uncle and grandma and Keith and Mrs Sewel- I think I understand why she did what she did. Keith has been living in denial, which I think is more like oblivion to his condition, and maybe she hopes he'll get better with care.
Does this Aspergers symdrome develop overtime or could it be inherited? Wow, you actually know these people? Speaking in general terms, is there any particular reason for their obsession or does it develop as part of a mental/psychological condition?
I have repeatedly enjoyed reading cognitive psychology and books with psychological elements. I am a very curious person so it's okay if some of the questions are too technical for you to be able to answer as clearly as you'd like to. Your answers show how much of yourself and your personal experiences you've put into this book. The best research is done off the books or the internet. And quite frankly the book is better for it. Congratulations :)
Thanks, Ishita, it's great to have the questions from you. I went to university as a mature student, at the age of 37. It wasn't so much a calling, as a result of being made redundant and looking for a change of direction.
What did I mean by reporter? I write very visually. I image the scene as if watching it like a movie. I guess what I meant was I don't try too hard to steer the plot or characters, but just go with what feels right at the time. I then write down what I've seen, as if I'm reporting it rather than inventing it. Not certain that makes any more sense…
By real life experiences, I don't mean I've met the real Mrs Sewel or the real Keith, but I've certainly met elements of them in different people. I work part time in a public library, and meet a wide variety of people. Many come to the library more for company than for books, and they talk. What I meant therein, is that I have a different perspective now because of the experience and encounters I've had over the years. I have more empathy, for example than I had when I was younger.
All I will say about the new book is that the central theme is to do with memory loss and how much we can trust the memories we hold.
I haven't studied Aspergers in depth, moreover I didn't even consider that I was creating a character with that condition. I believe it is there from birth and that the severity of it covers a broad spectrum. It can get more severe as sufferers move into adulthood, but not always. I have always assumed that the obsessive side of things is a coping mechanism.
A very good book that covers aspergers is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It's junior fiction, but well worth a read if you haven't already read it.
I'm curious to know if anyone else has encountered people with these kinds of traits, or have experience of reading a situation completely wrong.
David wrote: "I'm curious to know if anyone else has encountered people with these kinds of traits, or have experience of reading a situation completely wrong."Great question! Nothing to this extreme thankfully, but I do have a friend with Sally tendencies and I've misread someone's intentions before, giving them the benefit of the doubt, but finding out my gut instinct was right all along. In that situation I felt there was a manipulation and cunning behind the person's intentions though, where I didn't get that from Keith at all. He defined gestures and words to his liking and made them fit into the picture in his mind. I think there is a big difference.
Thank you for this response, Jan. Thankfully the real life circumstances I was influenced by weren't to this extreme. But when one looks at some people you could imagine it getting there. As you indicate, I intended for Keith to have an almost child-like quality.
David wrote: "Thank you for this response, Jan. Thankfully the real life circumstances I was influenced by weren't to this extreme. But when one looks at some people you could imagine it getting there. As you in..."And child like he most definitely was!!
Really looking forward to your next book David. I'm sure the characters will be just as strong!
I'm hoping so, Jan. It's at a difficult stage at the moment, where I'm only just getting to know the characters.
I've heard so much about the book. Never read it though.Hm, I guess then that's what makes your characters so believable. And it makes perfect sense!
That's intriguing. I'll keep an eye out for it :)
As to your question, well, I think everyone one of us is subjected to misunderstandings. Whether we're on the receiving end or the giving. I have come across a few incidences where I've been at them both but never was there any such severity. I could empathize with sally a little better coz I had once been in almost the same situation as her. Although the guy was quite decent, I could understand exactly how Sally must have felt. However, my reasons for being friends with the guy were nothing more than friendliness.
Thanks, Ishita. Glad your encounter was with someone friendly.
David wrote: "I’ve given some more thought to your question, Jan, in regard to the ending. If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to talk a little about the way I write, as that might help with my answer. Maybe other ..."
That makes perfect sense David. I think that may be the difference between books where I find myself saying " The dialogue felt stilted or "unreal"" or "NO one would ever do that in real life" versus when I say (as I did with Imperfect Strangers) "The dialogue sounded "real" or "I felt like the characters were people I know".
Seeing how you create a book to get the latter reaction from a reader is awesome!!
Jan wrote: "Cameron wrote: "Try this again, David said, "I know some readers felt 100% empathy for Sally, whereas some felt she got all she deserved. I probably sat bang in the middle."I love this type of wr..."
Interestingly, although I myself am not "like" Sally, she reminded me of a certain "type" of person, a common type of person at that, people I have met and worked with ect. I actually ended up feeling some empathy for Sally. I felt some of her actions were definitely based in self-centered desires (but whose aren't at times) but I also thought she was trying to do what she thought as the "right" thing at some moments too. Also, she is a girl in her young twenties. At that age, some people have not yet fully matured into the "adult" versions of themselves as Sally seemed to me.
Stefanie wrote: "Jan wrote: "Cameron wrote: "Try this again, David said, "I know some readers felt 100% empathy for Sally, whereas some felt she got all she deserved. I probably sat bang in the middle."I love thi..."
Great point Stef! (About her age and maturity level) I think I had her a bit older in my head.
Albeit I am one of those who don't completely agree that Sally got what she deserved, I certainly am one of those people who felt an empathy for her. She's a- for the lack of a better word- complicated character. Some of her actions did come as a result of vanity or self-centeredness but I don't believe her intentions were ever crude. She did befriend Keith (though out of pity but she did chose him over Kerry at one point!).
Ishita wrote: "Albeit I am one of those who don't completely agree that Sally got what she deserved, I certainly am one of those people who felt an empathy for her. She's a- for the lack of a better word- complic..."Completely agree with this!
Thanks ladies, the aspect of Sally trying to do the right thing but not quite achieving it was what I was aiming for. My main aim in writing this book was to create characters that are imperfect yet not particularly bad, and have the reader's impression of them swing from one feeling to another and back again as the story unravelled. I think for most readers this worked, perhaps more with Keith than with Sally.
Much has been said about characters, but one of the most enjoyable aspects for me both in writing and reading is the use of language and sentence structure. I particularly enjoyed writing Keith's mother, especially her word-snakes; I almost took this aspect further but resisted as she could easily have become a character from one of my fantasy novels. In light of this, I wonder if writing style is important to you readers, or do you place more importance on plot and character development?
Stefanie wrote: "Jan wrote: "Cameron wrote: "Try this again, David said, "I know some readers felt 100% empathy for Sally, whereas some felt she got all she deserved. I probably sat bang in the middle."I love thi..."
Jan and Stef:
Perhaps, I should clarify a bit. If this was a real-life situation my view point and feelings towards Sally would be 100% different if Steve were not in the picture. In life, I take great steps to take in the considerations, thoughts, situations, and environment of others. I try to, and I believe succeed, in finding the good spots and liking almost everyone. I try to keep close to the Bible here.(That is all I want to say about that.) However, many people have little control over their life and the plight of their life. I try never to be judgmental in real life. This is something that really bothers me - people that are judgmental. Okay, this is real-life.
Now, let us consider the movies and books. This is entirely a different situation. Perhaps, it is different because it is our free time. But, who among us can say that they never quit reading a book because they did not care for particular characters or did not like the story line? Books and movies are a whole different ball of wax. I really liked David's book, but there was not one character in the book that I liked. This is an incredibly positive statement regarding David's writing, BTW. I love that David was able to accomplish this feat with his writing.
So, back on track, Jan and Stef - you girls are probably thinking to yourselves, yes, but Cameron said in his review that there was no one in the book that he would want to hang out with, go have a drink with, and so on. This is true in real-life, too - to an extent. It does not mean, however, that you cannot have positive feelings about those people. It does not necessarily mean that you have no empathy for those people. And, it does not mean that you are not concerned about their general well-being. Does this make sense? Sorry to ramble.
I think it is all important! I certainly can't speak for everyone, but to me, the characters are what stand out for me (and based on the posts I'm in the majority) and it's what I think I will remember the most. This is not to take anything away from the plot or writing style. I'm thinking that without good characters that would then become a factor in how I viewed the authors writing style. does that make sense?
I agree with Jan. For me, the most important thing about a book is its characters. Yes, the story needs to woven together properly but it needs characters efficient enough to carry that task effectively. I have mentioned earlier, as easy as I like my books, I do not like my characters or stories that simple. However, I also need a good story to support these characters. Otherwise it is just wasted potential of the characters. As for writing style, I don't think (no offense to you, David)- I don't think a lot of writers have their own writing style these days. Well, not a lot of individuality at least. Unless it is something unique, I don't even notice a difference in the way one book is over, over another! The plot of the story could be simple but it should have some non simplistic, twisted elements in the form of how the events take place and some complicated characters just to add a little depth to it.
Of course, I respect all opinions. But, still David's writing style trumped all else. I am in deep admiration of his style. The characters, well, I have a;ready forgotten them basically. I found the very weak and unmemorable. This opinion takes nothing away from the book, itself, or how highly I thought of it.And yes, Jan, you did make sense, I just don't agree with you. But, it doesn't matter, does it? One could either care about the characters, not care at all about the characters, or ride the fence about the character. Speaking as a friend, what difference does a majority make in this case? If that were true, I could care less if I were in the minority. Do you see where I am coming from?
Cameron wrote: "Of course, I respect all opinions. But, still David's writing style trumped all else. I am in deep admiration of his style. The characters, well, I have a;ready forgotten them basically. I foun..."Sorry Cam but no, I'm not sure where you are coming from! ;) The majority I mention above is in reference to this thread, as David has acknowledged that the comments posted are mostly all character based, which is why he asked the question he did. I fall in that majority myself in reference to this thread, not as a generality. I'm sure David will be thrilled to know he's made us both love his book but for different reasons.
I appreciate that for some plot is king, for others character, but some do seek narrative style above all else. Were that not the case the literary genre would not exist. Personally, I require a blend of all these elements for an enjoyable read. There are some books of which I find the premise promising but I can't get through the first page for the way in which it is written.I am not offended in the slightest, Ishita. I fully respect everyone's opinion, and am not claiming any stylistic merit for myself, but I do have to disagree when it comes to writers not having their own style. The uniqueness may be subtle but it does exist. To say it does not, I believe, would be to say we all sound the same when we speak. I think anyone worthy of being called an author puts a lot of thought into the construction of a sentence. They do not just write the first thing that comes into their head, but pay considerable consideration to word choice, taking account of available synonyms, the order in which words are placed, the positioning of sub clauses. This is all a part of their style, their authorial voice.
I imagine, however that for readers who love character and plot above all else that stylistic subtleties will go by unnoticed, which is fine, and stands as evidence that we each read a different version of the same book.
Sorry Jan, you must have posted your response to Cam, as I was writing my message above. You quite rightly point out that taking note of the majority in this thread was my reason for the question. And yes, I am delighted that you both love my book for different reasons. Some haven't liked it at all, and I also respect their reasons for not doing so. I don't like every book I read, and don't expect everyone to like what I write.I apologise if the question I posed has led to any ill feeling; I sincerely hope not, as it certainly was not my intention.
David wrote: "Sorry Jan, you must have posted your response to Cam, as I was writing my message above. You quite rightly point out that taking note of the majority in this thread was my reason for the question. ..."No ill feelings at all, so don't worry! Cam and I are book buddies so are used to sharing our opinions both similar or not.
And I agree with you about authors having their own style. I would think its like a fingerprint. I have authors that I love because of their style-Harlan Corben, Linwood Barclay come to mind. I don't remember any of the characters outside of the Myron Bolton series. With your second book, I bet I will find your thumbprint! :)
Thanks Jan, I was a little concerned there. I'd like to think you would see that fingerprint (apt analogy) in the next book. I'd like to think it also crosses over into my fantasy titles, despite them being a different genre: Christine, Jean or Faouzia would likely be best placed to answer that, as they crossed over to the dark side.
David wrote: "Thanks Jan, I was a little concerned there. I'd like to think you would see that fingerprint (apt analogy) in the next book. I'd like to think it also crosses over into my fantasy titles, despite..."
LOL if I get caught up on my reading obligations maybe I'll head over to the dark side as well! Any recommendation on which to read?
Hmmm… that's like asking me to select my favourite child :~)Christine rated Alloria marginally higher than Fuel to the Fire. Both are the first books in separate series. Alloria can be read as a stand alone, whereas FttF leaves you on a cliff hanger. That puts Alloria ahead, I guess, but FttF is free on Amazon.
Flip a coin ;~)
Jan, I say go for it if you feel at all inclined. I was EXTREMELY surprised as to how much I loved Alloria as I never thought I could actually enjoy a fantasy story. I took it on as I was curious, and again, it was part of my "try all genres" self-challenge. Of note, Alloria had in spades all 3 elements discussed above. The characters were just outstandingly written and I still remember them well (I also have read the sequel, Eye of Dominion as a beta read). The plot pulled me in hook, line and sinker. The writing was magical. As I told David, he is one of two authors whose prose has an indescribable positive effect on me. If you ask Jean or Faouzia, I bet they would tell you something very similar about their experiences reading the book. I really liked Fuel to the Fire as well, but Alloria was "my first" and the one I loved the most.
Christine wrote: "Jan, I say go for it if you feel at all inclined. I was EXTREMELY surprised as to how much I loved Alloria as I never thought I could actually enjoy a fantasy story. I took it on as I was curious, ..."Sold!! Adding to my list :)
Jan wrote: "David wrote: "Sorry Jan, you must have posted your response to Cam, as I was writing my message above. You quite rightly point out that taking note of the majority in this thread was my reason for ..."Jan wrote: "Cameron wrote: "Of course, I respect all opinions. But, still David's writing style trumped all else. I am in deep admiration of his style. The characters, well, I have a;ready forgotten them ba..."
Ha! Me mad at Jan. I would have to consider how that wold happen? Yes, David we are indeed book buds and this is fairly normal, however, I do not think anyone has ever been mad. I haven't considered it.
Jan. I was understanding you mean that the majority of the reading audience liked the two main characters. Oops. But, when you think about it that really isn't that different either.
Think of it this way, Jan. What if David had done a very fine piece of Impressionistic art and that all of us loved the piece, but for different reasons. For example, people loved this piece but interpreted it in several surprisingly different meanings. Take it on step further and say that the artist, David, had this intention all along. Now, take it one step further and think that none had interpreted it correctly and that this, too was David's intention.
David. Incidentally I do not always prefer plot and narrative character over plot. In fact, I do not know the breakdown on this. It just depends on the writer and the genre. Another reason that I pick a book is geography, even in fiction. For example, I probably have read about 30 books that take place in the twin cities area, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.. I have also read quite a few books that transpire in Boston, Baltimore, New York City and Los Angeles.
Jan wrote: "Christine wrote: "Jan, I say go for it if you feel at all inclined. I was EXTREMELY surprised as to how much I loved Alloria as I never thought I could actually enjoy a fantasy story. I took it on ..."Yay!! I can't wait to see what you think! BTW, Eye of Dominion earned 5 stars too.
I initially found it hard to say which element--characterization, plotline or writing style--is most important. After a lot of thought, I think characterization is most important to me as I find it difficult to get into a tale where I don't like anybody, even if the plot is bang on. But you must have a good plot for the characters to do their thing or the story fails for me. Writing style to me is icing on the cake. I do appreciate the different writing styles of different authors (see my comment above), which I really enjoy analyzing, but I think I am more forgiving of a less than stellar style as long as the plot and the characters pass muster. I can only think of only one book I chucked strictly because of writing style. I am reading Mark Edwards' The Magpies right now. Edwards has a very distinctive writing style in my opinion. He has an uncanny way of introducing the creep factor which then slowly builds to a crescendo over the remainder of the book. The most impressive thing about it is how Edwards maintains a steady stepwise progression of tension over that time frame. I first noted this in Edwards' Because She Loves Me, and he is using that style again in The Magpies. Because of writing style, rather than plot or characters I plan to read more of Edwards' books.
A Good Thriller
Books mentioned in this topic
Imperfect Strangers (other topics)Alloria (other topics)
The Shadow of the Wind (other topics)
Eye of Dominion (other topics)
Alloria (other topics)
More...
Maybe other authors do the same, maybe all, I don’t know. When I’m writing, I act out the scene in my mind, I try to put myself in the character’s situation and think, “right, how am I going to react to this”. I’m also a director on the side, giving direction.
So, at the end, I’m in Sally’s head, and my emotions are all over the place. I’m partly blaming myself, but I’m also blaming Kerry and Steve as well as Keith. I’m asking myself the big what if question. I feel embarrassed about not listening to others. I just want to get out of there. I’m not thinking straight. I’m thinking Keith is ill, and a part of me still feels sorry for him. Maybe tomorrow, in the cold light of day, I might feel differently.
I stopped the story at that point. I did so, because I want the actor in the reader’s mind to take over.
Had someone else been writing it, no doubt they would have taken a different course based on how they interpreted that character, just the same as different actors and directors portray “Hamlet” with different interpretations.
Does that make sense, or am I just waffling?