Psychology

I'm in the plotting phase for a new tvdetective book, which those unfortunates who regularly read my ramblings will know is one of my favourite parts of the writing process.  It's a chance to thrown wild ideas around, think some pretty daft and outrageous things, so you can see why I'd like it.

However! This current plotting process had not been going smoothly.

Without lurching into too much detail, and potentially spoiling any future books for you, I had a thought for a central theme of the new book which I reckoned would make a good plot. I was working away at it, but knew there was something missing.  I could see the end, I could see the beginning, but there was a strand running through the middle which I just couldn't visualise, try as I might.

The result was that I started getting frustrated and grumpy (some may say more grumpy than usual), and progressively disillusioned with the whole idea.

Then, on Thurs evening, after a long day's school I transported myself to a local pub and sat with my notebook working on it.  After approximately a pint and a half (a standard Hall measure of time) the solution just popped into my head.

The relief was wonderful - it required another pint to celebrate, naturally - and I've been pretty much smiling ever since.  The world now looks a much happier place, and I've been feeling energetic and very keen to start writing again.  All that stemming from just one second's inspiration.

So, I was reflecting just how much we can be influenced by little bits of psychology. Have a good moment and suddenly the momentum of life feels like it's with you.

I'm even feeling sufficiently positive to set off for a gym class now - wow!

One more thing to mention on this post, before I go working out.  Next weekend is the Poole Literary Festival, which looks like being a good show.  I'm doing a talk about the tvdetective books, a signing, and a panel discussion on crime writing.  There are more details on the News and Events page - www.thetvdetective.com/news.html