Donnell Ann BellDonnell Ann BellDonnell Ann BellDonnell Ann Bell

Retrofitting my Tortoise Mentality

The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense. ~ Tom Clancy

I’ve been talking about characterization lately because I believe the reasons many books fall short is not because they don’t have a brilliant plot, but because they don’t have good characters.

But what happens when you believe you’ve created three-dimensional characters, but now to continue the series you need to develop a plot that’s worthy of them. Further you need one that can carry them for 85,000 words?

Tortoise 2 2In today’s market, readers are demanding books at a frenetic pace. I am seriously considering adding wings and running shoes to my tortoise who’s so far not even close to the finish line.

To write the outline alone, I’ve had to consult with an IT expert, an FBI agent, a former Department of Justice trial lawyer, and a private investigator. Not to mention some very fine critique partners. Thanks to them, I’ll have my facts straight and ideally a plot worthy of readers’ approval.

Hope you’ll bear with me!

~ Donnell

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Vicki Batman
Vicki Batman
4 years ago

Lots of eyes point out many things. I just consulted with a former deputy sheriff we both know. Just had to get the best info. hugs!

Donnell Ann Bell
Donnell Ann Bell
4 years ago

That’s fantastic! Better to be correct than sorry, Vicki.

Lois Winston
Lois Winston
4 years ago

People fail when they plunge ahead without any planning or forethought. What you’re doing now will definitely pay off in the end, Donnell!

Donnell
Donnell
4 years ago

Ha! I hope so, Lois. Taking life insurance out on you 😉

Barbara Monajem (@BarbaraMonajem)
Barbara Monajem (@BarbaraMonajem)
4 years ago

I like writing fantasy because I can make it all up myself. The characters still have to be three-dimensional, and the world-building has to be consistent, but I don’t have to come out of my shyness shell and consult anyone. Which is probably silly of me, but there you go.

Maggie Toussaint
Maggie Toussaint
4 years ago

Good points, Donnell. And the upside of all of that research is that you bypass the heart break of cutting 20-50 pages from your story and having to do plot CPR. I came up with a brilliant idea for my Dreamwalker series–keeping it fresh by having my psychic sleuth use a new psychic ability each time. It made going to each book wonderfully fun. BUT, as my sleuth got stronger, I had to craft stronger villains to make the story plausible. I have one more book coming out in that series and the villain had to be so strong that I stayed up nights wondering if I could go to sleep after working on this book. Oh well, good thing I switched to something totally different, a catering series. And now I only have to pretend that I know how to cook.

Where to Buy Donnell's Books

  • Buy on AppleBooks
  • Buy on Amazon
  • Buy on Barnes & Noble
  • Buy from Google Play
  • Buy from Kobo
  • Buy from IndieBound

Donnell’s audiobooks are available through Audible.com and other major online booksellers!