Running a wee bit late

I usually try to blog first thing in the morning, but I skipped it this morning so I could straighten out a problem in the manuscript. So I'm late, but I'm here.

I have a fairly detailed outline of this book, but it still seems so easy for things to go off in the wrong direction. I knew yesterday when I quit that my timing was off on the last couple scenes, but I wasn't sure how to fix it. So I spent the morning reading and moving and muttering out loud to myself. (I prefer to think of it as a part of my creative process rather than . . . uh, weird.)

Both scenes involved Damon Long, Selena's #1 adversary this time around. I finally got him put into his place, and then realized it was time to introduce a brand-new POV character. June Ravenel is Selena's aunt, and she's got lots to contribute to Selena's search for her past. I have this absolute precise picture of June in my mind, but it took a few false starts to get her voice on paper. I think I'm going to like her a lot.

I just wish there was some way I could use Frankie Simmons, Tony's fellow TPD detective, more than the few scenes he's had. He was intended as a throwaway character in The Assassin, but I discovered that I really liked him. I mean, yeah, he's a putz, but like Tony says, he's my putz, and I was delighted when he came back into play in Deep Cover. Unfortunately, since the entire rest of this book takes place in Alabama, I'm afraid Frankie's not going to get anything more besides maybe a phone conversation or two.

Now if the rest of the story goes according to the outline (ha!), I won't be backtracking like this.

But if it went according to the outline (which it never does), it wouldn't be as much fun, would it? Rachel3:42 PM