So here’s the thing – just because you can figure out whodunnit when you’re watching your favorite BBC mystery doesn’t mean you can concoct a plot yourself. I totally get that, and plotting has always been my weakness.

When I write, it is character-driven and dialogue-heavy. I think linearly, and write the same way. I like to put my characters in a situation, get inside their heads, and turn them loose to see what happens.

Outlining does not come naturally to me. Oh, no, not at all. Time to learn new skills, right?

So I’ve got an outline to put together. And I’m doing it right this time. Not that there’s any one right way to outline, of course.

But I’m determined the next one will have better twists, more mystery, and more cats. Lots more cats.

Not an Elf is up next, and I want the mystery to be more mysterious this time. I hate hackneyed phrases like “honing my craft”, but that’s what I need to do. So I’m reading and practicing and doing this $&^# outline business.

And I need to find some beta readers who’ll be honest with me about my weak points.