Earlier this month, Liz posted a compelling blog about Standalone Characters. This made an almost uncanny introduction to the post I had written below, for September. I always re-examine my life in September - remnants of having taught college for over 25 years, no doubt.
So I ask today:
I work hard on plot. I don't start writing until I know the end of my crime novels. Blame it on my short story training, perhaps, where every word must matter. In a novel, I design every scene so it moves the story forward. If it doesn't, out it goes.
Not only that, but I work hard to write a plot readers haven't seen before. And after 60 short stories and 22 crime novels, that's not easy! It takes me at least a year to imagine and write a 75,000 word mystery book.
So I was somewhat taken aback recently, when I asked a number of my readers which books of mine they liked best, and why.
Almost everyone said some version of, "The Pharaoh's Curse Murders. I like the banter between Lucy and Elf, her maid." Or "The Goddaughter books. They're so funny!"
When I tried to pin them down to an actual book, and an actual plot, that got harder. One said, "The book where The Lone Rearranger was introduced." Another, "I really like Nico in The Goddaughter books." Another - "I loved the fashions in The Silent Film Star Murders."
No one mentioned the plot of any of the books.
To say I was surprised is an understatement. All that time creating plots with unique spins? Plots where an astute reader might come to the same conclusion as the protagonist, at the very same time?
But never too soon. The clues must be clever enough, so a reader isn't disappointed. We don't want them to figure out the mystery too soon.
WHAT ABOUT CRIME WRITERS?
And then I talked to some noted crime-writer friends of mine. I asked them the same question. Which of my books did you like best? The answers came fast and furious.
"The one where Lucy shoots the snake. Clever reveal."
"Your latest, the Egyptian one. I loved the unusual and daring ending."
(There were more, but to list them here would be spoilers.)
But they all had one thing in common: they said something about the plot.
So here's what I came away with: Readers remember and fall in love with characters.
Writers love characters too. But they are more apt to point out a clever plot, because they know how hard it is to pull off.
My conclusion: Of course, the best books have both. Good Characters and good plots. I expect readers would notice if the plot was ho-hum. I certainly do.
I write the books I wish someone else would write, so I could read them. I feel blessed when readers like them too.
What about you? How important is plot to your writing? Is plot more important in a short story than a novel?
Compared to Agatha Christie by The Toronto Star, and “Christie-meets-Wodehouse” by Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Melodie Campbell is the winner of 10 awards. Her publications include 22 novels and over 60 short stories. The Pharaoh's Curse Murders, from Cormorant books, has just been released. http://www.melodiecampbell.com
