Happy Thursday, America. Let’s jump right into the Story of the Week and then I’ll update you on the novel. This week’s prompt was sent in by Karen Helga-Meyer.

His M.O. Was Most Original

Detective David (Rhymin’) Simon was unique—even on the witness stand.

He opened his notepad and began testifying.

“My name is Detective Simon.

The crime scene was a place for mining.

The victim said he had been climbing.

Through ASL, he talked by signing.”

Simon flipped to another page.

“The victim signed, ‘My watch was stolen.

It was a Rolex. It was golden.

The thief was really quite emboldened.

But then he apologized, returned the watch and wished me well.’”

“That last part doesn’t fit at all,” the judge interrupted.

“I know,” Simon shrugged. “Criminals….Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason.”

Prompt: Green Eggs & Ham

NOVEL NEWS & NOTES: As previously promised, I said I’d provide an update after Monday’s meeting with my developmental editor. I’m happy to report that it went really well. It seems as though all the hard work I put into really digging deep to create a strong story outline for the next draft paid off. She asked a few questions, made a suggestion about a change to my opening, and then basically set me loose to go write the next draft based on the outline.

The change is definitely something I can easily do. In the existing draft, I introduce my protagonist as he’s in the middle of a burglary. He’s the wheel man, and another guy is ripping off a house. The pair are confronted by a nosey neighbor but get away and head to a sketchy warehouse where they sell the stolen property to a fence. It’s not until the scene ends that the reader learns that my protagonist is an undercover cop and they’re running a sting operation. I like the surprise but she made a strong argument to let the reader in right from the start about who my character is and what he’s all about (flaws and all). I can and will write it as she suggests. I have plenty of other surprises in store for the reader, so that won’t be a problem.

I went over all of her notes and listened to the recording of our meeting so I know where to go next, and I’m very excited to dive back in. I’ll be using my outline as my guide, and my previous draft (where it still applies) to start writing. I’m hoping to get in two writing sessions a day and have another draft by November 30 (the last day of National Novel Writing Month). If I finish earlier, that’ll be fine too.

I’m looking forward to the next step.

Thanks for listening.

Scotty out