Caught in a Draft

In a first draft, I let my imagination run just ahead of my typing speed—basically dictating the stories from brain to paper. The process usually involves a fair amount of outlining and commitment to daily word counts.

But in a month or two, I have a finished first draft.

Sooo satisfying.

Then comes the second draft.

Not my favorite.

This is the draft where I have to get serious.

All of the details I sprinkled willy-nilly through the first draft, have to be reviewed, confirmed, changed, supported, etc. And this is a mystery, so how about those clues?

And the pacing. Did I spend too much time in Act 1? Did I wrap up each story thread at the end? Did the character arcs work?

I’m right at this point with Lyrics & other Felonies. I have about 10 items left on my list to check through, rewrite, and reorder.

If there’s a better way to do this, let me know. I’m all in.

The only good second draft, is a finished second draft. When it’s successfully plotted and paced, I can roll back into ‘I like to write’ mode.

That’s where I get to have fun again, playing with word choice and cranking up tension in chapter endings.

Then there’s the first readers. These are the folks I trust to tell me what’s not working.

Finally, I take their comments and restart the review process. I’ll let you know when I get there.

For now…still have those last items…

What? I’m a Nashville Songwriter?

I’m writing the second draft of a murder mystery, Lyrics & other Felonies, set in Nashville. The main character is a journalist who processes life through spontaneous lyrics.

A few key song verses occur throughout the story. I thought it would be fun to add a complete version of some of the songs at the end of the book. Because I’m not extremely musical, I wanted to run the lyrics past an actual songwriter to ensure they at least look like songs.

I met singer/songwriter/teacher Marc-Alan Barnette at a Songwriters’ Session at Bobby’s Idle Hour and explained my project. Within two days he jumped aboard as co-writer, creating melody and music (not to mention wordsmithing).

Because he liked the song and my project concept, he took things a step further.

He set up studio time with Jay Vernali at Jay’s Place Studio and recorded the song.

A song I wrote has been cut in Nashville.

Surreal.

We watched as he recorded the guitar music first, then followed with the vocals. Jay mixed and mastered on his huge electronic board.

In about an hour, we had a recording.

And I had a setting for the sequel.

You Never Know

One of the fun things about Nashville, is that you never know who you’re going to meet.

We called for a Lyft to take us to the Belle Meade area. We always watch for the color and make of the car, then one of us confirms the license plate number before we get in.

I was at the passenger side when it pulled up.

The driver wasn’t alone.

In the passenger seat was a full-sized skeleton.

I questioned getting into the car. Glenn was on the other side talking to the driver who wore a Monkeys 50 t-shirt.

Turns out that the driver handled the audio/visual for the Monkeys’ tours for decades. He entertained us with multiple behind the scene stories of life on tour with the Monkeys.

What a treat.

Journalist vs. Author

The last few days have been an ongoing battle between my inner journalist vs. my author “I came to Nashville to write a book” side.

Lyrics & other Felonies is progressing. All the re-arranging is complete. I’ve identified spots where I need to “unpack” more information about the character or setting, mostly in Act 2. I’m still starting each day with the project. In the five days left (yikes) I should be able to complete these updates.

And I’m learning so much about songwriters that I’ve already outlined a sequel!

That’s where the dilemma begins. I’m meeting so many interesting performers in all stages of their careers. Each one has a story that deserves to be told. I keep thinking of new stories and avenues to get them printed.

Tonight I met Breana Faith after her performance at Commodore Grill. She’s a 21-year-old singer/songwriter who’s been performing since she was a young teenager. I had a chance to sit and speak with her and her parents. I was impressed by her demeanor both on and off stage. She’ll be someone to watch for.

This weekend, Janet Jackson and Taylor Swift each performed in town. About 60,000 extra people were in Downtown Nashville, covered in sequined and sparkles. And tonight, a lightning storm delayed the concert for four hours.

Wild!

Songwriter Night

Songwriter nights are addictive.

Our first time at Millennial Maxwell House didn’t disappoint.

During the three rounds, each singer had a turn to perform an original song. Amazing to see the individual talent.

One group of five singers were a close group of friends that enjoy each other’s company, even off stage. They knew each other’s songs—playing backup and singing harmony.

More than a showcase, it was a group performance where each member supported the other.

They were having fun, so the audience did too.

(left to right) Marc-Alan Barnette, Angie Traughber, Janet and Charles Cox, and Randy VanVooren (I promise Randy, next time I’ll take a picture that includes your face).

Authenticity

Writing a main character with natural songwriting abilities has required research at several levels.

First, I needed songs. I brought those to Nashville with me.

I hoped that at some point I’d meet a songwriter who’d give me a few tips to ensure that the “songs” my character wrote, actually looked like real songs.

So, that happened.

Singer/Songwriter Marc-Alan Barnette (check out his work online, particularly from his album “A Life Well Lived”) collaborated with me on one piece and I couldn’t be happier. I learned I wrote too many verses and left out the bridge.

Then, I learned what a bridge was. Turns out the bridge is the summation, or the moral, of the song.

Taking it a step further, he put a melody to the lyrics.

And he played it for us.

Excited beyond words to hear something I wrote put to music and performed. I’m still digesting the experience. I’m sure I’ll have more to say, once I land back on the ground.

He kindly invited us to his home where he helped with the second part of my quest. He spent hours answering my questions on the life of a songwriter. He wanted to ensure I had a realistic view of the lifestyle. And, because he’s a genuinely nice human being.

There’s more unfolding, but I have writing to do.

P.S. Remember to leave a review for songs you like. They really help the artists.

Reading & Writing

I have managed to prioritize reading this month.

Reading is an important part of writing (every blog about writing says so) but it’s hard to add it back to my daily routine when I’ve filled up the largest part of each day with writing.

That’s what I said last month, anyway.

Turns out, when I’m not at home I have a lot more time. There are no house projects to fuss over. No neighbors are stopping by. And the only TV in our condo is tuned between the Warriors in the playoffs and baseball.

I picked up several mysteries at Tammie’s Books in Weaverville, CA before I left home.

I loved “Heat Wave,” based on the Castle TV series. The writing was fresh and punchy. In the same series, “Storm Front” was more a spy story than police procedure.

I’m late to the party, but I started the Carol Higgins Clark series with “Popped.” It dealt in multiple POVs which kept the suspense by feeding information to the reader ahead of the character. Next up is “Jinxed.”

I didn’t watch the series Monk, but I will now after reading “Mr. Monk Helps Himself.” His odd way of looking at clues really worked for me.

In a completely different genre, I’m reading a new novel by Antoinette Constable, who I met in an advanced writers workshop in Oakland. “Natalie: In the Shadow of the Swastika.” It’s a young girl’s view of living through WWII.

It’s a Mystery

How are two weeks in Nashville already behind me?

Feels like a whirlwind of honky tonks and writing.

On the writing side, I’ve completed the conversion to third-person POV for Lyrics & other Felonies. I’ve also added more suspects (wha-ha-ha)…

A couple of scenes are still left to be written. I hope to tackle them this week.

Then I’ll walk to Fed Ex (through the beautiful Vanderbilt University campus) to print it out.

While I write on a laptop, I edit on paper. I find it easier to see the work and what’s missing when I’m holding it in my hands.

Honky tonks are purely research, I swear! We tend to stay in Midtown Nashville. Downtown Nashville is a crowded party atmosphere, particularly on the weekends. Most of the music has been from really good cover bands that occasionally pop in with original music. Definitely a great place to have fun, but it’s harder to connect with the musicians.

The twin bars Losers and Winners holds a Whiskey Jam session for new artists Monday and Thursday nights. That’s been a great way to hear up and coming singer/songwriters. We’ve been able to touch base with several.

The best research has come from Bobby’s Idle Hour. It’s a small bar with big music. Weekdays, they rotate different songwriters starting at 1 p.m. offering original songs. They tend to hang out afterward and their stories are as interesting as their songs.

Songwriting 101

My main character in Lyrics & other Felonies is a songwriter.

I am no musician. Or singer.

But I have these lyrics…

I’ve been talking to a few folks who are offerings some avenues to actually creating a melody and recording them.

It’s very exciting. I’ll add more as I continue through the process of “what does this mean” and “how do I do it.”

First to Third

I buckled down and during the last few days managed to complete the Lyrics & other Felonies transition from first to third person.

Who-hoo!

It gave me a chance to also work through Act 2 and Act 3 to ensure I’ve included all the new sections I want to add.

I’ve been meeting so many talented singers and songwriters. Their lifestyle needs to captured in my story.

Everyone’s been very friendly and outgoing. I have enough already for two books!

Songwriting-In the Round

In our first two weeks in Nashville, we’ve heard a lot of really great cover bands, who will occasionally play their own work. On a walk yesterday, we happened into a small non-descript tavern, Bobby’s Idle Hour for a real treat.

We stepped past an entry full of empty guitar cases into a songwriter’s joy. Six songwriters sat on stools across the stage, each taking turns playing and singing original compositions.

The real deal.

These weren’t headliners. These were the men behind the songs.

I got a chance to speak with Don Owens, an Ohio songwriter/singer who comes to Nashville several times a year, and doesn’t miss Bobby’s Idle Hour. We talked a lot about what it really takes to get a song in front of the right person in Nashville, and what happens after.

It sounds a lot like pitching a book to an agent. The more people I speak with, the more I see how strong the link between aspiring songwriter and aspiring traditional novelist is.

He kindly reviewed one of the songs my main character “wrote” for my book and it did all right!

I left the session pumped to finish my book…and maybe even have a demo cut of one of the songs. All I need is to…confirm the licensing, hire a session player with skills to create the music, pay for studio time, and sound engineer…

Today, I’ll work on the book.

Studio Time

Yesterday I walked up and down Music Row where many of the area’s music studios reside. In the hour-long walk, I passed maybe three other pedestrians—unusual because it felt like a regular single-family home neighborhood.

I stopped in front of Jay’s Place. I recognized the spot from the city bus tour. The driver had mentioned I could knock on the door and ask for a tour.

I did.

Jay has owned the small studio for years. In the beginning he was one of 78 independent studios that stretch up the escalating street. Now, he says, there’s 11.

He gave me a brief tour of the studio and we made plans for a full tour next week, when he’d have the time to answer the many questions that popped into my head at the same time.

I also want to spend some time in the basement studio, his ‘rat-pack’ lounge.

Act One

With my latest book, Dragon Ink (contemporary fantasy) I used a seven-point structure taught by writer Dan Wells. It’s a hero’s journey.

Lyrics and other Felonies is my first mystery. Mystery readers expect the stories to unfold in a specific manner, so I’m working on a three-act structure. This is very different for me. I generally work with a high-level outline and let my characters tell me what’s going to happen next.

In Act One I need to:

• Present crime

• Introduce sleuth

• Introduce plausible suspects

• Introduce a crime complication

• Introduce a private life subplot

I pantsed (no outline) the first draft and in yesterday’s review, I discovered I’m not too far off. For the rest of the week, I’ll be updating this draft to third-person (many mystery readers apparently hate first-person), laying in the Nashville scene, and talking to a police officer to ensure I haven’t written myself into a corner. That should be interesting.

It feels like a good week for Act 1.

Music Row

Our place is in Midtown, bordered closely by Music Row. Except for the large statues at the traffic circle near the ASCAP building, we hadn’t been down the road until yesterday when we took the city tour bus. I’d expected a lot of high rise buildings with underground parking.

Surprisingly, it looks like a nice neighborhood of older single-family homes and cottages.

Almost all the homes are actually music studios where the country (and some rock) singers record. Per the tour guide, Peyton, the city ordinance requires the exterior of the buildings to remain the same. There’s one studio, J’s, where we can knock on the door and for $40 get a tour and maybe watch a recording. That could be a thing for me…

We topped off the day listening to the addictive live music that surrounds us. Friday and Saturday nights are so busy in Downtown, the police shut off street traffic in the honky tonk section of Broadway. We decided to stay in Midtown and were thrilled to hear two Santa Rosa natives perform at Fraye Hotel—Dallas Caroline (Voice Season 14) and Justin Peterich.

Terrific voices, and Justin really knows his way around a guitar. We talked for a bit and made a lunch date. Can’t wait to hear their stories.

It’s cool today, so we’re staying in and getting to work.

Shiny Objects

The base outline is complete! Whew! Now working on the more granular scene outline. For this I need details.

Toured the downtown area again yesterday, this time studying the architecture of the old brick buildings (looking for a place a killer could hide victims…)

Between finding a few intriguing spots, different stories kept jumping into my brain. There is so much to write about in Nashville. Every Nashville resident I’ve met has a unique reason for being in town. Their stories could keep me busy for years.

If I were writing a Nashville food guide, I’d include the $6 recession special from Roberts Western World-fried bologna sandwich with chips, beer, and moon pie, and the enormous fish and chips at Fleet Street for only $7.50. And I can’t forget the catfish tacos at The Row.

Yes, the food can be calorie laden, but there’s a workout element to visiting Nashville. I’m tracking my steps each day and they’re always above 10,000.

We’re staying in Midtown, about a mile walk to Downtown. Downhill.

Downtown Nashville sits against the winding Cumberland River. Spend a day eating and drinking through the many restaurants, then face an uphill climb back home. Add to that the many multi-level restaurant/bars that host a different live band on each floor—including the roof.

50 steps up to a rooftop bar and live band, 22 down into an English pub—that’s a lot for a woman who usually sits in front of a keyboard all day…

Good walking shoes are critical. I often see women in Midtown wearing sneakers with cowboy boots tucked under their arms.

Many people in Downtown wear boots. For the young bachelorette and birthday party groups, white boots are very popular this year. I haven’t had the nerve to wear my plain brown pair yet. Maybe we’ll Uber that day…

Enough shiny objects. Back to work.

Outlining Murder

The best part of yesterday, I spent sipping iced tea and plotting the details of a murder on the outdoor patio of the Virgin Hotel.

If anyone had been able to read my notebook, the police would have been called.

The patio sits at a corner, directly across the street from ASCAP - the American Society for Composers, Authors, and Publishers, on Music Row. The music industry presence here is everywhere—talented musicians, songwriters, singers, record labels, and licensing.

Today’s day five and I’m still amazed at how much more I have to see.

I plan to take the city tour today on the hop on and off bus. There are a couple of key setting questions I need to nail down for “Lyrics and other Felonies.” I don’t want to use actual businesses, but I need to know the geography and history of the area I’ll focus on.

And tonight is another Whiskey Jam session for singer/songwriters at Winners Bar… More people to meet.

I have so many questions! :)

The Nashville Plan

The plan: Spend a month in Nashville working on the second draft of a murder mystery called “Lyrics and other Felonies.” Focus on setting and the life of a songwriter.

I’d thought that after a couple of days I’d settle into a writing routine.

Reality: First four days were a whirlwind of non-stop live music, local beers, and fried bologna sandwiches that are stupid good.

But I am meeting songwriters and listening to their stories of how they came to Nashville and how they’re doing.

I met musician and songwriter Colton Randall last night. We sat down for a good talk about what the music scene has been like for him during his first six months in town. Check him out on Instagram at coltonrandall_music.

I listened to showcases of six different singer/songwriters at Whiskey Jam Monday night and met the Canadian songwriter Fred Hale and his son, Fred Jr. who is about to move to Nashville and give it a go. Fred Sr. offered to look at some of the songs “my character” wrote for the book. That’s great because lyrics play an important part in the story. They need to work.

Today, I’m completing the updated outline for the book. I’m a pantser—I don’t typically dive deep into outlines, however this is my first murder mystery and I can’t miss any steps. So even though I have a first draft already, I’m pulling it apart and putting it back together.

Clues don’t write themselves… LOL

Dragon Ink book launch set

Dragon Ink will make its debut March 11, 2 p.m. at Book Passage bookstore in Corte Madera, CA.

So that means I’m working through a long list of details from final cover approval to what type of cookies to serve with the champagne.

Dragon Ink “going to press”

Dragon Ink is now in the hands of book designers…

After 10 years this feels huge.

It’s had several titles—The Sonoma Dragon, It Takes a Sword and a Dragon, For the Heart of a Dragon, Dragon Writer, and finally Dragon Ink. Each version went through readers, editing, and proofreading. I pitched it at writing conventions and book events. Initial agents asked to read more, then passed. So I’d take more courses, find tougher readers, rewrite, and send it out again.

I’ve gained so much through this process. I’m taking what I learned forward to my next book.

It’s time my dragons had a chance to get out into the world. They can be a little needy—especially the big ones.

Query Cycle

Have you ever had to write a letter to get a job?

I just finished researching and sending out query letters to agents interested in New Adult fiction.

It’s an exhausting research process that more often than not results in a rejection letter. So I’m working hard to ensure they don’t reject me because I didn’t follow their guidelines or ensure that they represent what I’m offering.

Yes, the chances are slim. But that makes the acceptance all the more valuable.

Here’s the first couple of paragraphs from my query letter (I’ve left off the spoiler sentences).

I am seeking representation for my 85,000-word New Adult, DRAGON INK.

When Ellen’s life—successful young novelist, and soon-to-be grad student—derails at age 22 with the surprise loss of an unplanned pregnancy, she freezes. To restart her life, she writes a plan to tackle her fears one by one. Her energies attract a dragon. 

The dragon, Welglen, disguised as a human, has spent centuries protecting twenty-seven dragon eggs, but the spells hiding his nest are weakening as a half-human sorcerer closes in. Welglen’s in a tough spot. He can’t fight. Dragons were created to protect humans. Blocked by primal forces, Welglen needs a warrior. He needs Ellen.

Welglen and Ellen travel into the volcanic mountains of Northern California where Ellen trains on an ancient sword and struggles to find her courage. Together they must protect the newborn dragons against a sorcerer seeking immortality by consuming their hearts.