At last I have reached the final five resolutions. The nice thing about this time of year is that everything represents potential. We know that spring is coming and the days are getting longer, but we don’t see it yet. Instead, we look hopefully for the first buds. We peer at the sky in the evening to see if it is lighter than the day before. There will be rain, snow, and cold before the long days and first flowers arrive. Now we have hope in our hearts. The year is not over; it is just beginning.
1) Predict and prevent real crimes. Use your writing to foresee and stop actual crimes before they happen. (Tongue in cheek)
The computer finds this either amusing or impossible. There is irony in this, yet it lies at the core of a crime writer’s work. I ask myself the question ‘what if?’ before I plot a book. This is especially clear in my book Mass murder. I ask what happens if the church hides child abuse or the police don’t act decisively enough. What if it pushes one victim over the edge?
Develop a believable criminal and offense that could happen.
2) Solve a real life mystery. Get Inspiration by solving a local mystery or cold case.
This idea hadn’t occurred to me; it’s excellent. I don’t think I could negotiate the Spanish or Galician to tackle a local one. (before anyone comments, Yes I do speak Spanish, and use it to talk to neighbours, etc.) But negotiating cultural differences and Galician, most people’s first language, make tasks, like the legal system extra hard.
Search for real crime TV shows and follow them to gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved.
3) Write in every known language. Write and publish your book in every know language. (Tongue in cheek)
That’s aspirational; I’ll translate a book, eventually. AI’s advancements suggest future possibilities for everyone. For now, I’m not getting into the AI argument for serious things and nor can I afford a translator.
Save this one for the future, it won’t happen anytime soon.
4) Embrace the cliches. Write a story featuring every crime fiction Cliche you can think of.
Nice idea! I have already planned this year’s projects. However, a cosy mystery series based on popular tropes is a possibility for the future.
Another one for the back burner. Unfortunately, I’ve planned three plots already. I have enough inspiration to last a lifetime.
5) Make a detective fall in love with your villain. Write a story so compelling that real-life detectives admire your fictional antagonists. (Tongue in cheek)
I cherish this one so much it’s become a lifelong writing aspiration.
Improving my villains is already on my resolution list. I now have a clear idea of how much I will push it.
Well, there you are folks, you have my resolutions. I’m so pleased with these. I’ll update you on my progress at the end of the year. I have a lot planned for this year. Keep your ears pealed for news.
Abigail Thorne 