Hey Bill - we're friends in so many ways. Warms the cockles of me heart, so it does.

Yes, Kathleen - that wonderful word - absurd. When I used to give tutorials on it in theatre or novels, students were often reluctant to accept the possibility of a world where there's no purpose (if one has no god to thank/blame for anything). I turned intellectual somersaults to show them that rather than being a cause for despair, it frees us to be glad that we have the chance to enjoy life. Laughter is so precious.

I should rephrase that comment . There are those I do not like as much as others, But hate is not something I allow myself.
I may not care for their habits, choices, but I would venture to say I truly try to find something good in everyone to at least to focus on . But then I have led a sheltered life. lol. Thank You for becoming my Crime space friend. Your songs make me smile and remind me how absurd the world is.

Glad it's working for you Carol. It means I will, of course, want at least 20% of your earnings when it's published. Enjoy the ride with your people.

goodness, Bill I didn't realise you commented until I came back to your page! thanks so much.
I've been working on just letting my characters go along as they liked and it's working! they have surprised me, too. it's amazing. I keep making notes though at the end of each chapter so I can follow where they're leading me! thanks so much for your advice.
and i do thank you for sharing that example about the radio play. I suppose characters have to be their own people for it to be exciting and creative!
all the best.

hehe, np Carole. From what I wrote earlier, you'll probably guess that I let my characters do all the work for me. The only time I didn't do that was in a radio play I wrote years ago. I'd worked out a 'clever' set of images and a tension between themes of expansion and contraction (you know, life should be one of spreading possibilities, whereas we take jobs and get into habits that actually shrink our lives, etc.) The thing was broadcast and one of the reviews began 'This is a tiresome play about tiresome characters ...' and the guy was right. So, at the risk of causing mayhem in your novel, I'd say let them have their heads. They'll surprise you and it'll be delightful.

Hello again Bill!
Guess what I did what you suggested--about just writing and seeing what happens, but now I have another question: I never did this before. and I was wondering, as the characters seem to have hijacked my idea completely--do I let them run with it and see what happens?! sorry to ask so many questions--i won't go on blathering about it or bothering you after this I promise!

Sue, sorry to hear the news. Terrible timing too. I hope the memories just get stronger and more comforting. Try to enjoy the season and hope that 2008 is full of good news.

You are younger than I, who at 72, is feeling my age more than usual. My sister died yesterday evening at age 78. She had resided in a care center for the last eight months. Family was around her. She had been married 52 years! Treasure your friends and relatives in this season. No sad songs for me, however, I have many good memories and look forward to 2008.

Thanks for the comment, Bill. My Aunt Hilda is demonstrating that 95 is "the new 60" you suggested. She spent her birthday playing tennis and going dancing with her boyfriend. And then she flew from Seattle to NY (no, no red cape) to celebrate with the rest of the family. :) Liz

Thanks Bill. I'll keep everyone posted. Trust me, if this thing goes through like I'd like it to, everyone and their brother will know.
:))

Hmmm DD,
Seems a simple enough question on the surface. Yes, Brits are Scots, but Scots aren't English - which is the faux pas which non-Brits sometimes commit. I was born in England (Plymouth, actually, a hundred yards from where the Mayflower set sail from) but have lived most of my life in Scotland and feel more Scottish. There's a sometimes friendly, sometimes not rivalry between Scots and English (and English and just about everybody). The trouble is - how do you define English? (Or Scottish? Or American? etc.) The English who live in Devon where I come from are far removed from the Londoners or people from Yorkshire, and so on. Best to call ourselves citizens of the world or some equally innocuous title.
Bill

Bill,
Are you a Brit or a Scot? Or is a Scot also a Brit, but not necessarily vice-versa?:-) My Mum's a Brit, born and raised in London.

I'm looking forward to reading the Bloody Brits series.

Nice to meet you.

DD

Hmmmm - I see a problem there RJ - disputes over royalties.

I agree with what you said about "reader & writers" both create the characters & develop the story.... I think it is b/c with books each person uses their own experiences to interpret the characters, settings, etc.... It's a shame we can't all be listed as "contributors" on the dust jacket.
:-)

Damn, another secret's out. It's true - all I ask of life is a plasma screen and a glass of Sauvignon blanc. (well, and a few other things.) What other revelations will joining Crimespace force from me?