I'm close to wrapping this one, and barring the extra bits my editor will make me add [Bald! give me more description, I want to see/hear/smell it!] it's complete- I will post both of the final chapters tomorrow.
So, the next Jane and Caleb is going to involve Peterloo, where one of the bodies which has been gathered shouldn't be there. [Yes, I know Ellis Peters has done it before, but in the time honoured tradition of hiding a pebble on a beach, I couldn't resist]. Now, I am considering bringing in a couple of side mysteries to run with the tradition I am starting of solving three cases at once, a format which I rather enjoy, as it allows me to throw red herrings at the audience. So I am looking to have some more things happening in Manchester. And I am wondering if they are there because Caleb has been sent to break up illegal prize fighting, which is sponsored by an aristocrat so that they need his tact and connections, with the prize fighting covering something ... hinky.
I'm thinking of using Dempsey Morville or Theodore Farnsted having family near Manchester to introduce things as another possibility.
I have a few plot outlines still for J&C, including one which takes them to Jamaica but I need to make it sufficiently realistic for suspension of disbelief. I hope you are enjoying the format of solving three mysteries at once, as i am enjoying writing them.
I intend to post draft copies of my work here for my fans to comment, and will remove all but the first chapter when I publish. All rights reserved, no copying of any portion of my writing without permission. Copyright Sarah J Waldock.
Excellent, I’m looking forward to finding out ‘who dunnit’ in one go.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the three in one format. Lots of details, and the need to sort which belongs to what. Plus the scope for catching up with old acquaintances as well as meeting new characters. I like the sound of your proposed Peterloo Plus project.
I am a little concerned about the prospect of Jane visiting Jamaica. Given her strong anti-slavery views I have visions of her leading a rebellion, (in the most ladylike way, of course!). Looking forward to developments.....
I hope you enjoy.
DeleteThis is what I love about it, the ability to throw out clues but which belong where? in a way, it is more like real life as well when things all happen at once. The Peterloo Puzzles are going to be getting some meticulous planning soon. I ordered some cheap page a day desk diaries into one of which I am going to transfer everything about Jane and Caleb, to keep myself straight. At the moment they are scattered over my general planning desk diary. [I like desk diaries; they are nice and fat for lots to go into them, and are easier to rifle through if you index plot bunnies by date]
the suggestion of a plot for Jane in Jamaica came from a friend who has an interest in slavery through her Jamaican husband; the premise is that an overseer has been murdered and the white community want to pin it on a slave he has been riding, whereas the actual murderer has fitted the slave up. I'm running currently on the thought that a schoolfriend of Jane's has inherited property and wants someone to accompany her to find out what is going on. I am toying with the idea of the murderer being a relative of Jane's friend who expected to inherit, and skulduggery with a will. It's lurking under the working title of 'Jane and the Blackened Name'.
Caleb is thinking of going freelance as an investigator, working on using his fame, and preceding Sherlock Holmes as a consulting detective by 50 or 60 years. So being hired to go to Jamaica is possible. I am also planning on Simon having his own series when he is up at university.
And I will try to keep Jane out of trouble
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ReplyDeleteThe desk diary plan sounds good. You can’t beat pencil and paper and coloured inks or highlighter for an added flourish. (I was one of those children who spent her sweet money on stationery! )
ReplyDeleteCaleb could also go via Lloyd’s I suppose, with suspicion of insurance fraud over cargoes if not accident versus murder life insurance or something.
Stories about Simon would be brilliant. I do like that boy/young man.
I think she will give you a hard time!!
(This should connect with comments above.)
You too, huh? I do use school exercise books as well, which I cover with wallpaper to colour code it, having bought in bulk. I don't, any more, write the whole book in longhand first, but I often write a few chapters, and then fill the rest of a book with notes. I have too many notes for Jane and Caleb for one rhino exercise book.
DeleteLloyds is also a possibility. and could be a secondary thing to get them out there while Jane is swithering about leaving the little ones - no way is she going to take the smaller people into such heat.
he's a cheeky lad, but has a personality of his own, which he grew out of his origins as a means to bring information.
She will fight me at every turn but if the real will manumits all slaves, she might be kept in order
I was thinking something hinky about a Churchill inheritance would add a level of personal interest... something Jane and Caleb would have to personally address, since Frank's relative is as smarmy as he was.
ReplyDeleteit should come to Joseph without a hitch, and I am thinking of killing off Jasper Churchill soon, so that I can send them back to Yorkshire to sort out the estate. But what might they uncover when they get there? what has Jasper been up to in the meanwhile?
Delete