Mystified
Creative minds and geniuses have always been of great interest to me. I have read many, many biographies and visited many museums dedicated to creatives and geniuses, trying to get at least some small idea of how their minds and processes work. My interests include writers, songwriters, visual artists, architects, fashion designers, inventors, and highly innovative entrepreneurs.
I mentioned recently that I have been reading through a mystery series. I am a little over halfway through the, I think, fifteen-book series. I am normally not a fan of series because I like to be able to read just one book if I want and not feel as I have to read the entire series to get the whole story. I think each of these books can stand on its own, but the story gets so much richer if all of them are read, at least that is my experience so far.
As I have read, I have wondered about the process involved in writing shorter stories within one long story and making the entire thing work consistently. I was sure she must have outlined the overarching plot and then outlined the plot of each individual book. I just knew she had to have started with a highly organized plan. The only other series I have enjoyed was Harry Potter and JK Rowling’s meticulous planning is famous.
I learned about this series from a friend who was planning to go to a lecture by the author. After I finished this latest book, I messaged my friend to see what she learned from the lecture. I told her my impression that there had to be a grand plan. She said, “She had no plan. She writes her stories not knowing where they will take her. She knew she wanted a series but no idea how and no idea even how each story would end. There’s no planning except she’s writing a book and sits down every day to write.” My mind is blown.
After I thought about it, I remembered reading accounts of authors who feel that they basically sit down in front of a computer, typewriter, or pen and paper and take dictation from the characters who show up in their minds. I have read of some authors who say their characters are so loud and so persistent that they have to write the stories to keep from going mad. This may explain why creatives are sometimes prone to substance abuse and/ or suicide, like Hemingway, for example. As much as I enjoy being creative, I am really glad I am not all THAT creative if it involves having characters and stories more or less taking over minds and lives. I am satisfied to enjoy the work of others who truly are genius.
In case I have piqued your interest, the series is called “The Ruth Galloway Mysteries” by Elly Griffiths. Some of the books are available as hard copies at the Rylander Library and all of them are available as e-books through Libby, the library app I have mentioned here numerous times. Samantha, the librarian at Rylander can help you get set up with Libby. If you read any of the books, let me know what you think. SpringCreekArtsGuild@gmail.com.