Today’s guest blogger is Patricia Gligor, a Cincinnati writer of mysteries. 
Her latest is Small Town Mystery series, Book #2 – Murder at Maple Ridge. She’s had a varied career, including managing a sporting goods department and proprietor of a resume writing service. But her passion has always been writing fiction. Here she talks about the mystery of writing.
I’ve always been in awe of the writing process. And, after seven published novels, I’m still amazed – maybe more than ever – at how writers’ minds work, including my own.
I love old houses and, several years ago,I went for a walk in my neighborhood and happened upon an old Victorian. As I stood gazing at the house, I thought about what it would say if its walls could talk. And the first book in my five-book Malone mystery series, Mixed Messages, was born. My twenty plus years in Alanon, a 12-step program for the friends and families of alcoholics, helped me to create two of the characters and gave me a subplot that would continue throughout the series.
I live in Cincinnati, Ohio and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live in a small town. In my first Small Town Mystery, Secrets in Storyville, I explored that possibility. I worked in retail for many years, managing a sporting goods department, and I had lots of stories to tell – through the eyes of my main character. I’ve had friends ask me which scenes really happened and which were figments of my imagination.
Which brings me to my newest release: Murder at Maple Ridge. Once again, an old house inspired me. One I’d driven by – and admired – for many years on the way to a park about an hour from where I live. The knowledge I gained working in sporting goods – about firearms and hunting –was invaluable.
So, although I know what inspired me to write each book, the question remains: Where did the ideas come from to fill all those blank pages? How, as I write, do just the right people, places and things from my life experiences pop into my mind? How do physical and personality traits of people I know or have met, bits and pieces of overheard conversations, places I’ve lived or visited and a multitude of other things coalesce to create the characters, the plot and the setting for a book?
I’ll probably never know the answers to those questions but that’s fine with me because the not knowing, the endless possibilities, is what makes writing an adventure – and a mystery.
To read about her books and/or to order them, go to: http://tinyurl.com/8sd2cz4
And we’d love to hear your “mysteries” in the writing process. Click on the little balloon at the upper right of this blog to get to the comments. OR, down below the icons for FB, Twitter, etc, and click on “replies.”
I tend to think stories comes from being open to trust the process of putting words to page. Characters are so important to me. I usually start with a name like Charlotte Demerayes, or Agatha-Josephine Friday Noonsday and trust their story will come forth. Pat, I enjoyed reading this post. Looking forward to reading your latest.
Thanks, Augie. I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Although old houses have inspired me to write, characters are the most important element in my books too.
For me, settings are part of it–but for the rest of it, it is a “mystery” where the ideas or plot come from. Excellent post, and started me thinking this Saturday morning. (instead of being lazy and getting back under the covers!)
Thanks, Madeline.
It’s a rainy, cold day here and it was tempting to stay in bed this morning. Instead, I finished Chapter 7 of my WIP. 🙂
Like you, I’ve considered the mystery of finding ideas and puzzling the pieces of a mystery novel together to be the most fun parts of the writing process. How I collected the stories that eventually became the Psycho Cat and the Landlady Mystery series is a conundrum in itself.
Thanks for your comment, Joyce. It’s obvious we both love a good mystery!
When I sit down to write, the process still amazes me, too. I’ve been asked where I come up with my stories, and I have to admit that I don’t know. Something in our subconscious must store everything we need in a place that allows it to come out when we begin to write, kind of like Sherlock Holmes’ “Mind Safe.” LOL! Love your books.
Thank you, Evelyn! I like your theory. 🙂
Interesting Patricia. I read all the time and often wonder where and why the story starts. I live in an old house and I often wondered about the people who lived here before.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. For me, all the news and happenings around me offer up lots of story ideas. I’m glad Patricia wrote this interesting blog.
Rosemary,
Do you remember the TV show, If Walls Could Talk? I think of it every time I see an old house.
I like the idea of writing being a mystery in itself. Like you, it amazes me that certain things can inspire a story when we least expect it. Love the new series,and the old one. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Thanks for stopping by, Marja. And, Jim, thank you for inviting me to be your guest. 🙂
Good to hear from you, Marja. And when is your next book coming out?