Research

Everyone does it differently. Mitchner took years and miles of travel. Others interview and note take. 
I tend to read, jotting ideas, notes. I tend to flesh out characters, nameless and invisible at the time, but forming on my mind (and on paper). Then, as told to me by my wife. I grow silent, then I start thinking. I go through a period where I try to assemble a story. Long before this, I have an idea for a story, but like a joke, it needs a setup, back story, and a payoff. Often my stories start with the payoff then work back up to it. 
Motherboard (MB) kind of started differently. I began with the antagonist. Of course, in this case, I already had a protagonist,  Mac. So, the idea of doing a sequel to Wolfpointe sounded great. In reality, I had (have) two stories, so lock your doors. Back to work. It has taken months to iron out the bumps. They are still there, but, they aren't mountains anymore. 
One part of (MB) encompasses crimes over multiple states. To do that, I have to learn how Law Enforcement works. I had local LE operations figured out, but crossing, blending jurisdictions was new to me. I have been rescued by a family friend for YEARS and a retired Captain in the CPD. In just a few questions he laid out a whole response to an in-state crime scene. I am so grateful. In a couple of emails, I feel this story will now start to hit the paper (screen), due to his input. 
So, Stay tuned, invite friends -- keep coming back as I plan to regularly update here. 

Until later

Getting Down To It

     Had a very productive day today. I made a trip to the Tinley Park Library. My goal was to do some research on questions I have about Motherboard story development. It went well. So good in that I actually read NO Books at all, and immediately started to organize the book. 
     A few things needed sorting and listing. Character names and the role(s) they will play. A tentative, strictly chronologic storyline. This way I can recognize the beginnings, the middles, and the ends. Slide them about to make an engaging novel to read. I managed to do this! I now have my notebook started, and things really jumped out at me.
Additionally and most importantly, I needed to identify all the things that need explanation. Additional information required. I needed 5 things but will most likely expand as I go. I have to learn the hierarchy of the Law Enforcement community as far as both procedure and jurisdiction. I need more psychological information to allow the antagonist the leap off the page and scare the hell out of you! I also need to re-introduce Malcolm MacKurghdy and for those who have not read WolfPointe, tell you about who he is where he came from and who is he here, now.
     I also need a lot of information to explain the trigger that starts this story rolling. That is a bottleneck, and I just need to attack it. I must feel comfortable with my premise before I could expect you, the reader, to accept it as well. 
     As it turned out I did not use the library as a library in the reading/research sense. I found a quiet place that seemed to allow my imagination to go exploring. I needed a new place with limited distraction. I think it helped.
     More as I move forward. Stay tuned.

Immobility

I should be reading research, jotting notes, outlining plot action. I'm not. I am writing about not doing that. That is bothersome. I know me. I'm a lazy bum when it comes to writing. I go through periods where mentally I can't focus on one thread. I need to establish a: Logical Plot Line. I am at a crossroads of which way the plot should erupt. I need to research, I need to find a path that seems plausible. Once I am satisfied, then I know you, the reader, will accept (suspend disbelief) the plot premise.
Also, Starshot..... Oh, Starshot. It sells, but bumping along (I am SO grateful too). I want to promote it more and get myself out there. Yet, I hesitate. Time, money, those investments are so valuable to me, but my lack of action is inexcusable.
So I sit. Like a fat frog on a lily pad. I see flies right across the pond.
Do I want flies? Or should I wait for mosquitoes coming later?
Should I jump right in or wait till a bug comes near, on it's own.
Immobility.