New Beginnings
A Sunny Corner of the Walkway Outside My New Digs
As I prepare a workshop on writing mystery novels, I think of G. K. Chesterton’s good-humoured critique of pedagogical aspiration: “It is a well-known fact that people who have never succeeded in anything end by writing books about how to succeed,” he said, “and I do not see why this principle should not be applied to success in the writing of detective stories as well as in lower and less glorious walks of life.” The adage that “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,” is less eloquent, but says much the same thing. Surely, t’s possible to do both?
Despite the publication of my debut novel by a “good” publisher, I sometimes feel like an imposter. And desperately hope I’ll have signed a second contract before I appear on Zoom posing as an expert in writing crime fiction. An expert I’m not—but maybe there are other qualifications equally useful. Enthusiasm, persistence, and decent writing skills can go a long way to compensate for lack of brilliance. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
And so, I continue to work on my presentation while simultaneously making notes for my third novel. Which I will soon start writing. At the same time, I’ll continue to prepare for the upcoming garden season. There are sprouts on the calla lily and on some of the begonia tubers I overwintered. The Tumbler pot tomatoes I seeded last week are growing, as are the jalapenos, the impatiens, and the gaillardia. They will soon be joined by the flats of petunias, rudbeckia, and Mad Hatter peppers I seeded yesterday. It may not look like spring outside, but inside my plant room, preparations for the new season are underway.
If you are a beginning writer and are interested in my upcoming workshop, “Writing Your First Mystery Novel: A Practical Guide,” you can register on the Regina Public Library website (it’s listed under programs for April 25). Or email the library at programs@reginalibrary.ca with your contact information and the program you are interested in. The workshop runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
