Welcome to another episode of Only Murders in My Mind, the podcast that dives into the intriguing world of crime writing. I’m Carol Bissett, joined by my fellow author Liz Hedgecock. Unfortunately, our co-host Mike Jackson is not with us today as he’s busy working on his next book, possibly eavesdropping in a coffee shop for inspiration. Today’s topic, suggested by our listener Kevin Canon, is “Where do we get our ideas from?”
As crime writers, the question of where our ideas originate is one we encounter frequently. It’s fascinating to delve into the variety of sources that spark our creative processes. Sometimes, ideas come in a flash, an almost instant concept that demands to be written. Other times, they develop slowly, simmering in our minds until they’re fully formed.
Liz shared that she often sends herself emails with ideas to ensure she doesn’t forget them. It’s a common writer’s dilemma to think of a brilliant idea, only to lose it by morning. Some ideas start with a title. For instance, I once jotted down “Find the Why” in my phone, and that title evolved into a murder mystery plot.
The titles of our books often play a crucial role in shaping the narrative. For my detective series, each book’s idea sprouted from its predecessor. Titles can sometimes come before the story, giving direction and purpose to the writing process. Liz mentioned her first book, House of Mirrors, which didn’t have a title until she was deep into the manuscript. Eventually, a character’s line in the book inspired the final title.
Interestingly, real-life events can also serve as a basis for our stories. My second detective novel, The Vein Killer, was inspired by a casual conversation with my husband about the potential consequences of distributing bad drugs. This seed of an idea grew into a story about a killer making murders look like overdoses.
Liz shared her early experiences with flash fiction, where picture prompts or word prompts would ignite her creativity. These short, intense writing exercises are excellent for developing new ideas and thinking outside the box. During her writing courses, everyone would start with the same prompt, yet produce vastly different stories, highlighting the unique perspectives each writer brings.
Another significant source of inspiration is true crime. Watching documentaries or reading about real-life murders can spark ideas, not necessarily replicating the events but drawing from the details of how the crimes unfolded. True life often presents stranger scenarios than fiction, providing a rich vein of material for crime writers.
Liz and I both agree that stepping away from writing can help generate ideas. Engaging in mundane activities like walking or ironing can free the mind, allowing ideas to flow more naturally. This process, often referred to as “scatter focus,” contrasts with intense concentration and can be remarkably effective for idea generation.
Our discussion also touched on the challenges of maintaining creativity during tough times, like the pandemic. Many writers struggled, while others, like Ian Rankin, found solace in the enforced solitude, using it as an opportunity to write without the usual distractions of promoting books and attending events.
The journey from idea to finished book involves more than just the initial spark. Liz and I plan our stories, considering the core idea, character arcs, and plot beats. Even with a loose plot, characters often take us in unexpected directions, adding depth and spontaneity to the narrative.
For example, Liz’s House of Mirrors was inspired partly by an article on Mrs Hudson from Sherlock Holmes. This, combined with rereading A Study in Scarlet, led to a novel exploring the perspective of Holmes’ landlady, giving her a voice and story of her own.
Ultimately, the ideas for our books come from a blend of personal experiences, observations, and a deep engagement with both real and fictional worlds. Each story we write is a tapestry woven from various threads, creating unique narratives that resonate with our readers.
We hope you enjoyed this peek into our creative processes. If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to reach out. Until next time, happy reading and writing!
Only Murders in My Mind is a Random Thought Production. Produced by John Bissett, with music composed and recorded by OM Studio Strings. Tune in every Thursday at 5 p.m. for more conversations on all things murderous.
Only Murders In My Mind 