To Complicate or not to Complicate

Mid-January, 2013

So when the rain came back this morning I realized we're on the long curve back to Spring, even though it's only the first half of January. There seems to be more light in the morning, too, which of course could be a figment of my imagination.

Dialoged some more last evening with [deleted]. via email and was actually heartened by some of his recollection. He remembered, for example, the meticulous side of Michael, his guitar playing and his confident way with rigging and his boat. There was much in his personal style that I have either locked away or neglected to consider in his character. This contact is in many ways the perfect view of Mike, as he describes himself a "friendly neighbor rather than close friends." This brings a certain objectivity to his observation, more credibility.

I find that it's time now to go back to the story, see where this character may be living. It could be a little later; I'm thinking after Jade finds herself cornered by this theory of the sleuth's and unable to put up much resistance. She *knows* the sleuth is wrong, that is, she thinks she knows. He needs to make another appearance, provide more of his theory. Also, the new character might be seen directly after, just as he appears to me, a lurker, an acquaintance, someone with a bit of relevance that perhaps even he isn't even aware of.

My worry, well, one of my worries, is that the book is becoming too crowded. There may be too many minor characters vying for the spotlight. We have three worlds: a) Jade in the present with her present entourage; Jade in the past with her past entourage; and Jade in and out of the distant past with M&C in their own world. This may be getting complicated. Too complicated?

I need to start writing out two distinct scenes. First, Seamus Irvine, the websleuth, needs to make more of his theory available; and second, the new character needs to speak with Jade over the phone (email is too removed--I need this character to be sympathetic, again, a friend). The clues need to be building through both interactions.

Jade, too needs to be revising her ideas about M&C, based on what she is learning. How does she do this? I think it needs to be tied in with her own challenge--pulling herself out of the hole she is in. She needs to be building herself up for the bigger climax--the end--which gives her the opportunity for release that she's been looking for. I still think I need to see her knocking down the walls in the family cabin.

There are some mis-placed files I need to find from my thesis that were along these lines.