The Book That Inspired A Novel

Plotting And Writing Suspense Fiction  By  Patricia Highsmith

 

I've written poetry since the tender age of 10. I'm told that I'm pretty good now. I met this woman that wrote suspense literature. I was not very impressed because of her atrocious spelling and improper use of context. I met another published author who wrote adult literature. Though I was not very impressed with her work either, the fact remained that she was published. Additionally, she heard my poetic verse and assured me that I could write a novel as she had done so many times. Then I ran across this book by Patricia Highsmith. Though the title sounds rather instructional ... She actually takes you on a journey from beginning to end in the "process" of writing a novel. She tells you how to defeat writer's block (which I actually fell victim to during the process of writing my book), where inspiration comes from, how to stay prepared for those ideas when they come rushing in, how to organize plots and scenes, and the list goes on and on. She is most known for the movie adaptations of her novels, "The Talented Mr. Ripley And Strangers On A Train." Prior to reading this wonderful book I had said to myself, "How difficult can writing a book be with my experience in poetry?" Believe me, it is an entirely different experience. Writing the book nearly consumed me totally. Seemed my every thought every day was completing the next scene, or completing the next chapter, introducing a new character, or creating a conflict for the main character to overcome. All inspired by this book. Writing a book can seem to be a daunting task. Reading this book beforehand not only made it seem easier, it took me through the process and showed me how to get the job done. It inspired me to write an adult novel called The Masseur And The Masseuse. This as yet unpublished work of fiction covers a snapshot in the life of a couple that try to make the best of their relationship in the seedy side of the massage industry. In the midst of drugs, prostitution, lies, deceit, jealousy, a murder and a host of other wicked entanglements they try their best to make it work. The trials and tribulations that life present are painted upon an urban tapestry of adult themes and subject matter. When things seem their brightest, darkness looms ahead. In the gloom of the darkness there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you Pat for bringing out the best in my writing.