That time Tom dropped by

This week’s guest is author Tom Pitts, answering the question: Who wins when you and your copy editor or proofreader disagree about a word, a spelling, a term of slang, etc? Do you sometimes choose to lose a battle in order to win a larger war?

Tom’s a friend who grew up in Canada and now lives in San Francisco. He’s the author of the novels Coldwater, 101, American Static, and Hustle, as well as the novellas Knuckleball and Piggyback, and numerous short stories. If you haven’t read his stuff, you should. You can find him here. 

by Tom Pitts

When I began writing, I’d go to the mat on some of these issues. I’d usually claim the correction would upset the rhythm of the line. Goes to rhythm, your Honor. It’s my song and I’ll sing it however I want, damn it. Nowadays, I’m a lot more open to input. Defer to those who know better. That’s a lesson I think we learn in all aspects of life, not just craft. I’ll roll with Bob Dylan on this one: I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now. 

I mean, there’s always room for interpretation. Editors will often go to great lengths to not repeat words, but some of my background is in songwriting and lyrics and sometimes repetition is vital to drive home an image or feeling. But I have to stand back and take a hard look at any suggestion. When an editor offers a change, you must be objective, take yourself out of the creative position. You have to become the reader, the publisher, the future. 

Always? Hell no. Especially if it’s colloquial and in speech. And my characters certainly aren’t the most eloquent in the world. 

What we’re talking about here is copy-editing mostly, not the story-bending feedback that causes dreaded rewrites. And with indie-publishing, it’ll usually be the author, not the publisher who gets the last word. So take this responsibility seriously. Those cocky choices you make as you click your way through the manuscript will stay just as they are in the published work, long after you’ve grown up and learned that you’re not always right. Besides, how long do you want to argue if it’s “till” or “‘til”? Sometimes you just gotta go with “until,” you know?

A hundred balls in the air

What element of the craft is the one you most need to improve?

by Dietrich

My aim is to constantly improve every element of the process. I never want to think I’ve mastered anything, and I never want to stop considering new ways. Not allowing things to evolve means the whole process would become stale.

Right from the jump when I started writing, I made the effort to improve my knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure – like the tools of the trade. And from there, I played with genres and styles and ended up balling up a lot of paper, going for three-pointers in the trash bin. 

I played with plotting tight, tried it loose, tried writing standing, lying, and sitting. I learned to keep detailed sheets on each of my characters. A reliable memory just doesn’t cut it, so I learned to make careful notes and keep timelines to avoid making the kind of slips that are so easy to make, and then miss at the editing stage.

I constantly study how people actually speak to and behave with one another, and I bring a version of that to my make-believe characters, letting each of them come to life by sounding unique and real. I also learned to let them show their worlds through their own points of view, without me stepping all over the scenes and taking over the narrative. And I learned to pepper in dark humor, and not to overdo it – just the right amount. I learned to detail the scenes and settings, and to choose the best angles from which to describe them. Putting in all the needed details without letting the overall pace drag, yet allowing those spots where the action needs to slow – when a scene needs to breathe – before picking it up again. 

Working on voice and style, I got to a point where I felt I could keep everything consistent from the start of a novel to the final page. And I learned to tighten everything up going from a first to a second draft and so on. And I learned to edit; and just as important as that, I learned when to stop editing and call the whole thing done.  

Those are the mechanics that I learned and honed. Then there are the things that come by instinct. Like knowing what to put in, and what to take out, whose POV to tell a scene from, when to ramp up tension, or take a sharp corner and throw in a surprise – something I didn’t plan on – the kind of thing a reader wouldn’t see coming from several pages back. And feeling when something’s the right thing to do. 

Every writer’s going to have a best way that works for them, this is just my way. And for me, the creativity wants to flow freestyle, without too many rules or planning standing in the way. Over the years, I’ve gained confidence and become more efficient working through the process, and I’ve learned to trust my instincts. But, I never want to feel I’ve mastered anything, and I’m always looking for new ways to explore, and hopefully doing it better.

On the horizon …

What are your new year’s resolutions? (Give us both writing and others if you have them)

by Dietrich

I’m not in the habit of making resolutions for the new year. I’m not into predictions, and once again I didn’t take part in the icy Polar Bear Swim to celebrate the new year. Nothing wrong with any of that, and I suppose if I did make resolutions, I‘d likely break them all anyway. But, I do make plans, and I do have plenty to look forward to in the coming year. 

Over the coming weeks I’ll be working with my editor and tackling final edits for my upcoming book. This one’s called Cradle of the Deep, a crime novel set on the west coast, starting in Vancouver and ending up in Alaska. It’s set in present-time and involves a couple running away from the woman’s gangster ex. It will be out in the fall. 

I’ve got another standalone project that I’m halfway through. It’s set here in Vancouver in present time as well, and involves a runaway teen, an old man, a pair of casino thieves, and one killer motor home. I’m not absolutely sure of the title yet so I won’t mention it here. This one will become my tenth and should be out the following year.

Being an avid reader, I’m excited about new books by some of my favorite authors, as well as some who I’ve been meaning to read. And there are classics by long-time favorites that I’d like to catch up on, and some others that I’d like to reread. So, the stack of books is forever growing.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, there’s always something exciting coming our way. There are plenty of concerts and shows scheduled, as well as our wine and craft beer festivals, the international film festival, a jazz festival, a folk festival, the Celebration of Light fireworks, Bard on the Beach, and lots more.

There are writer events and festivals that I’ll be attending, and for our local crime fiction fans, I’ll be organizing two Noir at the Bar events at the usual haunt, the Shebeen down in Gastown, one on May 6th, and the other on November 4th. Both promise an exciting line-up of authors reading from their latest works.

And here at Criminal Minds, I’m looking forward to answering questions along with our fine family of authors. 

And over on my blog Off the Cuff, I’ll be chatting with some prominent authors about what they’re working on. You can find it at: dietrichkalteis.blogspot.com

As I play music when I write, I’m constantly adding new albums to the collection, and there are some great ones coming out, and that’s something else I have to look forward to. 

Then there are new films being released, as well as some series that I’ve become addicted to: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Schitt’s Creek, White Gold, and Better Call Saul, all of which are getting set for new seasons. 

Aside from all that, I’m planning to do some traveling. My wife and I migrate like geese in the fall, heading to California every year. On top of that, I’m looking forward to flying to Germany later this year.

There you have it: no resolutions, but some plans and plenty to look forward to. And for everybody out there, I wish you all the very best for the coming year.

Perception versus reality

What one thing do you wish you could write off against tax, that you (legally) can't. Make your case.

by Dietrich

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Accountants likely have all sorts of great stories about people trying to write off all manner of things against their taxes. Since we’re wishing, let’s consider the kind of writer’s income where a major tax write-off would be just the thing, oh yeah, and legal.

Since my stories are set in a variety of locales across North America, I think it’s only reasonable that I should visit each of these places so I can better write about them. I’ve used settings from the west coast, from Los Angeles up to Alaska, and right across Canada, and the Great Plains. 

So, I think it would be within reason to make myself mobile as well as comfortable. I happen to like the look of those big Airstreams, let’s call mine a thirty-foot Flying Cloud. It’s just the thing for the writer who’s looking to do some tapping on the laptop while the miles clip past, on route to some hands-on research, visiting story settings in both comfort and style. This thirty-footer’s got a kitchen, lounge, bedrooms, bathroom, and a closet big enough for my glittery writing ensembles, in case I do a reading event while I’m on the road.

The question asked for one thing, but I’ll need something to haul the Airstream around. So, although I’m not a big SUV guy, I’m kind of partial to the Mercedes G-Class, one matching the Airstream’s silver, please.

And so I can work while I hit the open road, I think a chauffeur would be within reason — somebody to drive while I think up the next scene. And to show the taxman I’m reasonable, I’ll go bare bones and forego the personal trainer, assistant, and sushi chef.

And while we’re at it, let’s remember to stock the pantry and fridge. Writing is hard and thirsty work. And let’s keep all the receipts.

One more thing I’d like to add: there’s nothing worse than that endless road noise while I’m writing, so to avoid it and increase my output, let’s add some high-end audio. I’ve mentioned in past posts that I play my tunes while I write, you’ve all heard me say that. And Bang and Olufsen makes some fine audio gear, and I’m sure the tax man will have no problem with that.

Obviously I’m no accountant, and I understand expenses related to leisure items aren't normally deductible. However, by the taxman’s very definition of a home, meaning anything with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom (which my Airstream has), there should be some legit deductions and perhaps some business-related tax breaks to boot. It’s the kind of logic that likely explains the need for people like me to have accountants in the first place.

Well, let’s start with that list, and I hope I’ve made a reasonable case for some write-offs. Now, where’s that tax form.

A baker’s dozen

by Dietrich

Although not all crime fiction and not all current, here are my top picks from the books that I’ve recently enjoyed, and ones that I would recommend for anyone looking for the perfect pick for their dad.

First up, I revisited Deliverance by James Dickey. It was poet Dickey’s first novel, and it sure hasn’t lost any of its spark after its original pub date of nearly fifty years ago. It’s prose is as sharp as it gets — a whitewater page-turner of survival in the Georgia wilderness. 

“I was standing in the most absolute aloneness that I had ever been given.” ― James Dickey

Another classic that stands the test of time is A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, originally published in 1962. Its the tale of Alex, a youth in revolt who gets captured and subjected to some scientific mind altering designed to cure criminals of their violent urges. The perfect choice if your dad leans to dystopian satire with touches of dark comedy and brilliant writing. 

The Wanted by Robert Crais was published in 2017. I always look forward to the next Robert Crais installment. In this one, PI Elvis Cole is back, along with his sidekick Joe Pike, in some bad-to-worse kickass action. After a couple of teenagers pull off some burglaries and rob the wrong man, they end up being pursued by a couple of killers. There’s something about Crais’ pacing and voice that make his novels hard to put down.

House of Earth by Woody Guthrie, a previously unpublished gem from 1947 was finally printed in 2013. It’s Guthrie’s only novel, and tells about life in Dust Bowl America. Guthrie was an amazing talent and possessed a true and powerful voice.

Just Kids by Patti Smith is a great memoir from a legendary rock star who proves she’s an equally talented writer. It takes an insightful look at her life along with friend Robert Mapplethorpe, living in New York, among the aspiring artists during the late 60s and early 70s. A time your dad might remember.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith from 2008, a great introduction to the five book series that brought us the ultimate bad-boy, sociopath Tom Ripley.

The Jealous Kind by James Lee Burke from 2016. It’s one of his best and completes the trilogy he began with Wayfaring Stranger in 2014 and House of the Rising Sun in 2015. When a quarrel erupts between Valerie and her country-club boyfriend Grady, Aaron Holland steps in. And he ticks off the wrong person. Things soon escalate, and he finds himself surrounded by criminals and corrupt cops. It’s just a great book.

Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty, published in 2015 has detective inspector Sean Duffy back at it in the fifth installment in this well-told series, set in Northern Ireland in the 80s. It’s truly a first-rate crime thriller.

Men Walking on Water by the talented Emily Schultz, published in 2017, is a mix of crime and historical fiction set during prohibition and takes a look at rum-running from Canadian shores to Detroit.

The Good German by Joseph Canon, from 2001, is a moving and complex mystery and love story set in a battered post-war Berlin in the grips of geopolitical control. The story follows American journalist, Jake Geismer, as he sets out to find answers among the secrets and criminals hiding among the rubble in this great historical tale.

The Border by Don Winslow is the epic conclusion to the Cartel trilogy, The Cartel and The Power of the Dog. Released at the end of February, I'd been waiting to get into this one, and it didn't disappoint — a crime thriller as good as it gets.

A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood, published in 1964, is a short novel about a gay English professor living in California in the midst of unresolved grief after losing his lover in a car crash. The novel takes place over the course of a single day and explores the human animal and shows some masterful writing.

I also revisited The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood ahead of her upcoming sequel The Testaments coming this September. Another dystopian tale told by one of Canada’s best authors.

There you have it, a little of this and a little of that, some new and some old, some crime fiction, some classics, but something for any dad who loves to read. 

A balancing act

Writers sit and write – for a long time. What do you do to stop yourself becoming welded to your writing seat?

by Dietrich

At times it’s more a question of how can I keep myself welded to the chair. Distractions come in many forms, furry friends who want attention or food, ringing phones, questions that can’t wait, noises from outside, all that real-life stuff. And sometimes it’s the temptation of a little social media when I’m writing, and I feel like coming up for a little air. Next thing, a half hour’s gone by and good writing time’s lost. I’m not that rigid about it, but a little self-discipline comes in handy. Then there are those times when everything just lines up and I just keep writing; I stay focused, everything clicks along, and I can keep going for hours.

On a good day, I jump right in and get lost in the story, working through just about any kind of distraction. It’s like entering a world I’ve created, one I want to be in for a while, writing as long as the energy, and the rhythm stays with me. And I guess it’s also good to know when it’s gone and it’s time to quit.

I generally write at my best during the early part of the day, so that’s when I try to stay welded to the chair. By the afternoon I’m usually done, and that peak energy’s not there anymore. Sometimes I get a second wind by early evening, and I get a little more done.

A good set-up helps. A quiet room with a window with a peaceful view works best. And I like my desk facing south, getting lots of light, and I prefer the door shut and the music on. There are times I like a change of scenery, trying something different. Sometimes I like writing on lined paper in a busy place, like an airport waiting terminal, or on a moving train.

“You need three things to become a successful novelist: talent, luck and discipline. Discipline is the one element of those three things that you can control, and so that is the one that you have to focus on controlling, and you just have to hope and trust in the other two.” ― Michael Chabon 

It’s important to remember that there’s more to life than just writing. I do have other interests, and there are people in my life that I like to spend time with. And there are the furry kids. All of that keeps me from getting welded to the chair. Some things I do often, other things I wish I had more time to do, but generally, it’s about keeping a balance.