Missing persons

       One thing I have noticed about the writing process is that characters, like Cooper for instance, have a life of their own. And once the writer has given birth to them, he/she doesn't have much control over them. 
I never pictured Cooper focusing on missing persons in his work as a private detective when I conceived of him. But the disappearance of his son led to his obsession with finding missing persons. No control over that. 
       I'm finding out that's the case with the evolution of a story as well. I have a general idea about where the story is going, but it's a developing process. Someone might get killed that I hadn't planned on. Too bad for him or her. But that's how life is anyway, isn't it. 
       I asked Tim Dorsey, who writes about nefarious and colorful characters who populate Florida--and there are a lot of them--about his writing process. He said he writes from an outline of sorts, but that he leaves the story open as well. I think that makes it more interesting for the writer and the reader.  And after all, our own lives are in the making as well, aren't they. 
       Those are my thoughts for tonight as I continue writing my second novel, Blood Moon. Cooper and his friends, including a mob hit-man, a Russian strongman and  gator trapping, Florida cowboy, are in pursuit of dealers in body parts. A gruesome business for sure. Someone's going to get killed. 
       In the meantime look for an installment of Cooper's Moon. My web page designer, Ryan, will be posting it as separate page on this site. It's the Prologue to Cooper's Moon. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think.  
I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts! 
Connie