A writing instructor once suggested a writer could strengthen and acquire interesting dialogue by eavesdropping on conversations in public places, to just tune in and listen with a critical ear when such an opportunity arises, how hearing others’ phrases and content could lend creativity to the writing process. Beneficial advice perhaps, but what happens when a writer becomes the one on the opposite end of this scenario?

This is a similar conversation I had with a good friend of mine who serves as my logic meter and sounding board when I plot my books. This is how I began the discussion on my first draft for Castle of Cards in a Barnes and Noble cafe…

“I have to decide who all I’m going to kill. I think Brenda should die in a house fire, but it has to look like an accident.”

“How can you do that without authorities figuring out she was actually murdered?”

“Well, what if she's forced to take Ambien and falls asleep with a lit cigarette left in her hand?”

“That might work, no fire accelerant, and smoking is a common cause of house fires. Yeah, I like that idea. You might need to do a little research on it, but sounds doable. Who else are you thinking about killing off?”

“Harlan might need to go. He’s a liability and a thorn in Forbes’ and Wendell’s sides, but again, it has to look like an accident.”

“Maybe a car wreck? You could hire someone to run him off the road.”

“Plausible...especially since he’s being exiled to Colorado. There are numerous, convenient windy roads and steep cliffs…hmmm. Poor guy. I kind of like Harlan. He’s had such a rough life and is really a decent guy. I’ll have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.”

Without giving too much away, this is how the conversation proceeded.

Imagine what the folks sitting near us thought? Luckily, authorities didn’t show up to conduct an investigation! 

Perhaps plotting a book in public isn’t the best idea...