The sixth installment in my Happy Valley series went live yesterday. Greed at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort is the first book in which I killed off a character, and I struggled with that, even though the death affects a minor character and takes place off the page.
When the final scene was written, I contemplated a total rewrite before sending the manuscript to my editor. Even after she’d made her recommendations, I came close to scrapping half the book. In the end, though, I left it.
But I’m not sure I’ll ever do it again. Fictional deaths take a lot out of me, even when I’m the one orchestrating them. Can we have a moment of silence?
Peace, people.
Praying for Eyebrowz 
hi, I’ve been following jan from ‘red’s wrap’ for a while and she talked about you in her latest blog. happy to be reading and following you as well now. she mentioned that the two of you will meet at ‘erma’, and I went a couple of years ago and had a blast, hope you two have fun together! beth
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Jan is THE BEST! I’m so excited that I’ll finally get to meet her in April. Thanks for dropping by!! I don’t blog much anymore, but I’m taking a break between books to rest my brain.
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As a reader who seeks out murder mysteries, I believe you when you say it becomes personal, especially since the deceased wasn’t a baddie. However, the fact of his death certainly adds depth to the story. Glad you didn’t cut it.
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It was a close call!
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Absolutely we can have a moment of silence ❤ As I am sure fans of your novels will mourn them as well ❤
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Wow, Leslie. I never thought of that. I have mourned characters offed by other writers. I could see how it would be really difficult for a character you created to die like that. You have given me a new perspective as a reader.
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And this was a newly created one! I didn’t really have a connection to him. But when I began filling in his backstory and his sister’s reaction, it became really rough.
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