Research #1

Dental surgery / pain has put a temporary end to my creativity this week. I chose, instead to do some research on structure, to help me identify a starting point for my book. The books I'm looking at are "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Sphere," and "The Da V. C-de (title modified so not searchable)." Each book provides a different perspective on mystery & suspense. I'm particularly watching how exposition and pacing are accomplished.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is written in 3rd-person omniscient without a single direct statement by any character throughout the entire tale. That in itself is spooky!

"Sphere" is written entirely in first-person, and we see the thoughts, feelings, and memories of the main character. Sometimes the memories take more time for the character to remember than could possibly have been available during the course of the current action. I'll have to watch out for that. This story also involves a group of people put into the mysterious circumstance. I like that.

"The Da V. C-de" is written in varying first-person perspectives, each with their own memories and drives. Also, a lot of "teaching" or "lecturing" is done in this book. The Scienctific explanations, while useful for understanding, weigh heavily on the reader and slow the action of the story. Also, jumping back and forth among different characters' plot-lines would be confusing for a newbie to write.

Maybe if there were just two main characters' plotlines, with a small group of supporting characters for each? The prologue could be 3rd-person omniscient and the rest of the book in 1st-person (varying). Sounds like a plan!