Switching Gears and Finding Joy

My current work in progress is a historical mystery, my first foray into writing in that genre. It’s also the book I’ve wanted to write since I was fifteen years old. There are a lot of reasons the project has stalled over the years, but now that I’m fully into it, I’m finding so much joy.

As this is the first time I’ve ventured into history, I’m finding out how essential the research is. And savoring it! One example—I spent at least a half hour learning how the old-fashioned cash registers work. I’ll probably never need to use this information in real life, but my character needs to operate a cash register in her family’s shop, and I can’t have her standing before a customer, looking inept.

Everything about the writing feels different, too. Word choices and expressions must reflect the idioms of the day, more than a century go. It’s a treat to say things in different ways, not having to resort to modern-day slang or curse words. I find myself playing with language as I imagine a first kiss between two restrained and proper young lovers.

The best part is that the setting is my home town, and two of the characters are my grandparents, whom I didn’t have many years to know. I’m passionate about “getting them right,” and I’ve channeled them, conducted interviews with family and community members, and reacquainted myself with my family.

Overall, the writing of this book is fulfilling a dream, and I’m certain that the end product will be better for the story’s having percolated for decades.

Have you ever switched gears and found joy? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Saralyn Richard is the author of seven mystery novels, including the Detective Parrott series, the Quinn McFarland series, A Murder of Principal, and the children’s book, Naughty Nana. Visit her website at https://www.saralynrichard.com and sign up for her monthly newsletter for unique opportunities, giveaways, surveys, and fun.