Do I Write Chronologically?

Do I write my crime novels chronologically, from the first chapter to the last?

Generally speaking, I do. But when I reach about Chapter 16 or 17, I often find myself wanting to jump ahead.

By then, I usually have a very good idea of who the baddie is, why they did it and how they did it. I’m keen to get the ending down on my computer screen, so I might jump straight to the last couple of chapters and write those first.

Then I return to Chapter 17 and work through to the end.

Writing from beginning to end

Most of the time, I like to write a novel in sequence. I begin at the beginning and follow the story as it develops, working through the chapters one by one.

That allows me to follow the characters and the plot as they unfold. In a crime novel, there are clues to introduce, characters to develop and details to keep track of, all while making sure the story holds together.

But as the novel progresses, the picture becomes clearer.

The temptation to write the ending

By the time I reach Chapter 16 or 17, I usually have a good idea of the solution to the mystery. I know who the baddie is, why they committed the crime and how they did it.

And I want to write that ending!

There is something satisfying about finally getting those last chapters down on the computer screen. The mystery has been developing throughout the novel, and now I can put the solution into words.

Rather than resist the urge, I sometimes jump ahead and write the last couple of chapters.

Then it’s back to where I left off

Once I’ve written the ending, I return to the chapter where I stopped and work forward until I reach those final chapters again.

That way, I can continue developing the story in sequence while having the ending already drafted. Of course, the ending may still need to be adjusted as I work through the remaining chapters and refine the plot.

A crime novel is a process of discovery, even when you have a strong idea of where the story is heading.

My writing system

So, do I write chronologically? Generally, yes — but I’m not completely wedded to it.

My writing system gives me a structure to work within, but it also allows me to follow an idea when I’m keen to get it down. Sometimes, knowing the ending is there waiting for me gives me an extra incentive to work through the remaining chapters.

Every writer develops their own way of working. This is simply another part of mine.

And that’s my writing system.