What’s Your First Draft Like? – Elly Griffiths

I’m thrilled to be able to introduce crime author, Elly Griffiths to the blog today to talk about her first draft process.

Elly wrote four books under her real name, Domenica de Rosa, before her husband’s career change inspired her to write about forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway. Her agent told her she needed a ‘crime name’ so she became Elly Griffiths. The first Ruth book ‘The Crossing Places’ won the Mary Higgins Clark award. The eight book, ‘The Woman in Blue’, was published in February 2016. Smoke and Mirrors, the latest in her 1950s theatrical series, was published in November 2015. Elly has been shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year three times. She lives near Brighton with her husband and two children.

When you decide to write something new, what is the first thing you do?

I write a rough chapter plan in my notebook. Just a few lines per chapter but all the way to the end.

Do you have a set routine approaching it?

Once I start a book I try to write at least 1,000 words a day.

Pen and paper or straight to the keyboard?

After the first handwritten notes, I’m straight onto the keyboard.

How important is research to you?

Very important but I never hold the writing up for it. If there’s something I need to research, I’ll go back to it.

How do you go about researching?

I like to visit the places I write about because that gives you a feeling for the atmosphere. I also use the library and the internet. When I’m researching the 1950s books I like to read literature from that time.

How do you store everything; ideas, research, images that catch your eye?

I always have my notebook with me. I sometimes also pin pictures on a noticeboard.

Tell us how that first draft takes shape?

I only write one draft. I do edit a bit when I get to the end but what is in my first draft is usually what is in the finished book.

Are there any rituals you have to do or items you must have with you while writing that draft?

No. I try not to have superstitions because then there might come a moment when the ritual is disturbed and you can’t write.

Does the outside world exist or are you lost to us for a period of time as the magic works?

I write a bit every day rather than immersing myself so the outside world is always there. I have two children and another job so it can’t be any other way.

What does your workspace look like?

I have a study but I also share it with a TV and the rubbish (sorry, priceless antiques) that my husband buys at auctions. I dream of a writing shed in the garden.

Edit as you go or just keep getting words out?

Just getting the words out. I try not to edit until the book is done.

I see many writers counting words in a day. Word counter or other method of keeping track of progression?

I’m a word counter partly because my books always come out a bit short. I usually find that I’ve written 80,000 words when my editor wants 90,000 or even 100,000.

So, that first draft is down. Roughly how long did it take? And what shape is it in?

I’m contracted to write two books a year so it can’t take longer than six months.

In what format do you like to read it through, ereader, paper or the computer screen?

On-screen.

What happens now that first draft is done?

As I say, it’s the only draft. When it’s as finished as I can make it I send it to my agent and editor. They are always the first people to read my books.

Thanks for digging into the depths of the first draft. It’s been a pleasure having you.

You can find Elly on the following places; Website | Twitter | Facebook

The Blood Card

Elizabeth II’s coronation is looming, but the murder of their wartime commander, Colonel Cartwright, spoils the happy mood for DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto. A playbill featuring another deceased comrade is found in Colonel Cartwright’s possession, and a playing card, the ace of hearts: the blood card. The wartime connection and the suggestion of magic are enough for him to put Stephens and Mephisto on the case.

Edgar’s investigation into the death of Brighton fortune-teller Madame Zabini is put on hold. Max is busy rehearsing for a spectacular Coronation Day variety show – and his television debut – so it’s Edgar who is sent to New York, a land of plenty worlds away from still-rationed England. He’s on the trail of a small-town mesmerist who may provide the key, but someone else silences him first. It’s Sergeant Emma Holmes who finds the clue, buried in the files of the Zabini case, that leads them to an anarchist group intent on providing an explosive finale to Coronation Day.

Now it’s up to Edgar, Max and Emma to foil the plot, and find out who it is who’s been dealing the cards . . .