# Reflecting on the Beatrice Series: A Writer's Journey Unveiled
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Chapter 1: The Creative Expedition Begins
As I wrap up the final installment of my murder mystery trilogy, I reflect on a journey that has spanned five years and five different projects set in the Beatrice universe. While I have gained invaluable insights, it's time for my characters to continue their adventures without my guidance.
The Path to Beatrice
In late 2018, I published a hefty novel titled Burn, a work that ambitiously tackled themes of identity, queerness, and literary conventions that overwhelmed my mind at the time. The book's structure was a blend of poetry, prose, and screenplay formats, complete with two appendices. I mention this not to boast, but to illustrate the exhaustion I felt as a writer upon its release six years ago.
As I approached the launch of Burn, I began jotting down ideas for my next venture—a murder mystery that would be light-hearted, whimsical, and entertaining. I sought to avoid anything too emotionally intense, aiming instead for an amusing romp filled with exaggerated characters and unexpected plot twists.
By early 2019, my notes had morphed into a manuscript. What began as a single book quickly evolved into a trilogy by mid-2019. By 2021, this series was joined by two additional works: a novella and a poetry collection.
After crafting five manuscripts, I've gathered several key takeaways for those embarking on a similar journey. While I can't claim to have acquired wisdom, I certainly have experienced enough to offer some firsthand insights.
Five Lessons Learned from Beatrice
#### Improvement is Inevitable
When I embarked on writing in 2019, I was unfamiliar with the intricacies of crafting a murder mystery. Though I had read extensively in the genre, nothing could truly prepare me for the complexities of plotting, clue construction, and the twists that mysteries require. In my initial draft, I had inadvertently omitted a crucial clue for the ending. Fortunately, my reader provided constructive feedback, asking, “How does this ending make sense?” instead of simply expressing confusion.
However, I made progress. By the second book, the version I presented to readers contained all necessary clues. By the third book, readers were delighted by its fast-paced and engaging narrative. The first book had some sluggish moments, but by the conclusion of the series, I had learned to eliminate prologues, cut unnecessary backstory, and streamline humor to enhance the action.
After dedicating countless hours to writing, I can confidently say I have improved, particularly in the thriller and murder mystery genres. If you aspire to be a better writer, the secret is simple: write, seek feedback, and keep writing.
#### The Challenge Remains
One of my favorite quotes about writing encapsulates this lesson:
"There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." — W. Somerset Maugham
By the third book, I was well-acquainted with the characters, and the technical aspects of writing had become easier. However, plotting the novel was still a formidable challenge. I outlined the first half of the book, began writing chapter one, and unexpectedly introduced two unplanned characters that would play significant roles in the narrative.
The unpredictability of the writing process is akin to driving a car with loose wheels down a steep hill—likely survivable but far from anxiety-free or enjoyable.
With each finished book, I often feel battered, as if I’ve been through a grueling ordeal. I only truly consider a project complete after reading it eight or nine times, uncertain if it's my best or worst work. At that point, I resign myself, saying, "Well! Nothing more I can do."
Embracing the Odd
During the writing of the series, unusual ideas frequently emerged. In my earlier days, I would have dismissed these as too silly for a serious writer. Yet, these creative detours became essential to my process.
After completing the second book, I wrote a novella about Space Vampires to give myself a mental break from my main characters, Brontë and Crockett. This project, authored by Kinzay Sprout, expanded the Beatrice narrative through multimedia. The creative exercise was so enjoyable that I repeated it after drafting the third book, focusing on a collection of Kinzay's poetry, which helped replenish my creative energy.
These experiences taught me two crucial lessons:
- Exploring playful, creative diversions is a natural part of the writing journey; one can only concentrate on a single project for so long before feeling drained. Refreshing yourself with new mini-projects can be beneficial.
- I hadn't experienced the same freedom in writing since childhood. Adopting a persona to express my creativity proved to be empowering—and readers enjoyed these side projects (the Space Vampire novella is even my husband’s favorite!).
Collaborating with Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of writing a series is the collaborative spirit it fosters. My alpha and beta readers accompanied me through all three books, with one even reviewing the novella and poetry collection.
Witnessing their connections to the characters was incredible; they shared insights about what they would do or what would enhance the humor in scenes. A memorable moment occurred when one beta reader, while reading the final book, anxiously inquired if The Danube Mob would return (a bizarre joke from the first book). The delight she expressed upon discovering their appearance was priceless.
Writing can be a lonely endeavor, so it was refreshing to have a series where readers not only appreciated the characters but wanted to engage with the world alongside me.
The Bittersweet Farewell
I underestimated how challenging it would be to say goodbye to my characters. While I am eager to embark on new creative pursuits, I will miss the likes of Crockett’s clumsiness, Brontë’s boldness, and the whimsical appearances of August, Kordelia, and Corinthiana.
As I completed the final draft, I found myself getting a bit emotional. I worried about my characters—would they be alright without me? I also felt nostalgic for the universe I had created. In the final chapter, I allowed the characters a moment of reflection, which was meaningful for me as well. It underscored the reality that, as a creator, my time in this world is limited; once the book is published, I become just another reader. It has truly been a privilege to bring this world to life, and I look forward to revisiting it like an old friend.
Conclusion: A Call to Write
I conclude this reflection with my most whimsical advice: absolutely write a series of books! It’s an enjoyable experience, promotes growth, and fosters connections with readers who become attached to your characters.
However, be prepared for a significant commitment. I invested countless hours in drafts, edits, and plotting. At times, I questioned my choices, wondering what I was doing with my life—but what’s the alternative? More Netflix?
If you choose to read my books, I hope you find joy in them, just as I found joy in writing them. Capturing the essence of this peculiar world was a privilege, and now I’m ready to chase the next wave of creativity. I’ll take a moment to recharge, and then it’s time to explore new horizons. Wish me luck!
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Tedd Hawks is a writer, trainer, and book coach from Chicago. If you're interested in book coaching services, check out my offerings here. You can follow him on TikTok, Substack, and his humor blog.