Who knows what and how much do they tell? I've been picking through a scene where the characters are summarizing what they've observed and the conclusions they've drawn from it, and it's been difficult. The conversation has to be natural—no one says (at least, no one normal), "I observed the geese flying southward in a "V" formation and therefore concluded that the fall equinox has passed and autumn has arrived." Instead, they say, "Time to buy Halloween candy."



So here I have a bunch of observant guys who've known each other for a while. What do they say to each other? How much do they say and how do they say it? Do they hold anything back? If so, why? Do they veer off on tangents? If so, how do I bring them back? Do I want to bring them back? Or do I let them go chasing down rabbit (hah!) trails?



It's also been kind of frustrating because while they do know each other, their relationships are changing. So the rhythm, the dynamics of their conversation has changed, which means that tones, attitudes, and word choices that might've been appropriate for Covenants are out of whack here and I have to dig to discover what is appropriate. I love it when my characters make me work. Ah well, characters changing and maturing is good for a series, I suppose. No one stays the same forever. Unless you're Archie Goodwin and Nero Wolfe.



By the way, only 96 shopping days until Christmas.