Day 35

Very first thing in the morning, (after the normal human stuff, of course), I rough out about a 5 paragraph blog post, reporting yesterday's personal activities, what I'm thinking about and a discussion of my rewrite struggles with 'But We Had Expenses.' Yesterday, I spent the majority o f the day with chapter 8. It centers around Mayor James Carker, (I changed his name, see Dickens, Dombey and Son).

'Mr Carker was a gentleman thirty-eight or forty years old, of a florid complexion, and with two unbroken rows of glistening teeth, whose regularity and whiteness were quite distressing. It was impossible to escape the observation of them, for he showed them whenever he spoke; and bore so wide a smile upon his countenance (a smile, however, very rarely, indeed, extending beyond his mouth), that there was something in it like the snarl of a cat.'---Dickens

Carker (close to canker), through old ties, brings the counterfeit money to the bungled transfer, (30% legit - 70% counterfeit). He is also under the pressure of running for mayor, election only three weeks away. He consents to an interview with Emily, but is pressured throughout the interview, (his phone keeps ringing) with his other botched activities. My problem is the chapter: it doesn't really flow. I have to start slowly and build up to a conclusion, where Carker snaps, spinning out of control.

Not only does the money transfer go south, but his insurance agent, young guy with visions of Fiji, sun, and Mai Tai's, wants a larger cut for his 'high appraisals,' of the mayor's paintings. All these phone distractions while the interview is being tapped.

Also, there is the conflict between Emily (our heroine) and Amber Dimly, both TV anchors at the station. One will get the job of full time anchor. I'll have to commit today to keeping her in the scene. She is watching the in-house feed of the interview, and making nasty comments. She too comes to a boil, angry she wasn't chosen to do the interview with Carker. The ending of this chapter splits into 2 chapters, the aftermath for Mayor Carker,(pills and alcohol,) and Amber's revenge. (Get Emily!)

To calm himself, Carker phones Josephine, (his associate in crime, does his dirty work) who is 'engaged' with Dr Brandt, the wayward vet. Her 'preoccupation,' further infuriates him. (Too much 'stuff' in one chapter?) Also Glass, disguising his voice, calls. 'We're on to you, pal,' kind of call, anonymously, (more anger,) forcing Carker to down a number of Percocet to relax, along withgulps of his martini. (Mayor is ready to detonate.)

Today's plan is to again go over this chapter, tighten it up and see if it all sounds, 'plausible.' Might be a little over the top, but I think that's what my readers want. That's what I want in a story. But still real life stuff. Characters with above normal larceny (guts) in their character. A lot more than I've got. A lot more!

Thanks for reading this far. Confusing as this is at this point, it will all be clear soon, promise.

Until tomorrow

Cornelius Butterfield