Ravensklip - outline of book

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By Just_Rodney


Synopsis

This is a brief outline and hopefully enough for some publisher to want me to have a discussion with them.

A novel by Just_Rodney

This is an outline of my proposed novel, I have quite a few chapters down already, the plot and how it should finish.

Now the problem is to get these characters to behave and align themselves with the task in hand.


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Set in South Africa - Johannesburg Southern Suburbs

Central figure, Thomas Terrance a fifty something white South African male in modern, post Apartheid era, not gainfully employed in part through physical problems and the current Black Empowerment and Equity climate.Recently married and living with wife and mother-in law, in an exclusive area, some 25 houses,south of Johannesburg, in which he performs a role similar to caretaker for the area, as well as an odd fetch and carrier as he is helpful by nature.

The general crime within the area has been, by most standards surprisingly low, limited to petty thefts, from garden and occasional washing from the lines. This starts to change and a series of incidents in and around the area start to affect the majority of the inhabitants.

Tradegy strikes, and a family move out of the area, new people occupy the recently vacated premises. They throw a party for the area, and take the suburb hostage. They sabatage the phones and other communications so that the suburb is completly isolated.

There is a way out and three youths manage to get out and alert the outside world what has happened. The police move and negotiate for the release of the occupants.

Other outside sources are also anxious for the release of some of the occupants of the area.

Negotiations are succesfull the hijackers depart, and the suburb finds that in the interim, they have been stripped of all their valuables. The insurance companies are contacted and agree to pay undisclosed sums for the return of the goods - no questions.

All ends well, or supposedly so, the ringleader of the hijackers was killed in a car accident shortly after his negotiated release. The members of the hi jack team, those that were left in the end, all met with serious accidents. Some of the residents were investigated for various evasions. Thomas carries on with his generally being helpful and assisting his neighbours.


Comments

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Karen Ellis profile image

Karen Ellis  says:
3 months ago

Rodney, you are talking my language now. I just finished my first mystery novel and am working on the second (it's a series). I won't pretend to be an expert as I am not published yet. However, if you don't mind, I'd like to make a couple of suggestions.

Thomas needs to be the hero of your story. I think he should start out (just as he sounds) - mild mannered, but at some point his true strength and courage start to show and then he needs to take over and bring the neighborhood to safety. Really develope your main character and let him tell you his story.

Come up with a great title. When you are trying to sell your idea (or complete novel) you want the title to sound unique and intriguing. Of course, the title may not come to you until you start writing and get into the book.

I have an outline that I follow for my mysteries. It might help in your novel. Let me know if you are interested - I'm glad to share, unless you already have a format you are following.

Karen Ellis profile image

Karen Ellis  says:
3 months ago

Ooops - sorry, you already have a great title. Skip that part.

Just_Rodney profile image

Just_Rodney  says:
3 months ago

Karen, thanks for those words of encouregement. Thomas is the hero, and I too envisage that this be the start of at least 2 other books with him involved. Thomas, is actually a great guy, and a dreamer, but as you have stated, his temperment is hard and does as you guessed, save the day.

I am working on an outline, but maybe the one that works for you, may just fit into Thomas's frame more comfortably.

Glad that you like the title.

Just_Rodney profile image

Just_Rodney  says:
3 months ago

Karen, Had a bit of finger to brain problem, yes you can send the outline to me it would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Karen Ellis profile image

Karen Ellis  says:
3 months ago

Rodney,

I sent you a private message with my e-mail address. Please contact me their and I will send it to you. I'm always learning new things about writing from friends, so hope it will help. Also, be sure and let me know if you got my private message, there's an opportunity in it for writing regarding South African Cooking - perfect for you.

Just_Rodney profile image

Just_Rodney  says:
3 months ago

Karen,

Thanks I did receive it and will check it out.

Many thanks

This is what is fantastic about Hub, great support and genuine caring.

amy jane profile image

amy jane  says:
3 months ago

Hi Rodney, great ideas! I am no expert, as I am just working through my own outline at this point, but take a look at the series of hubs by cjcs, if you haven't already :) I found them so helpful. Here is the first:

http://hubpages.com/hub/cjcs-Building-a-Story-Part

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress!

Just_Rodney profile image

Just_Rodney  says:
3 months ago

Amy Jane,

Many thanks for the link and yes will keep everyone posted as to the progress of my 1st book, as it developes.

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