The big topic of conversation before our vacation in Wisconsin was whether the ice would break in time. In Illinois, we suffered from a harsh, cold and snowy winter. Wisconsin did also, the difference being the snow stuck around much longer there because it was much colder.
So, for my husband to fish, the ice needed to thaw and break and dissipate. Fortunately, the weather turned warm about 1 1/2 weeks before we were due to arrive at the cottage. We heard reports that the ice was melting and mostly cleared. Hopefully, he'd be able to fish our lake.
When we arrived, at first the area near our cottage was clear, but we could see ice at the other end of the lake. Then the direction of the wind shifted and the ice drifted in front of the cottage, which meant no fishing.
The rain came and with it warmer weather. The ice started cracking and falling apart before our eyes. Before we knew it, the ice had completely disappeared from the entire lake. Needless to say, we were relieved. All was well and the fishing could begin!
Giving your characters secrets is a lot like ice on the lake. The reader keeps watching to see when the secret will come out. A good author provides hints along the way, like the ice cracking in spots. Then, the author will throw a curve and the ice will come rushing in the other direction, leaving the reader to wonder will the secret ever be revealed.
Then the ice breaks and the secret is revealed, usually with an outpouring of emotion. Communication flows freely, like the lake after the thaw. Good things happen as a result.
In case you're wondering, yes, my husband has caught fish and hopes to catch more, since we have until Sunday for vacation. I've not been as lucky at the casino, but have had a great time shopping and also am enjoying way too many calorie-packed meals. That's okay, vacation calories don't count. Kind of like holiday calories.
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com
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