Dear Reader,
This week, I made good progress with the first draft of Snow in August, Sam Smith Mystery Series book sixteen. I write the first draft of every story at a fast pace before slowing down with the second draft. The second draft is basically the story you read, after minor adjustments during two rounds of editing. Once the second draft is complete I never make radical changes. When I write, the book is about word selection, not story building. The story building takes place during the planning and storyboarding stages. Watching a documentary this week I noticed that Alfred Hitchcock used to meticulously storyboard his movies. Personally, I think it’s a great way of storytelling, whether through the medium of movies or books.
Delighted that Sam has found new readers, in Sweden 🙂
Suzan is recording audiobook versions of Escape and Victory, to complete the series. I just listened to chapter one of Escape and Suzan’s narration is excellent. Normally, I don’t like rereading or listening to my words, but Suzan‘s narration drew me into the story.
Here’s an example of Suzan’s narration https://hannah-howe.com/audio-books/
My latest translation, the Spanish version of Victory. Irene translated all five books in this series and it was a great pleasure working with her.
Earlier this week, I watched North By Northwest for the first time. I will write a review of the movie on another occasion, but for now would like to mention Eva Marie Saint who, in her nineties, I am pleased to say is still with us. Eva Marie Saint offered an elegant performance in North By Northwest and is the main reason for watching this movie. She also excelled in 36 Hours, a James Garner World War Two noir movie. That movie relied on a simple, but highly effective, plot device to knit the drama together. Without giving the plot away, it relied on fingers and thumbs. I love old movies and, in all truth, the old stars were a mixed bunch. Some of the stories about them would make your toes curl. But I’ve read no such stories about Eva Marie Saint. On and off screen, she exuded class.
As ever, thank you for your interest and support.
Hannah xxx
Hannah Howe 
3 replies on “Dear Reader #16”
Interesting to read your process Hannah. We all do it differently, don’t we? I start with the beginning and the end and then fill in the middle as I go. I guess I’m just not organised enough in my head to storyboard. I’ll have to consider it as an option.
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Reblogged this on Grant Leishman – Author.
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As always, Hannah, you’re incredibly well organized. Well done, you!
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