Writing my Novel Spate of Violence

 One of my readers asked me the other day if I intended writing a sequel to my novel Spate of Violence. I must admit that I had not intended doing so. It was always meant to be a stand-alone novel. Something I wanted to get out of my system and onto paper. Although it is not based directly on my experiences nor on people I encountered during my voluntary work in a crime victim support organisation, like most writers, I do draw on those experiences to a certain extent. Writing it was a painful process in many ways.
I had the idea in my head for several months before I got down to writing it. Although it is set in a small town in Germany, it could really have played out almost anywhere in the world. Set in Bitterfeld, a fictitious town near Frankfurt, it tells the story of Karen and Sebastian and their two children - a family whose lives are changed forever when they move to Bitterfeld, a town beset by petty crime.
At first they try to establish themselves and make friends but they become slowly aware of the dark undercurrents. The town is divided into those living in the high-rise apartment blocks in what is euphemistically called The Park and the wealthy "what can you expect from them" factions.  Karen becomes involved in a community scheme to assist disadvantaged women much to her husband's disapproval. She cannot know that this will ultimately cause her much heartache. Sebastian is determined not to get involved until their daughter is viciously attacked. He agrees to join the Citizens for Bitterfeld which has vowed to clean up the town. 
As the violence escalates, the ultimate tragedy can no longer be prevented.
Available as a Kindle or in paperback

Spate of Violence

Stating the Obvious

In every writing course I attended we were told to write clearly and not to use too many fancy words. That wasn't all we were told, of course. Have something to say and write it in such a way that your readers will understand was the message. Sometimes easier said than done but practice makes for reasonable performance.
I was reminded of this the other day when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced they are expecting their third child. Prince Harry was asked by a reporter how he felt and later several newspapers carried the headline "Prince Harry delighted with the news" or words to that effect. I have to ask: did the reporter who asked him how he felt expect him to say "how awful"? And do I really need to see a headline saying he is delighted to learn how he feels?
If I were to write a novel along those lines: main character's brother (or brother-in-law depending on which point of view you want to take) is delighted at prospect of the arrival of third child, I would not have much of a plot. Almost without exception every piece of fiction requires conflict of some kind  to make it interesting to the reader. I wouldn't know what to write if everything was going smoothly in my novels.
We are overloaded with useless - and some useful - information these days. The battle to fill space is a tough one. The news has to be sold instead of being told. 
Having said all that, what can writers learn? What can they avoid? There is so much advice out there for writers that we tend to get lost in it. However, from my own personal experience, I love to read novels which are well-written, have interesting characters that I can relate to, and have a story that grips me from the first page or at least the second chapter at the latest. That's a lot to ask of other writers - and of myself. For me, it means many hours of revision and editing to ensure the story is looking its best. I wouldn't give it up for all the printer ink in the world.