solving mysteries - help needed with obsession

[writefx]

Hello Everyone,

Like most of you, I'm one of those people who can't resist thinking 'what if?' whenever I come across something that looks unusual.

A few years ago I had an idea about a story and decided to research the practicality by physically doing what I wanted to character to do and in doing so I happened upon a real-life mystery.

The trouble was that I was so engrossed in doing this that it became more important than writing the story. In fact I felt more alive in 'mystery solving' than living my own life.

Perhaps my life could be more interesting if I could find some sort of hobby in solving. I do love logic puzzles. I did used to track down specific information for charities. However, I wondered if anyone had ideas on this or similar things happened to you while researching/writing stories?

[whitehawke]

LOL, I know what you mean. I can get so lost in the search that I start branching off in all sorts of directions. It's even worse, now that I've found the world wide web!
My novel is building up to a huge event that will one day affect this whole planet, so I need to search prophesy and, hey, I'm lost in it all over again. :rolleyes:
Thing is, if I get too lost in the search, my book may never get out to the public and people who need to hear the message may never hear. I believe it's writing that I'm called to and that is what I must do. I could search forever, but in the end, what would I gain? Who would I reach? Standing before my Lord, on that final day, what will He acknowledge?
Rulan :)

[writefx]

Rulan, Thanks so much for that. I got completely sidetracked from the reason I was inspired to write the story - warn people of danger.

[whitehawke]

cool... !thumbsup! would love to read your story when it's finished.

[dublinheart]

Me also! Sounds like you ought to be a detective/writer. Wasn't there a tv series about that? :eek:

[writefx]

Do You mean 'Murder She Wrote'? I have never seen a series so repeated. It is continually on tv. Even though it's predictable - like Columbo - where the villain is always in the opening scenes - I still enjoy watching.

That real-life mystery that I mentioned. Well I did stop as it was not my story to tell. It started out as a trial-run to see if it was possible for my character to do this, but I became so engrossed that I knew it wouldn't be ethical to carry on. However, instead of writing it, I then thought about doing even more research in another direction.

It would have made a great action movie!

[TrueBeliever]

Maybe you should use your obsession in a way that would benefit the Lord. I currently have no idea how you could do that, but give me some time and Ill find something. :)

[writefx]

Thanks. I've never thought of it in that way before.

[writefx]

I prayed and got an inspiration for a book where I can use this obsession. Suddenly everything has clicked into place - childhood interests, ideas for books in recent years which didn't work out - all coming togetherin a different format. I finally feel a purpose.