Stepping Stones of Writing Goals

A lot of people hold fanfiction in disdain, but I firmly believe that the experience of writing fanfic has made me a better writer. Back when I was writing By the Book and plotting Caffrey Flashback and Caffrey Disclosure, I had an idea in the back of my mind for an original novel. That idea had been lurking in my mind for a while, and I had been worried that I wouldn’t be able to write a mystery. I told myself that writing the trilogy of Caffrey Conversation stories I was envisioning would give me useful experience. At the end of the trilogy I’d know if I could write mysteries that readers would enjoy. Each story served as a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal.

Subliminal Messages to Azathoth

Diana finished writing The Crypt shortly after the events in Echoes of a Violin. Peter is more convinced than ever that the cybercriminal Azathoth's ultimate goal is to have Neal work for him. Azathoth could coerce Neal by any number of means, but that wouldn't provide the satisfaction of turning Neal into a willing recruit. In The Crypt, Peter has directed the Arkham Round Table to send the cybercriminal a message: "If you're as smart as I think you are, you'll want me too." It's the initial strategy for what Peter has called the "ultimate long con" to bring Azathoth to justice.

Do-overs and Keepers

One of the goals of the Caffrey Conversation AU is to give Peter and Neal a do-over. I wanted to set up their working relationship of canon White Collar at a point earlier in their lives. If they became colleagues and friends before Neal was arrested – so that the arrest never happens – then they would be closer to being on even ground. Without the threat of sending Neal back to prison, with the pressure on Peter somewhat reduced as a result, I thought their friendship and working relationship would have a better shot at success.

Alien Worlds and Races in Arkham Files

In The Crypt, what was previously was hinted at is now apparent. The world of Lovecraft's stories has been expanded into outer space.

Chittaks and Zoogs

The world of the Cthulhu Mythos can be a bleak place. Monsters from beyond space and time that leave their victims paralyzed with fear or worse are the hallmark of Lovecraft's stories. There aren't many happy endings in Lovecraft's tales of terror. That the cybercriminal Azathoth identifies with Lovecraft is not an encouraging sign for the White Collar team. But Diana and her fellow plotters of the Arkham Round Table are not about to let Azathoth and his monsters have their way. Is it possible to write optimistic stories within the realm of the Cthulhu Mythos? They're determined to give it their best shot.