The Writing Process Behind Jawbone Holler: Crafting a Page-Turner Through Character, Plot, and Theme

Writing a novel like Jawbone Holler was an immersive experience, particularly when it came to shaping a story that readers could devour in one sitting. The feedback has been incredibly rewarding, with many calling it a “page-turner” and noting how easily it flows despite its 93,000 words. Achieving that readability was not accidental. It came from a deep focus on character development, plot twists, the use of symbolism, and the consistent drive to entertain the reader with something exciting or meaningful in every chapter.
Character Development: The Journey of Perry Adams
At the heart of Jawbone Holler is its main character, Perry Adams, whose personal growth forms the backbone of the story. Perry starts as a troubled young man in Indiana, wrestling with his own demons and a troubled past. Throughout the novel, he matures as he faces the many challenges life throws at him. From the Civil War battlefield, where he becomes a hero, to his eventual rise as an accomplished farmer in territorial Kansas, Perry’s arc is one of significant personal evolution.
The key to this kind of character development is to ensure that the growth feels real. Readers want to see characters change, and Perry’s transformation—rooted in hardship, bravery, and resilience—makes him a dynamic protagonist. By the end of the novel, Perry is not the same man readers meet at the beginning. His experiences shape him into someone stronger, wiser, and more empathetic, which is a journey I wanted readers to feel a part of every step of the way.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Layers of Meaning
Subtle yet powerful storytelling tools like symbolism and foreshadowing also play a role in Jawbone Holler. Symbolism helps give the story a deeper resonance. For instance, the changing seasons often reflect Perry’s emotional state—stormy weather mirroring internal conflict or the coming of spring representing new beginnings.
Foreshadowing, on the other hand, builds anticipation. I planted small hints about major events early in the novel, encouraging readers to keep an eye out for clues. When those events come to pass, it creates a satisfying payoff, enhancing the overall narrative. This approach keeps readers engaged and rewards them for their attention to detail.
The Importance of Major Events in Every Chapter
One key to making Jawbone Holler a fast-paced, compelling read was ensuring that each chapter had a major event or development. Whether it was a plot twist, a pivotal character moment, or the introduction of new conflict, I made sure that something significant was happening in each chapter. This pacing kept the momentum going, helping to create the “page-turner” effect that so many readers have mentioned.
Including these developments in every chapter is a technique I believe is critical for keeping readers invested. They never have to wait long for the next big moment, and this rhythm of action, tension, and revelation keeps them glued to the page.
Plot Twists and Thematic Consistency
Plot twists are essential in keeping a story exciting, but in Jawbone Holler, they aren’t just thrown in for surprise—they’re woven into the fabric of the novel’s larger themes. Themes like redemption, loyalty, and the complexity of human morality during the Civil War era serve as the story’s foundation. Each plot twist challenges these themes, forcing Perry to make decisions that shape his character and move the narrative in unexpected directions.
Staying true to these key themes is important. It keeps the story focused and cohesive, allowing the plot twists to feel natural rather than forced. Twists should always serve the story, not detract from it. The goal is to surprise readers, but also to deepen their connection to the characters and the world in which they live.
The Reader’s Experience: Entertain, Don’t Torture
One of the most important lessons I learned while writing Jawbone Holler was to always put myself in the reader’s shoes. At the end of the day, storytelling is about creating an experience that is engaging, entertaining, and rewarding. I knew I didn’t want to bog readers down with overly complicated or meandering plotlines. Instead, the goal was to craft a story that flows smoothly, where each chapter drives the plot forward and keeps the reader excited to find out what happens next.
This is why so many readers have been able to finish Jawbone Holler in a single day. They’re not being dragged through a convoluted or overly drawn-out narrative. They’re on a fast-moving journey, one where each chapter has purpose and momentum, and where the characters evolve in meaningful ways.
Writing Devices and Tactics in Jawbone Holler
In addition to character development and pacing, several writing devices helped make Jawbone Holler an engaging read:
• Dialogue: Dialogue was crucial in establishing the historical setting and giving the characters authentic voices. Conversations between characters also serve to reveal backstory and drive the plot.
• Multiple Perspectives: Shifting between different points of view allowed me to explore the story from various angles, providing a richer experience for the reader. It also gave me room to explore subplots that eventually weave into the main narrative.
• Cliffhangers: Ending chapters with unresolved tension or new revelations ensured that readers would keep turning the pages. I leaned on this tactic frequently to maintain a sense of suspense.
• Flashbacks: Rather than slowing down the plot, flashbacks helped provide essential context for Perry’s decisions and personality, giving depth to the present-day narrative without becoming an exposition dump.
The Bottom Line
The writing process for Jawbone Holler was about creating a novel that not only tells a story but takes readers on a journey they’ll remember. Through strong character development, careful use of symbolism, exciting plot twists, and strategic pacing, I aimed to craft a novel that is as rewarding as it is entertaining.
For anyone writing their own novel, I encourage you to always think about the reader. Make sure your characters grow, your themes are consistent, and there’s always something happening to keep readers engaged. Writing is an art, but storytelling is also about making connections—with your characters, your plot, and most importantly, your readers.