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In this episode of Tart Words, Linda Hengerer talks about Dick Francis’s book Trial Run, and how he uses setting to emphasize the story, shows how societal expectations affect actions, and how to build characters for story.   

It was first published in the United States in 1978 by Berkley Books and is now available in ebook editions.  

Description from Amazon:

The last place veteran horseman Randall Drew wanted to go was Moscow. But when his royal highness the prince asks a favor, one doesn’t refuse.
 
 The Royal Family is worried about the prince’s brother-in-law, who aims to make the Olympics. Unfortunately a jealous Russian rider has sworn to kill him if he sets one hoof in Moscow. So Randall leaves his thoroughbred horses and loving girlfriend to investigate.
 
 But what he finds is more than jealousy. It’s a terrifying track of sabotage and murder. And now that he knows, the killer is after him…

Takeaways for writers:

In Trial Run, Randall Drew has time on his hands due to a recent rule saying jockeys cannot wear glasses while racing. He is asked to go to Moscow, find the mysterious Alyosha, and find out what he has to do with a Prince’s brother-in-law. Randall uncovers a plot that will endanger many people at the upcoming Olympics. 

Exercises for writers:

Secrets – Johnny Farringford tells Randall Drew an abbreviated story about his interactions with Hans Kramer. How much of a secret do you share, and how much do you hold back and reveal as the story progresses?

Societal Expectations – Randall Drew is an upper-class Brit whose family has served the monarchy over the years. How does his background contribute to his finally agreeing to go to Moscow? How can you incorporate your story’s societal expectations into your characters' actions?

Setting – How do the descriptions of England and Moscow enhance or reinforce the story? How can you describe the setting to convey the tone of the story, and how setting impacts character?

Building Characters for Story – Randall Drew wears glasses and is prohibited from racing due to a recent rule. He is in good health except for being susceptible to lung problems including asthma and bronchitis. How do each of these create problems for him as a character, and play into the story? How do you build characters whose personal flaws contribute to the story?