Monday, March 31, 2014

The Writing Process: What is the Secret?

This Blog Hop is called The Writing Process: What is the Secret? It's all about authors offering  a glimpse into their work, their writing schedules, and perhaps their innermost thoughts.

I received the invite to participate in this blog hop from the talented exotic romantic adventure author Sabrina Devonshire. Sabrina writes riveting contemporary romantic suspense that take place in exotic places where love awaits! I hope you will take the time to hop over to her site and also visit the sites of the three authors who will be posting their comments on Monday, March 31.

So without further ado, here are the secrets of my writing life...

1) What are you working on? 

Currently I'm working on the third book in my Loving Who fantasy romantic adventure series, entitled Losing Who. (Leaving Who is the second book in the series.) I'm anxiously awaiting the new season of Doctor Who to begin so I can see more of the newest actor in the role, Peter Capaldi, but I probably will finish the manuscript long before August. I'll have to make a few educated guesses as to the character of the latest Doctor.




Also, I have a YA SF/Fantasy manuscript called Olivia's Escape that's partially complete that I'm hoping to finish soon with some kind feedback from my talented hubby author AJ Matthews. The story takes place on a distant planet where the inhabitants kidnap humans and bring them to act as slaves and "replacements" for their dying species. It has sort of a steampunk feel to it, so it's a new and exciting genre for me.

2) How does my work differ from others in its genre? 

I'd have to say that my writing has a more pronounced sense of humor than a lot of other romantic fiction. I like my characters to find the humor in their situations--even when they are flat-out dire--so the characters can gain the strength to carry on and win the day. You could call me an eternal optimist. I enjoy the happily-ever-after or happy-for-now ending. It's the satisfaction of the human spirit triumphing over adversity. It's why most readers read romantic fiction.



 3) Why do I write what I do?

This is an intriguing question! I like observing and taking notes on unique people and fascinating situations. I enjoy exploring different locales, too. I feel that all drama comes from within, and to explore the human psyche is what novelists should do in whatever genre they choose to express themselves. To share insights into what makes human beings tick is my goal and probably the shortest answer to this question.






4) How does your writing process work?


I'm a pantser more than a plotter. I sometimes write a bare-bones synopsis and in-depth character sketch before starting to write a story, but I don't always get it all down on paper or an e-file. (I keep it in my head.)  I've found that if I tried to do a scene-by-scene outline I will almost always diverge from it. My characters just "talk" to me as I write. I allow them to take me where they will as I write the first draft. Any problems can be ironed out in the rewrites, but I trust the characters' intuition. The characters generally lead me in the right direction. It makes sense. It's "their story" after all.


5) Who will we meet next week? 

I'm honored and pleased to introduce you to three of my fellow authors: Amber Lea Easton, A J Matthews and Dakota Skye. Amber is a multi-published romantic suspense, contemporary romance and nonfiction author. Dakota is a paranormal erotic romance author who is fascinated by all things "unexplained" and other worldly. A J Matthews writes intriguing paranormal erotic romance and has another great book in the "Mr. Grey, Ghosthunter" series coming soon. They will be posting about their writing process on Monday, April 7 . Please download their books today (links below) and mark your calendars so you can read what they have to say next week. 

Thanks for reading my blog entry and be sure to leave me a comment below. If I have 25 comments, I will do a drawing for a free ebook. :)






Dakota Skye



A J Matthews

3 comments :

Cynthianna said...

Anyone out there? Please leave a comment if you read this blog or even if you're just passing through. Thanks.

A J said...

It's always fascinating to read how an author does what they do. Thanks for sharing some of the process with us. I know writing's a lot of hard work and little appreciated. Just to let you know, you are appreciated!

Cynthianna said...

Thanks, A J. It's always nice to be appreciated for the hard work you do trying to promote yourself and your writing. :)

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