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. :)

Amber Lea Easton
 http://amberleaeaston.blogspot.com

getBook.at/REALEaston

Dakota Skye

http://authordakotaskye.blogspot.com

myBook.to/BlurredLines

A J Matthews

http://adrianjmatthews.blogspot.com

Coming soon: http://www.lsbooks.com/pre-order-coming-soon-romance-books-c322.php

New Year's Updates

I'm trying to get better organized this year--hey, don't laugh! There's a first time for everything. ;)

One of the things I'm trying to organize is my blog, or should I say my blogs. I have more than one since I write in various genres. This one is my default "real me" and non-fiction web site where I've actually try to advertise my editorial services. It's not working too well, so that's going to have be re-thought out and revised. But one of the first things I want to re-vamp is my author bio page.

It's tough to know what all to put in and what to put out. I've always kept mine short and sweet. (Just go to the top and click on the "About me" link and you'll see.) I've been asking folks online for feedback, and they suggest that I add things like "Why do I write?" and "What are my inspirations?" 

I don't know. Those sound rather conventional to me. I'm weird. I'd rather go with funny or goofy or plain unusual. But would that scare off more potential readers than it would draw in? That's the crux of the matter.

So, I'll be considering what all is necessary, not necessary, or just plain scary to add to my bio page this week. I'll also be preparing another pleasant surprise for next week. (Fingers crossed!) I want to make this blog a place where readers and writers feel welcome and can gain some useful information at the same time. 

If you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. I'd like more comments this year. I know some people are reading what I post since I have those stats, but the interaction of leaving comments and conversing with me would be nice for a change. So how about it?

Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2014 for everyone!

Cindy

Book Review: Time to Depart

Time to Depart by Lindsey Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time to Depart brings Roman sleuth Marcus Didius Falco alive once again for me after a rather slow ride in the last book in the series. Returned to his home town of the seven hills, political corruption, crime, theft, murder, and old friends and family members abound in this story. Falco is hired on to help solve the mystery of who is behind the robbery of an entire marketplace worth of goods after his friend in the vigils, Petro, sends a noted gangster up the river (or rather, gets the crime boss exiled from Roman territory). If Pius isn't the criminal mastermind, who is? Lalage, the brothel keeper, isn't talking, and neither is Pius's bitter wife or vacuous daughter. Add in the domestic troubles of being asked to officiate as a priest at his landlord's wedding (ugh!), discovering a baby thrown in a skip, "adopting" a mutt that follows him about, trying to find his missing niece, and learning that he's about to become a father with his lover Helena Justina, and Falco has more than his hands full. Time to Depart is fast paced and full of action, suspense and plenty of characters to keep readers entertained. Well done!

View all my reviews