My Writing Process

Today is blog tour day and I’m talking about my writing process. I’d like to thank Sharon Struth, at http://sharonstruth.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/my-writing-process-blog-tour/ for inviting me to become a stop on the tour.

1)          What am I working on?

I’m currently writing the second book in a romance trilogy titled Planning for Love. In addition, I’m preparing for the release of my first Women’s fiction novel, Poplar Place; due out March 27. That also means I’m in the process of editing, promotion, and street team prep. I’m also researching and writing a WWII spy novel tentatively titled, Nazis, Spies & American GIs. I’m having a blast researching and conducting interviews with vets and even a German who survived the Berlin bombings.

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

For my romances I tend to cross genres by adding a bit of mystery and suspense. My readers feel it makes my stories more enjoyable however it can be a tough sell to publishers.   Additionally, I always like to add humor to my stories. I love a book that can make me laugh, so I always try to provide some levity for my readers.

3)          Why do I write what I do?

I would love to provide some deep illuminating thoughts about how I started writing in this genre–but the reality is; I write what I do because I can. I don’t write non-fiction because it doesn’t interest me. I don’t have the stomach or inclination to write bloody thrillers and murder mysteries. I wish I could come up with a fabulous Young Adult novel, because the genre is a hot comodity, but inspiration has yet to strike. I’m a sucker for happy endings. Therefore, I write about women and romance.

4)          How does your writing process work?

Ha! My process is all over the place. Ideas for books come at me from all directions-books I read, movies and television shows I watch, general world observations, the newspapers, but most of all-dreams. Many times climaxes of a story have come to me in dreams. If the dream is vivid enough it’ll stick with me and throughout the day and I’ll ruminate on it, maybe jotting down some ideas. Then I’ll toss story lines around in my head. I work a lot in my head, once in a while I’ll produce a written outline, but mostly the outline sits on the back burner of my brain.

Once I figure out a beginning and ending, I’ll start writing. Sometimes I’ll research along the way, or if it’s out of my realm of knowledge I’ll research it first before putting finger to keyboard. Like what I’m doing for my WWII spy novel.

Sometimes I suffer from writer’s block. I know where I want the story to go, but don’t know how to get there. I’ll lie on the couch, and run scenarios through my head until the right scene gels. Then I type like mad before it leaves. I’ve also been known to have full scenes come to me even though it’s ten chapters away. So, I’ll write down that chunk of scene and pull it out after I’ve written to it. I don’t recommend this way of working. I always have to deal with fixing inconsistencies. On the other hand, I’ve written some really moving scenes that I’m proud of.

Up next for the tour on February 10

Angel Nicholas writes dark romantic suspense. When she’s not  whipping up writerly concoctions, she can be found in the nearest shoe store, Starbucks, tormenting her darling children, or traveling to wild and exotic destination-otherwise known as daydreaming. Here in cyber-land, you may find her playing on  Facebook, tweeting on  Twitter  or randomly  blogging. To follow any important news, be sure to check out her  website.   http://authorangelnicholas.blogspot.com

Beth Rhodes writes about her favorite things: family and love. When she isn’t writing about it, she’s living it with her Army husband and their five kids. She lives in the beautiful state of Colorado, where she gets her fill of cool weather, running, camping, and coffee drinking. http://bethwritesromance.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-writing-process-blog-tour.html

Tracey Livesay is the author of contemporary interracial romance. Her debut novel, The Tycoon’s Socialite Bride, Book #1 in the “In Love With A Tycoon” Series will be released on February 10, 2014 from Entangled Publishing. http://traceylivesay.com/mimosas-at-midnight/

 

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