My Writing Process

When Cameron Garriepy asked if I wanted to participate in a blog tour detailing my writing process, I giggled and then forced a straight face as if she could see me through the instant message window.

"Sounds fun!" I typed, trying not to laugh again.

Because my writing process?

Oh dear. I'm not entirely certain it's sane or effective, but here it is in all its sloppy detail.

1) What am I working on?

I'm currently working on an as-yet-untitled novel based on the short story Awakening featured in Echoes of Darkness. It's a supernatural romance which means there are gods and goddesses, spells and witches, people tossing bolts of light and controlling waves. And, because I'm me and write the way I write, it's done with a solid sense of humor and tongue pressed firmly to cheek.

It's the first novel I've taken this far and will be the first novel I publish, come hell or high water or long, painful edits and rewrites.

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

Like Cam and Eden before her, I'm not sure about this question. Genre equates categories. Categories are defined by separation on the basis of similarities. Also, being an avid romance novel reader, I know that I would not be happy if certain "rules" were broken. Some of my favorite authors, however, bend those rules and that is something to which I aspire.

I write romance stories. To be honest, I write silly, fun romance stories populated by people who have problems - some major, some minor - fueled by situations that vary from the absurd to the mundane. But one thing will always be true: there will always be a happy ending to my tales probably because so often in real life, there isn't.

3) Why do I write what I do?

I grew up in the middle of a romance novel: a sassy and strong single mother of two children, thumbing her nose at societal convention meets a cowboy Marine from the Ozark mountains who still calls women ma'am and men sir. There was a volcano, family disapproval, four previous weddings, and homes without indoor plumbing. They fought, they made up, they made out and to this day, they can't be apart more than a few days without missing each other. With a home like that, is it any wonder that romance novels are my genre of choice?

4) How does your writing process work?

Oh dear Lord. This. This is where I giggled. My writing process looks a little like this:

1. Set myself an impossible deadline to finish my first draft.
2. Put off writing my draft until I'm a breath away from the deadline.
3. Maniacally and frantically write until my fingers ache and I meet the deadline.

Well, it's not quite that bad.

I tend to do a very loose outline, nothing more than a down and dirty of my main plot points. Then, I write. I've had to train myself not to focus on the minutia or details during the first draft. It's too easy for me to wander off course by trying to find the perfect word, the perfect description. I keep myself in line with word count goals and the knowledge that a) I'm not someone who can sit down to a computer after working all day to write creatively, b) I can't write effectively when people are about because they distract me, and c) the previous two points means I have a very small window of time in which to unleash my inner muse.

I'm also incredibly, insanely fortunate to have two amazing writing partners who have never steered me wrong. When I'm stuck on a plot point, I can talk it out with them, get it out of my head and onto paper. They help me iron wrinkles, smooth divots, and just keep writing.

I've never been further than a rough draft with a work of this size until now. I'll have to let you know how I end up doing with re-writes. Something tells me I'll need a calming herbal tea.

Or Scotch.

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The Writing Process Blog Tour is heading to its next stop next Monday, visiting:

Duffy Batzer, a wife and mother who neglects her blog unless its someone's birthday. She's currently trying to edit her first novel and might soon be joining me in that Scotch.

Karen Gartner, who attempts to craft time for the noisy parade of characters occupying her headspace in between time spent with her family and two busy kids.