In response to reader questions, I’ve taken a moment to talk a little about my writing process. This is part 2 of the series.
Do you have a pre-writing process? If so, what is it? And why?
I wish I were more disciplined, more regular in my writing process. I’m very moody and my energy ebbs and flows. I can write very quickly, but I also go into quite deep fallow periods. So, it’s hard to predict. I’m trying to write more quickly, and put more books out, especially in series, but when it comes time to put words on the page, it can be erratic. The “pre-writing” however, is a stage I could happily wallow in forever. I adore planning stories, and developing characters, and can spend a lot of time in that stage. But in some ways the longer I muck about there, the more intimidating the actual writing becomes. I’m going to try something a little different with the next books, so I’ll let you know how that works out!
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Story inspiration is everywhere, once you have a storytelling bent of mind. Every life is a story. Every news headline and world event triggers ideas. Any random conversation can spin off into imagination land. But so far, my stories are born out of experiences, places, and in response to the needs of the characters I have already created. They are like puzzles that demand to be solved.
When can we expect the next book in the series? And, can you share which character is finding their happily-ever-after next?
I’ve been thinking about this cast of characters (the Having It All folks) for over ten years, puzzling out what there problems are, what they need, and how best to create situations for them to grow. For a while I thought I’d tackle Rachel Sharpe’s story next, and I have quite a lot of that one worked out. But it’s a rather difficult story to write, and, to be honest, I’m avoiding it. I think that’s why Sharon’s story drifted to the top of the pile. Very early I knew how this one would end, and just had to bring it to life (and I’m so excited that it’s finally here!) With Rachel, it’s taking longer. Now, I need only to feel strong and focused enough to tackle it. It’s an emotional one.
To write another Life Is A Journey book, I really need to travel and get juiced up about a place. And dig up some contextual details. I think the next one may be set in Ireland. But with the pandemic curtailing our travel for the foreseeable future, I’m waiting on that one.
My next project, however, will not be part of either of my existing series. I’ve been planning and plotting for quite a while now on an entirely new series called Most Likely To, or maybe Most Un-Likely To, and that will introduce readers to a whole new group of friends in a new city, and all of the books will be much more strongly linked together, with the characters reappearing in each other’s books more than in the past.
I’m getting really excited about working on it. I have a very special surprise for VIP newsletter subscribers in regard to this series.
Thanks for reading! If there are questions you have that I haven’t answered in this two part series, please leave a comment or message me and I’ll return with more answers for you.
Don’t forget to grab your copy of Before You Knew Me at the special introductory prices of $0.99. It won’t last and then you’ll be crying. Also share this post with your friends so you can read and discuss it together over a real or virtual cup of coffee. Book club? Even better! There’s plenty to talk about in this one.
books2read.com/BeforeYouKnewMe
