A big thank you to Mahrie G. Reid for inviting me on this “Writing Process” blog hop. Mahrie is a mystery/romance author who currently lives in Alberta, Canada. Originally, she’s from Nova Scotia and this is where she draws much of her inspiration. She has set a series in the fictional town of Caleb Cove and the first in the series was released last month.
available on Amazon
You can read about Mahrie’s writing process here.
The idea of this blog hop is
- to answer four questions, and then
- choose 2 or 3 authors to do the same.
Without further ado, here are the questions and my answers:
1) What am I working on right now?
I’m working on the second book in a series set in a fictional town in the Northwest USA. It’s a sweet romantic mystery and it started off as a standalone. Somewhere along the line, I realized I was writing a series and I realized I was in book 2 of the series. So . . . I need to write book 1. But I won’t start writing the first book until I finish this one. Usually, I write linearly, so I don’t quite know how this happened.
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It’s a combination of Sweet Romance and Coming Of Age. I don’t write “sex scenes” but I’ve been told the writing is “sensual”. My current work has an element of mystery thrown in the mix. Here’s what some reviewers have said about my stories:
- light, whimsical, enjoyable and heartwarming
- a story of finding oneself
- clean and romantic
- a “feel good” story that leaves you smiling 🙂
3) Why do I write what I do?
I have always liked Coming of Age stories. Besides that, I like getting inside my characters’ heads and seeing how their feelings for each other develop.
4) How does my writing process work?
My process varies. For the last few months, it goes something like this:
- Make tea.
- Turn on Freedom, to turn off the internet.
- Read over what I wrote yesterday.
- Try to visualize what might happen next.
- Type – scribble – pace.
- Make more tea.
I don’t know my characters or my setting before I begin a story so I have to meet them along the way. I might start with a picture of a character and wonder about him. Then I’ll listen to what he says, write it down, and gradually get to know him.
And that sums up My Process.
Now I’d like to introduce two other writers who will tell you about their writing process.
available on Amazon
In another life, Amy Jo was a lawyer. Now she spends her days travelling and writing. She is the author of DEATH AT BANDIT CREEK, A Bandit Creek Mystery.
Amy Jo will talk about her writing process on her blog on Friday April 4.
Find her at: www.amyjofleming.com
Win is a writer, a speaker, a strategist, and a geek. Her company, Creative Implementations, offers lifestyle business strategies and WordPress development and technical maintenance services to creatives and heart-centered entrepreneurs. She’s writing her very first novel, a contemporary romance.
available here
Win will talk about her writing process on Friday April 4.
Find her at: www.WinDayWrites.com
So how about you? Have you ever wondered how a writer writes? Does my process make any sense at all? When you think of a writer working away, what comes to mind? What is your favourite kind of tea?
hopping kangaroo from Depositphotos #73542441_l-2015
I must congratulate you on obtaining your goals. I love your hero especially. Because they are sexy and appealing as well as honorable and good people. Keep writing – it’s so enjoyable to read your books.
Thank you, Mary! You just gave me a big smile 🙂
Suzanne – thanks for the “shout out” on my book.
Loved your blog. Your style and humor come through in this writing as well as your books. Good luck with your series. I’ll be looking to read book 3 and 1 …whenever they’re ready. And my favorite tea is anything non-caffeine and red (cranberry, raspberry…)
You’re welcome, Mahrie!
. . . and I need to switch over to non-caffeine for a bit. Fortunately for me, my hot cinnamon spice comes in a decaf version.
This Writing Process blog hop has been so interesting to follow. I love the insight into how your process works, Suzanne. But how big a surprise was it when you figured out you were on book two? Too fun!!
Yes, Liv. A big surprise. Although, now that I need to write book 1, that means book 2 will get lots of “simmering” time 🙂
Suzanne, I find it so interesting how every individual author works through the process from initial idea to The End. 🙂 Excellent post. And I love lemon herbal tea the best.
Thanks, Brenda. I’m off to make some decaf tea now. I’m reserving the caffeine variety for mornings only!
I love green tea; am not a writer but I do enjoy reading how writers come about writing their books and characters. Creativity keeps the juices flowing whether you write; sew; knit; crochet or paint. Can’t wait for your next book. hugs
Thanks, Sue!
Everybody: Sue is very creative. She knitted an “Isabelle” doll, the character in ON THE WAY TO A WEDDING. You can see “Isabelle” at https://www.suzannestengl.com/isabelle-doll/
when I get her hair and face done; you will get a new photo.
looking forward to it!