My Writing Process Blog Tour

My friend and fellow Michigander, Annette Briggs asked me to join in a blog tour to share with others about our writing process. Many of our fellow Mid Michigan RWA members are jumping in too. I'm going to share my process below but wanted you to check out Annette- the person who roped me in. *tee hee* Her upcoming novel appears to be a winner!


Annette's bio: Like so many other writers, I had the urge to create stories from the very beginning. I probably left scratches in my mother’s womb that resembled cave drawings. As a child, telling stories in comic strip form was a natural for me. Then I created stories to perform while bringing to life the pretend console “radio” my sister and I concocted from a large cardboard box. That was a l-o-n-g time ago. No soap operas or even Sergeant Preston of the Yukon on radio any more.

By the time I was a fourteen, I’d sold my first article to my hometown newspaper. Along the way, I’ve sold short stories, interviews, and articles to magazines and newspapers.

Check out Annette's website and blog for more information: http://annettebriggs.com/
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The Blog Tour asks that you only answer three questions and then tag more people to follow along. Here's my answers to the questions. However, I never did dig up any victims. So I'm asking some friends to jump on the bandwagon and share their writing processes in the coming weeks... Let's see who gives it a try!!



1) What am I working on? Currently I'm working on edits for Protecting His Wolfe. I received the rights back to this story and have changed it around a bit and hope to have it back on Amazon, All Romance Ebooks, and B&N before the end of spring. 
 
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? My stories are novella length which means they can be enjoyed in one sitting or in a shorter period of time. I love getting caught up in a story but hate putting it down to return to the "real world". My stories also feature small town Americana where everyone knows everyone else and watch out for their neighbors. Luckily, I grew up with that and made a home in a small Michigan town so that my own children had that experience as well.
 
3) Why do I write what I do? I'm a diehard romantic, flowers, poetry and gentle caresses. I believed in princes and fairy tales and sought that out when I grew up. Realizing that the "real world" is very different than what we are told, I've found a love for sharing my stories with others. I want other readers to experience the bliss of first romance and the blush of that first kiss. I want to build an escape for them from the daily grind of life. Happiness doesn't rely on a Prince Charming but sometimes a strong cowboy or the next-door neighbor.
 
4) How does my writing process work? Usually the characters come to me. They speak to me or I get an idea of what they are like. I'm a pantser which means that I don't sit down and create an outline. However, I do begin with the bones of the story- the characters, the conflict, and the happily ever after. Since I have a full time job as an elementary teacher, I fit my writing (and reading) in during spare moments. I begin at the beginning and work my way through my stories chapter by chapter as if I'm seeing a movie. But when I have to return to a previous piece, I do go back and re-read the story from the beginning to return to the flow and reconnect with the characters. This allows me to edit and write, write and revise, edit, revise and write. Once the story is complete, I edit again and then submit to a publishing house or send it off to another editor for their insights. 


Now I'm sharing with you a chance to jump on the wagon with me and share about your writing process. After all, each author, no matter what they write, has a unique voice which brings alive their characters and stories! I hope you'll join in and share your own writing with others!

 

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