Monday, June 9, 2014

Big Easy Blog Hop


Decatur Street, New Orleans - stock photo                                         







I'm participating in the Big Easy Blog Hop today thanks to Shirley McCann. http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com/

I'll answer four questions. I was supposed to get three other authors to participate, but most of my writing friends had already done this. So instead, at the end, look for links to blogs I enjoy and don't forget to check out Shirley's blog. Here goes.

What am I working on?

I just finished edits on my debut novel Beyond The Horizon coming out June 27th from Breathless Press. So now I actually have time to get back to my new novel. The working title is Coming Home. It's about a woman returning to the small town she grew up in after her mother's death. She's been gone ten years, but she discovers some things never change including the heat between her and her ex high school sweetheart.

How does your writing differ from others?

That's a hard one. I don't think any two writers are alike. Everyone has their own voice. We all have our favorite authors.You can attempt to write in the genre and style of Janet Evanovich or Stephen King, but it will be different because it's your voice, not theirs.

Why do I write what I do?

I don't do paranormal or erotic which seem to be the hot sellers right now. I guess I'm more old school. Romance with some suspense and a happily ever after ending. That's what I enjoy reading. I believe if you try to write what's popular and it's not what you're into, people can tell, and you will fail. I just want to tell two people's love story.

What is your writing process?

I work full time at a stressful, demanding job that leaves me pretty tired at the end of the day. My writing happens mostly on weekends, unless I get a burst of energy and inspiration mid-week. I'm a pantser - in other words - no plot and no plan. I just write the first draft straight through letting the characters and setting speak to me. And then I revise and revise and revise. I enjoy the revision process. It's kind of like polishing a raw diamond. At the end, you hope you get a shiny piece that people will want to buy.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and check out these other blogs:

http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

http://sherivelarde.weebly.com/books-and-more-blog/welcome-breathless-press-author-h-k-sterling

http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com/







10 comments:

  1. Hello, Wanda. I understand the stressful job thing. You're right, it's hard to find time to write when you have to support yourself with your regular job. I'm glad you're able to find time.

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    1. It is very hard Chuck, but when you have to write, you find the time and energy.

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  2. Hi Wanda, you can put me in the stressful job category too. So like you most writing happens on weekends. But I find that because my writing time is limited...I never suffer from writer's block. How about you? Looking forward to the release of your novel, sounds like it's right up my alley.
    Terri

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    1. Thanks Terri. I don't have writer's block. Sometimes the words don't flow as easily as others but that could be laziness. :-)

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  3. Love hearing about your work, life and process. I'm thrilled your first book will be out at the end of the month. Maybe you write such wonderful stories because of such a stressful job. Many people like taking refuge away from their work by disappearing into a good book.

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    1. Nothing like a good book to melt your life away. Thanks Tierney!

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  4. I'm with you,Wanda. I prefer traditional stories as well. So what is your book about? Give us a hint.

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  5. Shirley, I meant to post my blurb. But my old timers sit in. Maybe I'll post it Friday.

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  6. I think you're right that it's a mistake to chase trends. If you're torn between projects, it can be smart to consider the market in making your choice, but in the end you have to write what comes from your heart.

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    1. There's nothing wrong with following trends, but like you said, it has to come from your heart.

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