In July I was invited by Gerry Wilson to participate in a Writing Process Blog Tour. I did write my post once. However, something happened to the formatting and I had to scratch it. What with editing commitments and grandkid visits, I've finally been able to redo this post. Before I begin, I want to thank Gerry Wilson for inviting me. Click this is LINK to her blog site, the writerly life, where you can check out her blog tour and accomplishments. Be sure to check out the three author's she's featured on her tour.
On to the Blog Tour.
WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
I recently finished my rewrites and edits for Winter's Captive, Book 1 of the Georgia Series. It was an emotional and strange revisit to my first book which had been previously published by another publisher. When Fountain Blue Publishing picked up this book and the yet unpublished Chasing Georgia, Book 2 of the Georgia Series, I knew Book 1 would have to go through a new editing process. It was a little scary but working with my editors, Ron and Linda Bagliere, I found his insights and support encouraging. I have added 10,000 new words to the book, added more angst in Georgia's struggle to survive in the wilderness, and changed the angel visits she experiences to that of a native spirit. Overall, I feel the book is more cohesive with Book 2 and Book 3 which I'm in the process of writing now. The new Winter's Captive is going to final galley proof and a release date should be out soon.
WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?
I started Winter's Captive as a way to share with women the lessons I learned from an abusive first marriage. What I first thought was a woman's story for women, turned out to be a suspense/thriller/adventure with a touch of paranormal/fantasy that men can enjoy as well. I, also, believed the story which was a form of a healing for me would be a one up book. Georgia Charles took on a life of her own and it was no longer about me but her story. Book 2 and Book 3 continue her journey to self and her struggles to reach empowerment and happiness in a modern-day world.
HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?
Now that is an interesting question. Books 1 and 2 did not follow a writing format or outline. I always know basically the beginning, the middle and the end, but wrote where the muse took me. If I felt something belonged in the book, I researched the idea if needed and wrote that chapter. One day I might right the last chapter, the next day a chapter I perceived to be in the middle, etc. Book 3 is a completely different format. Again, I know the beginning, the middle and what I believe will be the end. However, I started at Chapter 1 this time and have followed through from Chapter 2 to 8, in order of the chapters. Wow! This is new to me. I don't know why the writing process is so different for this book than the other two, but I decided not to examine it, but go with the flow. So far, it's working.
I try to write every day, sometimes for hours, sometimes for a few minutes. If the muse isn't there, I do research or marketing, or write my blog :). I'm not one for conformity. I hate routines and schedules so I write in the same manner. Maybe, I could be more disciplined and produce more work if I were but I'm okay with what I feel works for me. I used to call myself a closet non-conformist, but I guess I'm out now.
MOVING ON WITH THE TOUR
I have asked three author's to join the tour and I thank them for participating. Here's a little info about each of them with their links. Be sure to check out their sites.
LAUREN BOEHM-LYNCH
Lauren Boehm
Lynch is a retired nurse. She has left the city life for the country, and now
lives on The Broken Road Farm with her husband Tim and their many animals.
Lauren also
writes a column called The Farmer’s Wife and also has a website about their
lives on the farm. www.laurenboehmlynch.com
The farm
keeps them busy, and her love of writing flourishes there. Living on a farm and
having numerous animals and grandchildren always provides a new adventure and
stories to tell!
HEATHER B. MOON
Heather B. Moon was born in Royton, Lancashire and
worked as a primary school teacher in the Oldham and Rochdale area. She and her
husband acquired their own school and she was happy to go into any class and
teach any subject.
One of her favourite times of the day was reading
the ‘home-time’ story to her class of excited kids.
She now spends her time travelling around Europe in
her motor home, scuba diving in exotic places, and walking the south west coast
path near her home in Cornwall.
Heather is married with two adult children and two
beautiful grandchildren, Louie and Amelie.
Click HERE to check out her web site at Fountain Blue Publishing and her own site HERE.
RUSSELL WARNBERG
Russell Warnberg, teacher, writer, artist and woodworker
grew up in Minnesota. After joining the
Navy, has spent most of his life in Maine. Having earned a degree from the
University of Minnesota and Masters Degree from the University of Maine, he
taught history and English in both public and private schools for many years.
Click HERE to check out his writing accomplishments
and site information.
To all my fellow writers, keep on keeping on writing!
