Beautiful People: The Writing Process

• How do you decide which project to work on?

It varies. Often someone will tell me they think I should work on this and such project, and other times inspiration is so strong I can’t help but work on a certain book. But things such as seasons, schedules, and stages of life factor in. 

• How long does it usually take you to finish a project?

It all depends on the project. My fastest full-length novel was two weeks. Some stories I come back to annually, adding a bit more each time. On average, I would say 2-3 months.

• Do you have any routines to put you in the writing mood?

Unless I’m super exhausted, the writing mood is my default. However, for certain projects, I like to find a certain place to set up shop with a drink and my story playlist near to hand. With that, I can conquer most things.

• What time of day do you write best?

Early morning! Alas, I almost never get to write then. But honestly, I can make any time of day work well, as long as I’m not in danger of falling asleep!

• Are there any authors you think you have a similar style to?

Eloise Jarvis McGraw and Rosemary Sutcliff. I am sure I’m missing someone, I just can’t think of who right now.

• Why did you start writing, and why do you keep writing?

I have been telling stories since before I could read, so when I hit about thirteen or fourteen, it was a natural progression. I keep writing because I love it, and I am not sure that I could stop. Also, #purpose. 

• What’s the hardest thing you’ve written?

I wrote a couple character deaths that I really didn’t want to write. I refuse to take death lightly, even in fiction. That’s probably the hardest thing.

• Is there a project you want to tackle someday but you don’t feel ready yet?

I have a tome stewing in my head set during the American Revolution with a plot and characters that resemble a Dickens novel. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.

• What writing goals did you make for 2017 and how are they going?

-Edit and send Crowning Heaven to an editor

-Write Rising Thunder (American Revolution hist. fic.)

-Finish Run From Doncrow (dystopian)

-Write Kill the Dawn (Nordic fantasy retelling of Hamlet)

I have finished Rising Thunder, Run From Doncrow is over halfway, and there’s lots of time for Kill the Dawn. Crowning Heaven is partway through edits, and I am hoping to send it to an editor in the fall!

• Describe your writing process in 3 words or a gif!

  

  Credit to Cait @ Paper Fury for this tag!