Today is my turn on #MyWritingProcess Blog Tour,
where writers and authors answer questions about their writing processes. I was
invited to take part in this by a great writing friend of mine Daniel Kaye, who
posted about his work last week http://daniel-kaye.blogspot.ie/ He is an inspirational writer
that I have learned a lot from. His dedication to writing is absolute. It is
definitely worth taking a look at his writing process too. His novel I, Vladimir
is due out later this year from Gentry Publishing. Not only that, he is working
on the second in the series Anonymous Jack. I have the
pleasure of writing in the company of Daniel and another writer Mary T.
Bradford in our local library and as such glean from their vast knowledge.
Before
telling you about my writing process, I’d like to fill you in on with what
#MyWritingProcess means:
“We writers share these things, but informally
during workshops and at conferences (and, for a handful of established writers,
in printed interviews), but not so much through our open-forum blogs. With the
hashtag #MyWritingProcess, you can learn how writers all over the world answer
the same four questions. How long it takes one to write a novel, why romance is
a fitting genre for another, how one’s playlist grows as the draft grows, why
one’s poems are often sparked by distress over news headlines or oddball facts
learned on Facebook…”
What am I
working on?
I have my
fingers in a couple of pies at the moment, one of which is Who Won the
War? This is a one act play that I converted from a short story. It is in
the final editing stage and is due for its rehearsed reading in July this year
at the famous Friars' Gate Theatre in Co. Limerick. I’m also working
on the second in a series of crime thrillers, the first one is entitled No
Time to Cry. One of the main characters from this one, Detective Sharon
North returns to investigate more crimes. This next one is yet untitled but it
will come to me as the story unfolds. The first in the series No Time to Cry shines a light
on Ireland as a destination for the international crime of human trafficking.
Young girls are conveyed from earthquake ravaged Haiti, after being recruited
via a local hospital. This hospital was set up as a front to offer medical
relief to these girls and their families. Detective Garda Sharon North and Detective
Sergeant Dave Richards investigate as the perpetrators try to escape justice
and commit more crimes along the way. Assistance comes from an unlikely source
and they suspect that one offender is within their own ranks.
How does
my work differ from others of its genre?
This is
set in a fictional police station in Ireland. The main character is female. She
is very capable and has to focus on her tasks without bringing her own personal
feelings into play. Human Trafficking is
a harrowing crime and a very real and dangerous threat to young vulnerable
girls. Because of this it was important for me to highlight the issue.
Why do I
write what I do?
I’ve
discovered the love of this genre. I find the research fascinating and what I
have learned on the journey of writing this novel is amazing. It has made me
more aware of certain issues and I found people in the know most accommodating
to my queries and questions. My first novel Subtle Changes is a
psychological thriller and while I loved writing this, I think the crime area
is my forte.
How does
my writing process work?
Some
writers get ultra-organised before they start and know exactly how they want
the story to go. However, I have discovered that this is not for me. I prefer
to write as if I am reading the novel for the first time and let the twists and
turns unfold as I go along. Also, write what you know and if you don’t then
find a way to research, but enjoy your subject. If you do not, it will show.
You cannot expect a reader to get excited about your topic if it does not
excite you.
Then,
read it over as three people: the writer, the reader and the critic. This requires
you to step back, give your writing some space and revisit it with fresh eyes.
When you do this do not be afraid to cut what doesn’t work. Do not discard what
you cut, keep a separate ‘cuts folder’ because you never know, it might work
elsewhere. (Thank you Daniel Kaye for
this particular piece of advice).
Most
importantly don’t be afraid to get your bum in that seat and start writing,
you’d be amazed at what you can unlock.
Finally
my other piece of advice would be to connect with other writers, you will learn
so much and I haven’t met a writer yet who isn’t generous and giving with
advice and encouragement.
Next up I’d
like to introduce you to two writing buddies of mine, both of whom are in
America.
Psst … If you are lucky enough to be a member of
Charleville library, there is a copy of her trilogy available there.
I’ll let
her tell you more…
Connect
with Natalie through her blog:
The next person I have the pleasure of introducing
you to is Jaime Buckley. Another multi-talented artist who writes epic fantasy novels and creates games. Check
out http://www.amazon.com/Epic-Fantasy-Bundle-Wanted-Bundles-ebook/dp/B00I6S8FK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399898772&sr=8-1&keywords=Jaime+Buckley
He tells
it best….
Jaime
Buckley is a husband, father of 12, and the creator of WantedHero.com. For more
than 20 years he's been teaching, uplifting and inspiring youth and for the
past ten years, done so through epic fantasy stories. 13 comics, 2 graphic
novels and 10 books later, he's just getting started. With a passion for the
human soul, he makes a full time living as an Indie Author and game creator.
Check out his daily blog at wantedhero.com or follow him on Twitter,
@wantedhero."
We are also part of the Square
Peg Writers:
"Anything but
Ordinary!" The Square Peg Writers are 6 storytellers, artists and poets
who are anything but ordinary.
You can check us
out on twitter and Facebook and please share your work with us, we’d love to
see what you have.
As you can see, I love surrounding
myself with like-minded people
as it encourages creativity and
talent, that is when I work at my best.
Thank you for visiting.
