My Writing Process (Diana Made Me Do It!)

Computer, keyboard, mouse

When friend and fellow author, Diana Beebe, asked me if I wanted to be a part of the “My Writing Process – Blog Tour,” I said yes! Like her, I love what I do. In fact, I couldn’t ask for a job I loved more (unless it was babysitting Kiefer Sutherland, Robert Downey Jr., and Bruce Willis).

So… Here we go.

1) What am I working on?
I am editing the as yet untitled book I introduced in Code Red Christmas, a romance novel set in the same area of Michigan. Some of the Coach’s Boys characters will make an appearance in this story. I’m also working on my Newsletter Novella. I shared the first installment about a week ago.

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I thought this would be a tough question to answer, but really – it isn’t. My books differ in the fact that I refuse to follow traditional formulas. I’ve never been a big believer in only A + B + C can equal a decent novel. So I write the story that needs telling.

3) Why do I write what I do?
The easy answer? I don’t know why I write what I do. I have no control over where the ideas come from, but when I get them, I write them. And I have a list as long as my arm of stories waiting their turn.

4) How does your writing process work?
Hmm. Good question. I guess I have to say it goes like this…
A. The idea pops into my head and I jot it down. If I seriously like the idea, I’ll write a page or two outlining the plot and mini character profiles. That way, when I get back to it, I remember why I thought it was a good idea.
B. When I do get to that story, I expand on the basic plot, jot down a few scenes I’d like to see in the story, and start getting to know my characters and the setting.
C. I write. Sometimes I write on a sort of schedule, and sometimes I have to put very public deadlines out there so I’m backed between a rock and a hard place. Most of the time those two methods work for me. Life sometimes gets in the way no matter what I decide to do, but mostly I manage to get them written.

Next Monday, a couple of my writing buddies will be posting the answers to these same questions.

This is one of my favorite blogs, and will be at the top of the list if she does another summer writing project like she did last year. Check out Tameri Etherton, who “loves a spot of tea, walks on the beach, dragons, and diamonds, but mostly she loves to get lost in a story.” I can totally get on board with all of those things…except I prefer garnets over diamonds. Sorry, Tameri. 🙂

Deborah Kristi always shares posts that are fun, insightful, and informative over at her newly refurbished website. She describes herself as a work-in-progress superhero mom by day, a married pre-princess Cinderella by night, with a 24/7 cast of characters dictating stories in her head.

I just want to take a moment to thank Diana for asking me to be part of the blog tour. Diana? Thanks! 🙂

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5 Responses to My Writing Process (Diana Made Me Do It!)

  1. Debra Kristi says:

    Sorry I’m late! Ugh. Crazy life. Crazy week. Loved reading about your process. Just glanced up at Diana’s comment and now I’m laughing. 😀 Yep, all my fault. Back to your post, though. You are a busy one. I wish I had the time that you do to keep on all my ideas. Some day the kids will allow me to follow through. Until then, the ideas will keep backing up. Maybe I should commit one of the ideas to the blog. What do you think?

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Once kids hit their teenage years, it should get easier…as long as they aren’t involved in a million sports and other activities requiring ‘mom’ to be their chauffeur. 😀

      I’m not as busy as it sounds. I try to be, but I spend a lot of my time wishing for naps, lol.

      What do you mean by committing an idea to the blog? Like a newsletter novella? If so, yes. I highly recommend that, although I like the newsletter idea better, with just a teaser on the blog.

  2. Pingback: My Writing Process | Tameri Etherton

  3. Diana Beebe says:

    Kristy, thanks for joining me! And I’d help you babysit…

    I’m so glad Debra introduced us! 😉 (Does that mean it’s really all her fault?)

    • Kristy K. James says:

      Diana…I was glad to be part of the tour. And yes, it’s definitely Debra’s fault! 😉

      And while I appreciate the offer, I think I’ve got the whole babysitting thing. 😀 😀 😀

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