A Writer’s Process (Or, Hints About Volume 2)

So, I borrowed these questions from Paper Fury’s Beautiful People theme, but I am not linking up with the official edition, because I’m just not doing link-ups and such lately. But, there has been quite a bit of excitement around the fact that I am very close to finishing Volume 2, so I thought I’d focus a bit more on this momentous occasion!

How do you decide which project to work on? 

Well, in this instance, it was so easy, because it’s the immediate sequel to my debut novel.

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

It depends on what my life circumstances are (do the kids have a lot going on that month? am I trying to attack a TBR or blogging plans?), but my goal is to complete each new Volume — from draft to revisions to document ready for the printer — within 6 months.

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

Sometimes I put on music. Sometimes I just make a cup of tea and get out the notes. Often I have to just start writing when I have the chance (meaning the children aren’t destroying the world, so I run for my desk).

What time of day do you write best?

This varies, too, depending on how I slept the night before and what else’s going on. Sometimes it’s in the morning; other days I need to let the dust of whatever settle and it’s afternoon before I can really collect my thoughts.

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

In my fondest wishes and dreams, Terry Pratchett and JK Rowling. But, honestly, kind of like William Ritter (at least for book 1 of Jackaby), and a little of E.L. Konigsburg (author of The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler).

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

I started writing because there were stories in my head that I just felt the need to express in some other way. I keep writing because I want to finish the story that’s started consuming my every waking (and sleeping) moment. But also because after so long working on them, these characters feel real to me, and they deserve to have their story not only told, but told well, and to its conclusion.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve written?

Haven’t come to that part in the series yet. (Oops, sorry. Mwhahaha…) Seriously, it’s always when there’s a pivotal scene that will make or break that character’s arc (like a moment of extremely important choice or a death scene), because I know how my readers react to that character forever afterwards will probably be traced back to how I wrote them in that moment.

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

Writing the additional novels to accompany my “canon” series. There are lots of ideas I have for further exploring parts of the world that I only have time to hint at in the main plot, so I was thinking of creating a spin-off or a collection of novellas and field guides and the like. But that will be a much bigger project than the individual installments; plus I really need to get through establishing all of what happens in Volumes 1-4 first.

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

Well, I wanted to finish editing Volume 1 and get it printed. And it’s out there, doing pretty well by all estimates! Next was to finish Volume 2, and maybe even 3, but since the end of Volume 2 is actually now in sight, if I just manage to start 3 (or even come up with a working title), I’ll be satisfied.

Describe your writing process in 3 words or a gif!