Behind the Scenes: Wicked Obsession

I thought I'd share some behind the scenes stories about writing Wicked Obsession. Some books don't lend themselves to a look at the process because they're straightforward. WO wasn't and maybe you'll be interested in what changed and/or how this book became a book.

The first thing is that Ryder and Langley's story was supposed to be a novella. It grew into a novel and I didn't rein it in. I figured I'd write the first draft and cut it down later. It ended up staying as a novel.

This is the first book in the Paladin League series. Now. Originally, one of Ryder's buddies was book 1. I had three chapters written about eight years ago for his friend, but it needed revision and then I had to put it aside to work on Enemy Embrace and then I moved 1100 miles from Minnesota to Georgia. But Ryder going first explained a few things about the hero of book 3 and why the hero in book 4 is who he is.

In the first draft of Wicked Obsession, chapter 6 was originally chapter 1. I had to backup and begin the story earlier. I frequently start the story in the wrong place and it's 50/50 whether I need to start earlier or later.

I had Ryder's name (first and last) right away. I had Langley's first name immediately, but her last name changed multiple times. Her last name always started with the letter C, but it took a while to settle at Canfield.

From Ryder's last name, I knew he was Polish. I didn't realize he was half Italian until I found the picture of "him." This is one of the reasons why I always look for pictures of my h/h--it always gives me insights into who they are. Most of the time it's personality, but in this case it was ethnicity.

I filled about half a notebook with notes about this story. I always make notes for every story because something about writing them out by hand sparks creativity.

Head to my website to read an excerpt!