On the importance of Writing Process

Today is a little different than my usual blog. I was asked to participate in a blog hop by the wonderful writer Sarah Roberts.

She is the author of Rokula which is a fantastic read. Please check it out and learn more about her at Sarah Robert's webpage

A big thank you to Sarah for bringing me along for this.

Basically, the format is predesignated questions, which I will then answer. So here we go.

What am I working on?

Well I just finished by newest novel, Re-Test, which is due out in July. Right now I'm working on some short stories and preparing Re-Test for release. I'm also putting some final polishes on two literary novels that will be released in September. By the end of this week I plan on starting book one of a fantasy series that will likely run between five and seven books.

How does my work differ from other's in its genre?

Even though I write across a few different genres, I'm going to limit this answer to the thriller genre because both books I've published would be considered thrillers.

My first book, Beneath the Mask of Sanity, is a good deal more violent than many thrillers. What I believe really sets it apart, though, is the depth of character in regards to Bentley Grimes--the serial killer at the heart of the book.
He is a complicated person and someone who constantly asks the "big questions". Why do we exist? What does it all mean? Do we have a purpose or is life simply chaos?
His actions are murderous, but his thoughts are provocative and interesting.

Why do I write what I do?

Because I don't know how to do anything else. The only way in which I would consider myself like Bentley Grimes is in his questioning nature. I'm constantly looking for answers. The life of a writer is, first, internal and, second, external. We tend to live in our heads a lot and I am no exception.

When I find myself pondering a question that interests me I write about it, as much to pose it to you, my readers, as to discover what I think the answer is.

All that usually comes out while I'm writing, however, normally the reason I start a book is simple: an idea grabs a hold of me and I must get it down on paper.

I simply know no other way.

How does my writing process work?

The simplest answer is, one word at a time. It's pithy and it sums up the rambling rest of the answer that I'll type now.

I don't use notes and I don't outline books. I don't do character sketches or treatments. I'm not opposed to these things, it's just that my process doesn't work like that.

I have an idea in my head and a rough idea of where I'm going and I just sit down and write. One of the reasons that I work so quickly is because I'm always trying to keep pace with the story as it unfolds in my head. I normally fail and can see the ending just a little bit before it actually happens, but often it's not the ending I envisioned when I started the book.

Many times I have been surprised by the turn of events in my books. One of the things I love most is that moment of realization while I'm writing. I'll suddenly think back on something that happened earlier in a book (usually with no idea why it happened) and it clicks with what I am currently writing. It's like two giant jigsaw puzzles snapping into place in my head. It's a wonderful feeling and one that I would deprive myself of if I outlined my books.

Well there you have it. My writing process (more or less) explained.

I'm sure it's not overly exciting, but it's how I do what I do.