Writing Process Blog Tour

I was kindly invited recently by Taylor Grace to take part in a Writing Process Blog Tour (my first, actually). I think it’s a lovely idea and a great way to get lots of writers interacting and sharing their thoughts and inspirations. As I understand them, the rules require you to link back to the blog that put you forward for the tour, answer the four questions and then select three fellow bloggers to take the mantle.

So, here we go:

1. Why do I write what I do?

Most of the fiction I write would be classed in the thriller genre, which is one of my personal favourites. I love the excitement of that particular field but like that it also leaves you open to the possibility of exploring other areas by introducing sub-genres within the plot. The buzz of potential danger leaps off the page; it’s akin to why many of us endure the stress of a tense film or a terrifying rollercoaster, as we secretly crave the adrenaline rush. I’d be a fraud if I didn’t try and write something that I would enjoy reading, so I suppose that mix of intrigue and drama is the feel I mainly go for.

The poetry I write for my blog I write predominantly to get things out of my head, and I think poems are a brilliant way of practising the art of saying what you have to say in fewer words while also embedding imagery within your work. Maybe one day I’ll think about compiling them into something a little more formal.

2. How does my writing process work?

I always start with a simple idea and if I feel excited about it, I’ll jot it down and see how much I can flesh it out. The scribbles that seem to hold the most promise will be given arms and legs during the planning stage and then it’s a case of actually delving into the story itself. Characters, relationships and sub-plots are often deepened as and when I write but I like to have all the major plot-points mapped out before I start and I always seem to have my ending scene clearly envisioned before I write so much as a word of a first draft, no matter how big or small the project may be. I think it’s good to know where you’re starting from and where you need to get to; the fun of working out all that comes in between is why I love writing.

3. How does my work differ from others in its genre?

I can’t really speak on behalf of other writers or their work so I suppose all I can say is that I hope my writing style will always feel approachable. Demonstrating skill and technique is fantastic but I think storytelling should always be the driving force and that’s definitely where I try and keep my focus.

4. What am I working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on the first draft for what I’m certain will be the second book I actually go on to publish, tentatively titled False Awakening. I’m about three quarters of the way through I would say, so I’m very excited about it. Then of course I get to worry about editing it all (which is marginally less exciting) but I already have a rough plan for two other projects I know I will write after I finish this one; it’s just a case of deciding which is the most enticing and demands to be written first.

–

There you have it; I hope you enjoyed my answers. As for my successors in the tour, I would like to nominate:

• Melissa Barker-Simpson

• Jacqueline E. Smith

• S.R. Carrillo

Big thanks again to Taylor for including me in the tour, I really enjoyed it and hope to do more in the future. I’d also like to quickly take this chance to thank Head Games, a favourite blog of mine, for nominating me for the Not Freshly Pressed Award; it’s always lovely to get a nod from fellow bloggers and it was much appreciated. Thanks for reading.