Writing, Process and the Path to Publication

[Alma]

I know a lot of readers are writers as well--that's what got me started--so I'd love to talk writing with you, too. Feel free to ask me about I got from handwritten drafts to a three-book deal with two publishing houses.

[Destiny]

I wanted to know did you feel rushed during this whole process? And also was it an easy transition for you getting your hard work published?

[Alma]

Destiny wrote: "I wanted to know did you feel rushed during this whole process? And also was it an easy transition for you getting your hard work published?"

I didn't feel rushed writing the book, but like many writers, I made the common mistake of querying agents and talking to editors before the book was ready, because I was anxious to be published.

I'm feeling rushed now, getting the second book ready for publication. The Taker took 10 yrs to write, and there's less than 2 years to get The Reckoning finished, and then I'll have about 9 months to finish The Descent, and I'm sweating that already!

[Destiny]

Thanks for answering my questions...Wow ten years no wonder why your book was so beautifully written. Yes I would imagine that now you do feel rushed, and I'm sure you will finish strong!I wish you the best continued success with your work:)

[Poof]

So this is my first time on goodreads in a discussion but THE TAKER is too powerful not too. I am still in the midst of the read but since the beginning I have been struck by someone being able to sit down and be able to write this story.

While I see from the other threads this took quite a while but I am still wondering: vivid imagination; fascination with this topic matter; always inside of you? I could go on but will let you answer this one.

So this is the first of the three I am gathering. Glad to be in on it and I see there is a twist at the end which all good series should have.

Thank you for putting this book in my hands.

[Alma]

Poof wrote: "So this is my first time on goodreads in a discussion but THE TAKER is too powerful not too. I am still in the midst of the read but since the beginning I have been struck by someone being able to ..."

Wow, I'm glad you're so taken with the story. I've been accused of having a vivid imagination, yes.

The Taker started with a short story I'd written decades ago. The kernel of the story was in there--a love that could never be that lasted for eternity (real upbeat, huh?) but the story itself changed and morphed over time.

I was also interested in magic. I read any "real" book of magic I could get my hands on. For this book, I studied up on alchemy, too. The question of what is responsible for Adair's abilities is purposely left ambiguous--alchemy or magic, or God or the devil--though it's answered by the last book in the trilogy.

Regarding your question of whether the story was always inside me: while I was writing the book, I told myself that it was just a story, a tumultuous tragic love story that had nothing to do with me or my life. It wasn't until afterwards, as I was trying to understand why the characters did the things they did, that I realized the story really dealt with all the big issues lurking in my subconscious.

I hope that's the kind of answer you were looking for.

[Poof]

Thank you for replying to my musings, I am sure you have much to do so feel honored. I loved your reply and look forward to continuing my read of THE TAKER.