Romance Writers Weekly: Unexpected Writing Paths

Do you like to read romance novels? Wouldn’t you like to know more about your favorite authors?

Well you came to the right place! Join the writers of Romance Weekly as we go behind the scenes of our books and tell all... About our writing of course!

Every week we’ll answer questions and after you’ve enjoyed the blog on this site we’ll direct you to another. So come back often for a thrilling ride!

I hope you joined me from Ronnie Allen's page, and big huge thanks for this week’s questions from JJ Devine!

Here we go!

1. You’re moving right along with a storyline and suddenly it takes an unexpected twist. Do you go with the flow and follow where the twist leads you or do you conform your story to your way?

Though I have become a detailed plotter over the last year, my stories still take their own lovely paths, and I'm happy to follow. As I write, the story continues to unfold in my head, like a train that I am always trying to catch up with. I view my plotting efforts, notes, research, etc. as the tracks that I'm following, but there are always bends and bridges ahead that I can't quite see when I start.

My second Whitechapel Wagers novella, Wanton Wager, took an unexpected turn early on when Lord Ashdowne, who I expected to be a minor character who would only appear in one chapter, turned out to be a menacing presence throughout much of the story.

2. What time of year is your best time for writing? Winter, Summer, Fall, Spring?

I am not sure I have a best time of the year for writing. I try to write everyday or every week at a bare minimum, so I need to be productive all year round. I've gotten to the point that I can write anywhere or anytime, since I need to meet deadlines and publication goals.

However, I certainly have favorite seasons or those that most inspire me. Fall is my favorite season. When I the calendar turned over to the fall season a couple of days ago, it gave me a little inner thrill and sense of relief. I knew cool breezes, gorgeous colors, and heavenly scents were on their way. I love fall leaves, plump pumpkins, apple pies, and all the beautiful sights and scents of fall. I also love the light during autumn. It seems to take on a bluer, almost grey hue, and I find it soothing after the bright rays of summer. 

3. When looking for a publisher do you chose a traditional press, indie route, or one that does both ebook and print?

My goal as an author is to be published in as many formats and via as many pathways as possible. I am currently indie published, but I will soon be submitting a manuscript to a traditional press and another to a smaller e-publisher. However, I will never stop publishing my own work, and I will always offer short stories free. I currently have a few free short stories online at Free Reads from the Genre-istas. 

It's an exciting time in publishing, and being the curious sort, I want to learn about and experience all the opportunities I can. I think it's worth considering every option.

Want to find out how Xio Axelrod answered these three questions? I do! Join me at her blog next.

Writing Process Blog Hop

I was tagged by Paty Jager to participate in the Writing Process Blog Tour. Be sure to stop by her blog to find out how she answered these questions! She posted on her blog last Wednesday and answered the four following questions and then I'll tag at least

one more author to post next Wednesday, September 24th.

Here are the questions:

​1. What are you working on now?

I am currently working on the next novella in my Whitehchapel Wagers series. This one's called Reckless Wager and features Kate Guthrie, the sister of my hero from the second novella, Wanton Wager. Like the other stories in the series, this one's set in Whitechapel in 1888, during the period of the Jack the Ripper murders. The story's hero, Detective Sergeant Benjamin Quinn is obsessed with catching the Ripper, even months after the murders seemed to have stopped late in 1888.

2. How does your work differ from others of its genre?

I think this particular series differs from others in the historical romance genre because of the setting. This series was conceived as being set in Whitechapel at a very specific time, and I knew some of the characters would be involved in the Ripper investigations. Though these aren't mysteries per se, the mystery of the unsolved Ripper crimes does provide—I hope—a tense and interesting background for the stories.

3. Why do you write what you do?

I write historical romance because I love historical romance. I have been reading historical romance for years, and there are few genres that are as near and dear to my heart. Perhaps it's because I love studying history, and the 19th century has always held a special fascination for me. 

4. How does your writing process work?

My process always starts with an idea that strikes me. I will often envision it like a scene from a movie. I'll see a character and know their core desire, their motivation, and sometimes their conflict. Then I start building their story. I am becoming more and more of a plotter as time goes on, as it truly helps me to be more productive when I sit down to write. So lately I have been filling out charts and spreadsheets and creating copious notes about my story before I actually begin writing. Once I start writing, things always change a bit, but I am happy to have a clear road map (my plotting notes) along the way.

Your next stop on the Writing Process blog hop should be Judith Ashley's blog. Judith writes wonderful women's fiction in her Sacred Women's Circle series. She'll post next Wednesday, September 24th, so be sure to stop by!