When
wearing my writing hat, the question I'm asked most often is: 'How do you do
it?'
When my good friend and gifted colleague MaryAnn Diorio invited me to join
the 'My Writing Process' blog tour, I knew it would be a fun opportunity to
provide a response. Thank you, MaryAnn, for including me, and before I dive
into my writing world, I want to let you know a little about her!
Dr.
MaryAnn Diorio writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of
the human heart. She is Online Adjunct Professor of Fiction Writing at Regent
University and the author of A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING. She is married, the mom of
two wonderful daughters, and grandmother to precious 17-month-old granddaughter
Annamarie Joy. You can connect with her at: http://www.maryanndiorio.com
Now,
it's my turn at the keyboard. I can’t wait to share a bit about my writing
process!
What
are you working on?
I
have two projects in the ‘writing’ stages right now, six projects in the
editing/release stages and a proposal in the works for a three-book series.
My
writing projects are Forgiveness, coming soon from Harbourlight Books and
Nobody’s Baby But Mine coming soon from White Rose Publishing (both imprints of
Pelican Book Group). The ones that are in the works are also coming soon from
Pelican: my four-book Sisters in Spirit series as well as Date Night and Then
and Now.
Tentatively I refer to my future project as The Fishermen Series because their last name is Fisher, and it involves
three brothers born and bred in rural Indiana. The series arc reveals the ways God
uses them for His mission field in ways that are nothing short of miraculous.
I’m excited about diving into the mind-set of these men since I just finished
my ‘Sisters’ series!
How
does your work differ from others in its genre?
I
think my writing differs from others in my genre because I’m determined to tell
stories from a Christian world-view and perspective, while all the while
challenging myself to keep it real. The conflicts, the messes life (and our
choices) can bring to light might appear hopeless at first, and overwhelming, but
nothing is beyond God’s power, His love and redemption.
Also,
I’m a firm believer in sharing the exhilaration and joy of falling in love—the
tummy tickles, the sparkles, the rush of attraction. I’m a bit more sensual
(though always appropriate, no worries!) when it comes to my hero and heroine
discovering their connection.
Why
do you write what you do?
I
began my professional career with four secular releases. Three were
published by Kensington and one by The Wild Rose Press. All four were contemporary
romances because exploring the theme of love resounds with me. It celebrates
what’s best about who we are. All the while, though, I felt a pull toward
something more, something that delivers the truth of a love that goes much
deeper and truer than anything we’ll ever find here on earth, and that’s the
love of God through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
How
does your writing process go?
I
have to begin by saying I’m married to a prince. OK, well, actually he’s a
king. Seriously. He’s the former king of the Allen County 4-H Fair, and he more
than lives up to the title. Every night during the work week I spend an hour or
two at my computer, writing, while he cooks dinner. What a blessing and gift to
have his unwavering support! I write on my lunch hours as well, but more often
than not I use my lunch time to eat, and power walk to keep myself fit.
Beyond
that, my weekends are ‘go’ time. I try to treat my writing weekends like a job
all their own. I put in eight hours (sometimes more if I’m on a roll).
Sometimes I write at home, sometimes I change things up by writing at coffee
shops around town. Spring and summer are awesome because I can sit outside and
enjoy writing alfresco.
And now, I'd like to introduce next week’s participant
in the blog tour. Say hello to Tanya Hanson! Check out her writing process revelations on June 16th!
After a career as a high
school English teacher, Tanya Hanson now writes both inspirational and secular
Western romances. A native Californian, she thanks God daily for the blessings
of good health, a happy home, and exciting travels.Connect with her at: www.tanyahanson.com
Until next time, friends, be blessed!
