The
Writing Process
(Connie gets to blog hop. Yay!)
One
of my besties (and co-board member), Carmen Bydalek @ the GothRom RWA tagged me to participate
in this month’s event.
1. What am I working on right now?
I work on multiple projects at once. Is this a good thing? Probably not—but I do it anyway. I’m finishing up the last Act in my novella, Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow and I’m
half-way through my anthology: Gumbo Ya
Ya (for who like romance Cajun & men HOT & SPICY). And I’m
outlining Rand, Book 3 in my Rodeo Romance Series.
2. How does my work differ from others in
the genre?
I write in multiple genres and each of genres have a
different “tone and focus”—in other words, a different ‘voice’. My YA novel, Whisper upon the Water (Dream
Award Winner, Nat’l Book Award nominee), is told in the 1st
person. The novel is complex; not only a
coming-of-age but a transformation of society as a whole (Tay is Apache, Nde). My heroine begins as a girl on the
verge of womanhood, a member of her band, speaking her native tongue. She is
kidnapped, held hostage, and escapes. Taken to a Native American boarding
school, she learns a new language, skills, and encounters prejudice but also
kindness. Later, she must make a very
difficult choice. Her decision will
impact her life, as well as the lives of others. The novel is written for YA level and is
reading selection for the G.A.T.E. program in numerous SoCal schools, but the
subject matter is not light, however, it is historical accurate.
In my Rodeo Romance Series: Lynx, Book 1, is a
contemporary western romance and set in Montana and Texas. This book is
lively. Rachel is spirited and Lynx is
hot and sexy—but both have had hardships in life. My secondary characters add elements of
comedy and unexpected plot twists. (Winner of the Award of Excellence,
Finalist: H.O.L.T. Medallion, Orange Rose and Rocky Mt. Gold). Brede, Book 2, is a western romantic
suspense, set in New Mexico. Since the
novel is romantic suspense, I do not wish create a spoiler in this blog. I will say everyone one loves old Caldwell,
the ornery old cook, and his cohorts.
Brede is strong-willed and caring; Amberlynn is beautiful and in mortal danger. Rand, Book 3, is told in the 1st
person: ChickLit meets the Wild West and goes Hollywood. Lights, Camera, and a
boot-full of Action! I am having, fun, fun with this novel!
My stories are different, because I am different. My stories take place in places I have lived,
or where I have vacationed. I know my subject matter--my father rodeoed while
in high school; I have been involved in Native America culture and education
programs; my husband is a Louisiana country boy; and, finally, I live in SoCal—of
course I have met several Hollywood television stars (and facilitated
workshops), actors are often spotted at local SoCal tourist spots, and preform
in local theater.
3. Why do I write what I do?
The story calls to me, it is really that simple. I have a feeling of time and place. Then I begin hearing snatches of dialogue
(like when you are sitting in a coffee shop and you over hear snippets of
conversation). The story invades my life
(well it does, just ask my husband). At
the moment, I’m listening to Zydeco music and I have gumbo in my crockpot. He’s complaining (only half kiddingly) that I
brought bayou weather to our house (92 degrees, 50% humidity with full cloud
cover and rain at 3PM). I am compelled
to complete the story. Native American
culture says, “The story comes to the Story Teller to bring it to life.” And this is what I, as are all writers,
tellers of stories.
4. How does my writing process work?
For short stories, novellas and anthologies, I utilize
the basic W-plot with extra twists and pivotal points. When I am writing a novel, or a novel series,
I plot in acts and work with three chapters at a time (1-3, 4-6, etc.). With the exception of short stories, I
compile detailed backgrounds, motivation, and personality traits. I also
conduct interviews, research, and immerse myself in the ‘culture/environment I
am creating. It is then I begin the
first draft of my novel. This will
change as my characters begin to take over the book. Any writer will agree with me, under no
circumstances can you force you characters to act against his/her will. You can, however, place huge obstacles in the
way and see what happens.
Is my first draft perfect? No. Is my third draft publishable? It’s probably
close. At this point in the writing
process, I have writer friend (usually Geeta Kakade) read my novel. She will
give her opinion and suggestions—which I may, or may not follow. Writing, after all, is subjective—as is a
reader’s preference for one novel over another.
Remember to watch my book trailers!
Thank you for stopping by.
Connie Vines
