I'm pretty addicted to writing. But that doesn't mean I always love it. Starting a new book is the worst.
I'm terrified. Intimidated. How am I supposed to yank a story from mid-air? How can I make my characters fascinating, intriguing, and memorable? Who is the killer/thief/bad guy?
A funny thing happens next. I might be pulling sheets from the laundry or adding mulch to a flower bed and WHAM. I see a scene in my head. I hear the character's dialog, recognize the emotions at play. My challenge is to translate what I've seen and heard to paper (or my trusty laptop). Typing that first scene is like taking a leap through a portal into another world. I arrive with a gasp and then, wide-eyed, I start to peep through windows.
Don't get me started on the research. History used to be my least favorite subject, but now I have to force myself to stop reading. I love discovering quirky details and tantalizing facts from the past, adore putting them into a novel so that you can become as hooked as I am.
What else?
I'm terrible on social media. I would much rather being plotting my next book, or even (gasp!) editing my latest. I have grandkids and have a biologic need to spend as much time as possible with them. Who has time to post a picture of my breakfast? It's probably best if we all turn off our phones/computers and get outside anyway.
Susan Flowers is my pseudonym. Easier to spell and pronounce. She's more extroverted than I am. Perhaps someday she can do posts on Facebook and Twitter instead of me.
We both love craft cocktails, spending time with our girlfriends, and a good joke.
I'm terrified. Intimidated. How am I supposed to yank a story from mid-air? How can I make my characters fascinating, intriguing, and memorable? Who is the killer/thief/bad guy?
A funny thing happens next. I might be pulling sheets from the laundry or adding mulch to a flower bed and WHAM. I see a scene in my head. I hear the character's dialog, recognize the emotions at play. My challenge is to translate what I've seen and heard to paper (or my trusty laptop). Typing that first scene is like taking a leap through a portal into another world. I arrive with a gasp and then, wide-eyed, I start to peep through windows.
Don't get me started on the research. History used to be my least favorite subject, but now I have to force myself to stop reading. I love discovering quirky details and tantalizing facts from the past, adore putting them into a novel so that you can become as hooked as I am.
What else?
I'm terrible on social media. I would much rather being plotting my next book, or even (gasp!) editing my latest. I have grandkids and have a biologic need to spend as much time as possible with them. Who has time to post a picture of my breakfast? It's probably best if we all turn off our phones/computers and get outside anyway.
Susan Flowers is my pseudonym. Easier to spell and pronounce. She's more extroverted than I am. Perhaps someday she can do posts on Facebook and Twitter instead of me.
We both love craft cocktails, spending time with our girlfriends, and a good joke.
