“My Writing Process” Blog Tour

Several weeks ago, I was invited to join this blog tour by my good friend, Peggy Wirgau. Peggy and I met through ACFW (American Christian Fiction

Writers) and I can’t begin to say how much her encouragement and critiquing has helped me. She is currently looking for a publisher for her debut novel, The Stars in April–a YA novel based on the true story of a young girl who survived the sinking of the Titanic. You can learn more about Peggy and her story on her website.

Now, to answer the burning questions of the day:

What are you working on?

I’m currently trying to come up with ideas for the third novel in my Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series. It’s called See No Evil and features Steven Miller, a blind but very capable camper. He’s always been the most well-adjusted of my characters, and figuring out a problem for him has been a little like buying a gift for someone who has everything! I know the inspiration will come. I just wish it would hurry!

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

Well, one difference is that it features male characters. Most parents of boys can tell you there aren’t a lot of books out there written to interest tween and teen-age boys. I know–I had two sons. The books that are out there revolve around sports, adventure, sci-fi or fantasy, and not always in a healthy, uplifting way. But I’m writing to boys (and girls) who are experiencing emotional upheaval. It may be from divorce, or a poor relationship with a parent, or even a parent’s death. Boys may not be interested in social issues like that, but I try to put enough action and adventure into the story to interest the male mind. And I hope reading my books provides encouragement for whatever they’re going through.

Why do you write what you do?

My kids are grown now, but through our work with church youth and being around our kids’ friends, I saw so many deep hurts that kids today must deal with. It breaks my heart to see them suffer because the adults in their life are making poor choices, or are living in a self-centered manner. I had an idyllic childhood, and through my books, I try to share that with my readers, along with the hope that comes through faith in a living God who loves them enough to engrave their name on the palm of His hand.

How does your writing process work?

Even though I’ve written two books, I’m still learning what works best for me. The hardest part I find is building the character arc, the emotional growth of the character. So this time, I’m concentrating on fleshing that out first. I’m hoping that once I have that in place, I can write more efficiently. As for my writing routine, I’m a morning person, so I get up around 5:00 and go upstairs to read my Bible and pray. I use whatever time is left until 6:30 to write. Mornings are usually walking the dog, getting groceries and exercising, so after lunch, I go back to writing for 2-3 hours. I’m working on getting a real desk and setting aside my own special place to write, but for now, it’s usually at the kitchen table or on the patio (both are places where the dog likes to interrupt me). I might write some in the evening if I haven’t done enough during the day. Generally, I write 5-6 days of the week.

Now, I’d like to introduce you to three more writing friends who will tell you about their own writing process on their blogs next week.

Stacey Zink has been spinning stories since before she could write, but it wasn’t until her youngest turned three that she began to write for Christ. Her first novel set during the Civil War won 3rd place in the Duel on the Delta in 2013. Stacey just finished her second manuscript about a young Amish girl finding her way in the world outside her community of faith. She is praying one of her books will finding a publishing home soon. Stacey lives in Cypress, TX with her husband, two children and one very old goldfish, who refuses to die. You can read more about Stacey on her blog, titled SuburbanThoughts.

Jennifer Slattery writes Missional Romance for New Hope Publishers, a publishing house passionate about bringing God’s healing grace and truth to the hopeless. Her debut novel, Beyond I Do, is scheduled to release this fall. She also writes for Crosswalk.com, Internet Café devotions, writes and edits for an international ministry called Christ to the World that shares the gospel, via radio waves, in 32 countries. You can connect with her on her website, or Facebook  or on Twitter .

Carole Towriss writes Biblical novels. She grew up in beautiful San Diego, California. Now she and her husband live just north of Washington, DC. In between making tacos and telling her four children to pick up their shoes for the third time, she reads, writes, watches chick flicks and waits for summertime to return to the beach. Her first novel, In the Shadow of Sinai, released last November. Check out her website and blog here.