I would like to start by saying “Thank You” for having me as a
guest on your blog. I appreciate the
opportunity.
My basic story is not that of rags to riches, that would just be
too easy. I have written my entire
life. I have always enjoyed jotting things
down and I recall spending an entire day, at a family gathering many years ago,
using a paper plate as my easel to paint a picture with words. I created a
story where everyone present had a part, some good and some bad. I have just always written things down,
usually in some form of fantasy.
When I first began to think of Legends of Darkness, the first
book in the series, I didn’t see it as a series. I saw it as a single book with an unusual
story. I wanted to create something different from everything else I was
reading. I wanted to incorporate
different things into the storyline. I
remember thinking how awesome it would be to have a book that incorporated a
little history, legend, and myth all wrapped up in a storyline that would be
unique and unusual. That was my goal, to
create something different. I had the book brewing in my mind for a year or so
before I ever wrote the first word. I
couldn’t find my beginning. Finally, the
beginning of the book presented itself to me and I began to write. I’m one of those weird old fashioned people
that have a computer, but actually enjoy the act of writing on paper with an
actual pencil. (Yes, I really said
pencil. That’s what I use for my
original manuscripts.) I was about
halfway through the storyline when I pulled out another notebook and started
keeping notes in it also. There was just
so much more to the story that wouldn’t fit in the story of one book. My characters began to take shape along with
other creatures that I knew I could use later.
So, at that point I had two notebooks with scribbles that nobody, and I
do mean nobody, could ever understand.
In my mind it was taking shape as a series though. I would wake up in the middle of the night
with an idea and pull out my notebook to jot a reminder. By the time I was done with Legends of
Darkness, I had the whole series drafted to be a five book series. I have since
shortened that to a trilogy.
I have been asked if the series stays on course with my outline,
as I write each book…the answer to that is “Not completely.” As I write, things change. Sometimes they are small details, and
sometimes entire characters die, for one reason or another, but the actual
plots of the other books have remained the same. So far the biggest changes have been in the
worlds that I’m creating. As they grow
and my world building talents evolve, so does the future of the books in those
particular locations. By the way, I love
the world building aspect.
I write my first draft on paper then for the second draft I transfer
it to the computer. On my first novel I
did so many drafts that I lost count, probably somewhere around ten. On the second book, I did six rewrites. I have heard authors say that they don’t like
doing the edits and rewrites, but I really don’t mind it. I like adding and taking away from the story
where it is necessary.
I’m currently working on the third book in the Remnants of Life
Trilogy as well as several other projects.
If you would like to know more about me or my writing please
visit
OR FIND ME ON FACEBOOK AT
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