Sucker Literary Magazine Blog Hop: The Writing Process #AmWriting

I was asked to participate in the Sucker Magazine Blog Hop by an author you’ll recognize if you follow me at all. . .Tawdra Kandle, my friend and colleague who writes amazing books. Check out her post here.
 

Tawdra with Hemingway at IndieGirl Con

Part of this project involves a discussion on our writing processes:

1)What am I working on?

Right now I am finishing up Inferno, book 2 of the Jinn Trilogy. I am also working on expanding Femi's short story, Sweet Little Lies, into a novella and publishing it as a stand alone. 

2) How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

I am not sure. I tell very character driven story. I like to die into the emotions of all of my characters and shape them until they feel real to me. I also try to write very visual stories. 

3) Why do I write what I do?

I started writing mystery then went to paranormal romance. I still write both because I still love both. I like the scary elements that I can put in a mystery and trying to fool the reader. But on the other side I like the romance and the wonderful paranormal worlds and mythology that make up the Abyss. I think both speak to different elements in me. 

4) How does my writing process work?

I start with a really good opening line and knowing how the book will end. From there I let the characters carry be along on their journey. I try not to insert myself or direct them because I think by allowing characters to develop naturally and grow they take on a life of their own. I am often asked which of my characters I am most like, but the truth is, I am not any of them. Instead I am a piece of all of them. Once I have my first draft done, I do my self-editing highlights (words or phrases I should watch for, adverbs, that, anything I noted as I was writing etc) then I read it again and make corrections as I go. After that it goes to editing and then proofreading and then formatting before it can be published. 

Thanks for stopping by. I am supposed to tag other authors, but I don't want to impose. If you have read this and you want to participate, please post a link to your post in the comments!

Thanks,

Liz