Writing
Thank you, Debbie for featuring me
on your website. There are almost as many styles of writing as there are
authors, but if you ask authors what you should write, most of them will say,
write what you know. While there's a certain amount of truth to
that statement, I had one thought when I was given such advice. A person can
always research what they don't know, especially in this day and age.
Technology makes research so much easier than it was years ago.
In my book, For Mercy's Sake, I needed to know how long a person could remain alive
while buried in a coffin. That wasn't something I had personal knowledge of. I
did a little research and placed my unwilling (fictional) heroine in the box,
covered her with dirt, and waited. It was a good thing the hero found her in
time. It did take a while for her to speak to me after those scenes were
written.
In essence, I did write what I
learned, so in a sense, I did write what I knew. However, I didn't allow lack
of knowledge on a topic prevent me from writing a climactic scene.
But more important then facts and
authenticity, to me anyway, is to write what you enjoy. When writing a book of
any length, you will spend a lot of time with your characters and the life you
are giving them to live. If you are miserable while writing, it will show in
your story. Enjoy being with them. But beware, the characters will argue with
you, and boy, can they be stubborn.
In the first book of my Rebels,
Rakes, and Rogues Series, Her Scottish Rogue, I introduced a minor
character named Baron Lacey. My plan for him was to be a horrible person
through and through. He had other ideas. And after he and I came to terms with
his storyline, it was decided that Baron needed to tell his own story. A reason
behind the man, if you will. So, His Rebellious Heart, the second book
in the Rebels, Rakes, and Rogues Series was born. Sometimes it's
annoying when the characters are right. At least, Baron lets me take credit for
his existance. ;)
Beck Montgomery,
from Her Scottish Rogue in the Rebels, Rakes, and Rogues Series
was as cantankerous a man as they come. He was grumpy from our first meeting.
Even when I introduced Wren, our heroine for this story, he had a sour
disposition. That's all right. Wren knew how to break the ice with him. And
when she did, well, I'll just say he was much easier to talk with.
When writing
your story, let your characters and the lives they lead become real. Don't
worry about book length or what the latest literary trend is. Spend time with
your characters, enjoy being with them, and write what happens when you are
with them. When you've done that, you will have characters and a story that
other people will want to spend time with. And trust me, all of you, the author, the characters, and
the readers will have a much more satisfying experience because of it.
If you would like to see how Beck warmed up to Wren, or how charming Baron truely is, I am having a giveaway. The winner will have their choice of Her Scottish Rogue or His Rebellious Heart. Both of these books are from the Rebels, Rakes, and Rogues Series. Of course, if you'd like to see how much of a close call Anna had escaping death while buried alive, you can choose, For Mercy's Sake. The giveaway is for an e-copy Open Internatioanlly
