I've been tagged by the lovely Fiona Phillips to talk about my writing process. So, here I go!
I primarily write young adult speculative fiction, but I also write middle grade and picture books because I love children's books in general. I'm the author of the Touch of Death series through Spencer Hill Press, which can be found here.
What am I working on?
Lots of stuff, as always. I'm revising three sequels right now, all set to come out in 2015. I'm also writing a new book that is so top secret I can't talk about it yet. ;) And I'm getting ready for the release of The Monster Within in June.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I love to find ways to twist plots so they aren't just more of what's already been done. So far I've written about descendants of Medusa, psychic vampires, and Phoenixes. I love anything out of the ordinary and that helps as far as making sure my work is unique.
Why do I write what I do?
I've always felt that paranormal and fantasy are like the real world only better. I find writing this genre is a great way to escape from life for a little while and step into something a little more interesting.
How does my writing process work?
I spend a lot of time plotting books before I start drafting, but then I typically let my characters take over and throw out my original planning because my characters are much smarter than I am. I also like to fast draft, writing as much as 18K in one day. I find the story flows better when I write that quickly.
Here's who's up next week for the My Writing Process Blog Hop:
Beth Fred: Beth Fred is the author of Fate of a Marlowe Girl, The Other Marlowe Girl, and A Missing Peace.
Kym Brunner: Kym Brunner dreams entire books in her head, but then needs about a year to write the whole thing down. She wishes there was an app for this. When she's not writing, she's teaching 7th grade or watching movies, reality TV, or scoping out the social media scene. Friend her at Author Kym Brunner or find her on Goodreads.
Kym Brunner: Kym Brunner dreams entire books in her head, but then needs about a year to write the whole thing down. She wishes there was an app for this. When she's not writing, she's teaching 7th grade or watching movies, reality TV, or scoping out the social media scene. Friend her at Author Kym Brunner or find her on Goodreads.
Great post. I wish I could write that much in a day. Thanks for the mention.
ReplyDeleteI get insane when I draft and I fully admit that. ;)
DeleteYou do have impressive word counts. I guess there is never a question as to why you have a million releases in one year :-)
ReplyDeletelol I actually don't write as many books in a year as I used to. Between promotion, revisions, and editing for clients I don't have as much time to pump out books.
Delete18K in a single day is a lot!
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel hungover after I write that much in a day.
DeleteIt's the phenomenal output that I find hard to wrap my head around. And you put out a clean copy, I bet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us in, Kelly.
Oh, there are plenty of errors in that word count. Believe me.
DeleteI could never write 18K in one day so kudos to you Kelly! That's fantastic. BUT like yourself, my characters usually take over my plot which is why I don't necessarily outline everything before I write. I'm used to this method and love it when my characters throw me off. Picture books will always have a special place in my heart. My sister and I grew up watching Levar Burton while he read books on Reading Rainbow. Ahh the good old days... Happy Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteI like to plan but I also like to stray from my planning. I'm weird that way. ;) Happy Wednesday!
DeleteWow! Way to go, Kelly! 18k in a day is just awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's wonderful but also exhausting. Lol
DeleteMy brain would explode if I attempted to revise 3 things in a close period. But I guess that's how those deadlines get met, huh? ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah, you don't have a choice when you're on deadline.
DeleteNow you have us all intrigued. Too top secret. Can't wait to hear more. I love that you plot ahead of time. I see the merits of this process, have tried, but end up dawdling. I'm sure it would save me time in the revision process, but... what's a writer to do but follow their own processes. Yes? Now, about that top secret book...:-)
ReplyDeleteLol parts of my top secret book are SO secret I don't even know about them yet. ;)
DeleteYes, we have to follow our own process. Absolutely.
I'm also curious about that top secret book now ... :) 18k, wow! Revising three novels at the same time, double-wow!
ReplyDelete;) The words top secret really got people's attention.
DeleteSometimes I feel like a crazy person with all I have on my plate, but I love it. :)
Ah, you were tagged too. :) I spend a lot of time plotting as well.
ReplyDeleteI struggled to find people who weren't already tagged. This blog tour is getting around. lol
DeleteI'm beginning to think that I'll enjoy my writing again if I throw out my plot. It seems to be the culprit to my procrastination!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Kelly!
Lol. Good luck!
DeleteThanks for sharing this post, Kelly!
ReplyDelete18K in one day is crazy-amazing. And how fun to have a top-secret book.
ReplyDelete:) I have a ton of edits to do this month and next so my top secret book has to be put on hold for a while.
DeleteWow. From vampires to PBs, that's some serious chops. :).
ReplyDeleteCharacters are like that, aren't they? They always tend to be smarter than us writers. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes. Always. ;)
DeleteThanks for linking to my writing process on your blog hop, Kelly! I'm with the others - in shock and awe! :) Wow - you inspire me to write a lot more in one day than I do. I'm more like drip coffee...bit by excruciating bit. ;-)
ReplyDelete(http://www.kymbrunner.com/2014/04/my-writing-process-blog-tour-stop.html)
Hey, it doesn't matter how it gets done, only that it gets done. :)
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