What are You Writing Now? Blog Hop

I was tagged by Norma Gail Thurston Holman. Norma is a Bible teacher, and has just published her first Christian romance novel. You can find Norma here: http://normagail-2mefromhim.blogspot.com/

 

Norma Gail



If you're a current reader of my blog, you might already know some of the answers to the questions I have been given. Even so, you may just find one or two gems that you didn't know about. So, go forth, and enjoy!

 

(I have tagged two authors at the end of this post. Make sure you check out their blogs!)

 

What Are You Writing Right Now? Blog Hop

1) What is the working title of your next book?

The Feast: A Parable of the Ring

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?

The Feast is book two of Conquering Your Goliaths: a Parable of the Five Stones, and takes off where the first book left off. What does Virginia do, now that she has the five stones and has overcome her trial? Is there more to consider besides Listening, Trust, Optimism, Tenacity and Constancy?

3) What genre does your book fall under?

The Feast is Christian fiction like the first.

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

This is a tough one. And while Virginia and Richard might be easier to pin down, it would be hard to find a character to play God. I'm really not sure, but the characters would have to live godly lives themselves for movie consideration.

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A married couple struggles to find a solution when they're not able to get pregnant.

6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

My book will be published through Idea Creations Press. 

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Just a few months, but the story itself was writing itself for awhile.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Those who love books with symbolic meaning will love The Feast. If they enjoy reading Max Lucado or C.S. Lewis, they will see some intertwining of symbolism and life.

9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Virginia's story wasn't over. I felt as if I could take her further, and I felt as if something new could be achieved as she and Richard became a married couple. It's one thing to move forward in your life using the five stones as guideposts, but it's quite another to bring another person into the picture and expect to do the same thing.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

You're looking at a fun story, but it is often serious too, and reflective. I like the idea of reading a book for enjoyment, and, at the same time, taking a look at where I am in life and where I hope to be.

11) When you find yourself feeling lazy or ‘blocked’, how do you force yourself to get past it?

I have many methods that I have previously spoken about in my posts. My favorite is a book of magazine pictures that I use when I don't seem to have anything to write about. My second favorite method is going to another project where the ideas are flowing, and then going back to the 'blocked' story later. Usually things open up.

12) Where do you find your inspiration? How do you overcome writer’s block?

Inspiration is everywhere. On the computer. At the doctor's office. At the grocery store. I try to be open to whatever I experience in my life. Studying the scriptures helps me, as does prayer. And I find that if I'm open to others and what they have to share, I learn a lot too.

I don't often have writer's block because I've found ways to get through it quickly.

13) What’s the one piece of advice you would give a new writer?

I have said this one before, but I truly believe it. "Never give up, never surrender." It's important that once you decide that you're a writer, that you continue to do whatever it takes to continue, and that means everything; others not understanding that this is your career, and not just a hobby. Getting those rejection letters again and again and still having the wherewithal to move forward. Learning what needs to be learned even after someone says they don't like your writing or that your writing stinks, or that you really have no talent. (You can tell this by looks even more than by what people say).

14) Which author inspired you to become a writer: 2. How do you choose the subjects of your books? 

I wanted something to call my own. I wanted to be good at something. I don't know that I was inspired to write, at least not at first, but I felt the need to write. It was sort of like free therapy and creativity all rolled into one. If you want to know the whole story, maybe I'll share it sometime.

I write what I like to read; real people overcoming obstacles. Sometimes the subject chooses me.

15) Here's one: What is your daily writing schedule?

I usually write in the morning. I have a to-do list of my projects and cross them off as I either finish them, or tackle a portion that I've pre-determined to do. I forget things if they're not written down, and I like the idea of crossing things off.

16) How did you find the courage to let people see your personal inner thoughts?

The easiest way for me to share my thoughts is through fiction writing, so that's probably why I started with that. I could share my 'personal inner thoughts' without anyone really knowing they were my thoughts. My main character could share some of my beliefs without betraying me (though there were times people saw right through the character, and asked me if I really felt this way or that way). This was especially true of my first book, "A River of Stones."

17) How frequently do you write (hours per day or whatever)? How many drafts do you work through before you are satisfied? What is most difficult to write about, and why? Do women writers face any different challenges than men?

I write for a good portion of the day, in-between household and other duties. I have found that I can leave something and then return to it without too much grief. I write almost a daily blog, and usually have one or two book projects going on at the same time. I also do a good share of marketing.

When it comes to drafts, I do at least 3 before those critiquing my work see it. After that I do at least 2 more. I am rarely completely satisfied because I am continually finding something to improve, but there comes a time when I need to let the manuscript go and work towards other things.

For me, it would have to be setting. I get into the heads of my characters pretty well, but have a harder time describing the setting in which they are placed. I usually have to go back through a story and add setting to make the story stronger.

I don't think women writers face any different challenges than their male counterparts. But I think that used to be the case. I think we all struggle to be known, and to get readers to like us well enough that they want to continue with us as we put out additional books.

That's it! Thanks for reading! And now, for the tagging!

I am tagging two writers. The first is C. LaRene Hall. I have known Connie for quite a few years. I first met her at a League of Utah Writers meeting and we've been friends ever since. 

Connie's latest book is called, "Mary's Spyglass," and is written for the YA reader.

You can find her work at her blog: http://clhall.blogspot.com/

See her post tomorrow, May 7th!

***

Jeanette S. Andersen writes YA fiction. She is a mom of 4 boys and works part time as a Mobile Merchandiser for beeLine jewelry and accessories.  She works and shows her supplies at Old Navy.  She is also an actress, photographer, fundraiser cordinator and a Jill of all trades. She likes doing many things and loves working with people.

You can find her blog at:
http://jeanettesandersen.blogspot.com

See her post tommorow, May 7th!