Blog Kick Off – My Writing Process Blog Tour

Welcome to my blog, There Is No Place Like Home. I do believe that.  Today I’m launching my blog and what better way to do that than by taking part in the My Writing Process blog tour. Many thanks to author Dana R. Lynn http://authordanarlynn.wordpress.com/ for inviting me aboard.

Now on to the four questions that I am answering as part of the blog tour. Then I will introduce you to the wonderful author who will follow after me on this fun tour!

1. What am I working on now? I have recently started another contemporary romance based on one of my favorite tales, Rapunzel. I loved this story long before Disney released their modern take on it with the movie Tangled (though I’ve seen that several times with my daughter). Yes, there will be long, lovely tresses but my heroine lives by the sea, alone in a lighthouse trapped by a broken heart and a promise she just can’t seem to let go of. But my hero will change that!

I am also working a three book series for Harlequin’s inspirational line, Love Inspired. I’ve been a fan of Love Inspired books for several years and they’re my favorite books with some of my favorite things – faith, small town life and a happily ever after!

2. How does my writing differ from others of its genre? This question stopped me in my tracks. Lots to think about here! I think all authors hope that our stories are different in at least one small way that’s large enough to make them stand out. I will add that my heroines often have to confront their fears in life, something I am still learning to do myself.

3. Why do I write what I do? I write the stories that I want to read. That’s almost too simple. I love heroines that struggle to confront their fears, stand on their own two feet but want to find that one true love.I want heroes that prove chivalry is not dead but aren’t so tough that they can’t show a little bit of tenderness. I love small towns with their quirky characters and big hearts. Most of all I love a happy ending. I’m a Hallmark Channel fan and as I write my stories I play them like a movie in my head.

4. How does your writing process work? The last few years I’ve become an early riser. The first thing I do is feed the zoo, consisting of three cats and one dog. I get showered and dressed, throw in a load of laundry and sit down at the keyboard. The goal is to write a page (around 250 words) at least. If the writing is flowing I’ll go as long as I can. I focus on the story and ignore the internet and other distractions. My Keurig supplies me with endless cups of tea. I also take some time to find the perfect song that relates to my story. Playing this song helps immerse me in my story and my characters lives.  I like to stop in the middle of the action, often leaving my heroine or hero dangling. This makes it easy to jump back in the next day. I also find it helps to jump start my creativity by just taking a pen and pad and writing a page or two of my story. You find some real gems this way!

 And that wraps it up for me. On Monday, June 2, I hope you’ll hop on over and visit my author friend Erica D. Hearns.

Erica D. Hearns has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She has a (heretofore) completely useless degree in English Literature with aspirations of an MFA, as well as blogging and publishing world domination. When she’s not outing lying protagonists or helping them fall in love, she updates her four public sites: Indigo Moods (relationships/faith), The Season for Getting Serious (Christian), Copywrite1985 (writing and literature), and What I Wanted to Say (personal). She has a patient and long-suffering boyfriend of over six years and an inordinate interest in getting a fluffy white cat and naming her Miss Chancellor. She loves God, pasta, movies, yoga, cinnamon, caramel, and broccoli. She resides in Orlando, FL.

You can read Erica’s post on her writing process here at http://copywrite1985.com/blog/

You can catch me here on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays where I’ll be blogging about faith, family, love and life in a small town. You can also stop by my Author Spotlight page at the beginning of each month where I’ll introduce you to a favorite book and author. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new read and another author to add to your TBR list!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you soon!