A Little Bit About Writing: Blog Roll!
I’ve been asked by a wonderful network of authors to write a little bit about writing in, what we authors call a Blog Roll.
This is a chance to talk a little bit about our writing process.
Sometimes people are interested.
Sometimes not.
So for those of you fascinated by how people write (I’m one of those people1).
1. WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
I’m polishing my third book, which is currently titled I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around. I don’t know if I’ll get to keep that title but I am in love with it.
I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around follows psychologist and clueless commitment-phobe Tig Monohan, as she navigates a troubled relationship, her secretive mother’s increasing dementia and her sister’s difficult pregnancy. All this while trying to keep it together while she hosts the radio show that asks the ultimate life question, Is That Fair?
2. HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
I write about very dark topics with both drama and humor. I love the intersection of funny and sad.
I’m that parent who is horrified when their child falls but also can’t stop laughing because it looked a little funny when they took a face plant next to the sprinkler. It’s just how I’m wired. I’m ashamed. (giggle).
3. WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I WRITE?
I’m in love with people. I know it’s fashionable to say you don’t like people, but I do. I love every quirky thing about them. I like how a smart, beautiful woman picks her teeth when she thinks no one is looking. I like watching what is in grocery carts and how people eat.
I’m fascinated. I don’t judge but I find the humanity in their behavior and then I write about it. Humanity is always funny and sad, I can’t
4. HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?
It changes depending on the time of year. I write hard in the summer and in the mornings and on days I don’t teach. I write at soccer games and in parking lots. I write in my head, on scraps of paper and in airplanes. I am a stop, drop and write-writer.
I start with a character and she whispers her story in my ear. Naw, but I do follow her around in my head and she/he helps me create the story.
5. AND ANOTHER PART OF THIS QUESTION, HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS NOT WORK?
I take on too much and then I can’t get back to my writing. I’m a very social person and I like to be with people. I can’t write when I’m with people though. I’m working on that.
PASSING THE TORCH, OR WHO’S NEXT?
Three of the most generous and interesting women writers I know. I’m so happy to share a few of my favorite, super-talented, and all around awesome writers with you.
Amy just made a fantastic book deal, and Andrea wrote The Repeat Year and is working on another as I write this.
Check these women out.
You won’t be sorry.
Katie is a veteran and fantastic, warm, and lovely writer with a new book coming out soon.
http://www.katherinetowler.com
Meet my girl Amy Reichert
Andrea wrote The Repeat Year and is working on another as I write this
