Baton Blog Hop: My Writing Process

Writing coach and indie fantasy author Beth Barany passed on the baton to me for this blog hop. I've been writing on this very subject on Wattpad recently, where readers and fledgling authors often reach out for support and ideas on their own writing. I'll try not to repeat what I've already said there, but check out the link below to look at this new project of mine. I'll be updating it weekly with pithy, practical advice for new writers. You can also check out Beth's website for great advice and tips.
 
What are you working on? 
After a long month of letting the first draft of Ennara's sequel rest, I'm diving into revisions. As we speak, I'm using a new-to-me revision technique that I picked up at SCBWI's Los Angeles Writer's Days two weeks ago, called book mapping. Easier said than done! I'm also querying agents and publishers on the book, and concurrently planing an indie release if the story isn't picked up on my first round of submissions.

How does your work differ from others in this genre? 
At first glance, you might find a lot of similarities between this series and other YA fantasies, but the heart of Ennara's story is a spiritual struggle. Under the magic, schools and monsters, she's really just trying to understand right and wrong, and find the support she needs from friends and mentors to become who she wants to be.

Why do you write what you do? 
I write these stories to examine, to comment, and to reflect on the world around me. But underneath all that, I write to try to help my readers. 

I try to share philosophies on life--like that you'll get much farther with help from friends. That underneath it all, there is a potential for you to create magic in your world. And that sometimes, when everything is crazy around you, the greatest help can be to still your thoughts and call on higher powers, be it God, angels, saints, enlightened ones.

How does your writing process work? 
I'm a plotter. It's a relic from my days of writing manuals and online help. I have to see the book in its entirety, broken into main plot events, before I start drafting scene one. I know that not everyone writes this way, and I know my way isn't better or worse than others, it's just the way I do. So. That said, this is my process:

1. I plot. Extensively. Like, for a month or two, or more, depending. I plan character development, the three acts, settings, comedic scenes, everything.
2. I draft. Fast and furious. Sometimes during NANOWRIMO, if the timing is convenient.
3. I submit the draft to my critique groups while I let the book "rest" for a month. During time off, I work on new story ideas. It's difficult, ripping my head out of one world to put it in a new one temporarily, but alas, it has to be done.
4. I revise. I map the book to look for holes. I go though the text to look for repetitions and lazy words.
5. About three quarters of the way though revisions, I start submitting and/or making plans for publication.

And now, I am passing the baton a wonderful fantasy writer, Joyce Hertzoff. Her stories are filled with magic and intrigue, and if you ever get the change to read them, you'll be transported to new and wondrous worlds. More at: hertzoffjo.blogspot.com and joycehertzoffauthor.com.

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