That's right, I somehow did it again. I signed up for the same blog hop twice. And while I'd like to blame it on twins brain, on some deep level, I know. Oh yes, I know.

So anywho, I'm gonna talk about different stuff this time. But aren't I supposed to answer the questions? Yes, I am. But, you know, multiple viewpoints and stuff. Let's see how this goes: 

I was tagged, this time, by historical romance writer Sherry Ewing. Check out her blog and buy a book!

What am I working on?
Still book mapping. What?!? Yes. Well, actually at this point I'm doing everything I can to avoid book mapping, like participating in blog hops (Ahem), posting that paranormal mystery I wrote last summer on Wattpad, getting new covers made for the Ennara series and its upcoming sequel (check out my amazing new illustrator Niniel here), getting an audiobook produced (check out my talented voice actress Crystal here). Well, at least I can say that when I procrastinate, I stay busy.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
One big difference between my stories and others writing middle-grade fantasy is that most  authors doing children's books are still traditionally publishing, whereas I've chosen to start my career self-publishing. It isn't an easy path, but then again, neither is finding a traditional publisher.

Some question your motivation with self-publishing. Like your book isn't good enough to sell to a publisher, so you're selling yourself for your ego. And whether that is the motives of some or not (it isn't really for any of us to say), that isn't the case here. You see, I'm brutally honest with myself about this business, and about my career. I need to keep writing. Publishers need to publish what they believe will sell. And oftentimes, the quality of a book isn't enough to sell it traditionally. 

So when I wasn't able to sell the first Ennara, I refused to slow down. I recognized that sometimes it isn't the story, or the characters, but the market, or even the availability of space in a publisher's production line.  I self-published the book, and it went on to win an award and gather a strong readership on Wattpad.

I have a lot of stories in me, and less time than that. I am a creator, and I will keep creating until I am done.

Why do I write what I do?
To understand other people, other lives.

How does my writing process work?
I have an idea that I think will interest me for several months. I build a plot and characters around it that I also think will hold my interest for months. Then I write a sentence, then a paragraph, then a page. Then a scene, and a chapter. Eventually it becomes a book. Then I edit that book and try to make it better.

And that's it! Thanks for stopping by.

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.