It's time for another blog hop from the writers of Romance Writers Weekly.
Follow our Facebook page and our Twitter handle at #lovewritechat. And look for a HUGE give-away from several of the authors next month!This week's questions come from author Jami Denise. http://jamidenise.weebly.com/blog
Q.When writing your novel, do you know how it’s going to end before you write, or do you write from start to finish?
A. I generally know the ending so I can work toward it and drop red herrings, build in conflict and employ plot twists along the way. *rubbing hands together* In THURSAYS AT COCONUTS (my novel that releases mid-August), I knew the beginning, the ending and a couple of plot points but that was it. I am a pantster, although I do see the value in outlines. However, my characters always take over so it's pointless for me to have much of an outline. That said, I have begun the sequel and I don't have a clue how it will end. I'm just brewing up trouble for now.
Q. How do the people you know impact your writing? Are you influenced by friends and family
for your characters?
A. I am influenced by some family members and friends. I'd say more friends and acquaintances than family--and usually the ornery or strange ones are the most fun to create/emulate. I also infuse a bit of myself in a few of my characters. Not the weird ones!! Come on. In all seriousness, some of my characters are a complete figment of my imagination and others are a mix of reality and fiction.
Q. Describe the hero in your current WIP in three words.
A. That's hard since mine is women's fiction with three main characters. I'll write a word for each one:
Suzy - Loyal
Alexandra (Alex) - Sassy
Hope - Unhappy
Please comment and be sure to read the answers by the next author on our hop, Amy Jarecki http://amyjarecki.blogspot.com
I like to plot fairly strictly, because it gives me an illusion of control. But someday I'm just going to go for it!
ReplyDeleteHa! And someday I need to go for it and plot!!! Thanks for stopping by, Brenda.
DeleteI pantsed in my last book. It's scary as heck but fun. Usually I plot myself to death. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I need to try this plotting thing. Nah. I do write down a few (maybe five) plot points on scraps of paper that are usually lost forever so it doesn't work out. I'm ridiculously unorganized as a writer.
DeleteI love the irony in naming your unhappy character Hope. I hope she's not the person you infuse with bits of yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Veronica! I chose Hope's name for the irony. She hates herself, her life, her frumpy body, frizzy hair--and her NAME. But it gets better for her. Eventually. And, no, she's nothing like me, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteSassy, loyal and unhappy...that's quite a combination! I'll bet you're having a lot of fun with it :-)
ReplyDeleteI did have fun with it, Amy! Everyone thinks the sassy one is me (and she's most like me) but I love all three main characters.
DeletePantsers rule!
ReplyDeleteHaha. Yes, but I think we're in the minority with this group, Gemma!
ReplyDeleteIt's so refreshing to see that I'm not the only one that doesn't outline! Sometimes I get so jealous of those that do, that are so organized. I love flying by the seat of my pants. It's exciting that way!
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the pantster :) Great blog!!!
ReplyDeleteI love sassy characters :D Great answers!
ReplyDeleteLove that your characters take you in their own direction. Mine do too
ReplyDelete