Monday, September 8, 2014

Romance Writers Weekly Blog Hop



It's time again for the Romance Writers Weekly blog hop from romance writers from all over the globe. Each week, many of us answer the same three questions so you can get a fun peek into a writer's mind. I submitted this week's questions. Here they are:

1.What’s your favorite aspect of novel writing? Dialogue? Setting? Conflict? Narration? Explain.

By far, my favorite aspect of novel writing is dialogue. I write character-driven and dialogue-driven novels. I especially love creating nasty characters and have a lot of fun writing from a male point of view. I get bored when a novel is too flowery, has a lot of backstory, and narration. I like to get right to the action. I want readers to feel like they are in the scene and to have a hard time putting my book down. That said, I also adore throwing conflict at my characters. I say the more plot twists the better!

 2.How do you choose the setting for your plot? Are they always similar settings or does it vary? (i.e., small town, big city, castle, etc.)

I write contemporary novels--women's fiction, romantic suspense and contemporary romance. My debut novel, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, is set in a fictional town, Crystal City, and is modeled after a mid-sized town in Missouri where I grew up. However, my sequel will have several chapters devoted to small-town life. I've never written about a small town before, but my grandmother lived in one and my parents do now. Life is a much slower pace in my yet-to-be-named tiny town, and some of my characters need that, believe me. Others are going to hate it, however. Fair warning!

3.I’m a big six-word memoir fan. (Hemingway even wrote one.) Describe your writing day using just six words.

Coffee. Facebook. Email. Coffee. Facebook. Write.

What it should be:

Trudge to coffee pot. Start writing.

If you haven't tried six-word memoirs, you should! My memoirs are in three six-word memoir collections--two books and one calendar. It's great fun. Celebrities and famous authors get involved. Warning: They're highly addictive. http://smithmag.net

So what is your favorite aspect of novel writing? Which settings do you prefer? Tell me and then be sure to visit other RWW bloggers, Leslie Hachtel http://lesliehachtelwriter.wordpress.com and Eden Ashe http://edenashe.com.  

18 comments:

  1. You really threw me for a curve today with the six-word memoir, Beth, but you're right. They are kind of addictive. :) I love yours! Very honest. It could easily be mine too.

    Great post!

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  2. Thank you, Christy. I first heard about six-word memoirs when they made the "101 Best Websites" in Writer's Digest. I've been hooked ever since.

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  3. Totally get the addictive part, Beth!

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    1. If you go to their site, you'll see themes. For example, right now there are some great sixes about Joan Rivers. Thx for stopping by.

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  4. Great questions this week, Beth!!! I'm with you on flowery romances, I'm more about conflict and obstacles myself :) Loved your blog!!!

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    1. Thanks, JJ.. Yes, I say the more pot holes the better unless I'm driving!

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  5. Yeah, that internet thing between the first cup of coffee and the first word on the page is what always gets me starting late.

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    1. Yep. I don't think I'll ever be an early morning writer. I had took many 8 o'clock meetings over the years. I'm rebelling now.

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  7. Great questions today. Enjoyed your post, especially the 6 words.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed them, Vickie. I'll head to your blog! Thanks.

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  8. Love "Trudge to the coffee pot. Start Writing."
    Coffee goes on the minute I hit the downstairs and I have a nice little warmer by my desk to keep me going.

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    1. Ooh, a warmer is a great idea. Thanks for coming by, Collette. I loved yours, too.

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  9. Great post Beth! Dialogue really does make the story :-)

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    1. I agree! I read one novel that had little dialogue. I adored the novel, it was powerful and has stayed with me, but more dialogue would have made it perfect.

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  10. Really enjoyed answering your three questions this week, thanks for these!
    Also loved your six words - good stuff!

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    1. I'm happy to hear that, Mikki. I'll head to yours. Thank you!

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