Writers are fascinated with the way that other writers write. I think that we all hope that we will pick up some clue or tip from a writer that will make the process easier.

I have been invited to join a blog hop about the writing process.  To join this hop, I need to thank the person who invited me, answer four questions, and introduce you to the next person on the hop.

Two years ago, I had the good fortune to join a writer’s group, the Wordsmith Studio. I am thankful to the group for all the help and support they have given me.  The group is an online group so face to face meetings are not that frequent. We are spread not only across the U.S. but also in Canada and even Bulgaria!

Sometimes even in a situation like this, you will find friends. Somehow even when just talking or working on line, you can find a kindred spirit. I am lucky to have found several in the group.

Linda Hatton is one of those people. She has been incredibly helpful and has shown so much patience with my often sometimes idiotic simple questions.   I feel very lucky to have gotten to know her over the last two years.  Linda invited me to this hop. Let me introduce you to her.

Linda G. Hatton

Linda G Hatton spends her days writing—poetry, novels, screenplays, web codes, or notes to her children. She is also the managing editor of Mouse Tales Press and works as a freelance copyeditor.  Please check her out at  http://www.lindaghatton.com/

(Linda is very knowledgeable and is a wonderful copyeditor.  Please contact her if you need copyediting. You won’t be sorry!)

And now on to my four questions –

What am I currently working on?

I currently write three blogs – one professionally as the foot blogger chick, one about adapting to my husband’s diabetes, and one about books. I also participated in last November’s NaNoWriMo and wrote a story about a Lola. Poor Lola needs a lot of work and I have been avoiding her. She is that needy friend.  You know the kind I mean. The one whose problems are just overpowering.

How does my work differ from others of its genre? 

Wow… That is the big question, isn’t it? I think that, while it is still developing, my writing “voice” sounds a lot like me.  I am fairly casual and that comes out in my writing. I will admit that I have a harder time with book reviews. I have a tendency to be a bit stiff with the reviews. I take the reviews very seriously but I need to loosen up a bit. I am fortunate that my employer for the foot blog likes my casual style.

Why do I write/create what I do? 

I started with the blog about my husband’s diabetes. I felt that it was a confusing new world and that we could share what we were finding along the way. I thought that because we were such idiots about it that we could probably help others.  We were so overcome with serious information that we worried about screwing up and what that would mean.  But, of course, we all screw up.

That blog started the ball rolling. Also there were some changes in my work situation that gave me more time to be able to work at writing.  I found that I loved (most of the time) writing and there was so much for me to learn. Also, I could be creative and that was really fun.

How does your writing/creating process work?

Sometimes better than others? I sit down at my desk each morning sometime between 8-9 a.m. and finish for the day about 5:30 p.m. Now, I have a schedule for when the blogs are supposed to be posted so I have to write them to meet the schedule. I do also have a small property management business that I have to take care of while in the office also.

I saw the following quote and I think it is perfect for the way I work –

I write when I’m inspired. And I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.

Peter de Vries

I am a “pantser”. That is the term for writer who “flies by the seat of their pants” and does not outline what they are going to write before they write it. I sit down and expect it to happen. When I was writing about Lola last year, I had no idea what was going on or why I was writing about Lola. I suspect that I could use a little more discipline. The problem is that I love being a “pantser”. I sit down and just start typing. I even just look up into the air and type. Sometimes what comes out is just crap but sometimes a story happens. The trick is to know the difference. I am not sure I know how to tell.

And now I get to introduce you to the next stop on the hop!

Sarah LaFleur

Sarah LaFleur is another of my Wordsmith Studio buddies.  She is so very talented and full of interesting ideas.  Please take a few minutes to check out her site and her book!

Until December 2012, Sarah LaFleur was a working pianist and teacher. In the midst of a career change, she started writing a story. Less than 17 weeks later she completed her first full-length novel.  Who Is Evelyn Dae? was born when Sarah decided to launch her writing persona (lafleurdeplume) on social media. By early September 2013, she connected with a wonderful community of writers and readers who convinced her to publish the Amazon bestselling story.

Sarah continues to write, and has several projects in the works including a sequel to her first novel, an adult science fiction book that stands alone, and multiple guest blog spots. She lives in the greater Chicago metropolitan area with her children, cats, and piano. You can find out more about her at http://lafleurdeplume.com

Thanks for reading!