Blog
Behind the scenes...
Musings and insights from the author.
Journey to Writing a Book
Part
1
Tough Look Back
For years, I went to great lengths to keep certain parts of my past out of my writing. Better, I thought, to deal with the past elsewhere and focus on other sources for my creative work. There's only one problem- memories can have sharp edges. It's especially true when they're called back to you via the lives of others.
Journey to writing a book
Journey to Writing a Book
Tough Look Back
For years, I went to great lengths to keep certain parts of my past out of my writing. Better, I thought, to deal with the past elsewhere and focus on other sources for my creative work. There's only one problem- memories can have sharp edges. It's especially true when they're called back to you via the lives of others.
Journey to Writing a Book
Preparations and Complications
Although I’d written two novel drafts in the past, I chose different methods to plan my new book. I’d switched to screenwriting in the interim, and now felt more comfortable using those methods as the initial basis for structuring my narrative. It wouldn't be possible to rely on screenwriting methods completely, because novels and screenplays are designed for different purposes.
Journey to Writing a Book
When Everything Changed - Pt 1
It's been a few years and forever since lockdown. You see reminders of it - an occasional "dirty pen" container, faded foot decals marking where people need to stand. I don't think anyone who survived that time is anxious to recall it. But looking back, I realize it's impossible to tell my journey to A Death In Hartsend without mentioning this period.
Journey to Writing a Book
When Everything Changed - Pt 2
During lockdown, I expanded my knowledge for my book set in 1970 Kentucky by reading extensively, including "Brown to Meredith" and "Going to School in Black and White." Online communities, Zoom exercise classes, and film-watching with my husband helped me cope. As restrictions lifted, I reconnected with family and friends.
Journey to Writing a Book
Connections Through Reading
The books I read were invaluable for historical background, period detail, and character development.
The world of the book
The World of the Book
All in a Name
You won't know exactly how many characters you will need until you start writing. It's usually better for workflow if you can avoid stopping to create and verify characters.
The World of the Book
Chatting With Characters
Good dialogue will help readers become invested in your characters and, by extension, your story.
The World of the Book
Knowing Your Place
Ask people their idea of Kentucky, and you're likely to get an answer that mentions horse farms or coal mines. These images tend to be associated with eastern Kentucky. Neither describes my fictional town of Hartsend, which is located in western Kentucky.
Conversations
Conversations
Meet Suz Podrasky
Today we're chatting with Suz Podrasky, an abstract artist and sculptor who works in a variety of mediums. Her most recent exhibit was at the Spectrum Art Fair in Miami. Suz was awarded the "Best of Maryland Preservation Artisans Award" by Preservation Maryland for her work on the historic Ivy Hotel in Baltimore.
Conversations
Meet Joanna White Oldham
This week, we're honored to chat with Joanna White Oldham. Ms. White Oldham is a director, producer, and educator who works in a variety of media platforms. Her credits include Here is A Man (2022) and the Netflix series Buried by the Bernards (2021).
Conversations
Meet P.D. Kuch
This week we're chatting with author P. D. Kuch, creator of the "Oxford Girls" series.
Conversations
Meet Jose F Nodar
This week we're chatting with author Jose F Nodar, writer of Mending Hearts in Crystal Cove.
Conversations
Meet Shoshana Rosenbaum
This week, we're thrilled to present an interview with filmmaker and screenwriter Shoshana Rosenbaum.
Conversations
Meet Paul Edward Turner
This week we talk to Paul Edward Turner, author and actor at Sleuth Films.
Conversations
Meet DP Lyle
This week we talk to DP Lyle, cardiologist and author of the Jake Longly series.
Conversations
Meet Aaron Ryan
This week we talk to Aaron Ryan, entrepreneur and author of "Dissonance"