Works in Progress
Since 2000, I've completed 14 manuscripts in a variety of genres. Some are still in rough stages, but most of them I wouldn't be embarrassed to show people.
After placing in the Instant Seduction Contest in 2008, and receiving input from editors at Mills & Boone in London, I've been concentrating on short contemporaries. They've taught me tons about emotional focus and writing a character driven story.
For those of you interested in process, I've always found my raw writing progresses faster if I have a synopsis to work from. I've realized recently, however, that I tend to reach for external elements when writing a synopsis so I'm working on letting the characters develop the story. This is more a seat-of-the-pants or flying-into-the-mist type of process, something I've always eschewed because each word feels like a jagged knife being yanked from my chest. I'm learning, though, and learning is good.
The time I take to complete a manuscript is directly related to how many weekends I have free of family obligations. I write most mornings and many evenings after work, but those are sprints. The real work is done in my pajamas on a Sunday morning with an unending supply of coffee at my elbow. I work to self-imposed deadlines that I time with upcoming family events so I can finish a book and enjoy myself at said events with a sense of satisfaction and achievement. And can answer questions like, "Any writing news?" with a resounding, "I just finished a manuscript!"
