My Writing Process Blog Tour

Recently, my writer friend, Letty Stapp Watt, invited me to join in a blog tour. This is my first time to participate in one of these and I am excited! On this tour, we are exploring the writing craft by answering three key questions then inviting three friends to do the same. More from those three friends later…

For now, check out Letty’s blog literallyletty.com for a slice of creative retired life sprinkled with book reviews, history, and inspiration.

What am I working on?

I’m completing final edits on a middle-grade underwater fantasy. Because of this, I spend most my time drifting through the Pacific Ocean, charging into submerged volcanoes, and wrestling giant squid. At least I pretend I do. Over the past few years, I have done a bit of snorkeling and learned to SCUBA. Not quite the same as facing down a water demon or angry shark but it gets me in the mood.

I’m also partway through a novel featuring an orphaned gypsy girl who must choose between breaking the curse that fell on her when her family died or saving her only friend. Although this book differs from traditional Romani culture, their rich traditions of music, trade, and travel pervade the story, along with a hint of magic.

Why do I write what I do?

In fiction, I strive to craft a compelling world (usually fantasy) where my readers can find a second home. I love reading books that fill my senses, that make me feel as if I’m really there. I long to slip into a story then return to real life feeling invigorated and relieved that the demons I battle can’t actually burn me to a crisp. I hope my stories provide a way for people to face danger and learn that they are stronger and braver than they realized.

My nonfiction writing revolves around themes of gratitude, humor, and inspiration. I strive to bring beauty, peace, and joy to my readers. Life is full of tough choices and challenging experiences. I hope my writing can, in some way, lighten the load we all must bear.

What is my writing process?

My writing process is an ever-changing beast, sometimes growling at me from under my bed or luring me back to my desk with purring and leg rubbing. Okay, maybe I’m in fantasyland on that last part, but what better place for a writer to be? Whenever I start a new project, I spend a hefty amount of time brainstorming and outlining my planned story and character arcs. I’ve found great inspiration from interviewing my characters. You’d be surprised what secrets lurk in their histories if you just take the time to ask. When on the fly, I jot down ideas on my phone or on whatever scrap of paper I have nearby then organize them on my computer later.

Then, when I sit down to write, my mutinous characters try to take over. The plotter in me itches to retake control and sometimes I do. But my free spirit (you know, the one that leads me down unmarked paths and up into climbing trees) loves to see what mysteries and adventures they discover. This sometimes leaves me dazed and pulling my hair out trying to make my plot work. But it also results in exciting twists, layers of meaning, and complex characters. I just have to find a balance that doesn’t threaten my sanity!

With six kids, two part-time jobs, church service, and volunteering, it’s tough to find time for my writing career. During the school year I try to have my fingers at the keyboard crafting new worlds by 9 each morning. Even though I must be flexible, the schedule motivates me so that I rise early enough and move fast enough to finish jogging, chores, and our family devotional in time to actually get in some writing. On most days, I take my computer everywhere so I can sneak in a few moments of writing at ballparks, while waiting at school, doctor’s offices, or in any unexpected downtime. Summer throws my schedule into a tailspin, so I just write whenever I get the chance.

But I write.

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My Writing Process Blog Tour

Welcome to Girls Camp-the Braid Capitol of the World

I’ve spent the past few days in the braid capital of the world—girls camp. From zigzagging waterfall braids tied back in on top of themselves to side braids, fishtails and more, the girls raised the craft of plaiting hair to pure art, with the added bonus of freedom from sweaty manes and irritating flyaway hairs. Here’s a few pics highlighting some of my faves. See if you can spot my braids, courtesy of my friend April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a great time with the girls, chanting camp cheers, canoeing, crafting, and staying up late around the camp fire (or the charcoal grill when the soggy logs refused to light!).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite times was the “Night of Lights” when we gathered in a dark clearing, each holding a candle. As each group sang, they shared their flames with the next, until the music and light spread around the circle. When candles blew out, neighboring girls relit them. I loved the symbolism of sharing hope, joy and friendship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As much as I loved all the skits, the swimming, and the fun, the best part was seeing our girls strengthen their values as they deepened relationships with each other, new friends, and the leaders.

What do you love about camping?

 

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Welcome to Girls Camp-the Braid Capitol of the World

Interview with Abaddon, Notorious leader of the Pacific Ring

Interview with Abaddon by Amphitrite Seadaughter, defender of mages

My old adversary trails his fingers in a pool of lava, shuddering with pleasure as he soaks in the power of the earth before swimming to meet me in a thick stand of kelp.

I can’t hide my disgust, but the vaunted leader of the Pacific Ring doesn’t care. Abaddon grins and sinks onto an algae-strewn boulder. There’s something menacing in his dark eyes but he won’t hurt me and both of us know it.

“So.” His smile broadens. “You wanted to discuss my energy habits? I had no idea you cared. I mean, I know my behavior troubles you. You’ve made that no secret.” He waves his hand, stirring up a small current. “But to come all this way for a little chat? Tritey, I’m touched.”

I cross my arms.  “Your thugs are lurking around TIDES. I won’t have it.”

“Oh, they’re just there for the night life in Kira Cove. They won’t be any trouble.”

“Really? I was under the impression that they leave a trail of muck everywhere they’ve been. I won’t bother asking why you swim with such scum. You made your choice long ago and I, mine.”

His face hardens and a tendon in his jaw twitches.

“What are you afraid of?” I demand. “You think your cronies care about you? You’re all alone in this ocean, no matter how many hooligans follow you around.” I bite my lip, hoping I haven’t gone too far. I just can’t help it. With Abaddon, my words sometimes get ahead of my good sense. One of these days, I’ll end up goading him into blasting me. Who knows if I’ll survive, depends on how mad he is.

Something flashes in his eyes. At first I think it’s his power, itching to come out and burn me, but then I’m not sure.

“What makes you think I’m afraid of anything?” he asks.

“Aren’t we all?”

He brushes a bit of kelp out of his face, singeing the broad leaves. “The things I used to fear are meaningless now. Death. Loneliness. Pain. No one can frighten me—I have nothing to lose.”

His hollow gaze bores into me and I look away, into the depths of the murky forest.

There’s silence for a moment then his fingers spark. “I only have myself to fear.”

My eyes stray to his glowing hands and I can’t help but flinch. “Why are you trying to take over the Pacific? Aren’t the Graveyard Seamounts enough?”

Abaddon shrugs and stops flickering. “Why not? Who wouldn’t expand their power if they could? What more could anyone want?”

His tone is bitter, so I press him. “You tell me. What is it you want?”

Abaddon leans forward, his expression hungry. “Freedom. Absolute and total freedom.”

He topples his chair with a kick then swims away.

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Interview with Abaddon, Notorious leader of the Pacific Ring

Woodland Wildflowers

As promised, here’s a picture of the purple weeds that carpeted my lawn this spring. They’re long gone now. But wildflowers have sprung up all over our woods. I love seeing the shifting face of the wild. Bare branches and dried leaves one day, lime green seedlings the next, followed by an ever-changing march of flowers. Here’s a few of the beauties I’ve discovered over the past few weeks.

I caught a pic of these purple pretties just before my sons crushed them while dragging dead branches out of the woods. I think they’ll bounce back with new blooms soon!

I risked my life to snap a photo of these dainty red flowers. They grow in clumps along our wooded driveway, but this thick grouping was down a steep hill. So worth the climb!

 

Ethereal pale yellow flowers pop up here and there in our meadows. Here’s a cheery cluster along a barbed-wire fence. For the most part, the cattle and deer leave these alone, unlike the pansies in my garden beds!

 

Wild roses climb up the trees on the west side of our driveway, making a perfect home for fairies, pixies and sprites. I like to imagine them hiding among the leaves, twining the flowers in their hair or using their nectar in magic potions and spells.

 

These sunny blossoms are just waiting to explode into bloom along my jogging trail. What a great incentive for me to head out on a morning run (or walk…that way I can really take my time and enjoy nature. That’s my excuse anyway!)

What do you love about the great outdoors?

 

Woodland Wildflowers