I’ve been asked by Erin Unger (check out her blog at: http://erineunger.blogspot.com/), a wonderful critique partner, writer and artist, to participate in the blog hop on writing process, so here are my answers to the 4 questions:

What are you working on?

Too many things at once, I think! Right now I’m working on part two of a fantasy, edits for my debut novel due out in September, revisions and additions to my two non-fiction manuscripts, as well as working on a women’s fiction and formulating another romance.

How does your work differ from others in its genre?

I try not to follow any formula, and I’m not trained in creative writing, so perhaps the difference in my writing lies in its oddities? I’m not particularly organized or stream-lined, so that probably shines out in my characters as well as my writing. There is always a strong spiritual element in my stories, because I want to show how faith works within the life and struggles of people. I find that theme the truest and most interesting of all.

Why do you write what you do?

I have to! It’s a perfect fit for me to explore various genres. I’m introverted, but very curious. I love to listen to other people’s thoughts and feelings, and I love to connect and understand others. When I write, I can take all the time I need to really express what’s in my mind and heart. I can take all that I’ve learned from my own thoughts and questions, and from listening to and reading about others, and people my stories with what I’ve gleaned from all the input. I guess that’s why I write in such varied genres. Life is so multi-faceted and God’s creation is so diverse, writing helps me explore it!

How does your writing process work?

Oh my. I don’t think you could call it a process. I get an idea, a spark, and if it grows while I think on it, then I begin writing it. And I’m often surprised at the direction it travels in. I don’t use outlines, but I may try to in the future, because I had a very productive, creative experience writing a novella based on an old fairytale. I knew the main framework of the story before I started, and it was fun to flesh it out in my own way, and work it toward the requisite ending. Lots of fun! Other than that, I just sit at the typewriter and pull the story out of myself, or un-pack it, if that makes sense. Then I go back through and revise, add and edit. A lot. My critique partners are such a help in that process! So I guess I’m a pantser, with the looming possibility of integrating some organization into some of my future process. We’ll see.

Now that you’ve heard from me, there are three writers I asked to answer these same questions on their blogs. Amber Schamel writes wonderfully vivid historical fiction, bringing to life characters from Biblical and other times. Her words are a treat to read!  Read her answers next week at: http://amberschamel.blogspot.com/

Linda Wolf is a wordsmith of many talents. She is a writer, proof-reader, editor, and teacher. She was my first editor for my debut novel. She’s also my blood sister as well as my sister in the Lord! Enjoy her blogposts on her writing process as well as other insightful thoughts on her life and faith at: http://belonging2all.wordpress.com/

Dvora Waysman is a multi-published writer of books (13!) and a syndicated journalist. Her latest book is published through Prism Book Group, which is how I met her. She lives in Jerusalem, and this information sparked my curiosity, especially when she told the Prism authors that prayer for her was a ‘local call.’ I loved that sentiment and began to write her, and read some of her wonderful articles about her life in Jerusalem. Visit her blog to learn more about her and her writing process at: http://dvorawaysman.com/