May Guest Blogger: Beth Hale
How I Write
How do you write? Where do you write? Do you ever get writers block?
I get asked these questions a lot, so I thought I’d share my writing process with you.
It’s the same as many other authors, I’m sure. I don’t have a secret process, formula, or plan that equates big success or tons of money. I wish I did! (If you do . . . will you share it with me?)
I usually crawl out of my bed around 7 am so I can drive my nerdling to school. (I’m glad summer break is almost here - - I can sleep in a little longer. I am NOT a morning person.) When I get home, I guzzle my first cup of coffee, gather my writing materials, then settle down with my second cup of coffee.
If actual writing comes first, I’ll read over the last chapter I wrote, consult my plot, and start writing. By hand, in a notebook. I handwrite all my books and stories. My thought process works better this way. I usually do my writing curled up on the sofa with a warm blanket over my lap and a dog at my side.
I’ve found that I can write just about anywhere: in between answering 911 calls, in the school car line, the waiting room of a doctor’s office. It can be still and quiet or there can be a steady stream of background noise. If the words are flowing, my surroundings don’t matter.
If typing comes first, I’ll make myself comfortable in my desk chair and bang away at my laptop. I generally write three to five chapters before typing them. (There are exceptions; see below.)
Do I get writers block? You bet. Sometimes the words just won’t come. When that happens, I type up anything I have written. I also go back and reread what I have so far or study my plot in an attempt to generate some words. And sometimes I push everything aside and take a break. I’ll read, clean house, or go for a walk.
On a typical day, when the words are flowing, I’ll work until noonish. That’s when I have to scavenge for food and get ready for the second part of my day: my other job. I’m also an import agent, and I work second shift. When I clock out from there, I usually hit the gym and work out while I listen to true crime and writing podcasts. But my story is never far from my mind.
Currently, I’m working on a short story for an anthology that will be released in the fall of this year. All proceeds will go to benefit breast cancer research, and I’m honored to be a part of such a great cause.
After that, I’ll be working on book three of my Magnolia Series. These are stand alone books, with individual characters and storylines. How are they connected? Each book in the series takes place in a small Mississippi town. The Magnolia Series: Every town has a story to tell.
What about you? Do you write? How do you write? I love connecting with other writers! Email me and let’s chat.
About Beth
Beth Hale writes about what she knows: strong women and the men who love them. She twines believable characters, realistic circumstances, and heart-felt emotions together to create sassy, sexy contemporary romances. She draws inspiration from the everyday life problems we all face and expands them into vivid, interesting, hard-to-put-down stories.
Beth also writes erotic romance under the name Ivy Black.
Connect with Beth!
Email: beth@authorbethhale.com
Website: http://bit.ly/authorbethhale
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Amazon page: http://bit.ly/amzauthorpg
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Blog: http://bit.ly/1LnoHvv
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