I remember mentioning that I should probably do a blog post on my writing process. How do I start a story? I usually hear or see something that does a spin off in my mind. Sometimes it’s a song or someone tells me a story about themselves. That is actually my favorite type of story.

I’ve seen the joke that you should be kind to writers or they might kill you off in their books. But really you should be careful what you tell a writer or you may end up a character in their book. Most of the time I start out with some sort idea that I take bit further. Prompt exercises are another good way to get your creative blood flowing. Sometimes, I find I like what did in the exercise so much that I turn into a longer story. Deliberate Deception started out that way. Once I have an outline of sorts I start breaking it down into sections and then chapters.

Then I create characters their looks, personality, quirks, habits, fears, physical or mental issues and then I work on the relationships between the characters are they enemies, friends, lovers, frenemies?

That may sound rather methodical but in reality it leaves plenty of room. If a character changes their mind about another character or if I start a chapter about a situation and it takes on life of it’s own I go with it. If the muse is talking you don’t tell her to shut up.

Mr. V says that sometimes I get tunnel vision and he’s probably right. You need a certain amount of that to remain focused. I learned as a mom and wife I was interrupted all the time. Knowing it will happen is half the battle. I got used to being interrupted. I found if I gave my kids 5 minutes of undivided attention. They would often go off and play on their own for at least a half hour. I discovered this trick when writing term papers for my education degree. Gone are the days when one could while away hours writing in prose. Well, at least for most people.

In conclusion, I basically find an idea I like. Then go on to outline it and work from there giving myself plenty of room to deviate. Be open to the possibilities.