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Why do I write contemporary romance? Because that’s what most of the voices in my head are speaking. I know, I sound crazy (jury’s still out on that one), but I always have characters speaking or small scenes playing in my head. When they get loud enough and interesting enough for me to stop what I’m doing to listen, I write them down. Usually, the characters are modern day and the scenes are ones that I’d recognize as occurring now. I sit down at my computer and, if I’m lucky, the characters or scenes will inspire me to write a whole story. If not, I add them to my ideas file.
My ideas file is quite large at this point. I’ll admit, there are a few ideas in it that are not contemporary romance—I’m toying with female pirates and an immigrant story based on family lore—but those ideas scare me because they involve a lot of the unknown (and a lot of research, which, as I mentioned last week, is not my forte).
I’m in awe of those writers who can create completely different worlds and write paranormal or fantasy. My favorite author (Lynn Kurland) writes time travel romance. I’ve gone to a few seminars on world building and while I’m intrigued, I just don’t think it’s something I could create well enough to entertain someone. I can’t get past suspending my own disbelief long enough to enable my reader to do it. So for now, the voices in my head remain firmly planted in the present.
Lucky you, Jennifer, to have such a useful imagination! Mine is much more pedantic.
ReplyDeleteI'm now at a loss as to what I'm going to write tomorrow, Jen, because you have described exactly what happens with me too. Especially the scenes which play out in your head!
ReplyDeleteCoincidentally, our Friday Friend this week is going to be talking about Word Building.
Ana, writing is cheaper than therapy ;) Not always lucky though, when my imagination is better than reality.
ReplyDeletePaula, I'm sorry! Go for it anyway, though. We can compare neuroses. ;)
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be honest here and admit I remain in utter awe of writers who picture scenarios in their head, whom then file copious notes, and finally set about plotting/planning their characters story. :)
I also admire pantsers who write what ever comes to mind whilst ploughing vague furrow of plot, sorting out specific cameos as they go or that of rewriting (word painting)vast scapes during revisions. Both ways of writing would drive me nuts!
best
F
Francine, I'm in awe of people who can plot--I'm trying that with my current manuscript and am realizing how bad I am at it! It's really, really hard!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the research of the unknown being scary. I, too, stick with what I know. I do enjoy reading a good historical from time to time, but I really an more of a contemporary gal all around.
Debra, it's funny because I love reading all kinds of romances, and actually don't always like to read contemporary, but I'm most comfortable writing it. Kinda weird.
ReplyDeleteIt's called "Itch".... It was my "I" post. You gotta scratch where it itches. And that, my dear, you are doing beautifully. Good for youl
ReplyDeleteManzanita