So, a few weeks ago I agreed to be a part of a blog tour answering a few questions about my writing process (um, process? That makes it sound so, like, formal ... and legit ;) ) Anywhooo, being the dope I am, I remembered right up until yesterday. Or maybe the day before. And then today, when I was supposed to be writing the blog, I was goldfishing instead (totally legit word meaning "acting like a goldfish"): oh, look! It's sunny out! Don't those flowers look pretty? It's an ice cream kinda day. I wonder what I'm forgetting to do? Oh, look! It's sunny out! And so on ...
So, here we go. Thrown together at the last minute, just like every homework assignment I ever completed:
WHAT AM I WORKING ON?
Um ... the desire for ice cream? Oh, look! It's sunny out!
But on less goldfishy (also a totally legit word!) days I'm writing the sequel to The Faithful. I'm bogged down in research right now, all that scientific eye-glazy stuff that builds the backbone for my creative license. When I can't stand that anymore I get back to living with my head-buddies: Ryanne, Josh, Sumner and the rest. It's been really cool to catch up with them after such a long break spent editing and preparing The Faithful for release. I really missed them. And yes. They're totally real. ;)
HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
Crap, was I supposed to write for a particular genre? Ummm ... oops. No wonder I'm having a hard time fitting it into a category! Seriously, though, when entering the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, I had to make a choice between Mystery/Thriller and Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror. It was a tough call. Eventually I had to go with my gut, which was telling me that it was a Mystery/Thriller with a dash of Sci-Fi. But really, a valid argument could be made for either.
Some of the best books I've ever read have been cross-genre spectacles of awesomeness, so I guess I just never thought about it. I wrote a story. It went where it went, often to my surprise, horror, or delight. At the end of the day, I really can't fit it comfortably into one specific genre. But I will say, one of the best compliments I ever received went something along the lines of "It's a sci-Fi Mystery, but it's got the writing and character development of a General Fiction book." That made me smile for days. Seriously. So thank you! If you're reading this, you know who you are. :)
WHY DO YOU WRITE WHAT YOU DO?
Um, because otherwise the story would burn a hole in my brain, and I'd be no good for anything else? Yeah, something like that. I think I'll quote a part of my Author's Note at the back of The Faithful ... and no, it's not considered plagiarizing if I'm copying myself. Right? So here it is:
"The Faithful was inspired by the meteorite that exploded over Russia in February 2013, and a news article about SPACEGUARD that got me wondering about the meteorite hunting profession. It somehow grew to encompass psychic children, kidnappings, and a really twisted organization. It’s a strange game of association that, looking back, makes me wonder just a wee bit about my sanity."
And now, where's that ice-cream?
Oh, yes! I need to give a shout-out to JD Faulkner, who tagged me in this game. Her book was just released this week. She's awesomesauce, seriously. I love her. Check her out! I promise you'll fall in love with her, too. http://www.timearchivistnovels.com
xo Shoshona