I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Writer’s World Blog Tour, mostly because I get to introduce you to two of my favorite people on the planet. The first is author friend, Jocelyn Green, who tagged me. Her post went live last week HERE.
Jocelyn Green is an award-winning author of multiple fiction and nonfiction works, including Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she co-wrote with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her first novel in the Heroines Behind the Lines series, Wedded to War, was a Christy Award finalist, and the gold medal winner in historical fiction from the Military Writers Society of America. A native Northerner, she and her Southern-born-and-bred husband live in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with their two children. Her goal with every book is to inspire faith and courage in her readers. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com and www.facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor.
Jocelyn asked me to answer a few questions and then introduce you to another author below! Since I don’t talk much about writing here, it’s fun to shake things up a bit! Here goes…
What are you working on, Laura?
When I was first published, I was always thrilled to answer this question but have since changed my view. Now I believe talking about the next novel removes it’s mystique somewhat. So I’ll speak in general terms. This story is a standalone, not part of a series, is set in the 18th-century and involves history, mystery, and romance in spades!
How does your work differ from others in its genre?
I can only echo what others say about my work as I’m not very objective. I think the word passion is mentioned a lot. My stories are peopled with passionate characters and emotions, particularly the 18th-century books. Another mention is poignancy which I love. Some say there is a lyrical quality to my writing. I don’t hear it but maybe it’s there. Other readers say that I write outside of the box. I don’t think my stories are formulaic or typical of the genre. Many readers don’t like the unexpected or any heartbreaking realism in novels. I tell them to stay away from my books! No sugar-coated history for me though I always promise a happy ending.
Why do you write what you do?
I write what I want to read and what I often cannot find. I have a passion for history so that’s probably the bottom line behind my books.
How does your writing process work?
I don’t really have one. I write anytime, anywhere, noisy, busy, quiet, sick, tired, sad, happy, etc. I love mornings and get up very early but write as much as I can whenever I can, nearly every day, even if it’s just a little bit. And no, I don’t do a word count. Too much like counting calories, I always say! I’m more of a panster than plotter. I don’t do outlines but do fill a small notebook of plot points, dialogue, and whatnot as I research before I write a word.
But I’d much rather talk about someone who has become a true inspiration to me with her gentle spirit, oasis-like website, and giftedness…
It’s a real joy to introduce the very lovely and talented…
Amanda Dykes
Amanda Dykes is a drinker of tea, a dweller of Truth, and a spinner of tales. She grew up just down the mountain from Lake Tahoe, a lake that holds a special place in her heart. It’s here that she now enjoys setting her historical fiction. She is a Novel Crossing contributor, co-founder of the Christian Fiction Book Club, but most of all, she’s just a girl redeemed, grateful for the gift of story, the hearts of those who read it, and the God whose love changed everything. Join her in the writing of the short story Bespoke, and the chance to use your own memories to give a bicycle to a missionary across the world at www.AmandaDykes.com/Bespoke .
I hope you’ll check out these authors if they’re new to you!
Happy Monday!