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!
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Oh Laura, what a sheer delight this post was! First of all, “history, mystery, and romance in spades”? Yes, please! I look forward to reading this, as I always do when it comes to your books. And secondly, the humility and beauty of your heart just shines through your words here. Oh, yes, your writing most decidedly has a lyrical quality. It’s honestly breathtaking. Yours is the sort of writing I’ll return to again and again, for both the stories and the true artistry in your writing. Thank you for sharing this delightful window into your writing world today, and for the joy of participating with you! 🙂 Hugs, dear Laura!
Amanda! Thanks for being here and taking part next week, too! I’m looking forward to reading your answers and learning more about BESPOKE. A beautiful word for a beautiful project and the heart behind it. Thanks, too, for being so gracious about my work. Glad the lyrical quality rings true for you and that my books are ones you want to read. A true gift, that is! Praying you have an inspired and inspiring week :)>
Laura, I loved reading all your responses! Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse into your writing life. I’m so thankful you write what you love. You bless us all so much.
Jocelyn, So happy to start a summery Monday off with you! Thanks again for your gracious invite to take part and offering readers more of you and your books. You’re a true inspiration and I’m so thankful for our friendship. Have a blessed week :)!
A wonderful post! So nice to hear a few words on your writing with those great questions from Jocelyn. I always anticipate your new novels. Can’t wait to see what is in store.
Carla, I feel the same about yours as your historical research is so rich and deep and your novel themes fresh. I hope you have many more historicals coming from your appreciative fan here!
I’m honored! 🙂
Laura, I loved reading your answers to the questions and learned some new things about you. Not sure if I should be posting here since I am not an author, but couldn’t resist. You have such an amazing gift and I look forward to what you will have for us in the future.
Blessings to you, dear Laura! 🙂
Georgianne, SO thrilled you chimed in – it’s open to readers as much as writers :). And it looks like I need an editor as I wrote “subjective” and meant “objective”! I wish we could do reader questions as I’d love to learn more about you and others. Often the author game is too one-sided!
Your support and encouragement mean a lot. You’re an avid reader and your opinion matters to me. And your gift of encouragement keeps on giving. Thanks for being so faithful, always.
You are just too sweet for words, dear Laura. You make my day. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Georgianne, Honestly, you ALWAYS make mine, so the feeling is entirely mutual 🙂 🙂 🙂
This was great!
I think we have similar writing styles. I cannot stand the whole “word count or bust” thing and I also write when and where I can.
Waves at Amanda and Jocelyn!
Jennifer, I almost tagged you as a second author here but knew were leaving on vacation soon so didn’t want to bother you! Now I wish I had, lol. Wish I had asked Carla, too. I am so NOT good at these things. Glad we have some common writing ground. I’m not surprised.
So are ya finished packin’ yet ;)!?
Me?? Ate you serious? I’d have popped a kidney!!!
Okay, that’s an exaggeration…I would’ve ppopped an eyeball.
FINISHED packing? HAHAHA. Nope.
Going on a cleaning rampage because the dog STILL has fleas? 3 days to bleach the house and pack? Not a problem.
Oh, i feel your pain:) Been there. Done that. It will all be worth it when you get to where you’re going!! Prayers go with you:)
Waving back at your wonderful self, Jennifer! <3
*are
Loved this post, Laura – thank you so much!! Since you’re one of my very fave authors, I always love learning more about your techniques for writing books with such beautiful story lines and inspiring characters that become friends that I think about long after I finish reading your books. Thanks for spotlighting Jocelyn and Amanda – two writer/authors with huge writing gifts.
I love historical fiction books that are war related and Jocelyn is a master at creating them – such meticulous research and detail!! Coming from a family with numerous members having served in different wars – I so appreciate her dedication to the military.
Laura, you described Amanda so perfectly: “gentle spirit, oasis-like web site, giftedness”. I fell in love with Amanda and her writing with the first one of her blog posts I read. She’s such a joy and I look forward to a published book from her.
Joyfully anticipating falling in love with Wren, also, Laura!! Hugs!!
Bonnie! So happy to celebrate authors and books with you. You appreciate them so deeply and your support and encouragement of us shows to the utmost. I can’t thank you enough!! Words fail to express…
I’m not surprised you’re already aware of Jocelyn and Amanda. Your comments about Jocelyn’s books are the very same things I’ve thought and loved about her writing. I don’t know of anyone who does such an intensive job of researching and layering that into her stories. This Civil War series (love the name Heroines Behind the Lines) is really heavensent given there aren’t many Civil War novels out there right now. And she’s the perfect person to pen them given her background. Excited to see what is next for her!
And Amanda – oh my! To have her gift for beauty and graphics, etc. And words! I can’t wait to see which publisher wins her:) She has a terrific agent, too.
I’m running behind this week due to a book due and a book out but it’s a blessed kind of busy. No sign of Wren yet but as soon as she comes in by UPS from Revell, I’ll pop a pic up of that first copy in hand. THANK YOU for being here to talk books and also for your excitement about Wren. What a tremendous blessing you are!!
Laura,
Started following your blog not so long ago after I started noticing your books on a friend’s blog. Loved this post because I got to know you better. Some things I can relate to, others I’m glad I could learn from you. 🙂
Writer’s World Blog Tour? I guess some of us are calling it the Writing Process Blog Hop. The questions are exactly the same, but we get to tag three authors. I published my post a few days ago. Lovely answers, by the way. Hoping to stop by more often. 🙂
Blessings to you!
Miranda! So glad to see you here, learn how you came over, and get to know you better :). Thanks for taking the time. I think I like your title better – writing process sounds much more user friendly! I’d love to read your answers so will be over soon :).
You restore my faith in blogging by saying you came to know me that way. I’ve often considered closing down my blog due to time pressures and feeling my readership/friends have gone over to Pinterest and Facebook instead. So it’s good to think blogging is still good at connecting people, especially we writers!
Blessings to you, too. I hope/pray your own writing journey is everything you hope it should be. If you’re on Pinterest, I’d love to follow you! Thanks for the gift of your presence here!