P.T. Macias Q and A discussion

What is your writing process?

It all began with a dream. I dreamed my story over and over again. I decided to write this novel after several weeks of dreaming about all of these characters.
I started to brainstorm and organize into outlines. I develop each characters personalities, interests, and personal love story.
I kept on track and was able to create cohesive plots by using a calendar as a timeline. I want to write feasible and believable stories that evolve around events that are transpiring in the characters life.

That must have been some dream to inspire a story Patricia.
Personally I have always loved stories. My sister used to read 'The enchanted wood' series by Enid Blyton to me over and over in bed. When my mother insisted we had to be quiet, I was never ready to sleep. I would always carry the stories on in my head and if I couldn't remember the end I would make one up. This is something I continue to do to this day.
The novel I have published was a hard one to write but as someone tweeted the other day "The story you are afraid to write is usually the one you are meant to tell." - (Kami Garcia)
It definitely felt like it was a story that I needed to tell, more so because it is a story which is often a secret.I chose to write a fictional story about surviving abuse.
My hope is that real life survivors (and there are many) may draw some comfort and feel less isolated if they can identify with the characters.
Part of my paid job entails raising awareness about abuse and it is something I am passionate about.
My book 'Sephy Rides the Storms' initially was going to have a paranormal twist but it never seemed to fit. Once the story was started it seemed to take me where it wanted to go. I often found myself wondering 'how did I get here' during its creation.
I am currently working on a second book. This one does have a touch of the paranormal.
I still haven't had much in the way of feedback about my first effort but I am hoping that people aren't put off by the subject matter.

I've had a couple of stories come to me in dreams too, and a couple of stories I am afraid to write...eeek!
My writing process starts with tons of thinking and dreaming before I start writing. I usually write the story that is bugging me most at the moment...that's why I have so many series...one of these days I hope I can just train myself to write one series at a time and just stick with it! lol

Fiona wrote: "That must have been some dream to inspire a story Patricia.
Personally I have always loved stories. My sister used to read 'The enchanted wood' series by Enid Blyton to me over and over in bed. Wh..."

Hi Fiona,
Your book sounds interesting. I will look into it. I pray that people will give it a try. I know that sometimes people don't want to deal with the reality that is transpiring in our world. I love paranormal romance. I will look forward to reading that one. My next novel is also about a subject that people tend to have strong reaction to. I hope that people will give it a try. Lol, yeah, I dreamed my story over and over and the characters kept on talking to me. I can related to you ending up on another road when your writing. The characters tend to take over, lol. I love writing.

Jan wrote: "I've had a couple of stories come to me in dreams too, and a couple of stories I am afraid to write...eeek!
My writing process starts with tons of thinking and dreaming before I start writing. I us..."

Oh Jan, I know what you mean. I have some stories that I will be afraid to write, lol. Maybe someday I will. I also have some new stories that I can't wait to write. I have a few paranormal and erotic stories popping into my dreams every so often. I'm so busy with this series. They will just have to wait,lol.

My writing process is a little strange. I explain it best by relating my brain to a warehouse full of millions of drawers. In each drawer is a story with all its characters. I give them several requirements: 1) they must give me a title, 2) They must give me their names, and the names and roles of the major characters and 3) they must have the plot ready. Once they, the characters, give me all the requirements, I start on their book. However, lately I've had to start putting locks on the drawers as there are too many coming up with my requirements and I have to finish current projects first. Those that have learned to pick the locks, I have begun to write notes and put on hold. I love to write and have enough stories in me to last until I no longer have breath to tell tales. LW

Lisa wrote: "My writing process is a little strange. I explain it best by relating my brain to a warehouse full of millions of drawers. In each drawer is a story with all its characters. I give them several req..."

Hi Lisa,
It's an interesting mental method of prioritizing. I love writing and I can relate to having too many characters talking to you and wanting you to write their story. It's amazing how the characters come alive. I'm working on a twelve novel series. I use a timeline and then start to write. When I have other characters and stories popping in, I write down their information in a Microsoft word file. Thank you for sharing.
Patricia ♥

It's very interesting to read how other writer's imaginations works. I may start to write down some of my lucid dreams. I have had a few which I have pondered over.

Fiona wrote: "It's very interesting to read how other writer's imaginations works. I may start to write down some of my lucid dreams. I have had a few which I have pondered over."
Hi Fiona,
I agree and this is one of the reasons why this group was created. I love to hear the different method or tips from creative minds. I will encourage you to write down your dreams and allow the stories to flow, lol.

I'm a crackhead writer. Seriously. I'm addicted. I get up early to write, write at work (yes...I really do), write on my lunch hour, write when I get home, write while cooking dinner, write before bed. I'd rather write than do anything else in the world. There are always a dozen stories running through my head at once. The one that screams the loudest at me gets my attention.

Gina wrote: "I'm a crackhead writer. Seriously. I'm addicted. I get up early to write, write at work (yes...I really do), write on my lunch hour, write when I get home, write while cooking dinner, write before ..."
Hi Gina,
You write 24/7 and every minute, lol. That's awesome. I write approx. 24/7 but about 12 hours a day. Do you dream any of your stories? Do you write with some type of outline or timeline? Do just let it flow out?
Patricia ♥

Eternally Yours is based on three words that kept coming to me in my sleep one night: Death's Bounty Hunter. That's all I had. Not a dream, just those three words. I never outline because if I know how the story will end too soon, I get bored and stop writing. I sit down and just let my characters tell me what happens next.

So here is an excerpt from Apart From Love:

‎"My father is no longer grouchy—but now I am. I am mad, really: mad at him, mad at Anita. With burning eyes I try to pierce through her, even as she places herself, ever so slowly, deeper in his embrace. In this position I can spot, for the first time, the round line of her belly.
There: now she freezes. Anita stands still, and so does time. Then, by barely perceptible degrees, it is starting to happen: each of her limbs softens, and then changes position—at the slightest measurable angles—until she is about to release herself, perhaps with the thought of turning, little by little, towards the door.
She seems so vulnerable. With a penetrating gaze, I imagine laying my hands on that shirt, which hangs so loosely around her. I strip her of that thing, and cast it aside. In my mind she is bathed in morning light, and naked. I imagine seeing clear through the skin, that fair, translucent skin of her belly. I wonder then if it is as freckled as the tip of her nose. Then I lose control over my fantasy. Somehow, it takes an unexpected turn."

Wow - I admire those of you able to write all day! In the brainstorming stages I can write down ideas that will come any time, but to actually sit down and write I need uninterrupted quiet. I try to put in 10 hours/week of that. Speaking of which... I got up early today to write - better get cracking! :)

Arthur wrote: "Wow - I admire those of you able to write all day! In the brainstorming stages I can write down ideas that will come any time, but to actually sit down and write I need uninterrupted quiet. I try t..."
Hi Arthur,
Thank you for stopping by and sharing. I also need to have the house quiet to write. I hope that you manage to write some awesome stuff today.
Patricia ♥

Uvi wrote: "So here is an excerpt from Apart From Love:

‎"My father is no longer grouchy—but now I am. I am mad, really: mad at him, mad at Anita. With burning eyes I try to pierce through her, even as she pl..."
Hi Uvi,
It's wonderful to have you stop by to share your work. I look forward to more of your work and tips.
Patricia ♥

Thank you Patricia, my pleasure! ♥

Uvi wrote: "Thank you Patricia, my pleasure! ♥"

♥

Right back at you, kid: ♥♥♥

Listen tonight - 7pm Central Time USA to my interview at the Writer's Lounge:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-writ...

Uvi wrote: "Right back at you, kid: ♥♥♥

Listen tonight - 7pm Central Time USA to my interview at the Writer's Lounge:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/the-writ......"
Uvi,
This is awesome, congrats. ♥

Writing style-

I believe that an individual’s writing style is an extension or expression of you. I feel that my style is evolving. I know that over time, a combination of my personality, my life experience, my reading, and my natural writing decisions will shape my style.

What do you think?

Hi -my idea for my novel (now have 2 in progress)came from my love of World War 2 and a mix of films I've watched and my family history. Typical that this idea refused to leave me and so it's bubbled away for more than 1 year so far.

It's set in WW2, it's historical fiction/romance. Mainly surrounding the RAF and the WAAF. Various locations including Scotland and County Durham, where my protagonist came from.

I did a huge amount of historical research and began writing about 6 months ago. Still not complete and still discovering every now and then that more research is required -just to iron out the odd query. It certainly is shaping up to be a 100000 word tomb.
I can't write when I want to -governed by children/family etc. I try and write 5 days per week and probably only get a couple of hours per day. Plus I need complete silence or can't concentrate.

I agree with your post Patricia, that your style is an expression of yourself. My style is definitely evolving all the time -I'm not even published yet and I have a long way to go. That said, I have all the usual self doubts -am I good enough? Can I be published? And the list goes on.

I fire through my novel, saving each chapter individually until I have about 50 000 words.Then I go through each individual chapter expanding each as I go along until I have maybe 80 -90 thousand words.

Hi Steve,
Welcome to the group. Sounds to me like a rough outline and then you go back to fill it up. Sounds like works out great. It's about the same process that I have. I write and write until I finish. I use the calendar as a time line for the events in the book. Then I go back to edit. The story flows out, lol. Editing is not my favorite. Thank you so much for your tip.
Patricia ♥

Suzy wrote: "Hi -my idea for my novel (now have 2 in progress)came from my love of World War 2 and a mix of films I've watched and my family history. Typical that this idea refused to leave me and so it's bubbl..."
Hi Suzy,
Thanks for sharing. I totally understand the fear of writing and publishing. I believe that everyone has this fear. What I try to focus on is my writing, my story and the faith that someone will like it. I believe that some people will like the book and some people will not. We will reach some people in this world that will enjoy our story and this will give us pleasure.
I also like to write when it's silent. It sounds like you have lots of areas that need to be researched. Best wishes to you Suzy. I have faith that you will finish your book and you will be thrilled with the completed work. Keep going.
Patricia ♥

Fiona, I think it is wonderful you are writing about such a hard subject, it is true--it needs to be told. I am one of those muse writers. I began writing about my experience as a struggling single mom who escaped an abusive relationship to start over in Alaska but then the keyboard kinda took over and now it is a Trilogy. I too have the secret desire that people who have been abused both mentally and physically will realize no matter what their struggle--they can stand again and eventually the scars will begin to heal. I am in that process right now. The Impostor, comes out in September and I have to say it feels like I am jumping in the deep end sometimes and I don't know how to swim! It is my first indie book and I know I am probably doing a million things wrong...this whole social networking thing is new to me :) I have like 2 followers on Twitter lol. Anyway, back to writing... My muses attack me in the middle of the night, while I am driving on the freeway, and at all the most inconvenient times. The Impostor was written on napkins, receipts, the back of flyers and even on the back of my hands. I know, I know I have to find a better method. I used to sleep with a notebook by my bed. I graduated, I now sleep with my laptop under my pillow sometimes. I guess for me, the story is like a movie that interrupts what I am doing and demands to be told. -Tiffany

P.T. wrote: "Suzy wrote: "Hi -my idea for my novel (now have 2 in progress)came from my love of World War 2 and a mix of films I've watched and my family history. Typical that this idea refused to leave me and ..."

P.T. wrote: "Suzy wrote: "Hi -my idea for my novel (now have 2 in progress)came from my love of World War 2 and a mix of films I've watched and my family history. Typical that this idea refused to leave me and ..."

Thanks for those wise words, Patricia. You're absolutely right. I just have to keep going and see where it leads me. Every inch of inspiration is like a pot of gold so thanks again.

I am a very visual thinker. I can be somewhere and hear or see things and a story will visually pop in my head. Like I'm watching it on TV or a movie. I have a long list of ideas that I haven't got to yet. Too many ideas and not enough me or time, LOL.
The idea for my first book came from watching an Oprah show. The show was about men who were addicted to porn. After watching the show I thought that the men looked so normal. Well, that night I dreamed a movie. In the movie a woman, the wife was looking at pictures on a picture display device and reminiscing about past events in her life. Through her memories she revisits how her husbands mild interest in porn becomes an obsession that is affecting their life.
I actually started off writing it as a screenplay. My youngest son was an actor then and after reading so many scripts and dreaming it as a movie I thought that's what I should do. Much easier said than done. Anyway, I changed to a book. I also received input from other women to use in my story.
I enjoy joining writing groups and doing prompts with a group. It's great to practice letting it flow and writing quickly. I have three other important stories I would like to get done. One utilizes some of my experience of being in a coma, one is a mystery, and another one is a family story. Mostly though I am still humbly learning lessons on this book.
I hired a professional editor and proof reader through a book services company for my book and I put my confidence in them. Recently, while proof reading the hard copy from CreateSpace I found several errors. It was like someone shot me. I had had a friend proof and then them. I am feeling heartbroken. I know it will and can be corrected soon but still I wanted it be perfect. Has anyone ever experienced this?

Hi Barbie,
Wow, I had the same experience. I also had a professional copy editor for my 1st novel. I was a little disappointed. We have the faith in their ability to edit our work. I thought mine was a unique situation since my book has a lot of Spanish (Spanglish) and I know that the grammar conflicts with the English. Hmmm, well I think we have to edited several times. I least you can correct your book on CreatSpace. It sounds like you have several awesome stories to write. Congrats that you have your first book out, it's soooo exiciting. Blessings.
Patricia ♥

p.s. we have a group member/author that also does copy editing. Maybe you should check her out, Gina Ardito. ♥

P.T. wrote: "Hi Barbie,
Wow, I had the same experience. I also had a professional copy editor for my 1st novel. I was a little disappointed. We have the faith in their ability to edit our work. I thought mine w..."

Thank you. Blessings and good luck with your book also. It is very disturbing, you want your book to go out clean. I cried all night about it. Thankfully all can be fixed but for any readers who've read it already I hope they were more attached to the story than saying I found an error.

Barbie,
I have heard from several authors that it is impossible to catch everything... I hired someone too and although I know she is very professional my novel is 360 pages... there is bound to be some kind of typo in there. Even after revisions of a 10 page essay after going over it and over it I sometimes find things I missed before. Like you said, at least it can be fixed...imagine if you printed 1000 of them :) The best thing we as authors can do I think is if we do catch something in a fellow authors page is to message them about it privately so they can fix it. :) I am sure they are much more attached to the story then the typo! And if they are not then don't worry there are plenty of other readers out there!

Tiffany wrote: "Barbie,
I have heard from several authors that it is impossible to catch everything... I hired someone too and although I know she is very professional my novel is 360 pages... there is bound to b..."

Thank you!

I'm writing my first novel which for me feels like trying to see in the dark. I still read -avidly. Trouble is, now when I see how a particular author has handled a certain idea for instance, I think how much better that is and why didn't I think of that. Now as I write, all I can think of are the re-writes my mind is screaming at me to do. So, right now it feels as if reading is more of a hindrance than a help. Of course it isn't and I guess this is down to my own inexperience and insecurity. It's mad isn't it? I mean, we can't all write the same and craft novels in the same way. It confirms for me the importance of having my novel plan and doing my best to stick to it otherwise I'll wander off course and who knows where I'll end up.

Hi Suzy,
It's a pleasure to learn that you're writing, omg. Yes it is scary, but it's awesome. Everyone has their voice, their style, and I know that you will find yours. Congrats.
Patricia ♥