Blog Chain: Out of my mind

This is my dog, Bruizer. If anything, he drives me out of my
mind, but I thought it was a funny picture so I added it.

Margie started this round with the question: How do you get in the mindset of your genre? Do you research people or facts? Do you just reach into the recesses of your mind for events that would make a good story? Something else?”


The answer, for me, is simple really. I write women's fiction. Since I'm a woman, I'm already deeply entrenched in that particular mindset.

The characters and stories come fairly easily for me. They're kind of a mutation and exaggeration of personal experiences, dreams and nightmares.

I've found the hardest part about writing in the genre of women's fiction is developing a voice that is interesting enough to be appreciated without becoming too flowery.

It's a fine line, one I wasn't able to toe until I started reading lots and lots (and lots and lots and lots) of works by writers within that genre.

I find myself stressing out a lot more over the right word or turn of a phrase than I do with character or scene development. Putting my writing aside for awhile and letting the influence of accomplished authors helps keep me in the right mindset.

Don't forget to check out what Abby had to say yesterday. Sandra is up tomorrow.