The Art of Writing

[Bethany]

Usually, I'm alone in my room typing my books. Well, not always alone. A kid usually wanders in. Or my husband is snoring lightly behind me. See, I write at night. When my house is finally quiet. Or more accurately, when I don't have someone begging for my attention. It's the only time I can be alone with my thoughts and type for more than 15 minutes at a time. Call it a process, or a way of life--either way, it's the way I can keep my output... well, coming out onto the computer screen.

I'm drifting from my point (maybe because it's late)... and that is the alone part. Usually when I write, I am in my head, creating characters, moving along in a story that they have created (which in essence is me creating the story) and we are happily united in the adventure called, letting the story take shape. It's fun. Exciting. Definitely frustrating sometimes. But a craft I love to do.

Except for the alone part. Like every woman, I like time to myself. Really by myself to think. Primp. Read. Whatever. However, I'm an extrovert. I talk. Phone conversations can drag on forever with me if you'll listen. And I also have my astrological sign against me--a Leo. I love people. Most of the time. And I love being around them--at home, at a party, in the mall. Give me a crowd and generally, I can find people to talk to.

Which brings me to the creating of LIFE AS GRETA. What a better combination of my love of writing and my love of people! I can write to my hearts content while in my pajamas late into the night... and converse with readers regularly. So much so, readers get to give opinions. Share thoughts about the story. And maybe even give insight into where the story should go. Sure, I'm the writer... and well, sometimes characters take over, but what a better way to avoid writers block! A slew of readers brimming with ideas for the story!

It's already a blast... I've got Lauren, Meryl, Petula, and Susie joining in... and let me tell you--they have ideas!

Feel free to ask me questions about the creation and writing of GRETA. It's been a long time coming. And I am thrilled to share it here.