Tossing Aside the Self-Doubt Tools to Write the Book!

Ruthy here! Jenna Mindel is the author of book 5 of the fun and delightful "Big Sky Centennial" continuity that I was part of this year! Jenna (also a continuity first-timer) was absolutely wonderful to work with. As we all plotted and planned and scrutinized, we became writing buddies... and friends. A great bunch of women to meet online daily! Jenna's giving away THREE copies of "His Montana Homecoming" today, so leave a comment or ask a question and I'll throw your name in the cat dish a little later!

When Ruthy asked me to join you for a blog post, I was thrilled.  Then it came time to write the blog and I was like uh-oh, these gals really know their stuff..... And you do, and I'm honored to share my journey to finally accepting the way I write as my process.

Somebody once said, “self doubt is one of the most important tools in a writer’s tool belt because it makes us grow.”   But too much can stop us cold.  

I’m tossing  aside my extra self-doubt tools.   I’ve finally learned to not only accept, but trust my writing process.   How?  I think a combination of time and experience and trust that God has brought me here has played a role in that acceptance.    I’m more like the turtle than the hare.  For me, everything takes time to really sink in.  J  

In 1991, I wrote with the goal of publication after I joined a local writing group that was part of the national Romance Writers of America®.  Ten years later, my first book, a traditional regency titled,  Blessing in Disguise was released.    In 2005, my last regency was published before the line I wrote for closed in early 2006.    It took me five years to find a home with Harlequin Love Inspired and I learned a lot along the way.

We’ve all attended writing conferences and workshops where “the writing process” was discussed, mapped, outlined and shared.  Whether a panster or a plotter, everyone must find the process that works for them, right?   Well, it seems like I tried every worksheet and gimmick that came down the pike.   Everyone’s process for plotting or making conflict pop seemed so much smarter than mine.   But in the end, I’d fall back to what  was comfortable for me.

 

I can’t even call myself a plotter, because developing a strong external plot that reveals the internal conflict has always been a challenge and my weakness.   I’m more of a “route planner”.   Once I’ve learned who my characters are, what they want and why, I write that exciting first chapter where the words flow easily and everything is new and fun.  That’s where my characters come to life and I know where they’re going, but how are they going to get there?  So, I write the synopsis (many times and with much prayer) as my road map to their HEA.    Then and only then, do I plan out my chapters based on that synopsis route.   Will there be stops, bumps and altered directions along the way?  You betcha!   Occasionally, there’s even been a break-down or two.

  

It took me a while, but  I accept this sort of herky-jerky process as mine.  It works for me.  I’ve even learned not to sweat (too much) when I panic toward the end of every first draft.  Editing is my favorite part of writing, and that first read through feels like the moment of truth, you know?   I’m afraid that everything I’ve written is horrible and the conflict is soft.   Usually I find out, hey, I can work with this.  I can edit it into something better because I followed my initial route.

   

So, be encouraged if you’re second guessing how you write.  Some folks just know and stay true to their inner voice from the get go.   Unfortunately, if you’re like me, it’s not easy figuring out what works.   Consider the successes you’ve reached and how you got there and then repeat those steps.  And above all else, pray for direction.    That’s key.  And in my opinion, prayer is the most important tool in a writer’s tool belt.    

 

  

"Snowbound With a Millionaire...."

Faith Shaw can’t wait for another hometown Thanksgiving with the good people of Jasper

Gulch. Turkey, mashed potatoes, apple pie—and this year’s centennial celebration. Yet

there’s one person who isn’t happy to be there: Dale Massey, the Shaw family’s reluctant

houseguest. When a winter storm strands the big-city millionaire in Montana, he is far from

pleased. But the mayor’s daughter suspects Dale’s all-business attitude is masking a deeper hurt. Faith can’t help but feel he was sent to Jasper Gulch for a reason. Can an old-fashioned

girl and some holiday tradition help bring his weary heart home?

BIG SKY CENTENNIAL:

A small town rich in history…and love