Welcome to the Writing Process Blog Tour! Fellow writer and friend, Kathy Ide, “tagged” me last week and I’m up next on the tour to share about my writing process. Next week, the tour continues with Judy Christie’s writing process. Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out Judy’s blog next week!
1. What am I working on?
Currently, in between a college graduation, two batches of houseguests, and preparing for my husband to retire after 33 years with his company (not sure how that is going to affect my writing!), I’m trying to finish up a non-fiction book about forgiveness. I love writing non-fiction—it’s so current, so applicable, takes a different set of skills than fiction writing . . . but it also requires a lot of digging, research, interview hunting, fact checking, waiting for phone calls or e-mails to be returned. And yet . . . so worthwhile!
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
While there are plenty of Amish fiction authors in the market, there aren’t too many who write both fiction and non-fiction, and there are very few who have a family connection to the Plain people. I think it helps to write from the heart about another culture—these are my relatives I’m representing on the written page.
3. Why do I write what I do?
I often get asked if I am bored with writing about the Amish and I don’t quite know how to answer that question. I think that maybe the person asking it is bored with the subject of the Amish. I know I’m not. Whether I write about the Amish or another topic, I think my efforts would remain the same. In each story, I try to learn something new and write about it. For example, The Haven was about a peregrine falcon, an endangered species, that nested on an Amish farm. The Lesson was about a mother caught up in drug addiction and how the Amish provided foster care for her children. The Inn at Eagle Hill series is loosely inspired by a true story about a Mennonite “Bernie Madoff” type investor who took advantage of many Plain People who trusted him. And the truth is—I love writing about the Plain People because I can wrestle with faith, Scripture, and how Christians respond to world events, using the Amish as the vehicle.
4. How does my writing process work?
Early in the morning, practically every day, I’m at my little desk in my little laundry room. I try to get most of my creative work done in the morning, when my mind is sharp and e-mail is usually quiet. I save other tasks for the afternoon. I start the day with daily goals written on an index card and, most of the time, that system keeps me on track and clipping along.
But . . . check back with me in a month or two after my husband retires. Kinda worried about this next big transition! My house is small and my husband is loud. Don’t get me wrong—he’s a very nice man . . . but very loud.
Stay tuned!
[Tweet “How does a writer…write? Find out from @suzannewfisher!”]
Follow the tour next week with …
Judy Christie is an author and consultant who lives in Northwest Louisiana. She writes inspirational fiction and nonfiction. Her popular Green series chronicles the goings-on in the small Louisiana town of Green and is part of Abingdon Press’s new inspirational fiction line. Judy is also the author of the popular Hurry Less, Worry Less nonfiction series, published by Abingdon Press. Wreath, published in October 2011, is Judy’s first young adult book. Look for it and a free download on her books page! Judy was a journalist for many years and is a frequent speaker at retreats and workshops. She works with clients around the country on how to slow down and enjoy each day more and how to set and meet goals.
Learn more at judychristie.com.
Start the Lancaster County series today! Pick up a copy of The Choice ebook for FREE from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Christian Book Distributors!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
