Last week the fabulous Ute Carbone tagged me in this blog series that features authors talking about our “writing process.” We’re all answering a set of questions to provide a little window into our work and lives as writers.

If you’re following along, I hope for two things: one, we’ll inspire you to continue creating your own writing life; and two, you’ll check out the three terrific writers who agreed to follow me: Sonya Rhen, Matthew Curry, and Nikki Andrews. See their info at the bottom of the page. They’ll post on April 28, but check out their work any time.

1. What am I working on?

Let’s see… I’m having the most fun working on a three-book series for middle grade and young adult readers. It’s about a misfit team of math and computer geeks who believe they can find the pure mathematical formulas for things like forgiveness, love, and maybe even overcoming death. I’m also in the final stages of getting ready to launch my second novel, a magical romance about the power of storytelling to create havoc or bring love, called You, Jane. It’s due out in early June.

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?

My first book, An Alien’s Guide to World Domination, is half Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and half Wizard of Oz. In each story, I try to mix in as much humor as I can, in order to make tales of aliens, angels, talking foxes,  mislaid charms, and long-lost family as human as they can be. I think we look to science fiction and fantasy to find stories about the deepest truths of our experience as human beings. It’s sometimes easier (and more fun) to describe these experiences through magical or alien characters. Or, as I like to say about An Alien’s Guide, it’s for anyone who’s ever looked at their boss and thought “you must be from another planet.”

3. Why do I write what I do?

I think it’s that – the ability to use magical, fantastical, or alien characters to help us see the truth about ourselves, to illustrate our glories and our follies. It’s a lot of fun for me.

4. How does my writing process work?

It varies. Some times I’m quite disciplined, and spend a set number of hours a day on a project. Other times, I’m driven by inspiration and I’ll write in waves. I adore writing first drafts, the rush of capturing a story on paper for the first time. I find the revision process more challenging, because of the level of precision involved. That’s when I am grateful for a good editor to push me along.

Who’s up next?

I’m tagging three great writers for the next round of this hop – “My Writing Process.”

 

Sonya Rhen (http://sonyarhen.wordpress.com/)

Sonya Rhen lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children. They also share their home with two dogs, two cats and a lonely catfish. Sonya looks for the humor and humanity in daily life. When she’s not writing or hanging out with the family, you might find her dancing.

 

Matthew Curry (http://.oldkingcurry.wordpress.com)

Matthew Curry is an artist, writer, and blogger. He was born in Florida, but he now lives in the boondocks of Northwest Georgia. He supports his writing and drawing habits by working at a carpet mill.

 

Nikki Andrews (www.scrivenersriver.blogspot.com)

Nikki Andrews has worked as a picture framer, craft store clerk, and administrative assistant, but in her real life she is a writer, editor, and songmaker. She is a member of Talespinners and the New Hampshire Writers Project, and has published two science fiction novels and several short stories. When she’s not at her desk, she might be releasing salmon fry on the Piscataquog River, making jams or sweaters, or exploring her surroundings on foot, bike or snowshoe. She lives near a waterfall in New Hampshire with her wonderful husband, a possessive cat, and assorted wildlife.

Nikki’s books:

Framed (Cozy Mystery)

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00HJEHFV2

Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5515

Chicken Bones (Sci Fi)

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1418480568

A Windswept Star (Sci Fi)

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1425913091