The Writing Process

The Writing ProcessK.N. Lee

In this article I will describe the writing process, what I do when I get stuck, whether I prefer to kill a character, and how I determine if a book is YA, NA, Romance, or Paranormal.

Writing has always been my greatest pleasure in life. I have been doing it since childhood and plan on continuing until I am too old to type or wield a pen. There is a process when it comes to writing, and it is quite magical. 

For me, it all begins with a dream. My eyes close and I drift into a parallel universe of my subconscious. There characters are crafted and fantastical stories are viewed like a film in a theater. When I wake up it is my job to translate what I witnessed in my dream, so that I may share the wonder with others. Rarely am I ever in my dreams. Characters take center stage, and so they are the ones truly in control. I start the first sentence, and let them lead the way. I am always amazed by the way the characters flesh themselves out with their own unique personalities and desires. I create characters that were formed by my mind. It is this fact that makes me realize that each character has a very special piece of my own true self. 

Koa in The Chronicles of Koa series is this tiny girl that no one would ever think could have any power, but she surprises those that doubt her with her strong resolve and ambition. I believe she is a nod toward who I want to be. Lilae, from my Rise of the Flame series is timid and withdrawn from others, too afraid to even look into someone’s eyes for fear that she will be judged. She is my most cherished character, for she depicts my struggles with shyness and insecurities as a child.

Since it is the characters that lead the way through a novel, I let them help me when I hit a snag. Whenever there is a chapter or scene that I continuously stumble on, or it keeps me from reaching the finish line, I consult with my muses. A walk through nature seems to help, music, or picking up another book I enjoy, and read for awhile. My greatest aid is the moments before I drift to sleep. I will focus on the scene that troubles me, fall asleep, watch these issues become resolved, and wake up with a smile. 

Voila. I am back on track.

To kill or not to kill a character?

I tend to go with the latter. However, death is one of the most primal of fears. Killing a character's loved one can make a dramatic shift in their character arc. Seeing them persevere makes them real to the reader.

When it comes to determining which genre my book is in, I simply analyze the overall theme, and determine which audience it will appeal to most.

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Chocolate Pairings Blog Hop!

I am thrilled that the beautiful and amazing author, Kirstin Pulioff, selected me to be her successor in this chocolate blog hop. Alas, now I am a little afraid. I love chocolate...but pairing it with books?! 

Eek! What a challenge!

Wait a minute... We are talking about chocolate...and books. Two of my FAVORITE things!

This won't be difficult at all!

Here goes!

Find Kirstin on Twitter

Pairings:

• The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld

Hey...no one said I couldn't do a little shameless self-promotion! Besides, Koa literally compares blood to chocolate when she's sensually feasting on her hot American pet, Ian. Perfect. Don't you think? So with that said, I compare Netherworld with a yummy milk chocolate fondue. Because that's what blood tastes like...right?

• Mistborn: The Final Empire

Mistborn is one of my favorite books. So it goes well with one of my favorite sweets. Set in a world that is covered in mist and soot, you become attached to the incredible characters and their struggle to usurp a horrible tyrant and save the slave class from eternal strife. I pair Mistborn with dark chocolate, because it can be bitter at times, but so sweet in the end!

• Stone of Tears
  

Another one of my absolute favorite books. I discovered this as a child and have been hooked on his excellent writings ever since. Stone of Tears is actually the second book in his Sword of Truth series, but it is the first that I found and read. So I'd say it was my introduction to his series...sounds like a Kit Kat bar. Ha! Kit Kat bars were my first taste of chocolate. Mmmmm, chocolate.

• The Witching Hour

Here is one of the creepiest books I've ever read. Well, I was a child when I read it, and it might not be that creepy now. I may go back and read it again. Why? Because it's incredible. The title says it all. Witches, magic, characters that you fear for. 

What else could you ask for? 

Oh! I know! A delicious chocolate froyo. That's frozen yogurt if you didn't know. It's cold and delicious. And the Witching Hour will leave your bones chilled and goosebumps all over your tender flesh.

• Pride and Prejudice
  

Mr. Darcy (in my mind) is one of the hottest British fictional characters...after Halston from The Chronicles of Koa of course. So, he gets paired with delicious hot chocolate. Mmmmm. Grab a cup, find a comfy chair, blanket, and devour this classic novel that will ignite the romance in your heart. 

Go on. Do it. 

Oh wait...we are not quite done yet!

• Emily Dickenson Complete Collection

There is something absolutely magical about Emily. I tell you, I look at her portrait and feel like I know her. How could I know her? Look inside the pages of this book and you will become familiar with my favorite poet. Her words are like spells that put a hex on your heart and incite incredible emotions. 

I love her. 

I love her work. 

And so I pair her with my favorite chocolate, yummy Dove chocolate. 

Tune in next Saturday for our next blog hop stop!

Morgan Jane

Author of the paranormal fiction, urban fantasy series Sanguis City. Pioneer blogger gone fan fic writer does original fiction. I love graphic design, painting, knitting, quilting, gardening, cooking, writing, and taking beautiful photos but have never taken my creative side seriously until now.

5 Ways to Not Lose Your Mind When Writing a Novel

Writing a novel can be a daunting task. One can begin the journey with vigor and enthusiasm and still end up incredibly overwhelmed. Whenever I sit before my computer to begin a novel, I am filled with joy and excitement.

 Just imagining the characters that I will create, and the worlds that they will inhabit makes me giddy. Pages get filled with wondrous prose and complex plots. Chapters are produced and the novel starts to take shape. 

Then...the nerves set in. I start to fear opening the document and pressing forward. One might begin to doubt whether all of those pages are utter dribble. I know that for me I get to a point in the story where I feel such anxiety that I will start a new story...just to reclaim that initial enthusiasm and hope.

What if no one else thinks the story is as clever as you believe? What if your imagination runs dry before you actually finish the story? These thoughts plague many of my fellow writers, but one must push forward. No matter what. 

Here are ten ways to not lose your mind when writing a novel. 

I hope this helps.

1. Read what you've already written. Sometimes this can help you reclaim that vigor and excitement. You've worked hard to put those words on the page. Don't let them go to waste. Just try not to start editing just yet. Wait until the story is complete.
2. Take a walk and sort through your thoughts. Imagine your characters and let them take the reigns of your thoughts. Sometimes it can play out like a movie inside your mind, and the characters inevitably take over. I bet you'll be running back home to write out what you've imagined. There's something about fresh air and nature that always clears the mind.
   
   
3. Create a jot list. A jot list is a form of graphic organizer where an individual writes down a list of information that will help them write an essay, article, story, etc. This will help you sort out your thoughts and remind your mind of what parts of the story excite you, prompting you to press forward.
   
4. Download the software Y Writer 5. You won't believe how helpful this software is. It is a word processor that breaks your novel into chapters and scenes, helping you keep track of your work while leaving your mind free to create. Trust me, being organized is a life saver when you are writing a novel.
5.  Listen to soft music in the background, light candles or incense, or anything that relaxes you during your writing session. Sometimes this can transport your mind and open it up to more creativity. I also like to get a massage here and there to help with the stress and the inevitable strain on my wrists from typing so much and sitting at a desk all day. It's not for everyone, but it definitely helps me out.
   
    

When All Else Fails, I Must Write

Despite the pressing issues of life and the obstacles that one might face, there must be an outlet for everyone. For me, that is the ability to create worlds and pen characters into creation. It is this gift that keeps me sane. 

The launch of Dark Prophet came at the perfect time. Emotional turmoil gave way to a revelation. After weeks of procrastination and fretting over the completion of the highly anticipated sequel to The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld, it took a moment of heartache to set my pen ablaze and finish the story. I admit, I put Koa through a lot of suffering. I made her feel my pain and was delighted to see her triumph.

Truly, pain can be awfully inspiring. 

Writing is therapy for the soul. 

That was the title of an English paper I wrote in college. The assignment was to write about your favorite activity and why you love it so much. Is it the fact that writing creates an escape from reality? Or, is it the fact that it gives the soul an outlet for its desires and dreams? I think it is both. 

And so, when all else fails...

I must write.

Stay tuned for more works by author, K.N. Lee in 2014.

The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld

Dark Prophet ( Book Two of The Chronicles of Koa)

Rise of the Flame- Coming in January 2015

Her Haunted Shadow- Coming  July 2015